Sanzen-in Temple 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.
A tranquil mountain temple in Ohara where the maples' red and orange leaves form a vivid contrast against the deep-green carpet of cedar moss in the Yusei-en garden.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Early to mid-November (earlier than central Kyoto, as Ohara sits higher in the northern mountains) |
|---|---|
| Best months | November |
| Location | Kyoto, Kyoto |
| Nearest station | Ohara bus stop (no nearby train station; reached by Kyoto Bus) |
| Admission | Admission is 700 yen for adults (with student and child rates). During the Momiji Matsuri a tea seat with sweets is available for an additional charge. Confirm current rates on the official site. |
| Night light-up | No autumn night light-up |
| Official site | https://www.sanzenin.or.jp/ |
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Highlights
- The moss-carpeted Yusei-en garden set with maples, the temple's most celebrated autumn scene
- Momiji Matsuri (autumn leaves festival) with a tea seat and the special opening of the hidden Golden Fudo Myo-o statue
- A quiet Ohara setting that peaks earlier than the temples of central Kyoto
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Yusei-en Garden (Paid)
A strolling garden of cedar moss beneath cryptomeria and cypress, where the green moss and red-and-orange maples create the temple's signature autumn contrast, surrounding the Ojo Gokuraku-in hall.
Inside the temple, viewed from the Shinden hall toward Gokuraku-in.
Shuhekien Garden (Paid)
A pond-viewing garden by the Kyaku-den hall, traditionally attributed to the Edo tea master Kanamori Sowa, colored by maples in autumn.
Viewed from the Kyaku-den (guest hall) inside the temple grounds.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto Bus route 17 (or 18) bound for Ohara and get off at the Ohara stop (roughly a 60-70 minute ride), then walk about 10 minutes uphill to the temple.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Because Ohara peaks earlier than downtown Kyoto, an early-to-mid-November weekday morning offers the best color with fewer crowds
- Buses to Ohara fill up on autumn weekends, so start early from Kyoto Station
About Sanzen-in Temple
Founded in the early Heian period by Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) and long led by imperial-prince abbots, giving it over 1,200 years of history in its Ohara setting.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kansai Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026