People from all around travel to Kyoto during autumntime to see the gorgeous red foliage of fall (known as “koyo”). We’ve compiled a list of the best places to see this enchanting scenery right now.
“Yanagiya Kannon Koyo Week”
Yanagiya Kannon is located in Nagaokakyo in Kyoto and has been a gathering place for people with eye-related diseases since the Heian Period. An event to celebrate the autumn leaves will be held there titled “Yanagiya Kannon Koyo Week.” Joshoin is a special are where only certain designated guests, such as the Emperor’s family and those in the court aristocracy, can enter. The captivating view of the autumn leaves of Meishoteien (Jodoen) has come to be loved by countless people.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/74979
■Information
Yanagiya Kannon Yokoku Temple
Address: 2 Do no Tani, Jododani, Nagaokakyoshi, Kyoto, 617-0855
Website: http://yanagidani.jp/
Yanagiya Kannon Koyo Week
Date: November 11, 2017 to December 3, 2017
Time: 9:00 to 16:00
Entrance Fee: ￥200 (an additional ￥500 is needed to enter Joshoin)
Enjoy the red foliage from the “Genko-an Temple”
Situated in Takagamine is the Genko-an Temple from which you can relax, sit down and take in the colours of autumn. The Genko-an is famous for its two large windows: the round window titled “The Window of Enlightenment” and the square window named “The Window of Confusion.” The best time to visit is just before the koyo is in full bloom as the stunning gradation of the maple trees will have you losing track of time in a spellbinding daze. You can enjoy gazing at the koyo from inside so you don’t have to worry about potential rainfall.
■Information
源光庵
Genko-an
Address: 47 Takagamine Kitatakagaminechō, Kita-ku, Kyoto
Open: 9:00-17:00
TEL: 075-492-1858
URL：
https://kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp/detail.php?InforKindCode=1&ManageCode=1000055
“Giō-ji Temple” – Located in Saga near Arashiyama
This place isn’t popular for having a grand and majestic temple, but rather a quiet, tucked away temple surrounded by a luxuriant moss garden. When you look up at the trees, the sky is completely covered by the colours of autumn. Together with its rural location, you really feel as if you have been wrapped in autumn red. When compared to the center of Arashiyama, it’s even more leisurely. And when autumn comes to a close, the falling leaves (known as “Chiri Momiji”), is an indescribable kind of beautiful.
■Information
Giō-ji Temple
Address: 32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakachō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto
Visiting Hours: 9am-5pm (last entries at 4:30pm)
Price: Adults – ￥300 / Children – ￥100
TEL：075-861-3574
Witness koyo in the morning at “Hōgon-in”
Hōgon-in opens its gates at 9am. In the serene spectacle of the morning hour, the colours of maple trees are reflected tenfold. Red covers the entire picture before you as the maple spreads itself all the way from the entrance, creating a tunnel of trees, and extends to the Shishiku Garden, a place of defining radiance. In the evening, the red leaves cover the moss, creating a breathtaking botanical blanket. You must make it a priority to wake up early in the morning to witness the koyo when the gates open.
■Information
Address: 36 Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto
TEL：075-861-0091
Enjoy Kyoto’s autumn colours from a boat
HOSHINOYA Kyoto is holding an exciting program called “Asa no Momiji Fune” for people staying at the accommodation. You can look forward to enjoying a blissful sail down the Ōi River in a gorgeous boat to bask in the beautiful autumn scenery. While cruising on the boat, you can enjoy tucking into some delicious traditional Japanese autumn sweets and tea while gazing at the spectacular autumnal scenery of Ogurayama and Arashiyama. You will be able to appreciate the true elegance of Kyoto’s fall season, something which has long been maintained, with its lush and colourful blossom. It’s an indispensable opportunity to really get up close and personal with Japan’s nature.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/57764
■Information
Running: November 20, 2017 to December 5, 2017
Time: 9:00am-9:40am
Max. People: 2 to 8
Price: ￥6,000 per person (+tax and 10% service charge) *Accommodation fee is separate
Contents: Roofed boat ride, sweets, tea
Boarding & Alighting: HOSHINOYA Kyoto Bridge
Reservations: Must be made by 8pm the previous day
For full details on how to reserve your place, please check the homepage below.
Conditions: In the case of rain, the boat ride may not run.
500 meters altitude, World cultural heritage from the sky
“HOSHINOYA Kyoto” are setting up a tour called “Koyo Heli Cruise” where you’ll have the chance to ride a helicopter and view Kyoto and its world heritages from the sky. It’s also an opportunity to see the koyo from a completely different perspective as it covers the land like a red carpet. Once you reach 1500 feet (about 500m), you can enjoy the historical buildings of Kyoto such as Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji and Nijojo – not to mention the fall colors of Arashiyama.
Full Details：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/61571
■Information
“Koyo Heli Cruise”
Date: November 20, 2017 to December 5, 2017
Capacity: One group per day (up to three people)
Time: During day time (10:00 to 16:00)
Length of the helicopter cruise: About 25 minutes
Price: ￥100,000 per group (tax and 10% service fee is not included) ※The fee for the inn is also not included.
Items and services that will be offered: Helicopter cruise, champagne, accident insurance
Target: Users of HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Reservation: Via official website
Please note that people who are pregnant are not advised to participate in this cruise. To participate in this cruise, you must talk to the doctor beforehand. The cruise is also subject to cancellation depending on the weather conditions.
Are you spoilt for choice on where to go? Each location has its own distinct beauty. Be sure to keep this list as reference when you go out in Japan this fall.
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[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy. After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs. Don't miss this curious exhibition! Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
～GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD～
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators. Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako
Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland - Sunshine by Ono Tako
Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements. A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece. Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements. A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade. Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800 Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator OmulettomatoDraft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato
Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits. Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements. A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon. Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.Information
NFT Marketplace HINATA
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Official Site: https://hinata-nft.com/company
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The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022. [Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas ■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition EventOver 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter! ・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate) ■Snow Miku Photo SpotSnow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. ・On Display: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki) JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi AppA number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center, Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower, Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!・On Air: December 1, 2022~・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu) ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities ■Snow Miku Filters Using ARWhen each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day. This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan. NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well. NAKED Distanced Lanterns
NAKED Tsukubai Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping DANDELION PROJECT Virtual Fashion Show Limited Edition Paper Goshuin This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Ninna-ji
Venue: Ninna-ji (Five-storied Pagoda, Main Temple)
Running: December 10 – December 18, 2022
*No admission on December 17 due to a private event.
Hours: 17:30-21:30 *Last entry at 21:00
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/ -
monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World
Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way! Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture.Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves. While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning! We applaud monopo's attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. Information
monopo × Shokuraku Asano
Official Site: https://obiproject.monopo.net/
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/724915502