Arashiyama Momiji (Red Maple) Festival is a brilliant and wonderful autumn celebration held in the western area of Kyoto, Japan. In this area with profound historical heritage and the perfect combination of natural scenery, the canvas of nature is turning into a bright and warm color with red, orange, and yellow. Arashiyama Momiji Festival is undoubtedly the best autumn miracle gift for those who come to enjoy the autumn scenery right here.
Table of Contents
1. Arashiyama Autumn Leaves 2025 Forecast
2. Best Ways to Enjoy Arashiyama Momiji Festival 2025
3. Unmissable Attractions to Enjoy Arashiyama Autumn 2025
4. Must-try Food for an Autumn Trip to Arashiyama
5. How to Get to Arashiyama
1. 2025 Arashiyama Fall Foliage Prediction
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival originated from the noble custom of red maple appreciation during the Heian Period and was officially established as a celebration from the Showa period for celebrating the natural and cultural charm of Arashiyama.
Unlike previous years, maple leaves in Arashiyama turned red later than expected in 2024. Till the beginning of December 2024, the red color of the maple foliage in Arashiyama eventually reached its peak. Color changes of maple leaf in Arashiyama District in 2024:
Best Time to View Arashiyama Autumn Foliage 2025
The red maple color change information of the Arashiyama area in 2024 is for your reference. Japan had its hottest autumn in 126 years of record-keeping, leading to a delay in appreciating red maple foliage until December. Please stay tuned for local weather information in Arashiyama 2025 during the planning phase.
2. Best Ways to Enjoy Arashiyama Momiji Festival 2025
When you embark on a Japan autumn trip to Arashiyama, we highly suggest you try these 3 methods listed below to fully immerse yourself in the spectacular fall scenery in Kyoto, which will leave you with a memorable experience!
Sagano Romantic Train
Sagano Romantic Train was originally a small freight train used to transport goods, and it was on the track where trucks and ordinary trains could not enter. Now the train has nostalgic vibe with its gentle speed, and a great view of the same landscape as the driver, also sweeping views of the valley landscape.
Such a simple and romantic train - This is what the image of the Sagano Romantic train represented.
The speed of the train is similar to that of a bicycle, you can enjoy the natural scenery and canyon scenery along the Hozugawa River(保津川). In a one-way drive of about 7 km, about 25 minutes, you can see the autumn red leaves along the way.
Yakata-bune of Arashiyama
Houseboat pleasure boat is a good activity when you get tired of walking and shopping.
Rent a small boat on the river in Arashiyama and glide through the clear waters of the Hozugawa River to immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn scenery.
The maple leaves on both sides of the river shimmer with a golden-red glow in the sunlight, and gentle breezes rustle the trees, casting shadows that intertwine with the river, as if time has come to a standstill.
During the boat ride, you can not only feel a close connection with nature but also enjoy a unique waterfront view of the magnificent autumn scenery of Arashiyama. Just feels like you've entered a peaceful and romantic dream.
Follow the blue boat floating on the shore upstream of the Togetsukyo Bridge as a sign, and then you can come to the cruise dock.
Take a Rickshaw Ride
Easily walk through the bamboo forest path and Katsugawa River by taking a rickshaw; you may feel the genuine Autumn of Arashiyama at ease.
Not only the rickshaw puller is energetic, but also as a caring, competent guide who will introduce you the history and attractions all along the way, providing an exclusive in-depth explanation.
Whether you are visiting Kyoto for the first time or returning, the Arashiyama rickshaw will add a special memory to your trip.
Highlights:
●Arashiyama Rickshaw Experience within 30 minutes is 100% Recommended for Classic sightseeing experience
●Exclusive VIP Bamboo Forest viewing path, avoid the crowds.
●Along the way, you can enjoy a number of hidden private garden scenery, which only can see by taking a rickshaw.
●The rickshaw pullers can find the best shooting points, skillfully adjust your phone shooting parameters, and help you take high-quality photos.
●The English-speaking rickshaw pullers will introduce some interesting stories about local customs and some of the popular attractions.
3. Unmissable Attractions to Enjoy Arashiyama in Autumn 2025
In cool breezy autumn, the landscape of Arashiyama is awakened by the maple foliage, as if innumerable maple leaves were burning with red, orange, or yellow. You can meet at first sight by overlooking the distant maple landscape, or explore the temples' charm while immersing yourself in the autumn colors in Arashiyama.
Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge is a bond of local history and culture, one classic attraction that you should not miss when you come to Arashiyama. The surrounding view is quite broad with mountains and the Katsura River. Especially in November, standing or walking on the bridge and facing the south sides, you may find that the mountains you overlook are painted on a yellow-orange-red canvas.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride End Point
Just 400 meters away from the Togetsukyo Bridge, you can walk north along the bridge, after the bridge along the bank on your left side, walk to another unexpected place for maple viewing.
Red maples are painted here with picturesque scenery. Standing on the lake shore, then stay closer to the beauty of both sides of the hill than on the bridge. The maple trees, just like the color burning in red dye the shores and the clear lake with wordless beauty.
Compared to the distant view mentioned earlier, this river shore is at the foot of the mountains and on one side by the water, where you can get closer to the green stone bank of the river in aquamarine and watch the Hozugawa River cruise boat floating gradually from the center of the river towards the end point of the ride.
Tenyru-ji
As one of the best places to admire autumn foliage Japan 2025, Arashiyama is famous for 6 temples: Tenyru-ji, Hogon-in Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, Jojakko-ji Temple, Hokyo-in Temple, and Nisonin Temple. Among them, Tenyru-ji is the most recommended one.
Tenryuji Temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the "cultural treasures of the ancient capital of Kyoto". Besides watching these historical architectures with the remarkable garden "Sogenchi Teien", you can carefully appreciate the red maples in Tenyru-ji all around. When free-growing maple trees are placed in harmony with the courtyards of carefully built temples, you will find how charming this visit is!
Hogon-in Temple
As one of the sub-temples of Tenryuji Temple, Hogon-in temple was built in 1461. Although usually closed to the public, it is open for special viewing from the beginning of October each year and lights up as the red leaf season approaches in November. The red maple can be enjoyed at night, showing another beautiful perspective, that echoes the red maple scene of the day.
A garden built by Mt. Ogura as a borrowing scene, and as a famous garden recorded in the Kyoto Tourist Guide of the Edo period. It's a "Lion's Roar" landscape garden, which is also good for pedestrians to walk inside.
Okochi Sanso Garden
If you hope to avoid the crowds when touring Arashiyama in autumn, don't miss the Okochi Sanso Garden. The Okochi Sanso Garden, located on a hill in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is a perfect spot for viewing autumn foliage that blends stunning natural scenery with traditional Japanese garden design. Just walking through the world-famous bamboo forest path to the west side, we gonna heading to this rising place.
The garden is situated on a higher slope, allowing visitors to overlook the rolling hills of Arashiyama, especially in the fall when the maple trees turn into a blaze of red, leaving visitors in awe. The interior of the garden is known for its exquisite Japanese design, with moss-covered pathways, red-leafed ponds, and pavilions and towers that complement each other, giving visitors the feeling of being in a painting.
Whether experiencing the tranquility of the garden or admiring the magnificent mountain views, Okochi Sanso Garden provides visitors with a perfect blend of relaxation and visual enjoyment.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Arashiyama Monkey Park was first opened in Showa 31 (1956) and is well known as a habitat for Japanese Macaques. About 120 macaques live in the wild and can be seen all year round. It's perfect for family activities with children.
How to get there?
Just 20m from Arashiyama Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Arashiyama Monkey Park is located in Mt. Iwata and is accessed from a path through a quiet shrine.
Mount Iwata has a high platform with a panoramic view of the entire Arashiyama area, and many monkeys are active there.
The walk up the mountain from the entrance takes about 20 minutes. The walking path is so smooth that even children can walk safely. When you walk to the top platform rest area at 120 meters height above, you will meet a lot of monkeys and enjoy the panoramic view of the Arashiyama area. Some amusement facilities are available on the top platform for children.
Attention when interacting with the monkeys:
★ DO NOT TOUCH THE WILD MONKEYS
★ DO NOT STARE INTO THEIR EYES
★ KEEP THE MONKEYS AWAY ABOUT 2M
★ FEED THE MONKEYS WITH THE FEED ONLY SOLD IN THE PARK (100 YEN PER PACK)
Tips to Know
■ The best viewing period for red maples is from mid-November to early December(Editor's suggestion).
■ Plan your trip in advance to avoid peak crowds. Make the inquiry right now.
■ Daily recommended visiting time: Early morning (fewer people around 9 am) or afternoon has gentle light, red leaves, and the surrounding scenery complement each other; the photography effect is especially good.
■ Hogon-in temple viewing time is limited, check the opening hours on the official website before travel, the general red leaf season is open to the outside world, but please don't come too late! (The opening hours of the temple will be announced on its official website each year)
4. Must-try Food for an Autumn Trip to Arashiyama 2025
Kyoto's Kaiseki Cuisine
Kaiseki Cuisine is the epitome of Japanese Haute Cuisine, characterized by its refinement, balance, and emphasis on seasonality, embodying the ultimate expression of "Cuisine as art." In Arashiyama, its tranquil bamboo groves, picturesque rivers, and historical temples set the perfect backdrop for Kaiseki dining.
Many restaurants here source ingredients locally, enhancing the connection between the meal and its surroundings. This multi-course dining experience embodies the harmony of nature, artistry, and flavor, making it a must-try for any visitor seeking an authentic taste of Japan.
Each dish is not only a gastronomic marvel but also a visual masterpiece, meticulously presented on traditional tableware to fully capture the essence of the seasons. Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine places a strong emphasis on the freshness of ingredients, utilizing locally sourced seasonal vegetables, premium tofu, and high-quality fish, often paired with sake or green tea for an elegant and harmonious dining experience.
Whether overlooking the maple-lined banks of Togetsukyo Bridge or amidst the quaint and tranquil residential streets, every aspect of Kaiseki cuisine is carefully designed to create a unique and immersive experience in harmony with nature, embodying the essence of Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
Sabou Sagano(茶房さがの):
※ Highly rated
※ Dine-in only
※ A wide variety of meals
※ Warm reception
※ Short waiting time
Ogura Cha-Ya(おぐら茶屋):
※ Food is exquisite and delicious
※ A variety of side dishes pasta
※ Warm & cozy environment
※ Peaceful atmosphere
※ Credit card Payment
5. How to Get to Arashiyama
Every autumn in Japan, many tourists head to Arashiyama as it is really one of the popular spots to see Kyoto foliage and also one of the best places to see fall colors in Japan, but do you know how to get to Arashiyama? Here we are going to share the transportation guide with you.
Randen Tram (Arashiyama Tram):
If you're staying near Shijo-Omiya station, you can take the Randen Tram from Shijo-Omiya station to Arashiyama Station, the Randen Tram is a more casual option with beautiful scenery along the way.
JR Line:
If you are staying near the Kyoto Station, take the JR San-In Honsen Line from Kyoto Station to Saga Arashiyama Station, leave every 15 minutes and each trip takes about 15 minutes.
Hankyu Tram:
If you want to go directly from downtown Osaka to Kyoto Arashiyama, take the Hankyu Kyoto Line train from Umeda Station in Osaka, and then change to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line train at Katsura Station. It leaves every 10 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach the destination Arashiyama.
What We'd Like to Say
The Arashiyama Red Leaf Festival in Kyoto is the perfect opportunity to experience Japan in autumn, combining nature and culture for photographers, culture lovers, and families. With the platform of the Red Leaf Festival, you can fully appreciate the unique charm of Kyoto Arashiyama Autumn, which will become an unforgettable travel memory. Contact us to tailor your private guided trip to Arashiyama in autumn 2025, everything you need logistically will be handled for you!