A visit to Japan has nearly all the time been synonymous with iconic sights of sakura or cherry blossoms; in any case, hanami or cherry blossom viewing is a should for vacationers visiting in April. Nevertheless… there’s one thing to be stated about autumn in Japan, particularly with its spectacular fall foliage!
First issues first, pay attention to the interval from mid-September or October till December as a result of it’s famously generally known as koyo season — it’s the time when the climate is cooler and vibrant autumn foliage begins to disclose itself. From the deep purple Japanese maple leaves to the distinctive kusamomiji or purple autumn grass, there are tons of lovely spots you could take a look at.
Simply take be aware that the majority of those locations (particularly temples) shall be filled with folks, however don’t let that reality cease you from taking the journey. In addition to, come nighttime, a few of the areas will typically illuminate the autumn bushes for a wide ranging foliage view.
As of 2023, under is the foliage forecast map for Japan:
Supply: Japan Meteorological Company
Autumn in Japan: High Spots
» North of Tokyo
Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park
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Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park, positioned in Hokkaido, is an unlimited expanse of pristine wilderness that stands because the nation’s largest nationwide park at 2,267.64 sq. kilometers. Identified for its dramatic landscapes, it options rugged mountain ranges, serene plateaus, and vibrant alpine forests, showcasing Japan’s unspoiled magnificence that’s nice for sightseeing — if not mountaineering!
In autumn, Daisetsuzan transforms right into a mesmerizing tapestry of fiery reds, good oranges, and golden yellows. To not point out, it’s a hotspot for leaf-peepers and nature fans, because the koyo, or autumn colours, begin to seem earlier right here than anyplace else in Japan.
TIP: Don’t neglect to drop by the Mikuni Cross (seen within the photograph above).
- Deal with: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District
Hitachi Facet Park
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This spot is an emblem of autumn in Japan, notably within the autumn months! Miharashi Hill specifically turns into a surreal dream throughout this season, with its undulating panorama swathed within the deep reds of Kochia vegetation (often in full bloom in October).
This crimson blanket creates a stark but mesmerizing distinction to the park’s azure skies, inviting pictures fans and nature lovers alike. Past this, the park unravels additional magnificence by way of its myriad gardens teeming with vibrant tulips and calming hues of lavender. Whereas Hitachi Seaside Park is famend for its huge fields of Child Blue Eyes, many guests are pleasantly stunned to find that the park gives an array of different floral spectacles, every including a novel contact to its breathtaking panorama.
- Deal with: 605-4 Mawatari Onuma, Hitachinaka
Irohazaka Route
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This scenic winding path is really the embodiment of nature’s grandeur, notably in the course of the autumn months! With every flip and twist, the street reveals panoramic vistas of cascading hills drenched in a spectrum of fiery reds, radiant oranges, and golden yellows.
Acknowledged by many as essentially the most thrilling street to traverse in autumn, it doesn’t simply provide a journey from one level to a different however a voyage by way of nature’s beautiful autumnal show. It helps to notice that the downslope (1st Irohazaka), which has 28 curves, features a cease to see two waterfalls; whereas the upslope (2nd Irohazaka), which has 20 curves, has the Akechidaira Plateau on the prime that may give you spectacular views of the valley.
TIP: Throughout autumn, the inflow of holiday makers can prolong a typical 20-minute drive by way of Irohazaka Route to three to 4 hours! For a smoother expertise, contemplate reserving a tour on a weekday.
- Deal with: Hosoomachi, Nikko, 321-1445
Towada Lake
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Nestled within the serene confines of Aomori prefecture lies Towada Lake, the grandest crater lake in mainland Japan which is a superb place to go to for autumn in Japan.
As autumn units in, the lake transforms right into a canvas painted with good hues of crimson, gold, and orange. Right here, you may embark on a scenic cruise, letting the mild waves information you alongside shores adorned with beech and maple bushes. However for individuals who are adventurous at coronary heart, tread the paths alongside the Oirase Stream, the place the colourful fall colours play backdrop to the stream’s fierce rapids and cascading waterfalls, making a mesmerizing mix of tranquility and uncooked nature.
- Deal with: 034-0301 Aomori-ken, Towada-shi
Naruko Gorge
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Reaching its vibrant peak from mid-October to early November, this iconic gorge comes alive as hues of gold, amber, and crimson drape its slopes.
Nevertheless, as a result of influence of the 2011 earthquake, your complete gorge strolling path isn’t accessible. Nonetheless, guests can seize the gorge’s essence from the remainder home, providing iconic views of the bridge and surrounding magnificence — plus, a partial part of the path stays open for exploration. When you’ve soaked within the vistas, unwind in close by areas like Naruko Onsen, Higashi-Naruko, or Onikobe, every boasting distinctive onsen scorching springs.
- Deal with: Narukoonsen, Ōsaki, Miyagi 989-6100
» In & Round Tokyo
Hamarikyu Gardens
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Hamarikyu Backyard, a tranquil oasis amidst Tokyo’s bustling cityscape, gives a fascinating autumnal retreat for nearly anybody!
Because the season progresses, the backyard’s foliage dons a palette of vibrant reds, oranges, and gold, making it a super vacation spot for these looking for nature’s resplendent show within the coronary heart of the metropolis. However the magic doesn’t finish at sundown. As night descends, the bushes are bathed in a gentle, ethereal glow, as illuminations solid their gentle upon the leaves, remodeling the backyard right into a luminous dreamscape. This mix of pure magnificence and suave lighting creates an ambiance of serene magnificence, making Hamarikyu Backyard a must-visit throughout Tokyo’s autumn nights.
- Nearest Metro: Hama-Rikyū (Hama-rikyu Backyard) Station
- Deal with: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo Metropolis, Tokyo
Kajika Bridge
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Kajika Bridge, gracefully arching over the waters of Ikaho Onsen, turns into a magical pathway throughout autumn in Japan. As you stroll throughout, let the colourful canvas of russet and amber leaves envelop you within the season’s embrace.
And naturally, the encompassing onsen city, with its wealthy historical past, gives not simply scenic magnificence but additionally participating actions. Enjoyment of fruit-picking, savoring the recent flavors of the season, or embark on a mountaineering path, permitting nature to information your journey. For these looking for a chicken’s-eye view of Gunma’s fall splendor, the Ikaho ropeway awaits, whisking you to vantage factors the place your complete valley is painted in wealthy hues.
- Deal with: 590 Ikahomachi Ikaho, Shibukawa, Gunma
Lake Kawaguchi of Fuji 5 Lakes
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As essentially the most famend of the Fuji 5 Lakes, it gives beautiful panoramic views the place the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji enhances the fiery hues of fall foliage. The annual Autumn Leaf Pageant is a spectacle to not be missed; because the solar units, the bushes are illuminated, enhancing the colourful reds, oranges, and yellows.
A spotlight of the area is the Maple Hall – a picturesque path lined with brilliantly-colored maple bushes that appear to set the place ablaze with their splendor. For these looking for that picture-perfect shot, you may attain this visible deal with by hopping onto the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Pink line) and alight on the Itchiku Kubota Artwork Museum bus cease.
The prime time to expertise this vibrant show is between early to mid-November. To keep away from the crowds, contemplate an early morning go to and even higher, an in a single day keep, guaranteeing each serene morning views and a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in its full glory.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Nestled a stone’s throw away from Meiji Shrine, Meiji Jingu Gaien, or the Outer Backyard, stands as a testomony to nature’s grandeur within the coronary heart of Tokyo. The avenue, adorned with towering ginkgo bushes, transforms right into a golden hall throughout autumn, making it a prime contender for the very best fall foliage spots in Japan.
Now, one of many issues it is best to NOT miss out on whereas there’s the annual Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Pageant. Celebrated since 1997, guests not solely get to immerse themselves within the mesmerizing hues of the leaves but additionally revel within the vibrant environment delivered to life by avenue performers and an array of meals cubicles. (Often occurs from mid November to early December).
- Nearest Metro: Sendagaya Station
- Deal with: 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku Metropolis, Tokyo, Tokyo
Mount Nasu
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Mount Nasu, sometimes called Mount Chausu, stands majestically as one of many area’s distinguished energetic volcanoes. To start out off your autumn in Japan expertise on an important be aware, embark on a memorable journey on the Nasu Ropeway, main you as much as the mountain’s Ninth Station – a major level on the mountaineering path.
For these contemplating a guided expertise, there’s a tour that not solely gives transportation to Mt. Nasu but additionally treats members to a buffet lunch and an entrancing go to to the famend Ashikaga Flower Park — and this park dazzles guests with its beautiful night time illuminations and vibrant flower displays!
Rikugien Backyard
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To actually recognize Rikugien’s magnificence, allocate an unhurried afternoon autumn in Japan to meander by way of its scenic trails, punctuating your journey with tranquil moments at its conventional teahouses.
Highlights embrace the serene ambiance close to the Tsutsuji no Chaya teahouse stream, the picturesque attraction across the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the panoramic vistas from the Fujishirotoge viewpoint. The backyard’s autumnal splendor often reaches its finest from late November to early December, so take be aware!
- Nearest Metro: Komagome Station
- Deal with: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo Metropolis, Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen
The park boasts 3 signature gardens, every providing a novel autumn in Japan expertise,
The Japanese Backyard dazzles with its fiery purple maple cover, portray a serene image harking back to conventional landscapes. In distinction, the British Backyard is a sea of golden splendor, due to its ginkgo bushes that shimmer within the gentle. However autumn isn’t nearly fiery hues; the French Backyard surprises with late-blooming roses, including a contact of romance to the autumn palette.
To actually seize the essence of Shinjuku Gyoen, traversing by way of all three gardens is a should. So plan your go to between mid-October and mid-December to bask within the backyard’s full autumnal glory!
- Nearest Metro: Shinjuku-sanchome Station
- Deal with: 1-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku Metropolis, Tokyo, Tokyo
Ueno Park
Autumn in Japan’s Ueno isn’t just a visible deal with; it’s an expertise. In addition to marveling on the fall foliage, guests can discover the a number of museums housed throughout the park, together with the Tokyo Nationwide Museum and the Ueno Royal Museum.
The park’s serene Shinobazu Pond additionally gives paddle boating amidst the lotus vegetation, and the Ueno Zoo gives a pleasant encounter with various wildlife. Because the solar units, contemplate having fun with a leisurely boat experience or just sitting by the water, taking within the reflection of the colourful leaves.
- Nearest Metro: Yushima Station
- Deal with: Uenokoen, Taito Metropolis, Tokyo
» South of Tokyo
Eikando Zenrinji Temple
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This serene temple, with its lovely pond backyard and timeless structure, mirrors the essence of Japan’s conventional magnificence towards the colourful backdrop of autumn leaves. However the magic doesn’t finish with sundown.
As night descends, the temple grounds are illuminated, casting the bushes, pond, and constructions in an ethereal glow, turning the panorama right into a dreamy world straight out of a portray. This nightly illumination is an expertise in itself, because the shimmering reflections and shadows create a mystical ambiance.
- Deal with: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Houkyou-in Temple
Houkyo-In, a hidden gem within the cultural coronary heart of Kyoto, gives a serene escape, particularly in the course of the autumn months.
Because the extra in style spots in Kyoto buzz with vacationers, Houkyo-In stays a tranquil oasis, the place the altering leaves may be admired in relative solitude. The temple grounds come alive with a burst of reds, oranges, and yellows, every leaf narrating its personal story of time.
- Deal with: Saga-shakado-monzen-minamichuin-cho 9 Kyoto Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Korankei Valley
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With the serene Tomoe River reflecting the colourful cover, maple bushes numbering within the 1000’s, flank the riverbanks and mountainsides, making a charming backdrop to this picturesque gorge.
Guests also can take pleasure in a myriad of actions right here! Embark on a tranquil boat experience alongside the Tomoe River, immersing your self within the surrounding magnificence. Wander alongside well-trodden paths, crossing the long-lasting purple Taigetsukyo Bridge, which gives among the best panoramic views of the valley. And as night approaches, the illuminations solid a magical glow on the bushes, creating an ethereal environment.
- Deal with: Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi
Minoo Park & Falls
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Tucked away from the bustling cityscape of Osaka, Minoo Park gives a serene escape and is refreshingly uncrowded.
An autumn go to reveals a canvas of vibrant hues, with crimson and gold leaves making a mesmerizing backdrop. To not point out, the centerpiece of this pure haven is the Minoo Falls, cascading gracefully and complementing the season’s magnificence. As you wander the park’s trails, don’t miss out on the distinctive culinary delight it gives: the momiji tempura. These battered and deep-fried maple leaves present a crunchy style of autumn, making your go to to Minoo Park a deal with for each the eyes and palate!
- Deal with: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka
Nara Park
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As autumn descends, this well-known park is drenched in a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows, providing a picturesque backdrop to the lots of of docile deer that roam freely. These iconic residents, revered and guarded, are all the time longing for a biscuit and would possibly even bow in gratitude!
Amidst this autumnal splendor, the majestic Todai-ji Temple stands tall, offering a serene setting that contrasts with the playful deers. For a postcard-perfect shot, place your self throughout the shimmering Daibutsu-Ike Pond, capturing the temple, fall foliage, and maybe a deer or two in a single body.
Sagano Romantic Prepare
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Embark on a picturesque 25-minute journey across the Arashiyama district aboard the Sagano Romantic Prepare for the very best autumn in Japan expertise!
As you traverse landscapes awash in vibrant autumn hues, it’s clear why this route is a favourite, notably amongst romantics. Expertise the district’s full splendor by reserving a tour now. In addition to, past the practice experience, you may take pleasure in ample time to wander the long-lasting Togetsu Bridge and the mesmerizing Arashiyama bamboo forest. You may even delight within the included Hozugawakudari River Boat Experience, stretching from Kameoka to Arashiyama.
- Deal with: Close to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Tofukuji Temple
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Established within the early Heian interval, this temple has lengthy been a revered place of worship and reflection. With sprawling grounds and iconic constructions, it showcases the very best of Japanese temple structure.
Anyhow, autumn in Japan at Tofukuji Temple is nothing in need of magical. Guests are drawn to the Tsutenkyo Bridge for panoramic views over a valley of maples, whereas the Zen-inspired gardens present tranquil spots for reflection.
- Deal with: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
» BONUS: Costume Up in a Kimono throughout Autumn in Japan
Elevate your autumn trip and pictures by draping your self in a standard yukata or kimono! Rental retailers throughout Japan additionally cater to males and even the youthful ones — so sure, you may simply maintain a photograph shoot along with your family members.
For the very best expertise, take a look at the vary of rental retailers everywhere in the nation by way of Klook: [click]. I guarantee you, your Instagram feed is about to grow to be the envy of all!
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General
As the colourful hues of autumn in Japan paint the panorama, every of those 20 spots certainly gives a novel tapestry of reds, oranges, and gold!
So whether or not you’re a photographer, traveler, or just somebody who appreciates nature’s artistry, these areas promise unforgettable reminiscences. Go seize your digicam, a heat drink, and let the serene great thing about Japan’s autumn foliage captivate your coronary heart!
