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This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Kyoto’s autumn beauty—without the stress of navigating public transportation or missing hidden gems. With a carefully planned route that covers all four corners of the city, this bus tour takes you to seven of Kyoto’s most stunning and historically rich foliage spots, many of which are difficult to access on your own. From the glowing maple-lined path of Komyo-ji Temple to the golden serenity of Kamigamo Shrine, and the fiery red leaves surrounding the five-story pagoda of To-ji Temple, each stop offers a different expression of Kyoto’s seasonal charm.
What truly sets this tour apart is the efficiency and comfort of traveling by private bus, allowing you to explore more in one day than most visitors could manage on their own. This is not just a sightseeing trip—it’s a curated journey through Kyoto’s sacred spaces, quiet forest paths, and iconic temples, all wrapped in the vibrant colors of fall.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
After meeting your tour conductor, you’ll board a comfortable chartered bus and begin your journey through Kyoto’s most stunning and carefully selected autumn foliage spots. Your first stop is Komyo-ji Temple, a hidden gem in Nagaokakyo, just outside Kyoto. As you walk through the temple’s grand gate, you’ll enter the famous “Momiji Sando”, a long approach lined with hundreds of maple trees. In autumn, the entire path transforms into a glowing tunnel of red and orange leaves, carpeting the ground and creating a magical, almost spiritual atmosphere. This temple is especially difficult to access by public transport, making it a rare and peaceful experience for those who join this tour.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2
Next, you’ll visit Kamigamo Shrine, one of Kyoto’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Nestled in the northern part of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by tranquil gardens and ancient trees. In autumn, the shrine grounds are bathed in soft golden hues, reflecting the quiet elegance of the season. The contrast between the shrine’s white gravel paths and the warm colors of the foliage creates a serene and timeless scene that feels far removed from the busy city.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive at Shimogamo Shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near the confluence of the Kamo rivers. This shrine is known for its deep historical roots and mystical atmosphere. In autumn, the shrine’s grounds are adorned with vivid red maple leaves, which seem to dance in the breeze around the ancient wooden structures. The combination of sacred architecture and seasonal beauty makes this a truly enchanting stop. At some point of the itinerary, you’ll receive a bento lunch, thoughtfully prepared to reflect the season and provide a delicious break during your journey. Enjoy it in a scenic spot or on the bus as you relax and take in the beauty of Kyoto in autumn.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Just beside Shimogamo Shrine lies Tadasu-no-Mori, a sacred forest that offers one of Kyoto’s most beautiful autumn walks. This natural corridor is filled with towering trees whose leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. The forest path is quiet and contemplative, perfect for a slow stroll where you can fully absorb the colors and sounds of the season. Even on rainy days, the wet leaves glisten, adding a mystical charm to the experience. You will spend approximately 40 minutes in total exploring Shimogamo Shrine and Tadasu-no-Mori.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Your next destination is the grand Nanzen-ji Temple, located in eastern Kyoto. This Zen temple is famous for its massive Sanmon Gate, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding foliage. In autumn, the temple grounds are ablaze with deep crimson leaves that contrast beautifully with the stone architecture and moss-covered paths. The peaceful atmosphere and dramatic scenery make this one of Kyoto’s most beloved fall destinations. For those who wish to explore further, entry to the Hojo Garden (600 yen), Sanmon Gate (600 yen), and Nanzen-in Temple (400 yen) is available for an additional fee, offering even more stunning views and tranquil spaces.
25 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
6
From Nanzen-ji, you’ll take a leisurely walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a charming canal-side trail lined with maple and cherry trees. In autumn, the path becomes a quiet journey through golden and red leaves, with reflections dancing on the water and small temples and cafes tucked along the way. It’s a place for reflection and slow discovery, where every step reveals a new angle of Kyoto’s seasonal beauty. You will spend approximately 50 minutes in total between Nanzen-ji Temple and the Philosopher’s Path.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Your final stop is the majestic To-ji Temple, home to Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda. As the sun begins to set, the temple’s five-story pagoda rises above a garden filled with vibrant autumn leaves. The contrast between the dark wood of the pagoda and the fiery reds and oranges of the trees creates a breathtaking scene that captures the spirit of Kyoto in fall. This is the perfect finale to your day, offering a moment of quiet awe before returning to the city. You’ll arrive back around 7 PM.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no tour inclusions.
- Child (3-5 years old) price includes a bus seat but no lunchbox.
- 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
- 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.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
- Delays, shortenings 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 refund.
- 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.
- 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
- Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes as there will be quite a lot of walking involved. Warm clothing is also recommended as mornings and evenings are particularly chilly.
- A bento lunchbox is included, but please bring your own drinks.
- 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 4 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- 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 will pick up travellers from various meeting points. There may be a chance that the bus is running late but please wait at your meeting point as the bus will eventually come.
- If you are traveling in an odd-numbered group, you may be seated next to someone of the opposite gender on the bus.
- Admission fees for Nanzen-ji Temple are not included: Hojo Garden: 600 yen; Sanmon Gate: 600 yen; Nanzen-in Temple: 400 yen
- Kyoto is expected to be very crowded during the autumn foliage season. Depending on the level of congestion, we may prioritize sightseeing by shortening or skipping parts of the itinerary. Please also note that the return time may be significantly delayed.
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Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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