Secrets of autumn colors

1. Fall colors can be enjoyed throughout Japan. However, this seasonal spectacle is said to be particularly beautiful in Kyoto. Shrines and temples such as Tofuku-ji and Kodai-ji, as well as the Arashiyama area seen from tramcars, are the popular spots for viewing autumn colors.

2. Located in the Kyoto Basin, Kyoto has a typical inland climate with sizable changes in temperature throughout the day. This climate and humidity from the city’s many rivers contribute to Kyoto’s exceptional fall color display. During autumn, the leaves turn colors quickly due to sunny days with ample moisture and chilly nights.

3. Reflecting Kyoto’s picturesque aesthetics, trees are often cultivated for their changing foliage colors. For example, deciduous trees are planted among cedars or in moss gardens, so the red and yellow colors stand out more dramatically against the green.

4. For over 1,000 years, Kyoto has continued to celebrate its tradition of appreciating autumn colors. Just as with its treasured architecture, its prized autumn scenery has been carefully shaped by sophisticated techniques. And, its beauty has been painstakingly preserved for hundreds of years through the meticulous maintenance of countless caretakers.