FebruaryBaikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)
Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)
Autumn Leaves · Kansai
Rurikoin Temple
Yase, KyotoTemple🍁 Typical peak: Late Nov – Early Dec
Overview
Overview
A temple in Yase at the foot of Mt. Hiei, open during its spring and autumn special openings. It is known for the autumn leaves reflected on the polished floor and desk of its study hall.
- Address
- 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed
- Not normally open outside the special opening periods
- Official website
- https://rurikoin.komyoji.com/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late November to early December
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures. Check the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide’s autumn leaves reports or the official website for the latest colors
This year’s special openings & eventsNow on
The 2026 autumn special opening is scheduled for 10/1 (Thu)–12/13 (Sun)
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight is the view of the garden’s autumn leaves reflected on the polished desk and floor of the study hall. Rules on photography and groups are in place so that visitors can enjoy it quietly.
📷 Best views
Study hall
Rurikoin’s signature view, with autumn leaves reflected on the polished desk and floor
Hours
Opening hours
Autumn special opening (scheduled 10/1–12/13)10:00–17:00
Entry ends 16:30
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Autumn special openingAdults ¥2,000, junior high and high school students ¥1,000
Junior high and high school students must show student ID. One elementary school child or preschooler free per adult; ¥1,000 each from the second child
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓How to reserve during the autumn leaves season will be announced on the official website once decided. Check the website before you visit
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Eizan Electric Railway)About 13 min walkTransfer from the Keihan line at Demachiyanagi Station
- By car & parking
- No parking. Use public transportation
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- At the peak the wait to enter can be long
- Quieter times
- Weekdays, right after opening
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Kyoto: high 17.3°C, low 8.4°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring a light down jacket, a coat or another layer
Rules
Photography & visitor rules
- !Tripods and monopods, photo sessions and unauthorized commercial photography are not allowed
- !Group tours are not allowed
- !Please refrain from eating and drinking on the premises
Facilities
Facilities
- Payment
- Admission is cash only
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Rurikoin TemplePR
PR8.4ザ プリンス 京都宝ヶ池 オートグラフコレクション
★★★★Check rates on Agoda877 reviews2.5 km from center
PR9.2山ばな平八茶屋
★★★★Check rates on Agoda66 reviews1.9 km from center
PR8.8宿ya Lodge
★★★Check rates on Agoda30 reviews2.3 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Kyoto City
February
MayAoi Matsuri
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May
2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)
May–OctoberNoryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15
JulyGion Matsuri
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)
AugustGozan Okuribi (Kyoto Five Mountains Bonfires)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on August 16 (from 20:00)
2027: Aug 16 (Mon)
OctoberJidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on October 22 (postponed to the 23rd if it rains)
2026: Oct 22 (Thu). Postponed to Oct 23 if it rains
Attractions
Attractions in Kyoto City
AquariumKyoto Aquarium
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
An inland aquarium in Umekoji Park, within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Its exhibits explore Kyoto's waterside nature and how it connects, from the "Kyoto River" to the "Kyoto Sea." With a dolphin stadium and jellyfish displays, it's an easy stop between Kyoto sightseeing spots.
ZooKyoto City Zoo
Kansai ・ Okazaki, Kyoto
A city-run zoo inside Okazaki Park, home to Heian Shrine and several art museums. In its compact grounds you can see elephants, gorillas, and wild animals from Kyoto's forests. Admission is free for junior high students and younger, and just ¥750 for adults.
ExperienceNintendo Museum
Kansai ・ Uji
A museum in Uji, Kyoto, that displays Nintendo's products through the years and lets you play hands-on exhibits. Tickets are date- and time-specific and must be reserved in advance, through a monthly lottery or first-come, first-served sales of slots that open up. If you want to include it in your itinerary, applying from the lottery 3 months before your visit is the surest way.
☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Theme parkUZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE
Kansai ・ Uzumasa
Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a samurai-drama theme park that opened in 1975, reopened on March 28, 2026 as UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE after the first phase of its renewal. It is now an immersive park for adults built around the concept of wandering into Kyoto in the Edo period, with the second phase scheduled to open in spring 2027. It stays open until 21:00.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Kansai
Park🍁 Typical peak
Temple
Temple
Park
Shrine
Temple
Temple
TempleHogon-in Temple (Arashiyama)
Kansai ・ Arashiyama, Kyoto
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Temple
Temple
Temple
ShrineKitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji-en
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
Temple
Temple
Park
Temple
ShrinePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
