Autumn Foliage Walk in the Morning Calm｜Half-Day Guided Tour in the Kitano Tenmangu Area (Lunch Included)
4.5hours- ¥25,000 per person
Beautiful from Every Angle — Layered Autumn Foliage in Kitano Tenmangu’s Maple Leaf Garden (Momiji-en)
As the gentle morning light begins to filter through the trees, this half-day guided tour invites you to enjoy the autumn foliage at Kitano Tenmangu’s Maple Leaf Garden (Momiji-en).
With a 9:00 a.m. start, it’s not too early, yet still early enough to walk through the grounds in a calm and peaceful atmosphere—where you can enjoy the scents of the season, the sound of birds, and the soft glow of the morning sun.
At Momiji-en, you’ll experience autumn colors from multiple vantage points: looking out over the shrine grounds and the vivid foliage from elevated viewpoints, and gazing up at the brilliant leaves from below. A small stream runs alongside the garden, where branches of maple trees arch gracefully over the water, creating a stunning blend of shimmering reflections and vibrant autumn color. With your guide’s explanations, you can take your time savoring this serene and beautiful seasonal landscape.
After the garden stroll, you’ll walk through the historic geisha district of Kamishichiken and head to a seasonal tempura lunch. The restaurant, set inside a traditional machiya townhouse, also features a peaceful garden at the back—perfect for relaxing after your morning walk. Enjoy a quiet, Kyoto-style moment to bring your journey to a gentle close.
This half-day tour is ideal for travelers who prefer to experience Kyoto’s autumn not through crowded sightseeing, but through quiet moments, scenery, and a sense of spaciousness.
With a 9:00 a.m. start, it’s not too early, yet still early enough to walk through the grounds in a calm and peaceful atmosphere—where you can enjoy the scents of the season, the sound of birds, and the soft glow of the morning sun.
At Momiji-en, you’ll experience autumn colors from multiple vantage points: looking out over the shrine grounds and the vivid foliage from elevated viewpoints, and gazing up at the brilliant leaves from below. A small stream runs alongside the garden, where branches of maple trees arch gracefully over the water, creating a stunning blend of shimmering reflections and vibrant autumn color. With your guide’s explanations, you can take your time savoring this serene and beautiful seasonal landscape.
After the garden stroll, you’ll walk through the historic geisha district of Kamishichiken and head to a seasonal tempura lunch. The restaurant, set inside a traditional machiya townhouse, also features a peaceful garden at the back—perfect for relaxing after your morning walk. Enjoy a quiet, Kyoto-style moment to bring your journey to a gentle close.
This half-day tour is ideal for travelers who prefer to experience Kyoto’s autumn not through crowded sightseeing, but through quiet moments, scenery, and a sense of spaciousness.
Momiji-en (Maple Leaf Garden) at Kitano Tenmangu
Momiji-en is a garden within the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu, open only during the autumn season. The garden features varied elevation, with small streams, bridges, and walking paths throughout. Visitors can enjoy the autumn colors from multiple perspectives—both from higher viewpoints overlooking the foliage and from lower areas where the vibrant leaves stretch overhead. Although the garden attracts many visitors during peak season, the morning hours tend to be calmer and more comfortable for walking.
Please note that the garden includes stairs and sloped paths.
Please note that the garden includes stairs and sloped paths.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, widely revered in Japan as the deity of learning. The shrine is also closely connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most influential leaders in Japanese history. Because of this, several remains from over 400 years ago still stand within the grounds, including the main hall. It is a place where visitors can appreciate both seasonal beauty and a deep sense of history.
Tenki (Tempura Restaurant)
Tenki is a long-established tempura restaurant founded in 1933.
It is known as the birthplace of “tempura kaiseki,” a multi-course Japanese meal that combines Kyoto cuisine with refined tempura.
The restaurant is housed in a traditional kyomachiya townhouse with a calm sukiya-style interior—a refined architectural style inspired by Japanese tea houses. A beautifully maintained garden extends toward the back, creating a serene atmosphere for enjoying delicate tempura and Kyoto-style dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
It is known as the birthplace of “tempura kaiseki,” a multi-course Japanese meal that combines Kyoto cuisine with refined tempura.
The restaurant is housed in a traditional kyomachiya townhouse with a calm sukiya-style interior—a refined architectural style inspired by Japanese tea houses. A beautifully maintained garden extends toward the back, creating a serene atmosphere for enjoying delicate tempura and Kyoto-style dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
What's Included
◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission to Momiji-en (Maple Leaf Garden)
◎ Lunch at Tenki (Tempura Course)
× Transportation to the meeting point and from the ending point
× Drinks at Tenki
(If you wish to order drinks, please pay at the restaurant.)
◎ Admission to Momiji-en (Maple Leaf Garden)
◎ Lunch at Tenki (Tempura Course)
× Transportation to the meeting point and from the ending point
× Drinks at Tenki
(If you wish to order drinks, please pay at the restaurant.)
What To Expect
9:00 — Meet in front of the Grand Torii Gate of Kitano Tenmangu and start the tour
9:15 — Stroll through Momiji-en (Maple Leaf Garden)
Enjoy the vibrant autumn colors from both elevated and riverside viewpoints.
10:15 — Take a short break at a small rest area inside the shrine grounds,
where you can enjoy tea and a light Japanese sweet
10:35 — Visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and see its historic main hall
Learn a little about the shrine’s traditional architecture and its distinctive style.
11:30 — Lunch at Tenki (Tempura Course)
Relax in a refined Kyoto-style townhouse and enjoy seasonal tempura.
13:30 — Tour ends (The ending time may vary slightly.)
9:15 — Stroll through Momiji-en (Maple Leaf Garden)
Enjoy the vibrant autumn colors from both elevated and riverside viewpoints.
10:15 — Take a short break at a small rest area inside the shrine grounds,
where you can enjoy tea and a light Japanese sweet
10:35 — Visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and see its historic main hall
Learn a little about the shrine’s traditional architecture and its distinctive style.
11:30 — Lunch at Tenki (Tempura Course)
Relax in a refined Kyoto-style townhouse and enjoy seasonal tempura.
13:30 — Tour ends (The ending time may vary slightly.)
Other Detail
| Dates | Between November 24 and December 7, the tour starts at 9:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please gather at the Torii gate of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine by five minutes before the start time. |
| Fee | ¥25,000 per person |
| Capacity | Minimum number of participants: 1 Maximum number of participants: 10 |
| Venue | ＜Meeting Point＞ In front of the Grand Torii Gate of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Access: From JR Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. 50 or No. 101 and get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae. The meeting point is just a short walk from the bus stop. ＜Ending Point＞ Tenki — Tempura & Kyoto Cuisine Restaurant Address: 89 Kozenshicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto Please refrain from contacting the restaurant directly. Nearest Bus Stop: Senbon Imadegawa To Kyoto Station: Kyoto City Bus No. 50 (approx. 40 min) To Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Kyoto City Bus No. 59 (approx. 15 min) |
| Contact | If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail：hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone：+81-(0)75-254-7485 |
Additional Info
・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.
・Please book at least 2 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.
Cancellation policy
・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.
Where you'll be
Address
Bakurocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Directions
From JR Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. 50 or No. 101 and get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae. The meeting point is just a short walk from the bus stop.
Bakurocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Directions
From JR Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. 50 or No. 101 and get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae. The meeting point is just a short walk from the bus stop.