In case you saw our Golden Route Autumn tour that comes around annually and were contemplating making your way to Japan this autumn, here is a spotlight onto three of the most popular destinations in Kyoto and Nara included in our Golden Route autumn tour!

Our Golden Route Autumn Tour has ended for now, but you can wait for next year or go on our Spring version! Instead of red, oranges, and golds, you'll be treated to delicate shades of pink!

1. Kiyomizu Temple

In our tour, one of the places you'll be visiting is the Kiyomizu Temple. The Kiyomizu temple is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto and is also designated a UNESCO world heritage site. There is also a man-made waterfall coming from a natural spring known as the Otowa waterfall beneath the main hall, and people attempt to drink these waters so that their wishes can be granted.

Come fall, the trees surrounding the temple turn into bright shades of red and orange, amplifying the beauty of the temple. Not only that but, the color change of the leaves are beautiful to observe on their own. Even if you don't get to see the fall foliage, the temple is majestic and beautiful on its own. Usually Kyoto's autumn foliage is best during mid-November, which happens to coincide with our tour dates. 

2. Gion

Gion is a wonderful location to go to to get a glimpse of what it was like in old, traditional Japan. Walking along Gion is reminiscent of how Japan was like in the past. While walking through Gion you may be able see people dressed in kimonos or you may see geishas(geikos) and maikos strolling through as well. Gion is the most well-known geisha district in Japan. In Gion, you can also participate in a tea ceremony or you can enjoy a traditional maiko dinner and dance. In the autumn, when the fall foliage begins in Gion, the orange, yellow, and red leaves mix beautifully with the still green trees for a picturesque scene.

3. Nara Deer Park

Nara Park, more commonly referred to as Nara Deer Park, is a park most well known for the many deer that roam freely within it. Supposedly home to about 1200 Sika deer, these deer were considered sacred, but now they are simply deemed a national treasure and protected as such. 

These deer that roam the park are technically wild, but have grown accustomed to humans due to years of contact. The park sells shika senbei, deer crackers, to visitors who would like to feed the deer. Be forewarned that autumn is rutting season for male deer, so their behavior is a little unpredictable, and whenever you are by wild animals, not that they are in fact, wild, and to always be aware of your surroundings. Despite this, going here in the fall means beautiful leaf color change and a beautiful environment that also happens to be filled with adorable deer.

Other than the deer however, Kofuku-ji temple is found within the park, and is another popular destination to go to. A Buddhist temple, it used to be one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, but now is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Kyoto and Nara have some great places to visit, and some beautiful monuments with a lot of history. They are wonderful places to visit, made just a bit better with the autumn foliage surrounding the area, and are sure to leave you with some great, unforgettable memories.