Koyomi Japan / Kyoto / December 2026
Events in Kyoto: December 2026
10 autumn leaf spots and 2 New Year events in Kyoto and the temples and hills around it during December 2026 — 12 in all, most-viewed first. Dates come from official sources.
Last updated: Wed, October 7, 2026
- Tue, Nov 10 – Sat, Dec 5, 2026Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn LeavesAutumn leaves8:00 AM
Sat, Nov 14 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026Tofuku-ji Temple Autumn Leaves🎟️ Night viewing: booking requiredAutumn leaves8:30 AM¥1,000
Sun, Nov 15 – Tue, Dec 8, 2026To-ji Temple Autumn LeavesAutumn leaves8:00 AM¥800- Sun, Oct 25 – Sat, Dec 5, 2026Nara Park Autumn LeavesAutumn leaves
- Thu, Dec 31 – Fri, Jan 1, 2027Yasaka Shrine Okera Mairi (New Year's Eve Fire)New Year7:30 PMFree
- Thu, Oct 1 – Sun, Dec 13, 2026Rurikoin Temple Autumn Leaves🎟️ Peak weeks: lottery only (closed)Autumn leaves10:00 AM¥2,000
- Thu, Dec 31 – Tue, Jan 5, 2027Fushimi Inari Taisha Hatsumode (New Year Shrine Visit)New YearFree
- Sun, Nov 15 – Tue, Dec 8, 2026Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Autumn Leaves (Odoi Momiji-en)Autumn leaves7:00 AMFree / ¥1,500
- Sun, Nov 15 – Sat, Dec 5, 2026Nanzenji Temple Autumn LeavesAutumn leaves8:40 AMFree / ¥600
Sun, Nov 15 – Sat, Dec 5, 2026Arashiyama Autumn LeavesBookable onlineAutumn leaves- Sun, Nov 15 – Sat, Dec 5, 2026Tenryu-ji Temple Autumn LeavesAutumn leaves8:30 AMFree
- Sun, Nov 15 – Sat, Dec 5, 2026Minoo Park Autumn Leaves (Minoo Falls)Autumn leaves
What December 2026 is like in Kyoto
Illuminations are at their fullest, and late autumn colour lingers in the far south and in warm city gardens into the first half of the month. From about December 29 to January 3 much of the country closes for the New Year holidays — museums, restaurants and small businesses included.
Kyoto in December 2026: common questions
- What's on in Kyoto in December 2026?
- This page lists 10 autumn leaf spots and 2 New Year events in Kyoto and the temples and hills around it during December 2026 — 12 in total. Highlights include Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves, Tofuku-ji Temple Autumn Leaves and To-ji Temple Autumn Leaves. Every date comes from the official source for that event, and each event page shows when it was last checked.
- When do the autumn leaves peak in Kyoto?
- Across the 10 autumn leaf spots listed around Kyoto, typical peak colour starts as early as Oct 25 and as late as Nov 15, with the last spots holding colour until about Dec 8. Higher and more northern spots turn first; low-lying city gardens are usually last. Peak dates move by a week or more from year to year with the weather.
- Are there any public holidays in Japan in December 2026?
- No Japanese public holidays fall in December 2026, so crowds at the spots on this page are heaviest on ordinary weekends.