Kyoto Autumn Leaves Front-line Report 2026 No.2: How far have Higashiyama and Arashiyama colored in early November?
Kyoto foliage No.2 (late Oct): city green; Takao/Kibune/Ohara red. Early Nov not full bloom (Tofuku-ji/Kiyomizu-dera ~Nov 24–26); night maples late Nov.
Report 2, written in late October: where is it red now
Our reporter compiled the Kyoto foliage front in late October. Because of the warm 2026 autumn, the flat urban areas (around Tofuku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera) are still mostly green with only scattered color. What is actually coloring now are the higher or mountainous spots — Takao (Jingo-ji), Kibune, Kurama, and Ohara (Sanzen-in) have been entering their coloring period since late October, making them the best "early maple" targets right now. If you want to photograph maples in kimono in the next two weeks, head to Takao, Kibune, or Ohara for a far higher hit rate than the city center.
What early November will look like
Per the Japan Meteorological Corporation and Weathernews second autumn forecast (October), Arashiyama and Tofuku-ji peak around November 24, Eikando and Nanzen-ji around November 25, and Kiyomizu-dera and Kitano Tenmangu around November 26. That means the flat city areas in early November are still in the "pre-color" stage; full bloom needs two to three more weeks. Mountainous and high-elevation spots will keep deepening, and some early sites are already quite good in early November.
Higashiyama line: Eikando and Nanzen-ji
Higashiyama is one of the densest maple zones. Eikando is famous for its night maples, with special night viewing from November 20; Nanzen-ji's Suirokaku bridge and garden maples are quiet and refined. In early November these shift from green to yellow to red, getting better toward mid-month. For fewer people, still arrive early — Kyo Mirai Kimono (Kiyomizu-dera) opens as early as 6:00, letting you enter before the light, with Sanneizaka nearly empty; it is easy to fold Eikando into your morning route.
Arashiyama line: Togetsu-kyo and Tenryu-ji
Arashiyama is a valley, so it colors earlier than the flat city. Around Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, and Ninna-ji, early November starts coloring from the edges, reaching full bloom by late November. For an empty dawn Togetsu-kyo, an early arrival also helps: this shop offers in-store late return and self-service evening return, so you can wear the kimono from the quiet morning through the evening light-up without rushing back before sunset.
How to plan the night maples
Evening light-ups are unique to Kyoto's foliage season. Confirmed 2026 schedules: Kodai-ji October 23 to December 13 (from 17:00), To-ji from October 31, Eikando from November 20, Kiyomizu-dera November 21–30. Note that Kodai-ji and To-ji light up in October when leaves are not yet red; for "lit-up maples with full color," focus on late November. Each temple's day and night rules differ — check official announcements before going.
About Satsuki Kimono
Satsuki Kimono is a Kyoto kimono experience specialist; this front-line report is compiled from public forecasts and on-site conditions as planning reference.
Practical notes
The foliage front changes daily. This report reflects late October; actual progress follows each temple's official site and live foliage trackers. For the safest plan, split "early maples (Takao/Kibune/Ohara)" and "city full bloom (late November)" into separate days to avoid a wasted trip. If you wear kimono all day, pick a shop with late return so the schedule stays relaxed.
For the Kiyomizu-dera experience see kimono experience at Kiyomizu-dera; for plan prices see Kyoto kimono package prices.
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