The 2025 Arashiyama Momiji (Red Maple) Festival is a spectacular autumn celebration in Kyoto's historic western district. Every November, as the crisp air sets in, Arashiyama transforms into a breathtaking canvas of fiery red, golden yellow, and deep orange maple leaves, making it one of Japan's most enchanting seasonal destinations. Arashiyama has long been a place of poetic inspiration, where emperors and poets once wandered to admire the fleeting beauty of autumn. As the famous poet Fujiwara no Shunzei once wrote:
"Scarlet leaves fall, floating on the silent stream,Autumn's whispers dance upon the water's gleam."
The 2025 Arashiyama Momiji Festival offers more than just a view - it immerses the soul of Kyoto’s autumn magic and an unforgettable gift of nature's most radiant season. In this article, we'll guide you through the highlights of the Arashiyama Momiji Festival and explore the best ways to fully experience autumn's fiery beauty in Arashiyama.
Table of Contents
1. What's Arashiyama Momiji Festival?
2. 2025 Arashiyama Fall Foliage Prediction
3. Best Ways to Enjoy Arashiyama Momiji Festival 2025
4. Unmissable Attractions to Enjoy Arashiyama in Autumn 2025
5. Must-try Food for an Autumn Trip to Arashiyama 2025
6. How to Get to Arashiyama
1. What's Arashiyama Momiji Festival?
Held every November, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival is a beloved autumn celebration in Kyoto's western hills. Nestled in this scenic district, the festival showcases the breathtaking beauty of the vivid maple leaves (Momiji) and the grace and elegance of Japan's cultural heritage. Held along the Katsura (Hozugawa) River, the festival brings the past to life with traditional boat processions, where performers in Heian-era court attire glide across the river, their silk robes reflecting on the water's surface. On the riverbanks, visitors can experience taiko drumming, Kyoto-style dance performances, and the enchanting melodies of koto music, all blending harmoniously with the rustling autumn leaves, creating the perfect Momiji viewing experience.
With its deep historical and cultural significance, Arashiyama has long been a retreat for aristocrats, poets, and artists seeking inspiration from its serene landscapes. Since the Heian period (794-1185), this area has symbolized Kyoto's refined appreciation of nature, and the Momiji Festival continues this tradition by offering modern visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a world where history, art, and the vibrant colors of autumn foliage converge.
Beyond the festival, Arashiyama itself becomes an autumn wonderland, inviting travelers to stroll through the glowing maple groves, take a scenic rickshaw ride, or enjoy matcha in a riverside teahouse, all while surrounded by Kyoto's most enchanting maple leaf displays. Whether you're here for the Momiji season or to enjoy the stunning autumn foliage, Arashiyama promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
2. 2025 Arashiyama Fall Foliage Prediction
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival originated from the noble custom of red maple appreciation during the Heian Period. It was officially established as a celebration from the Showa period to celebrate the natural and cultural charm of Arashiyama.
Unlike previous years, maple leaves in Arashiyama turned red later than expected in 2024. Until the beginning of December 2024, the red color of the maple foliage in Arashiyama eventually peaked. Color changes of the maple leaf in Arashiyama District in 2024:
Best Time to View Arashiyama Autumn Foliage 2025
Based on historical trends, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival typically sees its first color changes in mid-November, reaching peak vibrancy from late November to early December. However, weather variations may affect the timing. We will continue to monitor official updates and provide the latest forecasts to help you plan the perfect autumn 2025 trip to visit Arashiyama red maples.
3. 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: Ride Through a Flowing Sea of Autumn Maples
Through the emerald embrace of the Hozugawa River Valley, the Sagano Romantic Train glides with the unhurried grace of a warm autumn letter. Once a humble freight line, it now carries dreamers through Kyoto's Arashiyama Momiji Festival, where fiery red maples paint the landscape in a breathtaking seasonal display. As the train meanders at the gentle pace of a bicycle, travelers witness Arashiyama's autumn foliage in full splendor - golden leaves swirling, reflections dancing on the river. For 25 enchanting minutes, this journey captures the essence of Arashiyama's red maple viewing.
Yakata-bune of Arashiyama: Drift Through Kyoto's Stunning Autumn Scenery
Drifting along the Hozugawa River in a traditional houseboat, you become part of Arashiyama's autumn poetry. The crimson and gold maple leaves shimmer beneath the soft sunlight, their reflections rippling across the tranquil waters. A gentle breeze whispers through the branches, casting ever-shifting shadows, as if time has paused to admire the beauty of the Arashiyama Momiji Festival. From this peaceful vantage point, Arashiyama's fall foliage season unfolds in breathtaking splendor, offering an intimate and unforgettable red maple viewing experience in the heart of Arashiyama.
To find the cruise dock, follow the blue boats floating near the shore upstream of the Togetsukyo Bridge - they'll lead you to your scenic adventure.
Take a Rickshaw Ride: Relax and Enjoy Arashiyama's Autumn Beauty
Glide effortlessly through Arashiyama's autumn landscape on a traditional rickshaw ride, a unique way to experience the Arashiyama Momiji season beyond the usual tourist routes. Your friendly, English-speaking rickshaw-puller will guide you through hidden maple-lined paths and share the area's rich history while capturing stunning photos - including exclusive, crowd-free shots of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. With UME Travel's private custom tour service, we secure your rickshaw ride in advance, ensuring a seamless journey through Kyoto's red maple wonderland, free from the stress of last-minute bookings.
Highlights of Enjoying Autumn on a Rickshaw Ride:
● Arashiyama Rickshaw Experience (30 min): Perfect for a classic sightseeing experience.
● Exclusive VIP Bamboo Forest Path: Escape the crowds and enjoy a private, serene view.
● Hidden Private Gardens: Accessible only by rickshaw, discover secret scenic spots.
● Photography Assistance: Rickshaw pullers help you capture the best shots, adjusting phone settings for high-quality photos.
● English-speaking Guides: Learn about local customs and attractions from friendly, knowledgeable pullers.
*Choose 30, 70, 120, or 180-minute options to suit your time and interests.
4. Unmissable Attractions to Enjoy Arashiyama in Autumn 2025
Arashiyama's fall foliage comes alive in the tranquil autumn breeze, with maple leaves ablaze in red, orange, and yellow. Whether gazing at the expansive red maple landscapes from a distance or immersing yourself in the vibrant autumn colors while exploring ancient temples, Arashiyama’s Momiji season offers an unforgettable experience of Kyoto's breathtaking natural beauty.
Togetsukyo Bridge: Gaze Upon a Panoramic View of Autumn's Vivid Tapestry
The Togetsukyo Bridge is a historic link to Arashiyama's culture, offering breathtaking views of the Katsura River and surrounding mountains. During Arashiyama's autumn foliage season, particularly in November, the landscape transforms into a stunning palette of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Whether you stand or walk on the bridge, the autumn maple trees create a vivid canvas, making it a must-visit spot for fall foliage enthusiasts seeking the perfect Arashiyama(Kyoto) autumn experience.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride End Point: Scenic Kyoto Riverside Views & Autumn Foliage
Walk just 400 meters north of Togetsukyo Bridge and discover another hidden gem for autumn maple viewing. Stroll along the riverbank to reach a serene spot where the crimson and golden leaves paint the landscape, providing a tranquil setting for Arashiyama(Kyoto)'s fall foliage lovers. This peaceful corner of Arashiyama offers an intimate experience of red maple beauty in the heart of the Momiji season, far from the crowds, making it an ideal stop for your autumn trip to Arashiyama.
Red maples are painted here with picturesque scenery. Standing on the lake shore, stay closer to the beauty of both sides of the hill than the bridge. Like the color burning in red, the maple trees 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: Experience Autumn Maple Beauty in a UNESCO Heritage Temple Garden
As one of the best places to admire autumn foliage in Japan 2025, Arashiyama is famous for six 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. This visit will be charming when free-growing maple trees harmonize with the courtyards of carefully built temples!
Hogon-in Temple: Embrace Autumn Maple Beauty in a Tranquil Cultural Heaven
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 remarkable 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 suitable for pedestrians walking inside.
Okochi Sanso Garden: Escape the Crowds and Enjoy Autumn Foliage in a Tranquil Japanese 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 garden's interior 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 garden's tranquillity or admiring the magnificent mountain views, Okochi Sanso Garden provides visitors with a perfect blend of relaxation and visual enjoyment.
Arashiyama Monkey Park: Enjoy a Family-Friendly Adventure with Wild Macaques and Panoramic Views
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 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 mid-November to early December (Editor's suggestion).
■ Plan Your Trip to Avoid Peak Crowds: Book 4-6 Months in Advance for a More Peaceful Journey. Inquire 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)
5. 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." Arashiyama's 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 a gastronomic marvel and a visual masterpiece, meticulously presented on traditional tableware to fully capture the essence of the seasons. Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine strongly emphasizes 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.
Tea houses in Arashiyama: Delightful Traditional and Modern Dining in a Perfect Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Arashiyama, the tea houses provide a peaceful retreat to enjoy Kyoto's autumn foliage. During the Arashiyama Red Leaf Season, savor various delicious meals and treats prepared with the finest local ingredients. The cozy, rustic interiors, accented with local craftsmanship, offer the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the stunning Arashiyama fall colors. Surrounded by the sounds of the river and rustling bamboo, the tea house provides a tranquil escape, connecting you with Kyoto's rich heritage while immersed in the breathtaking autumn landscape.
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. It is one of the popular spots to see Kyoto foliage and 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.
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 Momiji(Red Leaf) Festival in Kyoto offers an unforgettable experience for photographers, culture lovers, and families wishing to immerse themselves in Kyoto's autumn beauty. Discover the breathtaking Arashiyama fall colors by visiting iconic sites such as Togetsukyo Bridge, taking a scenic ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, or enjoying a peaceful Hozugawa River Boat Ride. The Red Leaf Festival platform allows you to fully appreciate the stunning combination of nature and culture in Kyoto in autumn offers.
At UME Travel, we go beyond just planning; we offer free personalized itinerary services, private guides and chartered car services to ensure your experience is seamless and tailored to your preferences. Contact us today to design your perfect autumn trip to Arashiyama in 2025 and explore the season's beauty with the guidance of a local expert.