Autumn in Kyoto: Leaves & Foliage | Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Experience autumn in Kyoto with Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto as your base in the historic Higashiyama district, surrounded by some of the city’s most celebrated autumn foliage. Stroll through our 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden, discover colourful autumn leaves at nearby temples including Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji, and experience the season through Edomae sushi, traditional arts such as ikebana and kintsugi, and live maiko performances.

Limited-Time Autumn Dining Experiences

Autumn Afternoon Tea

September 1 – November 30

Autumn flavours lead this afternoon tea, served against the changing colours of our 800-year-old pond garden. Drawn from local harvests, Japanese chestnuts, pears, persimmons and figs bring the season to the table – a gentle welcome into autumn’s abundance. Price starts: JPY 7,000.

Seasonal Omakase Crab Edition

September 1 – November 30

Selected from Hokkaido and Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, seasonal seafood arrives at Onodera. Hairy crab and snow crab take their place alongside our signature wagyu nigiri, with crafted details elevating each course – from handpicked crabmeat to house-made ginger jelly. JPY 49,500.

Seasonal Course Menu

September 1 – November 30

Delicate forest treasures mark autumn’s arrival at our signature dining. Foraged from the surrounding countryside, sweet chestnuts and earthy mushrooms shape our autumn selections – an invitation to slow down and savour the season’s turn. Four-course lunch: JPY 7,000; five-course dinner: JPY 17,000.

Sweet Potato Anmitsu

September 7 – November 30

Sweet potato lends cozy comfort to a Japanese classic. Chewy shiratama, agarjelly and the soft sweetness of azuki beans meet velvety sweet potato – a tranquil autumn treat, best enjoyed as the afternoon light shimmers across the pond. JPY 3,500.

Savour Seasonal Cuisine

Bottle of Japanese whisky beside half-full cut-crystal glass with red cherry garnish, dry ice mist swirling from the glass.

Whisky Degustation

Autumn Leaves and Foliage in Kyoto

Experience the beauty of the outdoors with our Hotel’s prime location in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. Take a leisurely stroll through our 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden, ablaze with seasonal hues, or explore the maple and ginkgo tree varieties at nearby Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji. Both are just minutes from our doorstep, offering the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s autumn scenery.

featured offer

Rediscover Kyoto – Third Night Free

Receive a complimentary third night.

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details all offers

Valid for Selected Dates Between Oct 2 2026 – Dec 31 2028
Offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
minimum stay: 3 nights
Reservation must be made at least 7 days in advance

included

Complimentary third night with every two consecutive paid nights

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Hotel Highlights

Stay with us this season for easy access to local attractions and exclusive cultural events. After exploring, enjoy serene garden views, relax with cozy amenities, or discover wellness programs to refresh your body and mind. Experience refined comfort and impeccable service for a memorable autumn getaway.

Couples’ Time in Kyoto

Uncover the magic of autumn together at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. As the city transforms with brilliant hues of red and gold, unforgettable moments await. Whether you’re on your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or simply enjoying time together, autumn in Kyoto offers the perfect setting for connection, reflection and lasting memories.

Parents and young son and daughter feed koi fish on foot bridge over pond

Family and Kids

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is the perfect family destination this autumn. Embark on guided temple tours surrounded by vibrant foliage, participate in traditional crafts like origami or calligraphy, and savour autumn-inspired Japanese sweets during a family tea ceremony. With thoughtful amenities and engaging activities, we’ll help the whole family leave Kyoto feeling inspired by the spirit of the season.

Services & Amenities

Close-up view of a wood tray with three labelled cuts of well-marbled beef, held by person in white chef's coat.

Taste the Essence of Autumn

Delight in seasonal specialties at EMBA KYOTO GRILL, sample authentic Edomae sushi at Sushi Ginza Onodera at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, and enjoy elegant afternoon tea and cocktails with garden views at Fuju.

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Close-up of a maiko wearing traditional makeup and a blue kimono with hair ornaments

Maiko Performance | Tuesday and Saturday, 5:15 pm

Enjoy a 10-minute live dance performance by a maiko (traditional apprentice geisha) and a photo session in our lobby, as well as a maiko performance pop-up bar, available from 4:50 pm to 5:30 pm. After the performance, join us at EMBA KYOTO GRILL, SEY or Fuju for an exclusive maiko meet-and-greet.

Autumn Premium Terrace Seating

Experience the best of Kyoto at EMBA KYOTO GRILL with our premium terrace seating. Enjoy a meal outdoors while overlooking the red, yellow and orange–hued leaves that surround the pond garden.

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Private dining room at Sushi Ginza Onodera, Kyoto, with garden views and elegant Japanese decor.

Private Autumn Dining

Indulge in an exclusive dining experience at Sushi Ginza Onodera at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Enjoy an omakase sushi course in one of our private dining rooms, with one offering impressive autumn views of our pond garden.

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Artful Elegance

Explore our curated collection of art pieces that reflect the spirit of Kyoto. Every work has been thoughtfully selected to inspire and captivate for a bespoke cultural experience during your stay.

Featured Accommodation

Our Two-Bedroom Heritage Garden Residences are tailor-made for family and friends. Share quality time in the spacious living and dining areas, then retreat to your bedroom for a moment of quiet. In autumn, the private balcony offers views of the Shakusui-en pond garden.

Living area with beige sofa, purple cushions, armchair, coffee table with tea set and balcony with outdoor seating and garden pond view

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Accommodation Highlights

View across pond to restaurant patio where couple toasts with wine glasses

Residential Suite Benefits

From welcome champagne to complimentary overnight valet parking, discover the exclusive benefits that make this Residential Suite one of the best guest experiences in Kyoto.

Bright bedroom with a king-size bed, a blue tufted bench and sliding glass doors opening to a private terrace with garden view

Four Seasons Bed

Our Four Seasons Bed includes temperature regulation and three topper options for personalized comfort.

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In-Room Touch-Screen Tablet

Use your in-room touch-screen tablet for 24/7 access to exclusive Four Seasons services.

Spacious living and dining area with a glass dining table, chairs, a comfortable seating area and sliding doors opening to a balcony with garden view

Essential Amenities for a Comfortable Stay

Enjoy the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and laundry machine in our spacious residential suites, designed for a seamless stay.

Spacious bathroom with a double-sink vanity, large mirrors and marble wall accents, connecting to the bedroom

Bathrooms and Powder Rooms

This spacious suite includes two full bathrooms and two powder rooms.

Where to See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

: Step into autumn at our very own 800-year-old Shakusui-en pond garden, where maple leaves turn vivid shades of crimson and gold around the serene, tranquil waters. Perfectly framed by the historic Higashiyama landscape, the garden offers an intimate setting for experiencing the autumn foliage, with stunning seasonal views from select accommodations, restaurants and terraces.
: Experience one of Kyoto’s most iconic autumn scenes at Kiyomizu-dera, where vivid maple foliage surrounds the historic temple and sweeps across the forested hillsides of Higashiyama. Just minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, this UNESCO World Heritage site pairs centuries of history with panoramic views that are delicately transformed by the changing colours of the season.
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Travel time from our Hotel: 13 minutes by taxi or approximately 23 minutes on foot
: Discover one of Kyoto’s most breathtaking displays of autumn foliage at Tofuku-ji, renowned for the brilliant maple canopy surrounding its historic Tsutenkyo Bridge. From the bridge, take in sweeping views across a valley transformed by deep reds, fiery oranges and golden hues – all just minutes from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.
Address: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Travel time from our Hotel: 10 minutes by taxi or approximately 21 minutes on foot
: View spectacular autumn foliage at Eikando Temple, where around 3,000 maple trees colour the historic grounds, rocky cliffs and the picturesque Hojo Pond. At its highest point, Tahōtō Pagoda offers breathtaking views across Kyoto, while seasonal evening illuminations transform the temple grounds after dark.
Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Travel time from our Hotel: 16 minutes by taxi or 38 minutes by public transport
: Experience Arashiyama in autumn, when vibrant foliage transforms this officially designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Admire Mount Arashiyama’s colourful slopes from Togetsukyo Bridge, first built in 836 across the Katsura River, or follow the 12.3-kilometre Nishiyama Trail towards Kiyotaki, a major location for viewing autumn foliage.
Address: Arashiyama, Kyoto
Travel time from our Hotel: Approximately 36 minutes by taxi or 53 minutes by public transport