8 Best Day Trips from Kyoto in Autumn: Top Spots for Fall Foliage

Not sure where to go after exploring Kyoto? These are the best day trips from Kyoto in autumn, with red leaves, historic temples, and mountain escapes.

Autumn in Kyoto is incredible on its own, but sometimes you want to escape the crowds and see the colors in a different setting.

Luckily, Kyoto is surrounded by places that look even better when the leaves turn. You can be standing under a waterfall, wandering through a mountain valley, or exploring a quiet temple town. All within a short train ride.

In this guide, I’ll share my favorite day trips from Kyoto for autumn foliage. 

Nara Park

If you only do one autumn day trip from Kyoto, make it Nara. The train ride takes less than an hour, and the mix of history, nature, and wildlife is unlike anywhere else.

You’ll love Nara Park, where more than 1,000 friendly deer roam freely. They’ll happily bow to you if you buy deer crackers, but don’t be surprised if they get a little pushy once they know you’ve got snacks.

In autumn, the park becomes even more beautiful. The paths around Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the pond near Ukimi-do Hall are lined with fiery maples and golden ginkgo trees.

I’d say give yourself at least half a day to walk, feed the deer, and enjoy the foliage.

From Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line (45–60 minutes) or the Kintetsu Nara Line (about 45 minutes).

Minoh Falls

Minoh is one of my favorite day trips from Kyoto in autumn. Just 30 minutes north of Osaka, it’s close enough for a half-day trip but feels worlds away.

The main attraction is Minoh Falls, a 33-meter waterfall framed by maples that turn brilliant red in November. The walk to the falls takes about 45 minutes along a forested trail that follows a river. It’s paved and easy to manage, so you don’t need hiking boots.

Along the way, you’ll find food stalls selling momiji tempura. It’s maple leaves fried in a light, sweet batter. It may sound a bit strange, but it’s one of those must-try local snacks you won’t forget.

From Kyoto: Take the Hankyu Line to Katsura, transfer to Hankyu Minoh Line at Ishibashi Handai-mae, and ride to Minoh Station (around 1 hour total).

Takao

If Arashiyama feels too crowded for you, head to Takao, a quiet valley northwest of Kyoto. It’s packed with temples, river views, and thousands of maple trees.

The star is Jingo-ji Temple, perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the forest.

I love the little tradition here called kawarake-nage. You’ll throw clay discs off the terrace to cast away bad luck. The walk up is steep, but once you reach the temple, the scenery is unforgettable in autumn.

Nearby Saimyo-ji and Kozan-ji are smaller but just as atmospheric. Kozan-ji is a UNESCO site and home to the famous Chōjū-giga scrolls, often called Japan’s first manga. 

Between temples, you’ll find tea houses serving tofu dishes and river fish, which makes it easy to linger here longer than planned.

From Kyoto: Take the JR Bus from Kyoto Station to Takao (about 50 minutes).

Uji town

Uji is an easy day trip from Kyoto and a must if you love tea. It’s known as the birthplace of matcha, and the streets are full of cafés and shops where you can try everything from matcha soba to matcha ice cream.

In autumn, Byodo-in Temple is the big highlight. The Phoenix Hall reflected in the pond with red maples behind it is a classic Kyoto-region view. 

Don’t miss Ujigami Shrine and the riverside walk either! Both are stunning with autumn colors. I like Uji as you can mix culture, food, and nature all in one small, walkable town.

From Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line to Uji Station (about 20 minutes).

Kurama onsen and Kibune

If you want a mountain escape without going too far, Kurama and Kibune are perfect. They’re linked by a hiking trail through cedar forests that takes about two hours.

Start at Kurama-dera Temple, which sits on a hill with wide views of the valley. Then follow the trail through the woods until you reach Kibune, a riverside village with traditional inns and shrines. 

In autumn, the trail is full of colorful maples, and the Eizan Railway that takes you there is known for its illuminated foliage trains in November.

If you’ve got extra time, finish the day with a soak at Kurama Onsen. There’s nothing better than sitting in an open-air bath while the mountains glow with red and gold leaves.

From Kyoto: Take the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama (about 30 minutes).

Lake Biwa

Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, and it’s only about 30 minutes from Kyoto.

The best foliage spots are around Ishiyama-dera Temple, famous for its mix of historic halls and maple trees that frame the lake in the background. 

Another good stop is Miidera Temple, which sits on the slopes of Mount Hiei and has paths lined with fiery red leaves.

I like that Lake Biwa has a mix of scenery. You can stroll lakeside, hop on a boat cruise, or head up to Mount Hiei for views that stretch across the water. It’s easy to combine culture and nature in one day.

From Kyoto: Take the JR Biwako Line to Otsu Station (about 10 minutes) or Ishiyama Station (15 minutes).

Ohara

If you’re craving something quieter, head to Ohara, a rural village northeast of Kyoto. It feels slower and less touristy, and autumn makes it even more beautiful.

Don’t miss Sanzen-in Temple, where the moss gardens and maple trees look like something out of a painting. Smaller temples like Jakko-in and Hosen-in are nearby, each with cozy gardens that glow with autumn colors.

What I like about Ohara is the pace. You can wander, sip tea at little shops, and enjoy the countryside air without the rush of bigger towns. If you’ve got time, try the local specialty: pickled vegetables, called shibazuke.

From Kyoto: Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Ohara (about 1 hour).

Mount Hiei

Mount Hiei is a bit underrated compared to other autumn spots, but if you want sweeping views and quiet temples, it’s worth the trip.

The main draw is Enryaku-ji Temple, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as the headquarters of Japanese Buddhism. It’s surrounded by forests that turn brilliant shades of red and yellow in November.

The temple grounds are spread out, so wear good shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.

On a clear day, the views from Mount Hiei stretch all the way across Lake Biwa. I like that you can combine hiking with temple exploring here, and the cable car ride up gives you beautiful foliage views along the way.

From Kyoto: Take the Eizan Railway to Yase-Hieizan-guchi, then transfer to the cable car and ropeway (around 1 hour).

Tips for your Kyoto autumn day trips

A few tips to make your autumn day trips smoother:

• Start early: popular spots get crowded, especially on weekends in November.
• Check the peak dates: colors in Kyoto and nearby areas usually peak from mid to late November, but it can shift a little each year.
• Bring layers: mornings and evenings can be chilly, even if afternoons feel warm.
• Use an ICOCA card: it makes hopping on trains and buses much easier.
• Plan meals: some small towns close early, so I always grab a snack or pack something just in case.

If you want more ideas for your autumn trip, check out my full guide to Kyoto fall foliage spots and my list of best onsen towns in Japan if you’re dreaming of a soak after sightseeing.