In autumn 2025, Kyoto will once again come to the most beautiful season for autumn leaves 🍁For travelers, visiting Kyoto for maple viewing is already on the must-go list for autumn trips. If you only have one day and want to enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine and capture stunning maple photos for Instagram, this itinerary is made for you 📸
Yakiniku-an Kizashi Kyoto Ekimae Store 
🌞Lunch｜Yakiniku-an Kizashi Kyoto Ekimae Store
No Kyoto day trip is complete without a hearty lunch to fuel up for maple viewing! Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station.
Their signature Barrel-Style Yakiniku Lunch (¥2,680~)featuring 8 cuts including wagyu short rib, salted beef tongue, and wagyu skirt steak, along with today’s appetizer, salad, beef broth soup, and premium rice cooked in a traditional kama by Yashirobei Gibei with free refills!
High-quality wagyu with freshly steamed rice at such a reasonable price, a must-try lunch spot near Kyoto Station! 
Source: Official Website
🌞Lunch｜Kyo no SAKESORA
Source: Official Website
Start your perfect one-day trip with → Another option for lunch will be a high-quality Kyoto-style lunch! Kyo no SAKESORA is famous for refined Kaiseki cuisine paired with carefully selected craft beers.
At lunchtime, they offer the 6-dish Obanzai Set Meal (¥1,500~), where you can try various traditional Kyoto small dishes all at once. Don’t miss their limited-time lunch tasting set of craft beer or Japanese sake (+¥1,100~), where you can sample three varieties—an excellent deal to enjoy both food and drinks 🍺
The restaurant interior is simple yet elegant, with large windows overlooking Kyoto’s scenery. Every dish is prepared with seasonal ingredients, beautifully presented like artwork—absolutely Instagrammable! 
Source:@kyoto_sakesora
🍂Must-See Maple Spot｜Tofuku-ji Temple
After lunch, it’s time for maple viewing! Among all Kyoto spots, Tofuku-ji is definitely the highlight in 2025.
The temple grounds are filled with thousands of maple trees, painting the valley in vibrant reds. From the Tsuten-kyo Bridge, the view of the entire maple forest is breathtaking. Go early to avoid the crowds so you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
In the evening, there will also be a special light-up event (17:30–19:30, advance online reservation required). Under the night sky, the illuminated bridge and maple leaves create a dreamy atmosphere—one of the ultimate must-shoot Instagram spots.
cafe 33
☕Afternoon Tea｜Cafe 33, Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Source: @dining_hyattkyoto
After all the walking, take a break with afternoon tea at Cafe 33 inside the Hyatt Regency Kyoto. The cafe features a stylish, elegant interior with large glass windows overlooking the garden.
During maple season, they offer seasonal autumn desserts such as chestnut and pumpkin cakes, which are not only delicious but also picture-perfect.
You can also try the viral “Huge Ice Cold Brew Coffee” that once went viral on Instagram☕ served in a specially crafted ice vessel, smooth and refreshing ❄️ (P.S. It’s available only until October 13 2025, so if you’re visiting in September–October, don’t miss it!)
umenohana
🌙Dinner｜Umenohana Kyoto Karasuma
Source:Website
End your day with Kyoto’s signature tofu cuisine at Umenohana. The restaurant is renowned for its handmade tofu Kaiseki set meals, made with Kyoto’s famous spring water for a fresh, delicate flavor.
We recommend the “Yudofu and Kuroge Wagyu Beef Grilled on Lava Stone Course” (HK$360~/JP¥6,000). It includes their specialty Yudofu, grilled premium Wagyu, plus signature tofu dishes such as Dengaku Tofu and Ringaoka Tofu. The courses are refined yet satisfying.
With its traditional Japanese-style ambiance and dessert finale of red bean tofu, this is the perfect ending to your Kyoto autumn-leaf journey.
Source: Official Website
🚃 Kyoto Transport Tips:
For a one-day trip, the easiest way is to use JR + City Bus. From Osaka or Kansai Airport, you can take the JR Special Rapid train and reach Kyoto Station in about 30 minutes. To visit maple spots like Tofuku-ji, it’s just one stop away from Kyoto Station—super convenient! Within the city, buses and subways are the best choice. If you plan to visit multiple spots in a day, get the “Kyoto City Bus & Subway One-Day Pass” (¥1,100) for excellent value.
🚃View bookable restaurants in Kyoto>>>HERE
*Note: The above prices are approximate in HKD based on the exchange rate as of September 2025. The actual amount will be calculated according to the credit card exchange rate on the day of purchase. Please check the latest prices before making a reservation.
＊If you are unable to attend to your reservation, please cancel in advance. No-shows cause inconvenience to the restaurants and other customers. Thank you for your cooperation.