Five Autumn Highlights of Kyoto in One Day

Duration11h

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Group sizeUp to 42 travelers

Overview

Experience Kyoto's most celebrated autumn foliage destinations in a single day. From temple gardens and historic pathways to iconic bridges and mountain scenery, this tour showcases the beauty of Kyoto's fall season without the hassle of navigating crowded public transportation.

Visit Komyoji Temple, known for its spectacular maple-lined approach, admire the famous views from Tofukuji Temple's Tsutenkyo Bridge, explore the historic aqueduct at Nanzenji Temple, and discover the elegant gardens of Hogon-in Temple. The day concludes in Arashiyama, where colorful mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the Hozu River.

- Visit five famous autumn foliage destinations in Kyoto
- See the spectacular views from Tofukuji's Tsutenkyo Bridge
- Explore the historic grounds of Nanzenji Temple
- Admire the autumn scenery of Hogon-in Temple's renowned garden
- Enjoy free time in the picturesque Arashiyama district

Options

Meet at Namba OCAT

Starting point:
OCAT General Information Center, 1-chōme-4-1 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan

Meet at Shin-Osaka

Starting point:
JR Rent-A-Car Shin-Osaka station, Japan, 532-0011 Osaka, Yodogawa Ward, Nishinakajima, 5-chōme−16−１ JR 新大阪駅内

Meet at Tennoji

Starting point:
FamilyMart Tennoji Park Entrance Store, 5-55 Chausuyamachō, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan

Meet at Umeda

Starting point:
Umeda Plaza Motor Pool/ BUS STATION, 3-chōme-10-9 Toyosaki, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0072, Japan

What's included

Bento boxed lunch
Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
Round-trip bus transportation

Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

What to expect

40m · Admission ticket included

After meeting your tour conductor travel by coach to Komyoji Temple, one of western Kyoto's most famous autumn foliage destinations.

The temple is renowned for its beautiful approach lined with maple trees, creating a striking tunnel of autumn colors. The peaceful grounds and seasonal scenery make it one of Kyoto's most beloved spots for autumn leaf viewing.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through early December.
Tofuku-ji Temple
40m · Admission ticket included

After approximately 50 minutes of travel, arrive at Tofukuji Temple, widely regarded as one of Kyoto's most famous places to view autumn leaves.

The temple's highlight is Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley filled with hundreds of maple trees. From the bridge, visitors can look out over a breathtaking sea of crimson and gold foliage that blankets the landscape below. This spectacular sight has made Tofukuji one of Kyoto's most iconic autumn destinations and a favorite among photographers and visitors alike.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through early December.
Nanzen-ji Temple
40m

After approximately 40 minutes of travel, continue to Nanzenji Temple, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples.

The temple is particularly known for its striking brick aqueduct, constructed during the Meiji era, which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding traditional architecture and seasonal foliage. Walking through the expansive temple grounds, you can admire the harmony between historic stone pathways, towering trees, and vibrant autumn colors that make Nanzenji one of Kyoto's most photographed locations.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through early December.
Hogonin Temple
30m · Admission ticket included

After approximately 50 minutes of travel, visit Hogon-in Temple, a tranquil temple nestled within Kyoto's Arashiyama district.

The temple is renowned for its beautifully landscaped Garden of the Lion's Roar, a strolling garden designed to be appreciated from multiple perspectives as visitors wander through the grounds. During autumn, brilliant maple leaves frame stone paths, moss gardens, and carefully arranged rock features, creating an elegant and peaceful atmosphere that reflects the beauty of traditional Japanese garden design.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through early December.
Arashiyama
40m

Walk to Arashiyama and enjoy free time in one of Kyoto's most beloved sightseeing districts.

Stroll around the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, explore the riverside area, browse local shops and cafés, or simply take in the scenery. Surrounded by mountains covered in seasonal colors, Arashiyama offers some of Kyoto's most picturesque autumn landscapes. The combination of the bridge, river, and colorful mountains creates a classic Kyoto scene that attracts visitors from around the world.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through early December.

You will have 70 minutes in total for Arashiyama and Hogon-in Temple. After sightseeing, begin the journey back to Osaka.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at 1st Floor of the OCAT Building at JR Namba Station, between the East Exit, the West (Main) Exit, and the Information Center. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet at the location near Tennoji Station Abechika Exit No. 3, between Tully’s Coffee and Family Mart, so just behind the coffee shop. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet at the JR Shin-Osaka Station, 1st floor, south side, in front of the rental car area. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet at Umeda Plaza Motor Pool Chayamachi Parking Lot, about a 5min walk from Osaka Umeda Station and a 15min walk from JR Osaka Station. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Namba it will end also in Namba. Arrival expected around 6:55 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Tennoji it will end also in Tennoji. Arrival expected around 7:15 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Shin-Osaka it will end also in Shin-Osaka. Arrival expected around 6:50 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Umeda it will end also in Umeda. Arrival expected around 7:05 PM.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no tour inclusions. Child (3-5 years old) price includes bus seat and temple entrance fees only.
Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund
During the autumn leaves viewing season, roads and sightseeing spots become heavily congested and arrival to each place will be delayed.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
Due to traffic conditions, the order of the itinerary may change. Moreover, if sightseeing attractions are crowded or there is heavy traffic, the time spent for each activity may be shortened or in extreme circumstances canceled altogether. The scheduled return time could also be significantly delayed.
According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
During the autumn foliage viewing season, roads and sightseeing spots might become congested and arrival to each place might be delayed. In some cases, shortenings or omissions may occur due to congestion during this time
The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened. Typical Peak Season: mid November to early December.
Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time listed.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
This tour includes a significant amount of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. As temple grounds include many steps and stairways, please watch your footing during your visit.
If you are traveling alone or the total number of participants is odd, seating on the bus may be shared with a passenger of the opposite gender.
Please note that we are currently unable to accept reservations from residents of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) due to reservation system restrictions related to data protection regulations (GDPR). Country of residence will be confirmed after booking. If we are unable to process your reservation, it will be rejected and a full refund will be provided.
Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, it has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.