What autumn leaves events and maple festivals are in Kyoto 2026

When Kyoto's 2026 autumn leaves start to turn

Kyoto's color moves from the mountains down to the flat city, north to south. The Japan Meteorological Corporation's first forecast, released on September 2, 2026, expects a warmer-than-average autumn, so Kyoto runs late: central Kyoto's peak (momiji) is projected around December 11, with ginkgo around November 27. Northern and higher spots like Takao and Kibune turn roughly two weeks earlier, in early to mid November; Arashiyama's peak lands near November 23. The koyo forecast is normally published in September, so check the latest color reports from official sites and weather agencies before you lock in dates rather than trusting last year's calendar.

Maple festivals and evening light-ups (ライトアップ)

Most famous temples extend their hours and add evening illuminations in peak season. Confirmed 2026 schedules: Eikando (Zenrinji) night maple is November 20 to December 6, entry from 17:30, last entry 21:00, about 1000 yen for adults; Kiyomizu-dera autumn night viewing is November 21 to 30, 17:30 to 21:30 (entry by 21:00), about 500 yen; Kodaiji night viewing runs October 23 to December 13, about 800 yen, with projection mapping; Kitano Tenmangu's Odoi Momiji garden lights up November 13 to December 6, sunset to 20:00, about 1500 yen with tea sweets. Tofuku-ji's Tsutenkyo bridge night viewing is fully reservation-only, about 17:30 to 19:30, and costs more, so book ahead.

Higashiyama core: Eikando and Tofuku-ji

Eikando is known for around 3,000 maples in a pond garden and pairs well with Nanzen-ji and the Philosopher's Path. Tofuku-ji's Tsutenkyo bridge looks down over a maple valley, one of Kyoto's classic foliage views; its average peak is mid to late November and 2026 is expected slightly later. Daytime and night sessions are usually separate tickets and separate time slots, so if you want both in one day, leave time to exit and re-enter. The Nov 21 to 23 weekend and weekends in general are the most crowded; weekdays are noticeably easier.

Planning Arashiyama's foliage events

Arashiyama centers on Tenryu-ji's Sogenchi pond garden, Togetsukyo bridge and the hills behind. In 2026 Tenryu-ji runs a special early opening from November 14 to 30, with the garden open from 7:30, good for beating crowds. Hogon-in's autumn special viewing is October 3 to December 6, with night viewing November 13 to December 6, a strong Arashiyama night-maple option. The Sagano Romantic Train runs through the Hozugawa gorge and shows autumn color from the windows; reserve seats ahead in foliage season.

Practical tips for chasing maple in a kimono

If you want empty temples at dawn and lit gardens at night, pick a shop that opens early. Kyo Mirai Kimono (Kiyomizu-dera), under Satsuki Kimono, is a partner store near Kiyomizu; the earliest check-in is 6:00 and you can be dressed and out by 6:30, so Kiyomizu and Ninenzaka are nearly empty in soft morning light. You also don't have to rush back: in-store late return and self-service late return are available, so wearing a kimono for a full day and catching both dawn and night maple is relaxed. Book the kimono ahead in foliage season; confirm opening and booking details with the store's current notice.