Autumn foliage in city of temples

I was patiently waiting for the perfect time to visit Kyoto to capture its beauty. Last year I was collecting images from Pinterest and Instagram to list down the places I want to visit in Kyoto. After all the research and tips I decided to visit Kyoto in November hoping to enjoy the beautiful autumn in Kyoto.

Kyoto is Japan's former capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is also the one of the country’s ten largest cities in Japan. This city has so much to offer in terms of countless temples, shrines and other historical structures. Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time to visit as it will turn into a mystical festive environment.

I decide to stay in Kyoto for three days exploring popular autumn viewing spots. Here are the best places to visit during autumn in Kyoto.

Western Kyoto

1. Arashiyama bamboo forest -Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku (No entrance fee)

2. Togetsukyo Bridge -Tenryuji-susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto (No Entrance fee)

3. Tenryuji temple Garden - Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho ( Garden entrance fee 500yen)

4. Sagano scenic train (one way ticket 680yen)

Southern Kyoto

1.Fushimi Inari shrine -68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, (No Entrance fee)

2. Tofukuji temple bridge -15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward (1000yen for autumn bridge viewing plus 600 yen for temple entrance)

Eastern Kyoto

1. Higashiyama district - Yasukuni Pagoda, Yasukuni shrine -Higashiyama Ward

2. Ginkakuji -2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward (Entrance fee 500yen)

3. Eikando temple- 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward (Entrance fee1000yen)

4. Kiyomizudera temple - 1-294, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku (Entrance fee 600yen)

Activities

Wear Kimono and attend tea ceremony -https://tea-kyoto.com/

Tips for exploring Kyoto

1. To travel around Kyoto city it is ideal to buy the bus pass or bus and metro pass. The ticket is valid for a day and it costs 600yen and 900yen. I purchase from Metro station and it is possible to buy from the bus or hotel you are staying at.

2. There is an entrance fee to enter each temple. Prepare your wallet with extra cash for the entrance ticket.

3. Book Sagano scenic train tickets one month early during popular seasons. It is ideal to book through their website to avoid disappointment. Follow the link above to book tickets to Sagano scenic train. The cost of the one way ticket is 680yen.

4. Go to Fushimi Inari early morning to avoid crowds on busy days as public holidays and weekends. Ideal time to be there is around 7:00am to 8:00 am.

5. Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple autumn illumination at 20:00pm to avoid crowds. The illumination starts at 18:30pm and continues till 21:30pm.