Kyoto November 2025 Complete Guide: Traditional Temple Events, Gion Odori & Peak Autumn Foliage with Special Exhibition
Kyoto is Japan's premier tourist destination, where the beauty of four seasons and living history and culture come alive. Among all seasons, autumn is particularly popular throughout the year. In the crisp air and mild climate, shrine and temple grounds are adorned with autumn foliage, and traditional events befitting the ancient capital are held throughout the region.
In this article, I'll introduce autumn in Kyoto as recommended by someone born and raised in Kyoto. I've compiled autumn foliage spots, special events, and cultural experiences, so please use this as a reference for your travels. These Kyoto Event November 2025 celebrations represent some of the most authentic traditional experiences you can have in Japan's former capital.
Traditional Events at Kyoto's Temples and Shrines in November 2025 - Explained by Area
In November, when autumn foliage reaches its peak in Kyoto, traditional ceremonies thanking for autumn's harvest are held at temples and shrines throughout the region. Here, I'll introduce representative Kyoto Event November 2025 celebrations that I particularly recommend by area.
Fushimi Inari Taisha - Hitaki-sai Fire Festival
Source：Official website
The Hitaki-sai Fire Festival is one of the most important autumn festivals at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Hundreds of thousands of "Hitaki-gushi" collected from across the nation are burned all at once, with the rising flames carrying prayers for abundant harvests and freedom from illness. Hitaki-gushi are special wooden pieces inscribed with wishes that deliver prayers to heaven along with the flames.
I also wrote my wishes on Hitaki-gushi and offered it, praying while being bathed in the vigorously burning flames and smoke. Surrounded by the flickering flames and the sound of ritual prayers, I truly felt the weight of faith that has continued since ancient times.
This fire festival, praised as having the largest scale in the nation, is spectacular, and you can experience the contrast between quiet prayers and powerful flames. If you visit Kyoto in autumn, this is definitely a sacred ritual you should participate in as part of your Kyoto Event November 2025 experience.
Information:
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Access: Immediately upon exiting JR Nara Line "Inari Station"
5-minute walk from Keihan Main Line "Fushimi-Inari Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://inari.jp/rite/?month=11月#394
Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Source：THE Arashiyama
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival is an elegant autumn festival unique to Kyoto that recreates the graceful boat excursions of bygone eras. The stage for this festival, Arashiyama, has been a place where nobles enjoyed boat excursions since over a thousand years ago when Kyoto flourished as Japan's center during the Heian Period (794-1185).
This event recreates the refined culture of that era. On the day of the festival, elaborately decorated boats float on the river, featuring traditional music, dance, and classical drama performances. The performers dressed in period costumes move with grace, and combined with the autumn foliage in the background, it creates a scene like a picture scroll.
You can enjoy scenes that make you feel as if you've time-traveled to Heian Period Japan, making this recommended for those interested in Japanese history and culture. This Kyoto Event November 2025 celebration offers a unique glimpse into Japan's imperial past.
Information:
- Date: November 9, 2025
- Access: Immediately upon exiting Randen (Keifuku Electric Railroad) Arashiyama Line "Arashiyama Station"
10-minute walk from JR Sagano Line "Saga-Arashiyama Station"
5-minute walk from Hankyu Railway Arashiyama Line "Arashiyama Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.arashiyamahoshokai.com/event/arashiyama-momiji-matsuri
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine - Ocha-tsubo Hōkensai (Tea Jar Procession)
Source：Official website
The Ocha-tsubo Hōkensai (Tea Jar Procession) held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a traditional ceremony that offers Uji Tea to the divine presence. Uji Tea has been known as the highest quality tea for hundreds of years and was presented to shoguns and nobles.
The procession carrying tea jars is dressed in ancient ceremonial attire and proceeds solemnly through the shrine grounds. From their appearance, you can feel the "gratitude for nature's blessings" and "caring heart for others" that Japanese people have cherished through tea.
I study Japanese Tea Ceremony, and my teacher taught me that "a single cup of tea contains feelings for others." When I experienced the solemn atmosphere of the Ocha-tsubo Hōkensai, those words came to mind and I felt deep emotion.
While not a flashy festival, this is an ideal ceremony for those who want to spend a quiet, dignified autumn day. This refined Kyoto Event November 2025 celebration embodies the spiritual essence of Japanese tea culture.
Information:
- Date: November 26, 2025
- Access: Immediately upon exiting at "Kitano-tenmangu-mae" stop on Kyoto City Bus Route 50 from JR Kyoto Station
5-minute walk from Keifuku Electric Railway "Kitano-hakubaicho Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/en/
Detailed Event Info: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/news/11月26日-御茶壺奉献奉告祭・口切式のご案内/
Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple - Autumn Festival
Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple is known as a training ground for "Shugendō," a uniquely Japanese faith that regards mountains as sacred places for spiritual practice. The highlight of this festival is "Otsunagari Sanpai."
In "Otsunagari Sanpai," a special ritual is performed where worshippers touch cloth extending from the sword of the principal Buddhist deity, Fudō Myō-ō (Acala), directly forming a connection with the divine. When I also placed my hand on the cloth and prayed, I felt as though I could directly convey my wishes to Fudō Myō-ō, and felt my heart become calm.
This festival, where you can experience historic prayers, is recommended for those who want to connect with Japanese culture and faith. Please definitely experience the solemn atmosphere in person. This unique Kyoto Event November 2025 celebration offers deep spiritual immersion.
Information:
- Date: November 3, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from "Ichijoji-sagarimatsucho" stop on Kyoto City Bus Route 5 from JR Kyoto Station
15-minute walk from Eizan Electric Railway "Ichijoji" Station
- Admission: 500 yen
- Website: https://www.tanukidani.com/event/autumn_fes/
To Deeply Understand Kyoto's Traditions, Explore the City While Listening to Local Guide Explanations
If you want to deeply understand Kyoto's traditions, tours with local guides are recommended. With Magical Trip, you can not only visit famous tourist spots but also learn about historical and cultural backgrounds, allowing you to discover Kyoto's charms that you wouldn't notice on your own.
For example, you can walk through Gion and Ponto-chō while learning about the history of geisha districts and Geiko and Maiko culture, or experience tasting seasonal ingredients and Obanzai (Kyoto's traditional home-style dishes) at Nishiki Market.
Furthermore, they'll guide you to small restaurants and alleyways known only to locals, providing discoveries you wouldn't encounter through regular tourism alone.
These memorable tours are perfect for those who want to connect with Kyoto's traditions beyond just sightseeing, making them ideal companions for your Kyoto Event November 2025 cultural journey.
If you're interested in more about the guided tours in autumn, check the article below.
・Ultimate Kyoto Tours Guide 2025: Best Seasonal Experiences for Spring Cherry Blossoms, Summer Festivals, Autumn Foliage & Snowy Landscape
Cultural Events to Enjoy in Kyoto in November
In addition to traditional festivals, Kyoto in November offers diverse cultural events including dance performances by geiko and maiko, and ceremonies honoring historical figures. This presents an excellent opportunity for travelers interested in Japanese culture to experience deep fascination. Let me introduce the events I particularly recommend as part of your Kyoto Event November 2025 experience.
Gion Odori
Source:Souda Kyoto Ikou
"Gion Odori" is an annual autumn dance performance by Geiko and Maiko from the Gion Higashi district. Dressed in colorful kimono, they present elegant and gorgeous performances one after another. Audiences are enveloped in the world of traditional Japanese performing arts and can experience the unique atmosphere of Kyoto firsthand.
While appreciating the artistry is attractive, what I particularly recommend is the Tea Ceremony Seat. You can watch a Geiko gracefully prepare tea right in front of you while enjoying matcha and traditional sweets as you observe this elegant scene.
The plates for the traditional sweets served here can be taken home. Since these are special vessels only available at this venue, please take them home as a memorable souvenir of your trip.
By experiencing both the stage performance and Tea Ceremony Seat together, this will surely become an unforgettable time that imprints Kyoto's beauty and tradition in your heart.
<Information>
- Dates: November 1-10
- Access: 10-minute walk from Keihan Main Line "Gion-Shijo Station"
15-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line "Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station"
10-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line "Higashiyama - Station"
- Admission: Special viewing ticket with tea ceremony seat: 7,000 yen
Viewing ticket: 6,000 yen
- Website: https://www.gionhigashi.com/gion.html
Yūgiri Festival
The Yūgiri Festival is a ceremony to honor Yūgiri Tayū (courtesan Yugiri), who was famous during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Yūgiri Tayū was a Tayū (high-ranking courtesan) who flourished in the pleasure quarter called Shimabara, beloved by people for her beauty and high level of artistry, and her story continues to be passed down today.
After a memorial service at the temple, current Tayū present a procession called "Tayū Dōchū" in gorgeous costumes. The Tayū wear large wooden clogs and proceed slowly, step by step, drawing figure-eights inward with their toes.
When I saw the Tayū up close, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of their costumes and movements. This is truly an impact that cannot be fully conveyed through photos or videos. If you're interested in traditional Japanese culture or the world of geisha, please make sure to visit.
Information:
- Date: November 9, 2025
- Access: 2-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus or Kyoto Bus "Saga-Shakado-mae"
15-minute walk from JR Sagano Line "Saga-Arashiyama Station"
15-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Main Line "Arashiyama Station"
20-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line "Arashiyama Station"
- Admission: 500 yen
- Website: http://seiryoji.or.jp/
Temples and Shrines with Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Kyoto in November
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a representative UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kyoto, bustling with many tourists as a famous autumn foliage spot. The autumn leaves typically begin to change color from mid-November, reaching their peak from late November to early December.
The autumn foliage throughout the Kiinun Valley as viewed from the "Kiyomizu Stage" is particularly spectacular, and the contrast between the Main Hall and Three-story Pagoda with the vibrant autumn leaves creates one of Kyoto's finest scenic views.
My favorite spot is the view from Oku-no-in Hall located on the north side of Kiyomizu Stage. This is a classic scenic spot often used in posters and tourist brochures, where the contrast between the stage and autumn foliage is exceptionally beautiful.
Since it gets crowded during the day, I recommend visiting early in the morning.
Information:
- Dates: Mid-November to early December
- Access: Take Kyoto City Bus routes 206 or 100 to "Gojozaka," then 10-minute walk
25-minute walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Kiyomizu-Gojo Station"
- Admission: 500 yen
- Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
Kōdai-ji Temple
Kōdai-ji Temple is a temple built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (the leader who ended the era when warlords across Japan fought each other in the 16th century and unified Japan), to mourn her husband. In autumn, it's known as one of Kyoto's representative autumn foliage spots.
The temple grounds contain many highlights including Garyō Pond and Founder's Hall, and the scenery where autumn foliage and temple buildings become one is as beautiful as a painting.
Among these, I particularly recommend visiting this temple during the nighttime illumination period. While the vivid autumn foliage during the day is also attractive, the sight of vermillion leaves floating in darkness alongside the historic temple buildings is breathtaking.
The autumn leaves typically begin to change color from mid-November, reaching their peak from late November to early December. You can enjoy different expressions of autumn foliage day and night along with the historical background.
Information:
- Dates: Mid-November to early December
- Access: 5-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus route 206 "Higashiyama-Yasui"
15-minute walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Gion-Shijo Station"
20-minute walk from Hankyu Electric Railway "Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station"
- Admission: 600 yen
- Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/
Eikandō Autumn Temple Treasures Exhibition
Zenrin-ji Temple, known as "Eikandō, Temple of Autumn Leaves," is one of Kyoto's premier autumn foliage spots. In autumn, approximately 300 maple trees color the temple grounds.
Every autumn, the Autumn Temple Treasures Exhibition is held, where you can specially view precious Cultural Properties that are usually not open to the public. Since you can observe elegant and delicate sliding door paintings and Buddhist sculpture up close in a truly Japanese manner, I look forward to this time every year.
When you step into the temple grounds, vibrant autumn foliage spreads out with Hōjō Pond and Tahōtō Pagoda as the backdrop. The maple leaves reflected on the water surface are particularly fantastical and beautiful enough to make you stand transfixed.
I recommend this place for those who want to experience both the beauty of cultural properties and natural beauty at once. The autumn leaves begin to change color in mid-November, with peak viewing in late November.
Information:
- Dates: November 11 - December 10
- Access: 3-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus route 5 "Nanzenji-Eikando-michi"
From Subway Karasuma Line "Kyoto Station," transfer at "Karasuma-Oike" to "Keage," then 15-minute walk
From Keihan Electric Railway "Sanjo Station," take Kyoto City Bus route 5 to "Nanzenji-Eikando-michi," then 3-minute walk
- Admission: 1,000 yen
- Website: https://www.eikando.or.jp/osirase.html
3 Beautiful Gardens with Special Autumn Illumination During Peak Foliage Season
Autumn Foliage Special Evening Illumination: Twilight Garden Party
Source:Official website
One of the most special experiences you can have during autumn in Kyoto is the "Autumn Foliage Special Evening Illumination: Twilight Garden Party" held at Murinan Garden. This Kyoto Event November 2025 features an advance reservation system with limited capacity and complete turnover, allowing you to fully enjoy Kyoto's autumn without being bothered by crowds even during peak foliage season.
The highlights include detailed explanations by garden concierges and the mystical autumn foliage illuminated by lighting effects. Furthermore, at the garden café, you can enjoy matcha, sparkling wine, and sweets for a truly special evening.
The autumn leaves typically begin to change color in mid-November and reach their peak in late November. This is recommended for those who want gorgeous presentations and experiences, and for those who wish to enjoy romantic evening strolls.
Information:
- Dates: November 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus "Jingu-michi" or "Okazaki Park・Museum・Heian Shrine" stops
7-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line "Keage Station"
- Admission: 4,500 yen
- Website: https://murin-an.jp/events/event-20251115-24/
Tōfuku-ji Temple Special Autumn Viewing
Tōfuku-ji Temple, known for its Tsūten-kyō Bridge, holds Special Autumn Viewing where normally closed areas are opened to the public. The autumn foliage viewed from Tsūten-kyō Bridge overlooking the valley is as beautiful as a brocade painting, with the entire valley wrapped in gradations of red and orange. Approximately 2,000 maple trees are planted within the temple grounds.
Large crowds gather every year right after opening. What I would like to recommend is the "Special Early Morning Private Viewing in Autumn." While it requires advance registration and a fee, you can enjoy the autumn foliage in the quiet temple grounds with fewer people. The leaves begin changing color in mid-November, with peak viewing in late November. This is the perfect spot for those who want to thoroughly enjoy large-scale autumn foliage scenery.
Information:
- Dates: TBD (typically November to early December annually)
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Nara Line "Tōfuku-ji Station"
10-minute walk from Keihan Main Line "Tōfuku-ji Station"
- Admission: 1,800 yen (Special Early Morning Private Viewing in Autumn)
- Website: https://tofukuji.jp/event/#event
Chōraku-ji Temple Special Autumn Opening
Chōraku-ji Temple, located on the heights of Kyoto's Higashiyama, is a hidden gem spot for autumn foliage that remains relatively uncrowded. From the temple grounds, you can overlook Kyoto city and simultaneously enjoy both the red and golden autumn foliage and the city views.
Furthermore, in 2025, a Special Night Viewing commemorating the completion of the Tea House is scheduled for November 23 to December 7. The illuminated autumn foliage will surely show a mystical appearance different from daytime viewing.
Additionally, Shogunzuka, located at the summit of the mountain behind Chōraku-ji Temple, is famous as a Kyoto night view spot. Having visited many times myself, the panoramic view of the city lights is always memorable. I recommend enjoying both autumn foliage and night views during this opportunity when Special Night Viewing is being held. This is a recommended hidden famous spot for those who want to avoid crowds and leisurely enjoy autumn foliage.
Information:
- Dates: November 1 to December 14, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus "Gion" stop
- Admission: 1,000 yen
- Website: https://www.chorakuji.or.jp/
When You Come to Kyoto, Also Savor Local Dishes and Exquisite Japanese Cuisine
When visiting Kyoto, experiencing the food culture alongside history and temple visits is one of the pleasures of travel. In the back alleys of Gion and Ponto-chō, where Kyoto's traditional atmosphere remains, small famous establishments that tourists alone cannot find are scattered throughout.
Tours such as "Kyoto Night Foodie" and "Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour" allow you to enjoy traditional cuisine with local guides or bar-hop through about three izakaya to taste small plate dishes and alcohol.
Since guides explain the background of dishes and drinks in English, it becomes an opportunity to deeply understand Kyoto's food culture rather than just dining. Moments spent strolling through beautiful nighttime Gion or sitting around the same table with locals for conversation will surely be more memorable than just sightseeing.
Both tours are small-group format and safe to participate in. Please join these tours to fully savor Kyoto's unique food culture.
Meeting Point: In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue, right outside of Exit 5 of Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
Tour Area: Gion・Ponto-chō
Start Time: 17:00 / 18:00
Meeting Point: Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue
Tour Area: Ponto-chō・Gion・Kiyamachi
Start Time: 17:30
Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho
If you join a guided tour, you can have more "Kyoto-ish experiences in autumn"!
・Ultimate Kyoto Tours Guide 2025: Best Seasonal Experiences for Spring Cherry Blossoms, Summer Festivals, Autumn Foliage & Snowy Landscape
