9 Fine Dining Restaurants to Enjoy Kyoto’s Autumn Foliage

The Beauty of Kyoto's Autumn Foliage

What makes Japan's autumn colors so vibrant is its rich variety of deciduous trees. Unlike Europe and Canada, which have around 13 species, Japan boasts 26, creating a unique tapestry of reds, yellows, and greens.

In Kyoto, the peak season to admire the breathtaking fall foliage typically runs from early November to early December. Popular spots for enjoying the autumn scenery include Kiyomizudera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Tenryuji Temple, Eikando Temple, and the iconic Eizan Railway Maple Tree Tunnel.

Fine Dining with a View of Autumn Foliage

Kyoto is home to fine dining restaurants where you can enjoy stunning views of autumn leaves from beautiful gardens or scenic exteriors. Savoring a meal while immersed in this seasonal beauty is sure to be a highlight of your autumn visit to Japan.

In this article, we introduce restaurants in various areas where you can indulge in exquisite cuisine while taking in breathtaking autumn scenery. Our selection includes nine carefully chosen establishments, offering popular Japanese dishes like kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals) and tempura (lightly battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables), along with French and innovative Spanish cuisine.

6 Recommended Restaurants in the Higashiyama and Kiyomizudera Areas

East of central Kyoto, the mountainous region is renowned for its popular autumn foliage spots, including Kodaiji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Yasaka Shrine. In this picturesque area, you can fully appreciate the beauty of the autumn leaves, and several Michelin-starred restaurants highlight the best of Kyoto’s dining scene.

We’ve selected six restaurants with breathtaking views that serve Japanese cuisine, kaiseki, and French dishes. All are conveniently located within walking distance of Kiyomizudera Temple and Yasaka Shrine, allowing you to enjoy a meal while soaking in the fall colors or relish dinner with the enchanting glow of illuminated autumn leaves.

1. Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji (レストランひらまつ 高台寺) / French

This French restaurant has earned a Michelin star for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023, and 2024. The chef, who trained in Tokyo before moving to work at Hiramatsu in Paris, carefully selects seasonal ingredients from Kyoto and employs traditional French techniques to create a dining experience that is uniquely available here.

From the main dining area, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto, including the Yasaka Pagoda. During the autumn foliage season, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Surrounded by a collection of paintings and elegant furnishings, the French cuisine served here promises an exceptional and memorable dining experience.

2. Kyoyamato (京大和) / Japanese

Kyoyamato is a Japanese restaurant specializing in kaiseki cuisine and has earned a Michelin star for three consecutive years: 2022, 2023, and 2024. Located in the historic Suikokan building—a designated cultural property in Kyoto with over a century of history—it offers an immersive dining experience. Guests can savor traditional Japanese cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of Kyoto's autumn foliage, making it a standout destination.

The restaurant is renowned for its sensory dining experience, emphasizing the aroma, texture, and presentation of each dish. It features carefully selected seasonal ingredients and elegant tableware, with a focus on exquisite plating. Lunch includes a two-tiered box, "Nishiki-gasane": the first tier presents a variety of colorful dishes, while the second tier offers a selection of simmered items. The expansive grounds, which include the main building, a tea room, and a garden, provide a private and serene setting to fully appreciate Kyoto's autumn colors.

3. Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen (ジャン-ジョルジュ アット ザ・シンモンゼン) / French

This French restaurant, recognized in the Michelin Guide for 2023-2024, is led by a master chef specializing in modern French cuisine. Known for its meticulous selection of local ingredients and inventive fusion of French, American, and Asian flavors, the restaurant offers seasonal menus that provide a dynamic and ever-changing dining experience. With over 3,000 bottles of wine available, guests can explore countless pairing possibilities. Located in a historic hotel along the Shirakawa Canal on Shimonzen Street—an area renowned for its antique shops—the restaurant offers an exquisite opportunity to enjoy contemporary French cuisine while savoring Kyoto's autumn foliage.

4. Kodaiji Jugyuan (高台寺 十牛庵) / Japanese

Kodaiji Jugyuan is a Japanese restaurant that earned a Michelin star in 2024. The chef skillfully prepares Kyoto cuisine, honoring the traditions, beauty, and renowned flavors passed down through generations. The restaurant is celebrated for its beautifully presented, seasonal dishes, served in a meticulously maintained garden and charming setting. A standout feature is the Meiji-era Sukiya-style architecture, which has been expertly renovated into a modern dining space, enhancing the building’s appeal. Guests can enjoy meticulously cared-for Kyoto autumn foliage from this classic setting, which offers a secluded and private dining experience.

5. Kodaiji Wakuden (高台寺和久傳) / Japanese

This Japanese restaurant has earned two Michelin stars and boasts a distinguished 150-year history. It brings together the talents of young chefs who craft dishes with both boldness and finesse, using seasonal ingredients to their fullest. The restaurant features luxurious ingredients, such as high-end snow crabs and cockles from Kyotango in Kyoto. It offers a unique experience of Japanese aesthetics, highlighted by traditional Sukiya-style architecture and exceptional hospitality, making it a standout destination for Japanese cuisine. Located in the serene Kodaiji area, renowned for its autumn foliage, the restaurant’s setting is also a major draw.

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6. Kikunoi (菊乃井) / Japanese

1. MICHELIN (2010 - 24): Three Stars

Kikunoi is a renowned kaiseki restaurant that has earned three Michelin stars. The chef, celebrated for blending innovation with tradition, is a leading advocate of Japanese cuisine on the global stage. He established the Japanese Culinary Academy and played a key role in the inclusion of Japanese cuisine in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The chef’s menu features a vibrant beauty within traditional elements, embodying a philosophy of subtle elegance. Each dish is crafted to be visually stunning, while the tranquil private rooms offer views of the changing seasons, including the breathtaking autumn foliage. This restaurant provides a unique dining experience that engages all five senses.

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Recommended Restaurant in the Sagano and Arashiyama Areas

Arashiyama, renowned for its bamboo groves, lies to the west of the city center near Kyoto Station. This area also boasts Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of autumn foliage. While dining options in the area are limited, there is a Michelin-starred tempura restaurant worth noting.

7. Tempura Matsu (天ぷら 松) / Tempura

This Japanese establishment was featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide and has been listed among the top 100 restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site for three consecutive years, from 2021 to 2023. It has also earned bronze medals in the past. The chef combines techniques inherited from his father, a tempura master, with unique skills acquired in the USA. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as tempura, sashimi (sliced fresh raw fish), deep-fried foods, hot pots, rice dishes, and noodles, all served in a kaiseki course. The restaurant is also notable for its carefully chosen tableware and stylish interior. Large glass windows in front of the counter offer a stunning view of Kyoto's autumn foliage while you dine.

8. Hyotei (瓢亭) / Japanese

1. MICHELIN (2010 - 24): Three Stars

Hyotei is a Michelin three-star kaiseki restaurant renowned for its elegance and history. Located just beyond the main gate of Nanzenji Temple, it was originally founded as a tea house over 400 years ago. The chefs here blend innovation with tradition, crafting dishes with exceptional attention to detail in both flavor and presentation. Signature items such as "Hyotei Tamago" (soft-boiled eggs) and seasonal specialties like "Asagayu" (savory rice porridge) attract fans from around the world. The restaurant is also popular for its private dining rooms, which offer views of a Kyoto garden beautifully adorned with autumn leaves.

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Recommended Restaurant in the Karasuma Oike Area

Just north of Kyoto Station, the Karasuma Oike area is an urban district renowned for its fine dining options. While it doesn't offer dramatic natural landscapes like mountains or forests, it does boast restaurants with beautifully designed gardens where you can enjoy the autumn foliage. We’ll showcase one of these charming spots as an added feature.

9. Koke (コケ) / Innovative

KOKE is a Spanish restaurant that earned a Michelin star in 2024. The chef, originally from Okinawa, honed his skills at the three-star Cà Sento in Kobe. The name "KOKE" combines the initials of Kobe, Okinawa, Kyoto, and Spain, reflecting the diverse influences in its cuisine. The restaurant’s theme centers on the interplay between water and fire, with a course that begins with a soup made from well water sourced from the courtyard, showcasing the chef’s meticulous attention to detail. The space is intimate, featuring 7 or 8 counter seats and 2 tables, creating a cozy, hidden gem where guests can enjoy their meal in peace. Located about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, the restaurant also offers views of beautifully maintained autumn foliage through its large glass windows.