Hordes of travellers head to Kyoto City in springtime to catch a glimpse of the famous cherry blossom (sakura) but autumn is definitely a quieter time to explore the city and just as stunning, with the vivid maple and gingko trees putting on a fiery display, especially towards the latter part of the season. Autumn colours aside, this former capital of Japan is now considered its cultural capital and has a wealth of temples, shrines, palaces and gardens on offer, many of which are classified collectively by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s also really easy to travel to other cities such as Osaka on the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Kyoto, if you have time.
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Flight time: 11hrs 44mins
Average day temp: Sep 24⁰C /Oct 18⁰C /Nov 13⁰C
Average rainy days: Sep 15 /Oct 12 /Nov 12
Average rainfall: Sep 220mm /Oct 100mm /Nov 80mm
Highlights
- Nijo-jo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto, who ruled Japan for over 260 years during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. The impressive stone walls, gates and moat protect the exquisite art and examples of golden screens inside. It’s also famed for its early version of the burglar alarm, the nightingale floor.
- In Kyoto you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shrines and temples. Some of the best are:
o The Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is one of the most famous in Japan, founded in 711 AD and dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, it’s still visited by those praying for prosperity. The four-kilometer-long avenue of bright orange arches (each dedicated by a business) dates from 1499.
o Kinkaku-ji, otherwise known as The Golden Pavillion, is perhaps one of the most picturesque Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto and it was said that the complex evoked paradise on earth when it was built. The autumn leaves make it even more stunning.
o Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple which offers spectacular views over the city and surrounding hills. - The Gion district is famous for its perfectly preserved 17th century teahouses and is one of the most well-known geisha districts in the whole of Japan. If you’ve not overdone it with temples by the time you get there, you can check out some more impressive examples; the 15th-century Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji) and the Chion-in Temple, with its 24-meter-high, two-story tower (Sammon-san).
- You can’t travel to Kyoto without exploring the cuisine; from the local produce at the Nikishi market to one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
- After all that culture, don’t forget to let your hair down with that popular Japanese pastime – karaoke!