Japanese Gardens in Autumn: Kyoto’s Most Beautiful Season

The Tradition of Koyo

In Japan, the tradition of enjoying the brilliant colors of autumn, known as koyo, has been loved for centuries. What began as an elegant pastime for nobles during the Nara and Heian periods, venturing into the hills, hosting princes under the red and gold leaves, and composing poetry, eventually spread to the wider public during the Edo period. Ever since, koyo has remained one of Japan's most anticipated seasonal highlights.

In Kyoto, the city usually reaches its peak colors from mid-November to early December, offering stunning views that feel like stepping into a painting.

Visitors exploring Kyoto’s Japanese gardens can witness the vibrant koyo framed by historic architecture. For travelers, this tradition isn’t just about admiring nature; it’s about experiencing a piece of Japanese culture that blends history, beauty, and the changing seasons. Whether wandering temple gardens, strolling along riversides, or exploring mountain paths, visitors can enjoy koyo’s unforgettable scenery and feel a deep connection with Japan’s love for nature. These autumn gardens in Japan showcase a unique harmony of seasonal color and traditional design.

Here are some of the best spots where you can experience the magic of koyo during your visit.

Japanese Gardens in Autumn That Are Worth Visiting

To-ji Temple

Toji-temple, a serene autumn tapestry, where maple leaves mirror themselves on the pond

is a popular spot for viewing koyo. Here, you can enjoy vibrant autumn foliage alongside traditional Japanese architecture, perfectly reflected on the tranquil water. Visitors can take a peaceful stroll, admire the historic buildings, and capture unforgettable photos of the autumn scenery.

From November to December, the temple offers an enchanting nighttime illumination, showcasing the autumn leaves in a magical glow.

The temple features a Chisen-kaiyu style garden — a traditional pond-centered strolling garden designed to offer changing views from multiple angles including islands, bridges, and carefully placed stones.

To-ji Temple is deeply connected to Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Having studied esoteric Buddhism in Tang China, he returned to Japan, and was entrusted with To-ji Temple by the emperor of the time. The temple is the only remaining structure from the Heian-kyō period and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994.

Shisendō

Shisendō is a historic mountain villa and koyo garden in Kyoto, now also a branch temple of Eiheiji, the head temple of Sōtō sect of Buddhism. It is a must-visit spot, especially in autumn, when the garden glows with vibrant crimson leaves.

Originally called Ōtotsuka (“a house on uneven land”), Shisendō was the villa where Ishikawa Jōzan and Edo-period literati spent their later years. Its central room, the Room of the Thirty-Six Poets (Shisen no Ma), features portraits of thirty-six famous Chinese poets painted by Kano Tan’yū, accompanied by poems written by Jōzan himself. Because this room forms the heart of the villa, the building later became known as Shisendō. From here, visitors can admire the autumn foliage while feeling at home in a traditional Japanese-style house.

Shisendō is also the birthplace of the shishi-odoshi, a bamboo water device that makes a gentle clacking sound to scare away deer. Today, the rhythmic sound of the shishi-odoshi adds a peaceful, poetic charm, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the serene, timeless atmosphere of this traditional setting.

Yusai-Tei

Tucked away in Arashiyama, Yusai-Tei is a hidden gem where visitors can enjoy koyo in a uniquely intimate setting. Through its circular windows, autumn leaves unfold like a kaleidoscope, their reflections transforming the view into a living painting. Unlike the busy temples and gardens nearby, this quiet spot lets you slow down and see Arashiyama from a different perspective.

The 150-year-old building was renovated and reopened in 2021 as a dyeing art gallery by textile artist Yusai Okuda, yet it still holds a timeless atmosphere.

The gallery is also steeped in literary history; this is the place where Nobel Prize-winning writer Yasunari Kawabata wrote “The Sound of the Mountain.”

The travelers can admire the vibrant autumn leaves and feel a connection to Japan’s rich cultural and literary heritage, all in one serene, off-the-beaten-path location.

The Meaning Behind Japanese Gardens

While visiting these famous and lesser-known gardens, it becomes clear that Japanese landscaping is more than just visually stunning; it is deeply rooted in philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural traditions. Each garden, from the grand pond-centered strolls of To-ji Temple to the intimate mountain villa of Shisendō, is carefully designed to express the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

For example, Chisen-kaiyū-shiki gardens feature ponds, streams, and bridges arranged so visitors can enjoy shifting perspectives while strolling. Karesansui dry rock garden, on the other hand, uses stones and gravel to symbolize mountains and rivers, reflecting Zen Buddhist ideals of simplicity, harmony, and contemplation.

By highlighting seasonal changes and creating harmony between nature and human design, Japanese gardens allow visitors to experience the depth of Japan’s culture and aesthetic values. They are also closely connected to Zen Buddhism and meditation, demonstrating the cultural significance of simplicity, harmony, and mindfulness in Japanese tradition.

A Peaceful Retreat in Kyoto This Autumn

After a day exploring Kyoto’s gardens, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto offers a quiet place to unwind right in the heart of the city. Facing the historic Nijo Castle, the hotel blends modern comfort with the stillness of a Japanese retreat.

Its rooms open to views of inner gardens or the castle grounds, and the atmosphere feels relaxed and personal — more sanctuary than hotel. Guests can slow down with a traditional tea experience, enjoy seasonal Japanese dishes at the restaurant, or visit the wellness area for a private spa treatment.

To find out more about our Kyoto experiences and seasonal stays, inquire with us here.