Arashiyama Autumn Leaves — photo by くろふね via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Arashiyama Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed

嵐山の紅葉(渡月橋周辺) — Kyoto (Kansai)

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Arashiyama is Kyoto's grandest free foliage show: an entire mountainside of mixed maples turning red and gold above the Katsura River, framed by the 155-meter wooden Togetsukyo Bridge. There's no admission gate and no single viewpoint — the riverbanks, the bridge, and the boat rides all deliver. Color peaks from mid-November to early December. The area has no overall night lighting, but nearby temples like Hogon-in and Daikaku-ji run their own evening illuminations, and the Arashiyama Momiji Festival brings costumed boat processions on the second Sunday of November.

Background

Heian-period aristocrats came here by boat to view the maples a thousand years ago, and the Togetsukyo — "moon-crossing bridge" — takes its name from a remark by Emperor Kameyama in the 13th century. The district grew around great temples like Tenryu-ji and remains Kyoto's classic riverside pleasure ground.

Getting there

Take the JR Sagano (San-in) Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, about 15 minutes, then walk 10 minutes to the bridge. Alternatives: the charming Randen tram from Shijo-Omiya to Arashiyama Station, or the Hankyu Line to Hankyu-Arashiyama on the river's south bank.

Tips

• The bridge and main street are shoulder-to-shoulder from mid-morning on peak weekends — arrive before 9:00am, or walk the quieter south bank of the river for the same mountain views.
• The riverside and bamboo grove are free; save your temple budget for one or two paid gardens (Tenryu-ji's ¥500 garden or Hogon-in's autumn-only opening are the best value).
• The Arashiyama Momiji Festival on the second Sunday of November is a daytime event with decorated boats on the river — atmospheric, but it also draws the season's biggest crowds.
• For foliage without the crowds, ride the Sagano Scenic Railway or a Hozugawa boat upstream from the same area — book the torokko train seats in advance for peak dates.

Maintained by Tetsu Yamamoto · Last verified against the official source: Mon, July 6, 2026