27 June 2016 – The changing seasons in Kyoto bring boundless joy for the city's visitors each year.  As the calendar pages turn from September through to December, koyo (meaning 'colourful leaves') transform the region's autumnal vistas, just as the cherry blossoms light up the area in spring. For centuries, large numbers of travellers have visited Kyoto to take in this spectacular array of russet tones scattered across the mountains, parks and streets.

Commencing approximately in mid-September every year, the koyo front takes its southbound route from Japan's northern island, Hokkaido. The process is very gradual and changeable, with the leaves in Kyoto typically adopting stunning orange and red tones by October, November or sometimes even as late as the first weeks in December. Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is therefore encouraging UK travellers to experience this striking foliage season in 2016. 

Take In All That Koyo Season Has To Offer
Witness a fun-filled and animated Japanese Festival this autumn with On The Go Tours, who are offering an 11-day tour of Japan, including three days in Kyoto. Travellers on the trip will begin in Tokyo and visit Takayama for the vibrant Autumn Festival before taking the bullet train to Kyoto. On arrival, sightseers will have the chance to visit the mountainside Fushimi Inarai Shrine, the celebrated spot featuring dense red gates, known as Senbon Torri, which will be framed by striking amber leaves at this time of year. Travellers will also have the opportunity to photograph the famous bamboo walk before taking in the Zen Temple and garden of Teryunji, both of which will also showcase the glorious backdrop of koyo. The tour departs 6 October, with rates from £2,655 per person and includes breakfast.

Appreciate Koyo In The Gardens Of Japan
There is no better place in Kyoto to experience koyo than in the gardens and surrounding grounds of temples and shrines. This November, Japan Journeys are running an 11-day tour curated specifically for garden-lovers, who will commence their trip with four nights in maple-leaf strewn Kyoto. The itinerary while in the city includes a visits to Daitoku-ji, the serene temple complex hidden away from crowds and boasting 15 structures and adjoining gardens;  Kiyomizu-dera, a hillside temple offering splendid sights of the city; and Tofukuji Temple, celebrated for its superb view from the Hojo Garden. The tour departs 10 November, with rates from £3,325 per person, inclusive of flights, accommodation and all garden entry fees.

Experience Kyoto As Part Of An Action-Packed Tour
For the liveliest travellers, the warm weather in Japan during the autumn is a perfect setting for outdoors adventures amid the koyo. This year, G Adventures are offering a 13-day exhilarating bike and kayak tour through Japan, including two days in stunning Kyoto. Starting in Osaka, visitors will pave their way south through the hiking trails of Chikatsuyu before winding towards Wakayama and eventually stopping off in Kyoto. Once in the city, visitors will experience the meditative Philosopher's Walk along the canal and visit the Golden and Silver pavilions, all whilst surrounded by copper-toned foliage. The trip ventures further west to Hiroshima and Matsuyama, before finishing in the capital city. October rates start at £3,039 per person and include a daily breakfast and six lunches.

Walk Your Way Through The Koyo Front
The ancient Nakasendo Trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo truly thrives during the autumn months when koyo transforms the scenery to a copper-toned haven. Oku Japan are offering a 12-day tour featuring four days of village to village walking and two conclusive nights in Kyoto, perfect for those who enjoy combining historic culture and trekking on their holidays. A half-day guided tour of Kyoto provides travellers with a succinct experience of the city, while an afternoon at leisure gives visitors the chance to witness crafts, koyo and cuisines. Tours depart 12 October and 6 November, with rates from £2,880 per person, inclusive of accommodation and ground transportation.

For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS- 

Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: Gardens surrounding the Hogon-in Temple, courtesy of KCVB
Image 2: Kodai-ji Temple at night, courtesy of KCVB
Image 3: Arashiyama region, courtesy of KCVB

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways. 

For more information or imagery, please contact:
McCluskey International 
Fiona Anderson / Libby Hughes
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk