The "Reader's Ranking" is conducted monthly for Kyoto Shimbun readers and paid digital subscribers. The results of the vote for "Best hidden spots to see autumn leaves in Kyoto" conducted in October are now in. With the number of foreign tourists visiting Kyoto increasing every year, the votes were chosen based on famous temples and facilities familiar to local residents that are relatively uncrowded. We introduce the top 12 spots along with comments from readers recommending them.
1st place: Bishamon-do Temple (Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City)
"A long time ago, when I lived in Yamashina, I happened to come here and was surprised by its beauty. I've been here several times since then, and it's truly beautiful."
"The autumn leaves covering the entire staircase are a sight to behold."
"The leaves continue to fall from the front of the temple, and the whole of Bishamon-do is beautifully enveloped in autumn leaves."
2nd place: Enkoji Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"The picture frame garden is beautiful and there are not many people."
"I like the garden and go there occasionally, but it seems to be less crowded than other spots nearby.The view is also nice if you go up towards the cemetery."
3rd place: Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"You can take your time and enjoy the autumn leaves."
"I chose this place because it's a large site and doesn't feel crowded. However, the parking lot is full..."
4th place: Shinnyodo Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"I went to see the maples for the first time last year and it was great. I also like that admission is free."
"My favorite."
5th place: Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"I want to see what the autumn leaves were like in places where members of the imperial family used to visit."
"It's a luxury to be able to enjoy the autumn leaves up close."
6th place: Horikawa-dori Street (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"I often take the city bus. When I do, I'm always soothed by the autumn leaves of the ginkgo trees along Horikawa-dori that I can see from the window."
"I usually just pass by from the bus, but I'd like to see it from above sometime."
7th place: Zenbouji Temple (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"A great place to see the whole of Kyoto city"
"The autumn leaves are beautiful and the view is amazing"
8th place: Iwato Ochiba Shrine (Kita Ward, Kyoto City)
"This is a shrine that I pass by occasionally. If you pass by early in the morning, the grounds are covered with fallen leaves, and you'll want to point your camera at it. I recommend going early when there are not many people around."
"The ginkgo leaves are lit up, making it a fantastic sight."
9th place: Manshuin Temple (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"The atmosphere of deepening autumn is at its best."
10th place: Koetsuji Temple (Kita Ward, Kyoto City)
"I love the gradation of colors before the leaves on the Koetsu fence turn bright red."
"You can get a panoramic view of the city while strolling through the garden from the temple gate. You can also enjoy Genko-an and Joshoji temples."
11th place: Komyo-ji Temple (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture)
"It's easy to walk, and the sight of the autumn leaves looming on both sides of the path is overwhelming."
12th place: Daikakuji Temple (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City)
"The autumn leaves reflected in Osawa Pond are magnificent."
