Kyoto to autumn temples: Private day trip

Nara Park is an iconic destination boasting a series of temples and the Nara National Museum. The grounds are rife with autumn foliage during the Koyo season, and are also home to over 1000 gentle deer, which visitors can purchase crackers for and interact with. Be sure to visit Todaiji Temple, home to a towering Buddha statue. Take your time exploring the park's variety of shrines, or simply stroll around and take in the vibrant autumnal displays from the surrounding maples. The park itself is open 24/7, but the National Museum on-site operates from 9:30 to 17:00, with some seasonal variation in the winter months.

Ishiyama-dera temple is a serene spiritual retreat that becomes especially enchanting in the autumn months, thanks to its surrounding maple trees and tranquil walking paths. The temple has fascinated literary figures throughout Japanese history, and it's said that Murasaki Shikibu was inspired to write The Tale of Genji while staring up at the full moon here. The room where the story was written is preserved within the temple, and the autumn full moon is a particularly popular time to visit. There are also occasional nighttime light shows during the autumn Koyo season, making the atmosphere even more magical. Be sure to check entry fees before visiting: https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/guide/fee