Recommended Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto!!　The Best Maple Leaf Spots and Kimono Styles for Beautiful Autumn Photos

When you think of autumn, you think of Kyoto! Did you know Kyoto is home to countless autumn foliage spots?
Of course, autumn is not only the season for colorful leaves, but also the “season of appetite,” full of various events and seasonal delights. ( *´艸｀)
Here, we’ll introduce Kyoto’s best spots for viewing maple leaves, along with kimono outfit ideas that look stunning among the autumn scenery.
After reading this, you’ll be ready to take unique, memorable photos that stand out from the rest♪
Come and enjoy Kyoto’s beautiful autumn foliage this season!

Kyoto is famous for its numerous autumn foliage spots, but here are some especially recommended hidden gems♪

Kenninji Temple is the head temple of the Kenninji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, located in Higashiyama, Kyoto.
The principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha. The temple was founded by Minamoto no Yoriie, and the founding priest was Eisai.
Kenninji has a long history and is home to many cultural treasures, including Fujin Raijin-zu (The Wind and Thunder Gods) by Tawaraya Sōtatsu and fusuma (sliding door) paintings by Kaihō Yūshō. Nearby, Hōkanji Temple, famous for its “Yasaka Pagoda,” is a sub-temple of Kenninji.
In autumn, the temple grounds are filled with red and yellow maple trees, creating a stunning view. The best time to visit is from late November to early December, when the leaves are at their most vibrant. The serene temple atmosphere matches perfectly with kimono, making it a must-visit spot this autumn.

The Keage Incline is a sloped railway about 582 meters long, connecting the Keage Boat Reservoir upstream and the Nanzenji Boat Reservoir downstream along the Lake Biwa Canal.
At the time it was built, it was the longest incline railway in the world. Boats were placed on carts and pulled along using the same principle as a cable car to overcome a height difference of about 36 meters.
This ingenious design allowed boats to traverse the elevation without unloading cargo.
Today, the rails remain preserved, offering a wonderful backdrop for photos♪
While it’s famous as a cherry blossom spot in spring, it’s actually just as beautiful during the autumn foliage season—perfect for capturing brilliant autumn shots! ( *´艸｀)

The path stretching from Yamato-oji Street through Shirakawa Street in Kyoto’s Gion district is another must-visit area♪
Lined with traditional machiya townhouses, with Shirakawa River flowing alongside cobblestone streets, it’s one of the best places to experience Kyoto’s charm. You might even catch a glimpse of a maiko!
This area is also well-known as a cherry blossom photo spot, but in fact, it’s breathtaking during the autumn foliage season♪
The reflection of colorful leaves on the water and the gentle autumn breeze make it the perfect setting for your best shot of the year♪
Of course, there are many other hidden gems throughout Kyoto!
One of the true pleasures of sightseeing in Kyoto is wandering the streets to discover your own secret spots♪
And of course, at Rental Kimono Okamoto, feel free to ask our staff—experts in Kyoto—for recommendations while you’re getting dressed or having your hair done!

If you’re exploring Kyoto in a kimono, you’ll definitely want to take photos that look stunning among the autumn colors, right??
Here are some professional kimono coordination ideas from Kyoto’s kimono rental experts♪

A fall-inspired outfit featuring maple leaf patterns♪
By incorporating maple designs into your kimono or obi, you can bring out the warm, autumn atmosphere and take photos that beautifully blend with the colorful scenery. ( *´艸｀)

A cozy and elegant outfit with colors that match the autumn leaves♪
Using a Nagoya obi gives a more mature and refined look, making it perfect for the autumn season—especially among the brilliant foliage. Highly recommended!

This look stands out among the autumn leaves while still blending beautifully with the scenery♪
Even if you want to express individuality, by carefully choosing your hairstyle, accessories, and obi decorations, you can create a well-balanced and stylish autumn look (*’▽’).
Such fashionable and photogenic styles are very popular during the foliage season!
At Rental Kimono Okamoto, we offer a wide variety of kimono styles at all our stores♪
By choosing our hotel return or next-day return options, you can also visit limited-time nighttime illuminations and capture even more special photos!
It’s also a great idea to ask our professional staff for recommended coordination ideas ( *´艸｀).
This autumn, why not explore Kyoto in a beautiful kimono?♪

【Author of this article】
Rental Kimono Okamoto Kiyomizu-Higashiyama Store
110-9 Tatsumi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0855
TEL: +81-75-533-8900
Website: www.okamoto-kimono.com
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