Kyoto Autumn Leaves (Koyo) and Smoking Rules 2026 — Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, Eikan-do
Table of contents
Kyoto street smoking rules (background)
Kyoto City’s "Ordinance on the Prohibition of Smoking on Streets, etc." (in force since June 2007) asks people to refrain from smoking in outdoor public places city-wide. In particular, the central area bounded by Kawaramachi-dori, Karasuma-dori, Shijo-dori, and Oike-dori, the Kyoto Station area, and the Kiyomizu / Gion area are designated as "Smoking Control Enhancement Zones" (renamed from the previous "Fine-Collection Zones" in March 2023), where violators are fined JPY 1,000 (Source: Kyoto City https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/page/0000291969.html).
Smoking rules at major autumn leaves spots
Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama area
The Kiyomizu-dera grounds are fully no-smoking. The surrounding Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Gojo-zaka fall within Kyoto City’s Smoking Control Enhancement Zone (JPY 1,000 fine). Use the public smoking areas near Kiyomizu-dera Bus Stop and Gojo-zaka Bus Stop.
Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji, Jojakko-ji, Hogon-in, Togetsukyo Bridge)
All shrine and temple grounds in the Arashiyama area are fully no-smoking. The Togetsukyo Bridge and the Sagano Bamboo Grove area are designated as outdoor-smoking-restraint request zones. Use the public smoking areas around Arashiyama Station (JR and Randen). Walking-smoking is subject to immediate guidance, especially during the crowded koyo season.
Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, Eikan-do
Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and Eikan-do are among Kyoto’s most famous koyo destinations, all fully no-smoking on the grounds. Follow the street smoking rules around the nearest stations (Tofukuji Station, Keage Station, in front of Nanzen-ji Sanmon Gate) and use station-area public smoking areas. With extreme tourist density, a portable ashtray is strongly recommended.
Ginkaku-ji and the Philosopher’s Path
Ginkaku-ji grounds are fully no-smoking. The Philosopher’s Path is a promenade where Kyoto City’s outdoor consideration duty applies. Walking-smoking is a common cause of conflict among tourists and should be avoided.
Koyo-season-specific cautions
(1) Accumulated fallen leaves create a high fire ignition risk. (2) Extreme tourist density spreads passive-smoking impact widely. (3) Many shrine/temple grounds contain World Heritage and National Treasure sites; a fire directly threatens cultural property. (4) During koyo light-ups, nighttime operation of public smoking areas may be limited. Check Kyoto City’s official information and Motto Suitai in advance.
Heated tobacco (IQOS / glo / Ploom)
Heated tobacco is also subject to Kyoto City’s ordinance and the revised Health Promotion Act. On shrine/temple grounds and inside enhancement zones, it is treated the same as combustible cigarettes.
Using Motto Suitai
You can check Kyoto City’s designated public smoking areas on Motto Suitai (https://mottosuitai.com/). See also "Complete Guide to Smoking Areas in Kyoto".
Related links (official sources)
■ Kyoto City Street Smoking Ordinance: https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/page/0000291969.html ■ Kyoto City Public Designated Smoking Areas: https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/page/0000027498.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can I smoke at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto?
A.Kiyomizu-dera grounds are fully no-smoking. The surrounding Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Gojo-zaka are within Kyoto City’s Smoking Control Enhancement Zone, with a JPY 1,000 fine. Use the public smoking areas near the bus stops.
Q.Can I smoke in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?
A.No. Extreme tourist density + no-smoking shrine/temple grounds + Kyoto City’s outdoor restraint zone apply. Use the public smoking areas around Arashiyama Station.
Q.What about night-time koyo light-ups?
A.Kyoto City’s street smoking rules apply regardless of time. At night, public smoking area operation may be limited; check in advance.
Q.Is heated tobacco okay?
A.No. Both Kyoto City’s ordinance and the revised Health Promotion Act treat it the same as combustible cigarettes.