I am flying from Seattle -> India with a 3 1/2-day stopover in Tokyo during Thanksgiving weekend. I have already been to Japan once for 17 days (my [trip report](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/erm7v9/trip_report_september_october_2019_17_days/) from then) and visited all the major attractions. Therefore this time my wish list is to only go to places which are known for good viewpoints for autumn foliage.
Some sites I have noted down in Kyoto/ Tokyo:
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**Kyoto**
\- Eikan do Temple
\- Kiyomi zudera (including night illumination)
\- Enkoji temple
\- Tofukiji temple
\- Kodaiji temple (night illumination)
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**Nara**
\- Deer park
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**Tokyo**
\- Jingu Gaein Gingko Avenue
\- Yoyogi Park
\- Shinjuku Goyen
\- Hamarikyu gardens
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I have been to some of the above places in summer last time. My dilemma is whether to have 2 days in Kyoto + Nara, or have just 1-day in Kyoto + 2-days in Tokyo. From the above list, it seems like Kyoto has nicer temples with red leaves, while in Tokyo it’s in the backdrop of parks. My hunch is 2 days in Kansai + 1 day in Tokyo might be better, but I am struggling to decide.
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If anyone has been there during autumn, please advice. Also it would be good to know on specific spots- above ones or different ones with a specific focus on red fall foliage. I can’t do long day trips like Mt Mitake.
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2 comments
I am a big Kyoto fan, however if your flight to India also leaves from Tokyo it’s not worth spending six hours out of three days to go to Kyoto and back. Stick to Tokyo, if you want temples go to Kamakura.
Due to the hot summer extending longer than usual the latest autumn leaves forecast (October 5) are predicting later peak times for autumn leaves. Seems your best bet is Tokyo with Kyoto predictions of 11/27 for peak yellow autumn leaves.
Check out the forecasts, more to come out. Also before peak can still be good.