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
Tofukuji Temple
Kyoto CityTemple🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
Overview
Overview
The head temple of the Tofukuji school of Rinzai Zen, whose Tsutenkyo Bridge is one of Kyoto’s most famous autumn leaves spots. It is known for the view from the bridge looking down on the maples filling the Sengyokukan ravine.
- Address
- 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Official website
- https://tofukuji.jp/
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually mid- to late November
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
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The main highlight is the autumn leaves of the Sengyokukan ravine seen from Tsutenkyo Bridge. In the autumn season, visiting hours for Tsutenkyo Bridge and the Kaisando hall start earlier, at 8:30, and you can also tour the Hojo gardens.
📷 Best views
Tsutenkyo Bridge
The classic view looking down on the autumn leaves of the Sengyokukan ravine. In busy periods visitors may be asked not to take photos on the bridge
Gaunkyo Bridge
A bridge with a view of Tsutenkyo Bridge. Photography on this bridge may also be restricted in busy periods
Hours
Opening hours
Autumn season: Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando (11/14–12/6)8:30–16:00 entry
Gates close at 16:30
Autumn season: Hojo gardens (11/14–12/6)9:00–16:00 entry
Gates close at 16:30
11/1–11/139:00–16:00 entry
Gates close at 16:30
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando (autumn season 11/14–12/6)Adults ¥1,000, children ¥500
No combined tickets sold in the autumn season
Hojo gardensAdults ¥600 (from November 1, 2026)
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓In the autumn season Tsutenkyo Bridge opens at 8:30, so first thing in the morning is relatively relaxed
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Tofukuji Station (JR Nara Line, Keihan Main Line)About 10 min walk
- Toba-kaido Station (Keihan Main Line)About 10 min walk
- Tofukuji (city bus stop)About 4 min walkRoutes 88 and 208 from Kyoto Station
- From major stations & airports
- Kyoto Station: City bus route 88 or 208 (About 15 min)
- By car & parking
- The parking lot is closed during the autumn leaves season (10/25–12/10). Use public transportation
- Getting back
- Tofukuji Station gets crowded on the way back, so Toba-kaido Station on the Keihan line is also an option
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The area around Tsutenkyo Bridge is extremely crowded on weekends and holidays at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings, right after opening in the autumn season (8:30)
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
- !In busy periods visitors may be asked not to take photos on Tsutenkyo and Gaunkyo bridges
- !No eating or drinking in the grounds, and no photography with tripods
- !No pets
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Tofukuji TemplePR
PR9.4リッチモンドホテルプレミア 京都駅前
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PR9.1サクラテラス ザ・ギャラリー【大人専用】
★★★★Check rates on Agoda16,720 reviews1.7 km from center
PR9.2Hotel The M's Kyoto
★★★Check rates on Agoda12,823 reviews1.4 km from center
PR9.2京王プレリアホテル 京都烏丸五条
★★★★Check rates on Agoda10,583 reviews2.8 km from center
PR9.2御宿野乃 京都七条 天然温泉
★★★★Check rates on Agoda10,151 reviews1.8 km from center
PR9.0ホテル エルシエント 京都八条口
★★★★Check rates on Agoda12,369 reviews1.5 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
Temple
Temple
Park
Shrine
Temple
Temple
TempleHogon-in Temple (Arashiyama)
Kansai ・ Arashiyama, Kyoto
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
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Temple
ShrineKitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji-en
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
Temple
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Temple
Shrine
TemplePeak 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