Kyoto Fall Foliage Bus Tour 2026: Osaka Day Trip Guide

Recommended Kyoto Bus Tour from Osaka for November

Autumn Kyoto Fall Foliage Itinerary

Text/Photos ©Hibubu

Planning a trip to Osaka in November?

Then you're probably curious about the best spots for autumn foliage.

The absolute best place to witness fall foliage isn't Osaka itself,

but the nearby city of Kyoto.

Wondering how to get to Kyoto and plan your itinerary?

It's easy, right? Well, I'm here to introduce a super simple way to visit:

a day trip Kyoto bus tour!

Why You Absolutely Must Visit Kyoto in Autumn

First, let me tell you why you simply *have* to visit Kyoto in autumn.

Kyoto is much like Gyeongju in Korea,

a city where history and tradition truly come alive.

That's why there are so many sights to explore around the city.

But in autumn, alongside these renowned historical sites,

you can also witness breathtaking autumn foliage.

To truly immerse yourself in these magnificent landscapes,

you simply *must* make a day trip to Kyoto during the fall.

Recommended Kyoto Day Trip Bus Tour

Next, I'll recommend a Kyoto day trip bus tour that lets you truly savor Kyoto's autumn charm.

Let's start with the Yeohaenghangeureut Kyoto Bus Tour.

(Original Price: ~$37)

1. Arashiyama

2. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha

4. Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple)

This tour includes Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizu-dera – the four essential spots for anyone visiting Kyoto for the first time.

Among these, Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama are two excellent spots to experience the autumn atmosphere, and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is also a fantastic fall foliage spot where you can admire the autumn leaves alongside the golden temple.

So, if this is your first time experiencing Kyoto's autumn foliage,

this tour is a fantastic option to consider.

(Plus, the price is incredibly affordable!)

>> Explore the Kyoto Bus Tour Here! <<

Kyoto Bus Tour: My Thoughts on Each Stop

Next up, I'll share some quick thoughts on each stop of the Kyoto bus tour.

1. Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a tourist destination famous for its Bamboo Grove (Chikurin) and shopping street, but during the autumn foliage season, the mountain views, especially with Togetsukyo Bridge, are absolutely stunning.

Behind the tranquil Katsura River, the mountains are

thickly blanketed with countless trees.

And as autumn arrives, these trees transform into a spectacular display of colorful foliage,

painting a truly magnificent scene.

What's more, you'll find splashes of fiery red foliage everywhere,

turning every nook and cranny into a picture-perfect photo spot.

2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple boasts such breathtaking autumn foliage that it's often considered

the ultimate reason to visit Kyoto in the fall.

The autumn foliage view, especially when framed

by Kiyomizu-dera's majestic main hall, is truly a sight to behold.

It's remarkable how the scenery becomes even more vividly crimson

as autumn deepens.

Even if you're not joining a tour, a visit to Kiyomizu-dera is

an absolute must!

3. Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji Temple, or the Golden Pavilion, is renowned primarily for its stunning golden architecture,

rather than being a dedicated autumn foliage destination.

Nonetheless, with numerous maple trees adorning the temple grounds,

you can still relish the beautiful combination of the temple and the autumn colors.

I visited Kinkaku-ji in late November,

and even then, the air was gently infused with the feeling of autumn.

If you're eager to witness a hint of autumn's charm beautifully complementing Kinkaku-ji's unique splendor,

then definitely include it in your travel plans!

4. Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)

The Philosopher's Path is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk,

where the charming trees lining the path, as seen in the photo,

burst into cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn colors in fall.

When I visited, it was the chilly winter season,

so only bare branches greeted me.

But just imagine how incredibly beautiful this path would be

if it were autumn, can't you?

5. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Our final destination is Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

Fushimi Inari is world-renowned for its iconic Senbon Torii, or 'thousand torii gates,' which create a mesmerizing tunnel of vermilion.

While not primarily an autumn leaf destination, Fushimi Inari is definitely a must-visit as one of Kyoto's iconic landmarks.

It's a hugely popular photo spot, especially if you snap some shots near the torii entrance or exit, capturing that uniquely Japanese and mystical vibe!

​>> Recommended Kyoto Bus Tour <<

A Must-Visit If You're in Osaka This November!

So today, for all you adventurers heading to Osaka in November, I've unveiled some truly magnificent Kyoto autumn foliage spots

and an exciting day trip bus tour option.

This guide will be incredibly useful, especially if you're on the hunt for autumn foliage gems near Osaka

or have been pondering where to witness Kyoto's breathtaking fall colors.

You can book your tour through the link above,

and don't forget to snag those discount coupons in advance to make your adventure even more affordable and unforgettable!

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