Arashiyama Momiji Festival 2025 Guide: Dates, Peak Foliage Timing & Must-Do Activities
One of the most iconic autumn scenes in Kyoto is Arashiyama, painted in golden yellow and crimson hues.
Among them, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival is a quintessential autumn event where autumn foliage harmonizes with Kyoto's traditional culture.
Scheduled to be held in mid-November 2025, when the mountains along the Ōi River are vividly colored, you can enjoy an elegant world of Gagaku (traditional Japanese court music), dance, and boat processions.
In this article, we'll introduce the charm of the Arashiyama Momiji Festival, the best time to view the autumn foliage, and recommended activities to experience during this season.
Please check it out as a reference for your trip to fully enjoy autumn in Kyoto.
Table of Contents
-What is the Arashiyama Momiji Festival?
-Highlights of the Arashiyama Momiji Festival
-3 Recommended Activities for Those Who Want to Enjoy Autumn Foliage in Arashiyama
-Must-See Autumn Events Held at the Same Time as Arashiyama Momiji Festival
What is the Arashiyama Momiji Festival?
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival is a traditional festival that celebrates the beauty of autumn foliage in Arashiyama and Mount Ogura, beloved by aristocrats during the Heian period (794-1185), and expresses gratitude to the local guardian deities.
It is held annually on the second Sunday of November on the Ōi River.
Lavishly decorated boats slowly proceed down the river, featuring koto performances and elegant dances.
It is a representative autumn event in Kyoto where you can experience both the nature of Arashiyama surrounded by autumn foliage and Japanese history.
<Information>
Date: Second Sunday of November every year
Time: Around 10:00-15:00
Location: Ōi River (upstream area around Togetsukyo Bridge)
Admission: Free viewing (paid seating available)
Official website: https://www.arashiyamahoshokai.com/event/arashiyama-momiji-matsuri
Arashiyama Autumn Foliage
Arashiyama is known as one of Kyoto's most beautiful autumn foliage spots.
During the Heian period (794-1185), it is said that aristocrats built villas in this area and enjoyed viewing the autumn colors.
Since mountains and river are close together with elevation differences in the terrain, a characteristic feature is that the coloring progresses differently in each area. In early locations, colors begin to appear from early November, and the autumn foliage gradually spreads from the mountain foothills to the peaks.
The mountain gradients viewed from Togetsukyo Bridge are breathtaking, and when enveloped in morning mist or evening sunlight, it creates a fantastical beauty like a painting.
Best Time to View Arashiyama Autumn Foliage 2025
The autumn foliage in Arashiyama in 2025 is expected to be at its best from mid-November to early December.
Typically, coloring begins in early November. Around this time, the area around Togetsukyo Bridge and the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple gradually begin to be dyed in red and yellow.
In mid-November, the entire mountain begins to be enveloped in vivid autumn colors. Every year, the peak viewing time is around late November to early December.
From mid-December, fallen leaves progress, but the autumn leaves scattered on the river surface also have their own charm.
Since the best viewing time varies from year to year, please check the latest information before visiting Arashiyama.
Highlights of the Arashiyama Momiji Festival
"Imayo" and "Heian Kangen Performances" Recreating Aristocratic Boat Excursions
At the Arashiyama Momiji Festival, the elegant boat excursions enjoyed by Heian period aristocrats are recreated.
Boats carrying people dressed in colorful costumes slowly proceed down the Ōi River dyed in autumn colors, with elegant music and dance performed on board.
"Imayo" refers to songs and dances that were popular during the Heian period, poetically expressing love and seasonal scenery.
"Heian Kangen" is a recreation of court music from that era.
The scene woven by the sounds of koto and flutes echoing on the quiet water surface and the figures of dancing people creates a fantastical beauty as if witnessing a Heian period banquet.
What is the Heian Period?
The Heian period (794-1185) was an era when the capital was established in Kyoto and aristocratic culture flourished most prominently.
People cherished nature and the changing seasons, enjoying arts such as poetry, music, and dance.
It was also during this period that Japan's unique "culture of beauty" was born, including gorgeous costumes and refined language.
The world-renowned classical literature works The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book are works that depict the lives and sensibilities of aristocrats from this era.
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival can be said to be an event that conveys the essence of Heian culture to the present day.
Events Where You Can Experience an Extraordinary Atmosphere Like Traveling Back in Time to Old Japan
At this festival, visitors can experience an atmosphere as if they have traveled back in time to old Japan.
The elegant boats proceeding on the river surface, the mountains wrapped in autumn foliage, and the integration of traditional music and dance create an extraordinary world.
I once enjoyed this festival from the viewing area. Watching people in beautiful kimonos moving gracefully up close, I felt as if a picture scroll of the ancient capital was coming to life before my eyes.
Thinking that Japanese people from long ago also enjoyed autumn foliage and culture in this way, I realized the Japanese aesthetic sense that has been passed down through the ages.
You should be able to experience Kyoto's unique autumn, where autumn foliage and traditional culture harmonize, with all five senses.
3 Recommended Activities for Those Who Want to Enjoy Autumn Foliage in Arashiyama
Sagano Romantic Train
If you want to leisurely enjoy the autumn foliage in Arashiyama, the "Sagano Romantic Train" is highly recommended.
This approximately 7km route runs along Hozu River, and during the 25-minute journey, the contrast between the gorge and autumn foliage visible from the train windows is breathtaking.
I look forward to riding in the windowless cars during this season every year. The autumn leaves viewed while feeling the autumn breeze are so beautiful they take your breath away.
The scenic beauty of Hozu Gorge visible along the way and the moment when crossing the iron bridge are popular photo spots. You'll surely want to snap pictures of the postcard-like scenery.
Access from Arashiyama Station is convenient, making this a popular activity for families and couples.
<Information>
Address: 4-2 Tabuchiyama-cho, Saga-Ogurayama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-20:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: None
Official Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/
Yakata-bune
Viewing autumn foliage from a Yakata-bune floating on Ōi River is an experience where you can savor the unique atmosphere of Arashiyama.
The time spent slowly gazing at Togetsukyo Bridge from the boat, with mountains dyed in autumn colors as the backdrop, is truly extraordinary. The autumn leaves reflected on the river surface and the sound of trees swaying in the wind bring peace to your heart.
During the day, you can enjoy the autumn foliage illuminated by sunlight, and in the evening, you can watch the sunset sinking behind the mountains while feeling the changing of the seasons.
If you choose a shared sightseeing boat, no reservation is necessary. If you want to enjoy the view from the boat more fully, I recommend selecting a plan that includes a bento lunch.
This is perfect for travelers who want to spend an elegant and refined time.
<Information>
Address: Saga-Tenryuji Susukino-Baba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (Arashiyama Tsūsen North Boarding Point)
Address: Arashiyama Nakao Shimo-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City (Arashiyama Tsūsen South Boarding Point)
Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 075-861-0302
Official Website: https://arashiyama-yakatabune.com/
Autumn Foliage Viewing Programs
At the luxury ryokan "HOSHINOYA Kyoto," which nestles close to Arashiyama's nature, autumn-limited foliage viewing programs are held.
These special events that only guests can experience are a luxurious time where you can monopolize the autumn foliage in tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas.
This is recommended for those who want to leisurely enjoy both autumn foliage and culture in Arashiyama.
<Information>
Address: 11-2 Genrokuzanyama-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone Number: 050-3134-8091 (Hoshinoya General Reservations)
Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyakyoto/
Oku-Arashiyama Autumn Splendor Stay
Source:PR TIMES
"Oku-Arashiyama Autumn Splendor Stay" is an autumn foliage viewing program where you can experience autumn Arashiyama as if you had reserved it privately.
You can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while viewing the beautiful autumn foliage of Mount Ogura from the Tea Room in the Sky, have a special dinner in a garden wrapped in autumn colors, or enjoy breakfast on a yakata-bune cruising along Ōi River bathed in morning sunlight.
This is truly a program where you can fully appreciate the beauty of autumn foliage as it changes with the flow of time.
This is recommended for those who want to spend luxurious time becoming one with nature.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto Momijiga
Source:PR TIMES
"HOSHINOYA Kyoto Momijiga" is a special autumn event held at HOSHINOYA Kyoto.
In a garden where 400-year-old maple trees are vividly colored, the traditional dance "Seigaiha (The Dance of the Blue Ocean Waves)," which appears in the classical literature "The Tale of Genji," is performed.
Amidst the beautiful autumn foliage scenery, watching dancers gracefully perform to the sounds of Gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) is like witnessing a scene from a story right before your eyes.
This is especially recommended for those interested in Japanese culture, Gagaku, and classics like The Tale of Genji.
Important Points When Visiting Arashiyama Momiji Festival
The Timing of Arashiyama Momiji Festival and Peak Foliage Season Are Different
Arashiyama Momiji Festival is held every year on the second Sunday of November, but the peak foliage season is typically from late November to early December.
Therefore, please note that the festival date is slightly earlier than the peak of autumn foliage.
However, even if it doesn't perfectly coincide with peak foliage season, you can still fully enjoy the autumn Arashiyama scenery as the leaves gradually begin to change color.
Advance Reservations Are Required to Watch from Viewing Seats
While anyone can watch Arashiyama Momiji Festival for free, the festival day is extremely crowded with many people.
If you want to enjoy it more closely and leisurely, paid viewing seats are recommended.
Viewing seats are very popular every year and require advance reservations. From the designated seats, you can enjoy up close the gorgeous boats proceeding along Ōi River wrapped in autumn foliage and traditional performing arts.
If you watch for free, you can view from around Togetsukyo Bridge or along the riverside at Kameyama Park.
Arashiyama's Symbol "Bamboo Grove Path" - Enjoy Twice as Deep with a Local Guide!
On this tour, you'll explore Arashiyama's iconic attraction "Bamboo Grove" while walking with a local guide.
You'll hear detailed explanations about Arashiyama's history, culture, and harmony with nature, allowing you to understand Kyoto's profound charm and even the Japanese spirit that you wouldn't notice just by walking alone.
Afterwards, you'll visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its magnificent garden, learning about Zen aesthetics and the appeal of Japanese gardens.
This is recommended for those who want to feel the depth of Kyoto beyond just taking photos, and for those who want to enjoy both culture and nature.
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Meeting Point: Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand)
Time: 9:00,9:30
Area: Arashiyama
Must-See Autumn Events Held at the Same Time as Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Gion Odori
Source:Souda Kyoto Ikou
Gion Odori is an annual autumn dance performance featuring Geiko and Maiko from Gion Higashi, one of Kyoto's Five Hanamachi (Geisha Districts).
The gorgeous stage with original scripts showcases elegant dances. The finale features "Gion Higashi Kouta (Gion Higashi Ballad)" where all Geiko and Maiko perform together in a grand dance to close the show.
I was moved to goosebumps watching the Geiko and Maiko in gorgeous costumes dancing in perfect harmony. This is because the traditional beauty that has been passed down was condensed in every momentary gesture and expression.
This gorgeous stage that colors autumn Kyoto is a popular autumn tradition for tourists both domestic and international.
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Dates: November 1 - November 10, 2025
Admission: Special viewing ticket with tea ceremony 7,000 yen / Viewing ticket 6,000 yen
Official Website: https://www.gionhigashi.com/gion.html
Fushimi Inari Taisha Hitaki-sai
Source：Official website
The Hitaki-sai (Fire Festival) at Fushimi Inari Taisha is a festival to give thanks for the autumn harvest and pray for happiness and abundant crops in the coming year.
Held annually on November 8th, hundreds of thousands of wooden prayer tablets called "Hitaki-gushi," collected from all over Japan, are burned in a large fire.
After the ceremony at the main hall, three fire beds are prepared at the festival site within the grounds, and the sight of flames rising high is spectacular.
I also watched it up close, and the intensity was so powerful I could feel the heat of the flames, making me feel as if the power of prayer had taken physical form.
Beside the blazing fire, dances performed by Miko (Shinto Shrine Maidens) create a mystical atmosphere.
This is recommended for those who want to experience sacred and beautiful Japanese traditional events, as well as travelers who want to take photos.
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Date: November 8, 2025
Admission: Free
Official Website: https://inari.jp/rite/?month=11%E6%9C%88
List of Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots in Kyoto
Kyoto is dotted with famous spots where you can enjoy autumn foliage, including historic temples, shrines, and gardens. We'll introduce recommended spots where you can enjoy scenery full of autumn atmosphere.
Eikando (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City / Keage Subway Station): The autumn foliage filling the grounds is spectacular
Kiyomizu-dera (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City / Kiyomizu-Gojo Keihan Station): The view of autumn foliage and Kyoto from the stage is breathtaking
Tofuku-ji (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City / Tofuku-ji JR Station): The autumn foliage in the valley viewed from Tsutenkyo Bridge is magnificent
Kodai-ji (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City / Gion-Shijo Keihan Station): The autumn foliage reflected in the pond and nighttime illumination are fantastical
Nanzen-ji (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City / Keage Subway Station): The contrast between the aqueduct and autumn foliage is beautiful
If You're Visiting Kyoto in "Autumn of Appetite," Also Savor the Exquisite Cuisine Loved by Locals!
Not just autumn foliage, autumn Kyoto is a treasure trove of flavors.
For those who want to fully enjoy such Kyoto nights, we recommend gourmet tours where you explore with a local guide.
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is a popular tour where you walk through the back alleys of Gion and Pontocho, tasting Kyoto's local cuisine at famous restaurants known only to locals.
You'll visit three restaurants and savor Kyoto vegetables, Yuba (tofu skin) dishes, and local sake.
This is perfect for travelers who want to feel Kyoto's culture and people's way of life through food.
On the other hand, Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho is for those who want to enjoy Kyoto nights in a more casual way.
You'll visit three local Izakaya and bars, tasting Japanese sake and local beer along with typical Japanese snacks.
This is a night activity where you can experience Kyoto's drinking culture while interacting with locals.
