leaves of color

Japan's four distinct seasons allow foreigners and natives alike to enjoy the same parts of the country several times over. As a city known for its wealth of traditional Japanese heritage, Kyoto is a popular destination anytime of year. But, with the fall foliage in full bloom, it's tree tops are attracting endless masses that could dampen the experience.

In autumn, Japanese maples yield spectacular hues of red, yellow and orange. Hillsides are transformed into quilted blankets crafted from the finest multicolored thread. Koyo, or colored leaves, are especially spotted in mountainous regions, parks, temples and shrines. Beginning mid-September and lasting until early December, the flecked foliage spreads from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southernmost islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. For a report on when and where to see the foliage in certain regions, please refer to the Autumn Color Report.
As a basin region located in the eastern part of the Tamba highlands, Kyoto is surrounded not only by dense vegetation, but it also hosts the largest concentrated number of temples and shrines in Japan, thus making it one of the best places for viewing koyo.
Since the Japanese maple foliage seems to sweep almost city-wide, there is certainly not a lack of options or vantage points for viewing these leaves. Some of the more popular places include Kiyomizu Temple with it's breathtaking landscape view from above the city streets as well as Kodaiji Temple that is especially beautiful at night because the temple grounds are illuminated with light, offering a very alluring appeal. The best park for maple hunting is Arashiyama, which lies along the outskirts of Kyoto city proper. The mountains hug the Hozu river that, complete with shrines sprinkled about, is the ideal fall destination in Japan. Japan Guidebook offers the 10 best places to see fall foliage in Kyoto.

If your time in Japan is limited to a short visit, it would be advisable to brave the crowds and snap away at a photo-centric scene. There is a calmness to Kyoto as a city surrounded with traditional architecture and Japanese culture. But, when faced with the hordes of maple hunters, the pristine imagery of seeing these impressive leaves in all of it's natural splendor seem to dissipate when you have to stand in line just to walk down the street. Areas such as Arashiyama are so packed with tourists and Japanese from other areas of the country, it often detracts from the real quietude of nature.

Nevertheless, our scrapbooks are filled with incredibly colorful photo-ops and the fresh fall air is a pleasant breath in from the insufferable humidity from the summer past. Often, events in Japan like viewing of the fall foliage are notoriously congested with people. However, the daily life for many Japanese involves having the patience for the packs--whether it be in rush hour on the train or in urban cities where the majority of the population inhabits. Finding these beautiful niches of the country isn't difficult. Enjoying them clouded with throngs of people it what takes effort.