*All prices include tax.

Namba/Dotonbori Food Walking Map

From classics to new specialties! Easy-to-try gourmet foods you can't miss

We've picked out some easy-to-eat gourmet foods that are perfect for eating on the go or having a few drinks, including soul food such as kushikatsu and takoyaki that you definitely want to try when you come to Osaka.

Giant Shirota's special kushikatsu is available at Kushikatsu Shirotaya

This kushikatsu restaurant is run by Giant Shirota, a former food fighter who was a huge hit on TV shows. There are two stores in the Dotonbori area, but the main Dotonbori store is currently undergoing renovations and only the second store, the Nankai Dori store, is currently open.

If you're lucky, you might even meet Giant Shirota! Enjoy his special kushikatsu.

Kushikatsu skewers start at 130 yen each, and there is a wide variety to choose from, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and even unique varieties such as Nanko plum and "Yukimi Daifuku" kushikatsu.

If you're looking to eat on the go, we recommend the "Tabe Aruki Set" (900 yen). This is a dine-in style, not a take-out option, so it's perfect for a quick drink. You can enjoy five types of kushikatsu: beef kushikatsu, pork katsu, onion, plump shrimp, and quail eggs. The kushikatsu, deep-fried with their signature fine breadcrumbs, has a crispy and crunchy texture.

The style is to put as much sauce as you like on your plate, but you are not allowed to dip it in twice! Also, by using a blend of animal and vegetable oil, it is light enough to eat several skewers. Shirata, who has tried many gourmet foods, was satisfied with the kushikatsu that was made with care to be easy to eat.

Kushikatsu Shirotaya Nankai Dori Store

Onigiri Gorichan, a rice ball specialty store that is bustling every day

Onigiri Gorichan is a rice ball specialty store that has had a constant line since it opened in 2023. Not only Japanese people but also foreign tourists line up every day.

When you sit down, you can watch the craftsmen making onigiri from the counter seats. The sight of them skillfully putting a generous amount of ingredients into the rice and forming it into balls is overwhelming. Many people have their smartphones in hand to take photos and videos of the scene.

The standard here is to top one rice ball with different ingredients. You can choose your favorite foods together or try the shop's recommendations - the combinations are endless!

Here are some of the popular combinations recommended by the shop. The most popular is "Sujiko + Salmon" (750 yen) and the second most popular is "Egg Yolk Marinated in Soy Sauce + Minced Meat" (600 yen). These rice balls are vibrant in color and as big as a man's fist. They weigh 180g each, making them quite voluminous. Although they are softly pressed, you can still feel the presence and sweetness of each individual grain of rice.

It's fine to eat it as onigiri until the end, but we recommend making ochazuke as the final dish. Place about one-third of the remaining onigiri in a rice bowl, sprinkle on seasonings such as seaweed and green onions, and pour in the broth. There is a self-service corner for making ochazuke, so give it a try!

Onigiri Gorichan Namba store

Takohachi: A soul food favorite in Dotonbori for many years

Dotonbori, with its giant Glico sign and the typical Osaka scenery, is a hotbed of takoyaki. One of the most popular takoyaki shops is Takohachi, which was founded in 1979.

Located in the Dotonbori shopping arcade, the three-story store offers takoyaki for takeout at a stall downstairs, while on the second and third floors you'll find a full lineup of Kansai soul food such as okonomiyaki, negiyaki, and akashiyaki.

The takoyaki made by "hand-grilling on a copper plate by a craftsman" is a concentrated expression of skilled technique and dedication. The best part of eating on the go is being able to watch the takoyaki being prepared with incredible speed using just one skewer.

The "Takoyaki (5 pieces)" (500 yen) is made with a secret soy sauce batter, and has a crispy exterior and a soft, melting texture inside. The octopus is made from the high-quality ingredient "madako," and you can enjoy the large texture. Simply pour the sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes over it.

Takohachi Dotonbori Main Branch

A local favorite, the Osaka specialty "Wanaka"

If you want to casually enjoy the taste of Osaka, we highly recommend the "Takosen" at "Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka." Takosen is a classic Osaka snack consisting of takoyaki sandwiched between shrimp rice crackers. This is perfect for those who want to try different shops but get full after eating one boat of takoyaki.

There are multiple stores just around Namba and Shinsaibashi stations, and the main store is located right next to "Namba Grand Kagetsu" in Namba Sennichimae. The menu has two options: "takoyaki" and "takosen," both of which are popular items to eat while walking around. In addition to sauce, you can choose from four types of seasoning for "takoyaki," including soy sauce, kettle-cooked salt, and spicy sauce.

The takoyaki, made with finely ground wheat flour and just the right amount of dashi, has a salty taste and is delicious even without toppings. It is cooked in one go on a copper plate with good thermal conductivity, resulting in a crispy outside and a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside.

The "Takosen" (300 yen) is two takoyaki sandwiched between shrimp rice crackers. The crispy rice crackers and the crunchy, soft texture of the takoyaki go perfectly together. As time passes, the rice crackers will soak up the sauce, allowing you to enjoy a different texture. For an additional 100 yen, you can add toppings such as cheese, so choose what you like.

Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka Dotonbori store

The freshly made version is exceptional! A staple product of "551 Horai"

The pork buns from "551 Horai" are a specialty Osaka gourmet food that is now famous throughout the country. Many people have tried them as souvenirs, but if you want to eat them fresh, you should head to the main store.

The main store is located in Ebisubashi-suji Shopping Arcade, right next to Namba Station, and there are long lines of people waiting for the pork buns all day long. It gets especially crowded in the afternoon and evening, so if you're looking to eat on the go, it's best to visit first thing in the morning.

While waiting in line, you can watch the process of making pork buns through glass. It's exciting to see a sight you normally can't see.

At the main store, they make 3,000 to 5,000 pork buns a day. If you combine all the stores (including mail order), they make about 170,000 a day. A full-fledged craftsman needs to be able to make four pork buns per minute, and it takes one to two years of training to master that skill.

The pork buns (230 yen each) are filling and satisfying. The balance between the sweet skin and the salty filling is irresistible. According to the shop staff, it is also delicious with ponzu sauce in addition to mustard, so try to find your favorite way to eat it!

551 Horai Main Store

Kani Doraku: Enjoy easy-to-eat gourmet food at the familiar restaurant sign

When it comes to ‘crab’ in Dotonbori, everyone knows the famous restaurant ‘Kani Doraku.

The familiar crab sign originated at the main store in Dotonbori. While the luxurious crab dishes are great to enjoy inside the store, reasonably priced takeout items are also sold at the front of the store.

The shop opens at 11:00 and closes when it sells out. The crab bun (700 yen) is a luxurious item with a chewy dough filled with plenty of crab meat and crab miso. If you add the mustard mayonnaise that comes with it, the richness of the crab's saltiness will change to a mellow flavor.

Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch

The cheese gourmet hit on social media: "10 yen bread"

The "Daioh Cheese 10 Yen Bread" has become a staple of gourmet food to eat while walking around. Its popularity has ignited mainly on social media, and you'll always see people taking photos of it when you walk around.

If you go on a holiday in the afternoon, you may have to wait in line for over an hour, so we recommend going on a weekday.

"10 Yen Bread" (500 yen) is, as the name suggests, a bread shaped exactly like a 10 yen coin. It is based on the "10 won bread" that originated in Korea.

Many people post photos on social media of the moment when the generous amount of mozzarella cheese is stretched. The cheese becomes harder to stretch if it cools, so take the photo while it's hot. The balance of the slightly sweet dough and the salty cheese is addictively delicious. It's a big portion, so it's good to share with another person.

Daio Cheese 10 yen bread

Only at a specialty store! "Le Croissant" with a focus on ingredients and appearance

The cute-looking croissants are also recommended for snacking on a walk.

"Le Croissant" is a croissant specialty store that sells unusual croissants, as its name suggests.

In addition to the standard product "Petit Cro," the storefront displays a colorful lineup of new seasonal products that appear once every two months.

The "Mentai Fondue" (230 yen), which is only available at the Shinsaibashi store, has many die-hard fans. This item uses mentaiko from "Yamaya", a famous mentaiko shop. The mentaiko sauce is surrounded by white sauce, giving it a unique appearance, but it is also characterized by the use of a sweet croissant. The spicy mentaiko and butter flavor combine to create an unprecedented harmony. The small size makes you want to try different types.

Le Croissant Petit Shinsaibashi

A must-have for eating out! The latest and most popular sweets

Dotonbori and Amemura are an area where new shops and popular gourmet restaurants are born every day. We will introduce 7 unique products, from the latest trendy sweets to long-loved flavors.

"OBRA" boasts the exquisite combination of canelés and matcha latte

The JR Namba area is a little far from the center of Namba and Dotonbori, making it a hidden gem with fewer tourists. In December 2024, the APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower will open in this area, and on the first floor of the hotel is the cafe OBRA, where you can enjoy canelés and lattes.

The shop's specialty, the "Matcha Latte," is a popular menu item among foreign tourists, as the tea is made right in front of you after you place your order. All of the matcha is made using Uji matcha, and the prices vary depending on the grade: "Iwai" (1,250 yen), "Zuiun" (850 yen), and "Wano" (650 yen). The owner's recommendation is the highest grade, "Iwai."

A canelé is a great thing to have with your latte. They have three varieties available in store: Matcha Canelé, Coffee Canelé, and Vanilla Canelé. They are usually sold in packs of eight, but the Matcha Canelé comes in packs of two (600 yen). The canelé is crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, allowing you to really taste the matcha flavor.

You can also customize your matcha latte by topping it with a canelé and matcha ice cream. Taking a photo with the bonsai tree in front of the store is sure to make a great photo. The matcha latte is sugar-free so you can enjoy the pure taste of matcha, but they also have syrup so you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Enjoy dipping the canelé in ice cream or latte for a matcha feast! This is a must-see shop for matcha lovers.

OBRA

"Andrew's Egg Tarts" has been loved for many years for its simple taste

If you visit Dotonbori, you can't miss the egg tart (320 yen) from Andrew's Egg Tarts. This sweet was developed by Andrew of Lord Stow's Bakery, a famous egg tart shop in Macau, and was brought to Japan from Macau about 20 years ago.

Located right next to the Glico sign in Dotonbori, this popular shop sees long queues of tourists from Japan and abroad. They close when they sell out, so if there's a particular tart you want, it's best to go early.

Among the various kinds of egg tarts on display, the most popular is the classic "Andrew's Egg Tart," followed by "Chocolate" and "Baked Chocolate."

The flaky pie crust is filled with piping hot, melting custard cream. Made with only eggs and cream, and no extra seasoning, the cream is extremely rich. Each one is carefully made fresh from the oven, giving it a simple taste. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Andrew's Egg Tarts, Dotonbori Main Branch

Photogenic soul drinks at "TARO'S PARLOR"

If you're looking for a drink that is truly Osakan, we recommend the "Mixed Juice" (400 yen) at "TARO'S PARLOR."

This take-out specialty store is located in the Nakaza Kuidare Building in the Dotonbori shopping arcade. There is the famous "Kuidaore doll" in front of the building, so please use that as a landmark to find the store. The pop exterior covered in fruit is also impressive.

Mixed juice is a soul drink that originated in Osaka, made with mandarin oranges, peaches, bananas, pineapples, and milk. It has a mild, and somewhat nostalgic taste. It has a refreshing aftertaste, so it's easy to drink after eating a variety of gourmet foods.

By the way, 80% of customers order the "Strawberry Candy" (650 yen). Taking a photo in front of the Kuidaore doll with a mixed juice will surely enhance your Osaka sightseeing experience.

TARO'S PARLOR *Temporarily closed, scheduled to be reopened in spring 2025

"Yorumo Fruit Daifuku" is a sinful treat that can be enjoyed at night

"Yorumo Fruits Daifuku" is a shop that can fulfill the wishes of people who want to eat sweets even at late hours. It is open from 7pm to 5am, so it is a good place to finish off a snack-filled walk.

The shop was opened with the desire to "make it possible for people to enjoy fruit daifuku, which has a high-end image, at a cheaper price."

If you're going to eat on the go, it's best to purchase them individually, but they also sell a "set of 6" (3,600 yen) which makes a great gift.

Of the many fruit daifuku available, the most popular is the classic "Strawberry" (from 500 yen). They use fresh fruit procured from the market on the day and carefully wrap each one. The tartness of the strawberries and the refined sweetness of the white bean paste are a classic delicacy. In addition to the white bean paste, you can choose from eight other flavors, including chocolate, matcha, and milk caramel, so choose your favorite. The thin skin allows you to enjoy the fruit flavor even more.

Yorumo Fruits Daifuku Higashi Shinsaibashi Store

"Atsuhime" - a gentle sweetness recommended after drinking

At Atsuhime, a sweet potato specialty store located a five-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, you can enjoy wholesome potato sweets that are free of preservatives and other additives.

The shop is only open in the evenings, from 5pm to 1am, so many customers drop in after eating dinner or drinking.

The showcase is lined with attractive products such as Beni Haruka pudding and rice flour cheesecake.

As a shop specializing in sweet potato desserts, we highly recommend you try the "Sweet Potato Tart" (500 yen). There are two types: one with dark chocolate made from Annou sweet potatoes, and one with white chocolate made from Beni Haruka sweet potatoes. The rich flavor of the chocolate matches the refined sweetness of the potato. The tart contains large cut potatoes, so it has a different taste from smooth sweet potato, and the texture is like eating whole potatoes. Why not finish off your day with an easy-to-eat dessert after a day of drinking?

Atsuhime

The Original Ice Dog: A great combination of fried bread and ice cream

Finally, we will introduce a beloved sweet in Amemura, which is within walking distance from Namba Station and Shinsaibashi Station. Located right next to Sankaku Park, "Ganso Ice Dog" is famous for its "Ice Dog," a freshly fried bun sandwiched with cold ice cream.

It originally operated as a barber shop for nearly 30 years, but as the area became known as "Amemura" and attracted more young people, it was renovated into an ice cream shop in 2003. The shop has a homey atmosphere and is run by a cheerful manager.

For the Ice Dog, we chose the most popular classic vanilla flavor (500 yen). We also recommend topping it with caramel or chocolate sauce.

This dessert is made of freshly fried bread and filled with vanilla soft serve ice cream. It uses the same bread rolls that are served in school lunches, so it brings back memories. The oil in the fried bread is not greasy and has a smooth texture. It's an excellent combination with the cold ice cream. If you're in Amemura, be sure to give it a try.

Original Ice Dog

As you would expect from a city of gourmets, the Namba/Dotonbori area is crammed with delicious food. If you visit this area for shopping or sightseeing, be sure to enjoy eating your way through the area until you're full!

Originally posted: January 26, 2023
*Some content was updated on January 22, 2025.

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Enjoy the changing scenery between day and night. A beautiful illuminated autumn foliage spot

There are many famous spots for viewing autumn leaves all over Kyoto, but the leaves are not only beautiful during the day, but also at night when they are lit up. Here we will introduce carefully selected spots where you can enjoy autumn leaves twice, during the day and at night. Compare the different beauty of the leaves during the day and at night.

The deep crimson autumn leaves of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine are etched in my memory

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and is affectionately known as "Tenjin-sama." Since its founding, he has been worshipped as the god of learning and performing arts, and is visited by many worshippers from all over the country, not just locals, seeking blessings from him.

The main hall, which is designated as a national treasure, was built by Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and remains an example of magnificent Momoyama architecture to this day.

It is popular as one of Kyoto's best plum blossom viewing spots, but the autumn foliage is also spectacular.

The annual nighttime illuminations will take place from November 1st to December 7th, 2025. The Momiji Garden, which is open to the public at the historic Odoi Iwai, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, will be transformed into a mysterious and profound atmosphere. The approximately 350 colorful autumn leaves will be illuminated by a hazy light, captivating visitors.

The highlight is the combination of the colorful autumn leaves that cover the Kamiya River that runs through Momiji Garden and the vermilion-painted Uguisu Bridge. The glossy autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the Kamiya River, creating a beautiful autumn landscape that fills the entire field of vision.

After enjoying the autumn leaves, you can enjoy some hot tea and sweets at a tea shop. Take a break and reminisce about your fun autumn leaf viewing.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

The combination of the national treasure, the five-story pagoda, and the autumn leaves at Toji Temple is a sight to behold

Toji Temple (Kyoogokokuji Temple), located near Kyoto Station, is the oldest esoteric Buddhist temple in Japan and is also registered as a World Heritage Site.

The most eye-catching feature of Toji Temple is its five-story pagoda, which stands at about 55 meters.
The five-story pagoda, which is the tallest surviving wooden structure in Japan and has been designated a national treasure, was rebuilt by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.

During the special autumn opening held every year when the leaves change color, the first floor of the five-story pagoda is opened to the public, allowing visitors to see the interior, which is usually closed to the public.

This symbolic five-story pagoda of Kyoto shines even more when it is lit up at night. Surrounded by about 200 trees dyed red and yellow, the pagoda stands out against the night sky, making it even more beautiful.

Anywhere you look at Toji Temple in autumn is as beautiful as a painting, but try including the gourd pond in front of the five-story pagoda in your photo. The crimson-hued leaves and the five-story pagoda will be reflected in the pond, creating a scene that seems like another world.

During the autumn illuminations, there may be a line before the gates open, so it is better to enter at a different time.

Toji Temple

Autumn leaves and the scenery reflected on the water surface. At night, the colorful lights are captivating.

Another recommended autumn foliage illumination near Kyoto Station will be held at Shosei-en Garden. Shosei-en Garden is located in an exclave precinct about a five-minute walk from Higashi Honganji Temple, affectionately known to locals as "Ohigashi-san." The garden was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, in 1641, and was designed by Ishikawa Jozan, a military commander who was also well-versed in the tea ceremony and garden design. In 1936, it was designated a national place of scenic beauty as a Buddhist temple garden filled with literary tastes.

In 2025, Shosei-en Garden will be open for nighttime viewing. The garden will be lit up with colorful lights, highlighting the colorful maples and ginkgo trees within the garden. The beautiful reflection of the garden scenery on the approximately 5,000m2 Ingetsu-ike Pond is a magnificent sight. You will be overwhelmed by the majestic atmosphere.

Shosei-en Garden (in the Higashi Honganji Temple detached grounds)

Discover the elaborate illuminations at Kodaiji Temple

If you visit Kyoto, you'll want to visit Gion, which still retains its charming streetscape. Gion is relatively compact compared to other areas, so you can walk around to several autumn foliage viewing spots.

Among them, Kodaiji Temple is popular for its unique lighting. It was built in 1606. The temple grounds were built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nene, to commemorate his soul, and the temple grounds have a dignified and elegant atmosphere.

Every year, Kodaiji Temple lights up the entire temple grounds, including the historic site and scenic spot, Kodaiji Garden, in an elaborate way.

The Kodaiji garden, designed by feudal lord and tea master Kobori Enshu, has many points of interest, including the use of items and materials related to Hideyoshi Nene in the buildings.

There are two ponds in the Kodaiji garden, Engetsu-ike and Garyu-ike. The trees surrounding Garyu-ike are especially beautiful as they turn red and yellow. The autumn leaves reflected on the still water are truly mystical. It's breathtakingly beautiful.

The other garden, the Hashintei garden in front of the Hojo, is a dry landscape garden made up of standing sand and ripples in the sand. It has a delicate and artistic impression befitting the Hojo, which was rebuilt in 1912, and projection mapping is held here on autumn nights.

In 2025, a special autumn night viewing is scheduled to take place from October 24th to December 14th.

Come to Kodaiji Temple, where you can enjoy two completely different illuminations, each with its own charm.

Kodaiji Temple

Ride the Sagano Scenic Train through a tunnel of autumn leaves

Kyoto's autumn foliage isn't just limited to temples and shrines. If you're heading to Arashiyama, another way to enjoy it is to take a sightseeing train and travel through the ocean of autumn leaves.

Hozukyo Gorge, one of Kyoto's most scenic spots in Arashiyama, is enveloped in a world of gradations of orange, yellow, and red in autumn.

The Sagano Scenic Train is a retro tourist train that uses the old JR Sanin Main Line. It runs through the Hozukyo Gorge from Saga-Arashiyama to Kameoka.

Along the 7.3km one-way journey, there are many scenic spots such as the natural beauty of Hozukyo, tunnels, and bridges. Please also enjoy the train announcements that include unique stories.

During the evening illumination, about 1,000 autumn leaves are lit up by about 900 lights, making them stand out in the dark night. A mysterious world different from the daytime spreads out before you, with a glittering tunnel of autumn leaves and leaves reflecting upside down on the water's surface.

The train slows down when passing scenic spots, making it perfect for taking photos.

From October 25th to December 29th, 2025, the autumn leaves will be lit up and illuminated, and trains running after 4:30pm will be operated as the "Light Fantasy Train."

Please note that tickets tend to sell out easily during the autumn foliage season. Tickets can be purchased one month prior to travel at some JR West ticket offices and travel agencies in the Keihanshin area, so we recommend purchasing your ticket early.

Sagano Scenic Train (Saga Scenic Train Station)

A must-see for any Kyoto trip: a panoramic view of the autumn-hued valley at the World Heritage site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the temple that attracts the most tourists in Kyoto.
It began in the Nara period when the monk Enchin carved a statue of Kannon and built a small hermitage on this site of Mount Otowa, where pure water springs out. It was later converted into a temple thanks to a donation from the first Shogun of the Japanese Empire, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.

A recommended way to enjoy autumn leaves is to view the Kinunkei Valley in front of the main hall, where about 1,000 maples stand, from various angles. First, pass through the Niomon Gate and look up at the magnificent three-story pagoda before heading to the main hall. The stage, built to jut out from the cliff, is famous as the "Kiyomizu Stage." Below you will be able to see a view reminiscent of a sea of red clouds.

After visiting the main hall, go through the Shakado and Amidado halls without descending the stone steps to the Okunoin, a photo spot overlooking the stage and autumn leaves. Don't miss the Taisanji Koyasu Pagoda at the southern end of the temple grounds, where you can see both the main hall and the three-story pagoda rising from the crimson clouds.

After the Koyasu Pagoda, quench your thirst with the pure waters of Otowa Falls, which is the origin of the temple. This golden water of Kannon is believed to be the Enmei water of longevity.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple opens at 6am, so we recommend visiting right after it opens. During the best time to see the autumn leaves, the sunrise is around 6:30am. If you can see the contrast between the sunrise from the direction of Mt. Otowa and the autumn leaves, you'll be able to spend the day feeling refreshed.

At night, the temple is lit up every year, creating a mysterious and profound world. The stage of Kiyomizu shines golden, creating an elegant atmosphere.

In 2025, it is scheduled to run from November 22nd to December 7th.

Kiyomizu Temple

Confront the colorful autumn leaves at "Eikando Temple of Maples," a temple mentioned in the Kokinshu anthology

Located near the Philosopher's Path, Eikando Temple is one of Kyoto's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, and has been praised since the Heian period as "Eikando Temple of Maple Leaves." The autumn scenery with the towering pagoda at the foot of the mountain has attracted people throughout the ages. The "rock wall maple leaves," which are also mentioned in the Kokinshu, can still be seen today on the east side of the temple grounds.

The temple grounds are home to around 3,000 trees of autumn foliage, so wherever you look you'll be confronted with autumn foliage. As you stroll around, you can enjoy the contrast between Eikando and the autumn leaves, including the various buildings and the autumn leaves, the gardens and the Hojoji Pond and the autumn leaves. On windless days, the autumn leaves reflected in the Hojoji Pond look like a water mirror, creating a fantastic sight.

Don't forget to pay your respects to the principal image, "Looking Back Amida," enshrined in the brilliantly colored Amida Hall. Long ago, when the monk Eikan, after whom Eikando is named, was practicing his asceticism, Amida Buddha descended from the altar and led Eikan in his asceticism. An anecdote has been passed down that when Eikan stood there in shock, Amida called out to him, "Eikan, you're late." In this rare sight of the statue looking back, his expression is filled with compassion. Close your eyes and place your hands together and your mind will soon be calmed.

The illuminations are also popular and are scheduled to run from November 15th to December 10th in 2025.

*The viewing route during the autumn foliage season is one-way.

Eikando Temple

The breathtaking beauty of the crimson-hued valley at Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji Temple, located about a 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line or Keihan Line, is also famous as a spot to view autumn leaves.

Tofukuji Temple was built in the Kamakura period by the regent Kujo Michiie, taking its name from Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple in Nara, and flourished as one of the Five Mountains of Kyoto during the Muromachi period. The oldest Sanmon Gate (a national treasure) in the Zen sect and the towering Dai-ga-ran (temple) are imposing.

The best view spots are the two bridges called Gaunkyo and Tsutenkyo, which span the Sengyokukan valley, where about 2,000 autumn leaves grow. The panoramic view of the red and yellow autumn leaves that fills the entire field of vision is truly spectacular. When you cross the bridges, you will feel as if you are walking on crimson clouds. Under Tsutenkyo, you can stroll through the valley, listening to the sound of the babbling stream.

During the peak viewing period from mid-November, there are usually so many people that they line up before the gates open, but compared to the scale of the valley, the crowds don't bother you at all. The best time to visit is around noon, when the blue of the sky stands out. For safety reasons, photography is prohibited on the bridge, so be sure to take a good look at the scenery. You can take photos in the valley, so be sure to take some photos of the beautiful autumn leaves here.

During the autumn foliage season, nighttime viewing is usually held and the temple grounds are lit up. In 2025, this will be available from November 19th to December 7th, and reservations are required.

After enjoying the spectacular view from the valley, be sure to stop by the Honbo Garden. Designed by Mirei Shigemori, a Showa-era landscape gardener who remains popular to this day, the Hojo is surrounded on all four sides by four gardens with different themes.

This famous garden embodies the "eternal modernism" that Mirei continued to pursue, with the eastern garden depicting the Big Dipper with pillar stones, the southern garden with its sand ripples and stonework reminiscent of the ocean, the western garden with its square-cut azaleas, and the northern garden with its checkered pattern of moss and stones. You can also see some modest autumn leaves in the northern garden, so why not take a trip there?

Tofukuji Temple

A hidden spot to enjoy autumn leaves without the crowds

Even in famous autumn foliage viewing spots, there are hidden gems and hidden ways to enjoy them. From here, we will introduce you to times when you can avoid crowds and surprisingly little-known special spots. We will guide you to famous autumn foliage viewing spots where you can enjoy them in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere.

Travel back in time to the Heian period. Daikakuji Temple, beloved by the emperors

Daikakuji Temple, the former head temple of the Saga Imperial Palace, is located in the Kitasaga area, about a 20-minute walk further north in the Arashiyama area. This temple is located in the northwest of Kyoto City, so the best time to see the autumn leaves is a little later. It is also a little far from the city center, so it is the perfect spot to enjoy autumn leaves while avoiding the crowds.

This is the head temple of the Daikakuji school of Shingon Buddhism, whose founder was Kobo Daishi Kukai. Its history is very old, dating back more than 1,200 years ago to the early Heian period. It was opened as a villa for Emperor Saga, and politics were conducted here during the Kamakura period. After it was converted into a temple, it remained a monzeki temple, with the emperor or members of the imperial family serving as chief priests for successive generations until the beginning of the Meiji period.

The grounds of Daikakuji Temple are divided into two areas: the hall area and the Osawa Pond area. The autumn leaves at their peak and the vermilion tower known as the Heart Sutra Pagoda reflected in the Osawa Pond create a scene reminiscent of a Heian picture scroll.

The autumn leaves of Kitasaga have been loved for 1200 years. Please enjoy the elegant scenery that Emperor Saga would have loved.

Former Saga Imperial Palace Daikakuji Temple

A carpet of bright red autumn leaves at Bishamondo Temple's entrance, where you can feel the beauty of transience

Yamashina, which has long been a popular destination as the eastern gateway to Kyoto, is dotted with many hidden spots for viewing autumn leaves. One of these is Bishamon-do Temple, which enshrines Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, as its principal image. In autumn, the temple grounds are decorated with vibrant autumn leaves.

Bishamon-do Monzeki was built by the monk Gyoki at the request of Emperor Mommu. This is also an old temple with over 1,300 years of history, and is affectionately known to locals as "Bishamon-san."

Many maple trees are planted within the temple grounds, and they turn a vibrant color from mid- to late November. There are many things to see, such as the strolling garden Bansuien and Bishamon-do Tendo, but when it comes to autumn leaves at Bishamon-do Monzeki, the fallen maples are a familiar sight from commercials and posters. The stone steps leading to the Chokushimon Gate are completely covered in bright red autumn leaves, creating a fantastical space that will make you want to take photos.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid to late November, but the best time to see the leaves fall is after the peak. The autumn leaf tunnels on both sides of the approach to the shrine turn into a carpet of autumn leaves. The stone steps are so covered in autumn leaves that they are almost invisible, creating a spectacular sight.

Bishamondo Temple boasts a unique beauty. Why not take your time and immerse yourself in the mysterious beauty?

Bishamon-do Temple Site

Purify your mind and body by blending into nature in the ancient scenic spot of Arashiyama

Loved by emperors and aristocrats since ancient times, the scenic Arashiyama area is Kyoto's best spot for viewing autumn leaves.
The scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge, which symbolizes Arashiyama, and the mountain ranges of Arashiyama and Ogurayama is picturesque in any season. Its beauty is particularly striking in autumn, when a gradation of colors spreads across the landscape, perfectly fitting the term "autumn beauty."

During the Kamakura period, Emperor Kameyama, who was enjoying a boat ride, admired the scenery and wrote a poem saying, "It resembles the crossing of a clear moon." This is the origin of the name Togetsukyo Bridge. Even anecdotes like this one exude the elegance of Arashiyama.

The Arashiyama area, with its mountain ranges to the west, can get a little dark once the sun goes behind the mountains. That's why we recommend visiting in the morning. Unlike temples, you don't have to worry about opening times, so get up early and head to Togetsukyo Bridge. The wind blowing through the Oi River is clear, and the water's surface sparkles in the morning light, creating a refreshing feeling that will make you want to take a deep breath.

Even in the always-bustling Arashiyama area, there is a hidden gem that only a few in the know will know about. If you walk upstream along the river from the north end of Togetsukyo Bridge (the north side of the bridge), the hustle and bustle gradually fades away and you are enveloped in silence. There are no modern buildings such as buildings or shops on the opposite bank, and hardly any cars pass by. The view of the jade-green river and the mountains covered in autumn colors from here could be said to be the very scenery that fascinated people in the past.

Another good option is a two-hour boat ride down the Hozugawa River, starting from Kameoka on the outskirts of Kyoto. The thrilling boat trip ends just before Togetsukyo Bridge. The view of the bridge from the boat is also quite picturesque.

There are also rickshaws waiting around Togetsukyo Bridge, so why not try using one to rest your feet? It's also a great way to view the autumn leaves from a different perspective than when walking.

Arashiyama

At the charming Shisendo Temple, you can quietly gaze upon the autumn leaves that stand out against the white sand.

If you go east from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Railway and walk up the hill for about 15 minutes, you will arrive at Shisendo (Jozanji), a famous temple in the northern part of Kyoto. It is a hermitage built by Ishikawa Jozan, a military commander and man of letters who served Tokugawa Ieyasu, as his final residence after retirement.

In the center of the Shoin study, which stands beyond the Sanmon gate, is the Shisen no Ma, which displays portraits of the 36 Chinese poets by the Edo period painter Kano Tan'yu, which is why the temple is called Shisen-do.

A row of rounded azaleas border the neat rock garden in front of the study, making the autumn leaves on the mountainside stand out vividly. The most beautiful spot is in front of the tokonoma alcove, the seat of honor. The scenery framed by the lintels and pillars is like a painting. As you sit quietly in the soft shadows cast by the eaves, you can hear the sound of the bamboo being played by the deer scare bell and the chirps of the birds, and before you know it, your senses are being enriched.

After enjoying the view from the Shoin, take a stroll through the garden, which was designed by Takeyama himself. This tasteful garden is filled with seasonal flowers and plants, and in autumn you can enjoy autumn chrysanthemums and silver grass.

You can visit the temple at your leisure on weekdays, but it tends to get crowded on weekends. If you visit right after the gates open or before they close, you can stroll around at a relatively leisurely pace.

Shisendo

Kenninji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, where new and old art and autumn leaves come together

Kenninji Temple is located just a minute's walk south from Shijo-dori, the main street of the Gion entertainment district, along the stone-paved Hanamikoji alley, which exudes a Kyoto atmosphere. Once you pass through the north gate and step into the temple grounds, the gaiety of the entertainment district changes completely, and you are greeted by a tranquil atmosphere.

This is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, founded by Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, who introduced the culture of Zen and tea to Japan. It is also famous for owning the dynamic "Wind Gods and Thunder Gods Screen" (National Treasure), painted in the early Edo period by the rare artist Tawaraya Sotatsu (currently on loan to the Kyoto National Museum, and a high-resolution replica is on display inside the temple).

You can encounter old and new art throughout the temple grounds, including the dignified dry landscape garden unique to Zen temples that uses white sand and moss to represent the world of Buddha, the sliding door paintings by Momoyama art master Kaiho Yusho and others, and the impressive painting of two dragons that covers the entire ceiling of the lecture hall.

Although there are not many autumn leaves, there is a unique and elegant way to enjoy them here: in the Choon Garden, which is directly in front of the temple on all four sides and connects the Small and Large Shoin Studies with a corridor.

In the moss-covered Shion Garden, a triad of Buddha statues is placed, and several maple trees stand majestically, changing their appearance from moment to moment. In the small study, there is a sliding door painting called "Funade" painted by dye artist Toba Mika using the stencil dyeing technique. When you look at the small study from the large study across the garden, the colored maples and "Funade" appear to overlap, creating a unique beauty.

According to the temple staff, "You can visit the temple at a relatively leisurely pace around lunchtime on weekdays or around 4 p.m. before the temple closes." The best time to see the temple is usually from late November to early December, and the fallen maples are very picturesque.

After appreciating the autumn leaves and art at Kenninji Temple, we recommend enjoying a Kyoto kaiseki dinner in Gion. This will surely make your trip even more memorable.

Kenninji Temple

The best part of traveling to Kyoto in the fall is being able to experience the various expressions of autumn leaves, such as the beautiful scenery of shrines and temples and autumn leaves, and elegant illuminations. It's fun to be greedy and visit several places, but it's also fun to visit the same place and enjoy the changes between day and night. Check out the spots that interest you as the autumn leaves season approaches.

*Some content was updated on October 21, 2025

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