When do the autumn leaves peak in Arashiyama?
Usually from mid-November to early December. It is also the busiest time of the year: on peak weekends the Bamboo Grove is Busy from about 8:30 am to 6 pm.
How crowded is Arashiyama in autumn?
We treat November 10 to December 5 as the autumn peak, with crowds about 30% above the rest of the year, and October 15 to November 9 as the run-up. Weekdays in the peak are about as busy as an ordinary weekend: Busy from about 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
| Time | Peak weekday | Peak weekend |
|---|---|---|
| 7 am | Quiet | Quiet |
| 8 am | Moderate | Moderate |
| 9 am | Very busy | Very busy |
| 10 am | Very busy | Very busy |
| 12 pm | Very busy | Very busy |
| 2 pm | Very busy | Very busy |
| 4 pm | Very busy | Very busy |
| 5 pm | Busy | Busy |
| 6 pm | Moderate | Moderate |
Bamboo Grove, typical day with no rain. Every hour, every season
Where can I see the leaves without the crowds?
These are a 10 to 25 minute walk from the centre and stay far quieter, even in the peak.
- Okochi Sanso GardenIts own bamboo, inside a paid garden. Tea is included. 5 min past the top of the grove.
- Adashino Nenbutsu-jiA short bamboo path behind thousands of stone statues. About 20 min north.
- Saga-Toriimoto streetThatched houses on a preserved old street. About 25 min north.
- Daikaku-ji TempleA large pond and covered corridors, rarely full. About 20 min, or a short bus ride.
What should I book ahead in autumn?
- Sagano Romantic TrainSeats often sell out on autumn weekends. Reserve online in advance.
- Kimono rentalBook ahead in autumn. Return times are fixed.
Autumn leaves questions
When are the autumn leaves best in Arashiyama?
Usually from mid-November to early December. The exact peak moves by a week or two from year to year with the weather, so check a recent report before you go.
How much busier is Arashiyama in autumn?
From November 10 to December 5 our estimates are 30% higher than the rest of the year, and from October 15 to November 9 10% higher.
What is the best time of day to see the leaves?
Early. Even on peak weekends the Bamboo Grove is Quiet before 7:30 am. Temple gardens open later, so be at the gate when they open.
Crowd levels are estimates from typical daily patterns, weekends, holidays and seasons, not live counts.How the estimates work