Where to see autumn leaves near Kiyomizu-dera? A street-side momiji walk without the temple or Arashiyama

Why the streets around Kiyomizu-dera are already a maple spot

Many travelers assume you must buy a ticket to see autumn leaves, but around Kiyomizu-dera the color spills out of the temple grounds and into the lanes. Walking up Kiyomizu-zaka, you pass roadside maples, branches leaning over garden walls, and the Yasaka Pagoda at the end of a stone slope — all free street scenery. Kyoto's autumn in 2026 ran warmer than usual, so the foliage front is slightly delayed. In the second forecast released on October 8, Arashiyama was projected around November 24, and the Higashiyama area (including Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji) was expected to peak around late November. That means mid-to-late November is exactly when the street maples shift from starting to color to full bloom. The foliage front is usually published in September; for exact coloring progress and peak dates, follow the official weekly report.

Route overview: a 2.5 km street-side maple walk

Starting at Kiyomizu-dera, descend along Sannen-zaka (Sannei-zaka) and Ninen-zaka, pass the Yasaka Pagoda and Nene-no-Michi to the Kodai-ji area, then continue to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. The whole loop is about 2.5 to 3 km; at a relaxed photo pace it takes 3 to 5 hours. The big advantage is that you barely need tickets — the maples are right at your feet on the stone lanes, eaves, and walls — and it stays clear of the temple crowds, so you can stop anytime. If you would rather skip the Arashiyama crowds, this route folds both daytime leaves and evening illumination into one day. From Kyoto Station take City Bus 206 or 100 to the Gojozaka or Kiyomizu-michi stop, then walk uphill about 10 minutes. To return, walk from Yasaka Shrine to Gion-Shijo or Kawaramachi Station and take the Keihan or Hankyu line.

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka: maples along the stone slopes

Sannen-zaka (Sannei-zaka) and Ninen-zaka are the signature lanes linking Kiyomizu-dera, lined with wooden machiya, teahouses, and wagashi shops, with maple branches reaching out from the courtyards and red-and-orange leaves falling on the stones. Just before the shops open the lanes are nearly empty — the golden hour for shooting the empty street with the Yasaka Pagoda. Later in the morning the crowds build, but the deeper Ichinen-zaka stays quieter. The stone surface gets slippery in autumn, so watch your step whether you wear a kimono or flat shoes.

Kodai-ji and Nene-no-Michi: garden and lane maples

Kodai-ji sits about a 10-minute walk north of Kiyomizu-dera; its Garyo-ike pond reflection and the projection mapping in the abbot's garden are famous. Even without entering, walking the Nene-no-Michi stone path along the temple wall, you see maples leaning over from inside. Kodai-ji's autumn evening viewing runs from October 23 to December 13, making it the local hub for night foliage; arriving here in the afternoon lines up perfectly with the lighting. Next door, Entoku-in also holds its own evening viewing around the same dates.

Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine: a city-center finish

Maruyama Park sits right next to Yasaka Shrine, a familiar central green space where maples meet lanterns and a torii gate, free to enter and ideal for a relaxed finish. In spring it is known for weeping cherries; in autumn the leaves take over with the same gentle mood. A little farther north, Shirakawa Minami-dori lines both banks of a canal with maples, and at dusk the lanterns glow — about a 15 to 20 minute walk, optional depending on your energy. Yasaka Shrine's lanterns are dense year-round and feel warmer still during the foliage season.

How to sequence it: half-day or full-day

To catch the empty morning streets, enter from the Sannen-zaka side early, shoot the lanes and pagoda before anyone arrives, and reach the Kodai-ji area by midday. For night foliage, stay around Kodai-ji in the afternoon, or use Kiyomizu-dera's evening viewing after November 21. Weekdays (avoid the November 21–23 three-day weekend) are far calmer; November 18–20 and 24–26 are the most relaxed windows. The foliage front is usually published in September; for peak dates trust the official report and check it once more about a week before you go.

A note on walking this route in a kimono

Whether you want foliage photos or a casual stroll, Kyoto kimono rental has styles that fit. Want to shoot the empty Sannen-zaka at dawn and still catch Kodai-ji's evening illumination? Kyo Mirai Kimono (Kiyomizu-dera) is a partner shop of Satsuki Kimono, right at the foot of Kiyomizu-dera, with one of the earliest openings around the temple — first arrival at 6:00 and dressed by 6:30 at the earliest, so you can shoot the lanes in the morning and the night maples in the evening; no need to rush back, with in-store late return available, a full day in kimono stays relaxed. See kimono experience at Kiyomizu-dera to book.