Don’t get me wrong…I have nothing against hanami ( cherry blossom ) in Japan, but I feel that it is slightly overrated!! I mean the flowers are pretty no doubt, but sitting under a tree with a picnic basket just doesn’t appeal to me. Whereas koyo or autumn leaves watching is much more beautiful if you ask me. Kyoto 京都 especially offers breathtaking picture perfect views, and not to forget an ideal background for my outfit pictures ( if only there were fewer people around to photobomb!! ) Well there is no dispute that Kyoto is the best place to see autumn colors in Japan. There are many koyo spots but the one I went on Sunday is “Nanzen-ji”. It is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan, established in 1291 by Emperor Kameyama. Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 has 12 sub-temples but not all of them is open to public. The main complex is surrounded by these subtemples.It Nanzen-ji is famous for its bright and colourful autumn foliage. Vivid Japanese momiji or maple trees near Sammon gate in the temple complex looks breathtaking. I think so far, Nanzen-ji has to be my personal favorite for fall leaves. I couldn’t visit all the temples as it was already late and they close early at 5 p.m. I will definitely go back again and I recommend others to go too!! But be warned that wherever you go in Kyoto during autumn, you can’t escape the hordes of “koyo lovers”. They are just everywhere!! Access: Nanzenji is a 5-10 minute walk from the nearest subway station, Keage Station on the Tozai Line Fees: 500 Yen Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Coat – Zara, $120, 2014; Stole – Alexander McQueen, gift, 2014; Tights – Tutuanna, $ 3, 2014; Shoes – H&M, $ 50, 2014; aslo worn here; Bag – Charles & Keith, $ 60, 2014; After spending some time around Nanzen-ji we went to Philosopher’s Path 哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi that is a stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees and connects Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji Temples. The best time to visit this path is in April. There are a few boutiques, souvenir shops and coffee shops along the path and we stopped to have some tea at one of them… Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet Vivalahighstreet