My favourite Autumn view in Arashiyama
🗺️📍 locations map at the end of this article
Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo Bridge in the distance
Autumn in Kyoto has many spectacular spots, but Arashiyama in November is on a different level. When the mountains turn deep red and gold, behind the Togetsukyo Bridge across the calm Katsura River, it truly feels like stepping inside a picture-perfect postcard.
But as you may already know… this beauty comes with crowds. So if you’re dreaming of a quieter Arashiyama experience, one where you can actually hear the Nature sounds, here are my favourite peaceful places to escape to, some even free to access.
Arashiyama Park Observation Deck
The first time I walked up to the observation deck and looked down at the scenery, I thought it was even more beautiful than I had seen online. In my early years in Japan, I remember looking at these photos and wishing I would make it on time for the autumn foliage one day… So now, living within walking distance of this wonderful view is like a dream come true. In the distance, the colours of the different trees remind me of the brushstrokes of impressionist paintings.
The breathtaking view on the Katsura River from Arashiyama Park Observation Deck
The path through Arashiyama Park is lined with fiery maples and camellias just beginning to bloom. Although you might not be alone, it’s always surprisingly quiet, considering the Bamboo Grove is only 300 metres away and absolutely packed. The climb is a little steep, but just enough to fill your lungs with fresh mountain air.
Whether you come from Randen Arashiyama Station via the Bamboo Grove or from Hankyu Arashiyama Station via the riverside, the observatory is well signposted. It’s open 24/7, all year-round. And here’s a small tip: once you reach the main deck, walk a few steps to the right: there’s a second platform that is usually quieter.
When you are done and as you turn your back to the first deck to leave, take a moment to look in the distance: you see Kyoto city stretching all the way to Mount Hiei, in the far North East of Kyoto.
Mount Hiei is standing 848.1 meters tall (2,782 feet) on the borders of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.
The turquoise river
You may have seen those almost surreal photos of small boats drifting on a turquoise river framed by red maple branches. Believe it or not, they are barely edited.
Under the right angle, the Katsura River looks incredibly bright, almost glass-blue.
To find this viewpoint, keep walking along the north riverside instead of taking the main stairs up to Arashiyama Park. You’ll spot narrow stone steps winding up the slope. Climb just a few of them and look down, on sunny days, the water glows as if lit from within.
Ōkōchi Sanso Garden
If you’re looking for a garden that combines perfect autumn scenery, quiet paths, traditional architecture and wide panoramic views, Ōkōchi Sansō is a must. It was originally the private villa of the famous actor Okochi Denjiro, and the garden feels like walking through a beautifully curated movie set, only it’s real.
Each corner of the Ōkōchi Sanso Garden offers a new viewpoint: mossy stones, tea houses, vibrant maple leaves, and a sweeping view over the river and Kyoto city.
The entrance fee ( 1,000 ¥ ) includes unlimited tea and refreshments to enjoy in the garden, making it a lovely slow moment away from the crowds. And for an extra peaceful moment, you can enter the Miyōko-an hall, a quiet space where you can contemplate, relax and copy sutras in kanji if you like.
Hōgon-in Temple Garden
Hōgon-in is only open during certain seasons, and its garden is a masterpiece of Zen landscaping, with giant boulders, reflective ponds, and maple trees that turn impossibly vivid in autumn. Far from being a hidden gem anymore, the atmosphere here is still very peaceful, despite being close to Tenryū-ji, as it receives fewer visitors. If you're looking for a place to enjoy the colours of fall in a nice garden, this garden is perfect and is smaller than Ōkōchi Sanso. Depending on your date of visit, the garden might even have light-ups at night.
Visit Mikan Studio
If you're already in Arashiyama, this can be the perfect moment to visit Mikan Bags studio, located a 15-minute walk from Matsuo Taisha Station.
Visits are private and by appointment only. You can come with or without joining a workshop, if you want to browse the bags in person or see the fabrics available in my collection. If you have already placed your custom order, you can also come to pick it up and see where it was made!
Send your request via my Contact page directly. I will be happy to discuss the schedule with you.
What if it rains?
Make sure to pack your waterproofs, and don’t let it spoil your day! Arashiyama is even more beautiful under the rain, as you can watch the mist floating on the mountains, it creates such a peculiar atmosphere. There is also another advantage that can’t be ignored, the crowds are a bit thinner!
The morning mist floating between the mountains. If you are an early riser, walking around Arashiyama at sunrise is magical!