Kitano Tenmangu Momiji-en Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
About 350 maples, including centuries-old trees, turn red and gold across the historic Odoi earthwork and along the Kamiya River, viewable from both above and below the embankment.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Mid-November to early December |
|---|---|
| Best months | November–December |
| Location | Kyoto, Kyoto |
| Nearest station | Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop (city bus); or Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (Randen tram) |
| Admission | Momiji-en admission is around 1,000-1,200 yen for adults and 500-600 yen for children, including a tea sweet. Confirm current rates on the official site. |
| Night light-up | Mid-November to early December, from sunset until about 8:00 pm (exact 2026 dates set each year — confirm on the official site) |
| Official site | https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/guidance/odoi/ |
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Highlights
- Roughly 350 maples over the Momoyama-era Odoi earthwork built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- The vermilion Uguisu arched bridge over the Kamiya River framed by autumn color
- Evening light-up transforming the maple garden after sunset
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Odoi Earthwork Momiji-en (Paid)
The maple garden set along Hideyoshi's earthen rampart, letting visitors look down on the maples from the top and up at them from the base.
In the western part of the shrine grounds; enter via the Momiji-en gate with a ticket.
Uguisu Bridge over the Kamiya River (Paid)
A red lacquered arched bridge crossing the Kamiya River, a highlight photo spot amid the maples.
Along the Momiji-en garden path.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station take city bus 50 to the Kitano Tenmangu-mae stop (about 30-40 minutes); the shrine is at the stop.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- The garden includes a tea sweet with admission, so allow extra time at the teahouse rest stop
- The evening light-up is popular; visit on a weekday or right at daytime opening for a calmer garden
Autumn Illumination
Mid-November to early December, from sunset until about 8:00 pm The exact 2026 dates are announced each year, so confirm them on the official site before planning an evening visit.
About Kitano Tenmangu Momiji-en
Founded in 947 to enshrine the scholar Sugawara no Michizane, the shrine's Momiji-en preserves a stretch of the Odoi rampart Hideyoshi raised around Kyoto in 1591.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kansai Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026