The only season in Japan as famous as Spring for its pink cherry blossoms is Autumn, where vibrant red, orange and gold leaves paint the landscape across the country. Catching the changing of the leaves can be tricky business. After all, the climate across Japan is not uniform.
To help you plan out your Autumn Japan visit, we’ve put together this guide for when to visit and where to go during this beautiful time of year.
Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido
Generally speaking, the changing of the leaves starts in the northernmost regions of Japan and ends in the south. For this reason, the island of Hokkaido can see autumn foliage as early as mid-September, with peak color-change occurring in early-mid October.
Daisetsuzan 大雪山
Hokkaido color-change wouldn’t be complete without visiting Daisetsuzan. This chain of 2,000 metre mountains is known as the first place where color change occurs across the whole of Japan. Mt. Asahidake serves as the highest peak in the range, sitting at 2,291 metres, and experiences color change as early as the start of September. Because the Daisetsuzan is so varied, we recommend visiting several locations within the park in order to experience the changing colors to their fullest. One of the most entrancing points of interest in the park is the Sounkyo, a 24 kilometre long gorge considered to be the gateway into Daisetsuzan. The trees and hills here combine to give an effect like a pop-up book, inviting visitors into the park.
Best time to visit: Early to late September
Sapporo 札幌
Sapporo is Hokkaido’s largest city and is draped in beautiful red and yellow ginkgo trees in the autumn. Popular viewing spots include Hokkaido University and Nakajima Park. Sapporo also serves as a hotspot for beer gardens and breweries, perfect places to visit and warm up with a drink while taking in the season.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to end of October
Sounkyo 層雲峡
Sounkyo is the gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park, and its grand canyon, which stretches 24 km, is a sight to behold. The autumn leaves that vividly dye the oddly shaped rocks in the gorge are like a giant folding screen painting, overwhelming the viewer and allowing them to enjoy the autumn colours from various angles.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
Jozankei Onsen 定山渓温泉
We also recommend traveling a bit outside of Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen, a 140-year-old hot spring resort surrounded by mountains. The area is accessed by the “Kappa Liner” from Sapporo Station and takes about an hour. Taking in the colorful scenery is even better when warming up in a natural hot spring. It’s best to visit Jozankei in early-mid October.
Best time ot visit: Early to mid October
Shiretoko Five Lakes 知床五湖
Shiretoko National Park is another amazing viewing spot. The five lakes which surround the Shiretoko Mountain Range are beautiful spots from which to see the virgin forests of the park reflect their autumn hues against the water.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
Noboribetsu 登別温泉地獄谷
Another great onsen experience can be found in Noboribetsu. The Jigokudani is the star of the show here, as it is what remains of a volcanic explosion. The Jigokudani also serves as the source of the amazing hot spring water in Noboribetsu Onsen, and as a complimentary backdrop to autumn foliage. The best time to visit Noboribetsu is from late September to mid-October.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
Shinsen Marsh 神仙沼
The Shinsen Marsh can provide visitors with a stunning view of the surrounding Niseko Mountains. The marsh is believed in Japanese folklore to be a place where Gods and forest hermits live. While it is worthwhile to visit year-round, autumn is especially beautiful because of the red spruce trees which surround the area. There is also a boardwalk which lets you trek along the water’s edge. It’s best to visit Shinsen Marsh from late September to early October.
Onuma Quasi-National Park 大沼国定公園
Onuma Quasi-National Park is one of the most scenic spots in Hokkaido. Lake Onuma is known for its 126 islands, which give a beautiful variety to the landscape. In the autumn, the park lights up in red hues from mid-late October.
Tohoku Autumn Leaves
The Tohoku region is the next to experience autumn leaves. Given the natural beauty of the region, it’s no surprise that many of the best spots are along lake shores and mountain trails.
Hakkoda Mountains 八甲田山系
The Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori prefecture are well known for their virgin beech forests, which turn the entire landscape into a fiery red during the month of October. Mt. Hakkoda also has a gondola which will let you soar just above the beautiful treeline.
Best time to visit: October
Lake Towada 十和田湖
Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake in Japan, is another amazing place to visit. It features a reflective surface for all the Autumn leaves, and can be crossed by boat for an amazing panoramic view. I also recommend visiting Oirase Stream, which originates from Lake Towada. This beautiful spot is covered with a large variety of trees blending into each other’s autumn colors.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Shirakami Mountains 白神山地
The Shirakami Mountains are home to one of the world’s largest untouched beech forests. Spanning from southwestern Aomori to northwestern Akita prefecture, the mountain range has been classified as a World Natural Heritage site. It’s a really amazing place to take a walk through the woods.
Best time to visit: October
Hachimantai 八幡平
Another stunning mountain space is the Hachimantai, a plateau on the border between the Iwate and Akita Prefectures. This hot spring filled area sits at an altitude of 1400 metres and offers endless falling leaves in the autumn. The best way to experience the area is by taking the “Hachimantai Aspite Line” up to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai when the leaves are in full color.
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
Chuson-ji Temple 中尊寺
Chuson-ji Temple was constructed in the year 850 by the high priest of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Jikaku Daishi Ennin. This gorgeous temple serves as the head temple of the Tohoku Great of the Tendai sect, and features a golden hall as well as symbolizing the glory of the Fujiwara clan. This historically significant space is best enjoyed while wreathed in the gold, orange and red of falling leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Naruko Gorge 鳴子峡
The Naruko Gorge has a chasmic depth of 100 metres, and is said to be one of the best landscapes in Tohoku. In the peak autumn months, the gorge is flooded not by water, but by an ocean of yellow and gold leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Zao Onsen 蔵王温泉
Zao Onsen is well known in Japan as a ski resort and hot spring paradise during the winter months. It can be just as beautiful in the autumn though! Take a dip in the famous waters of Zao while viewing the changing leaves. Don’t stay in for too long though, the acidity of the water is among the highest in Japan, something owed to its levels of sulfur.
Best time to visit: Late September to early October
Goshikinuma 五色沼
Goshikinuma is home to several lakes which each feature a different surface color. In the autumn, taking pictures at each of these different lakes can make for a fun photo adventure.
Best time to visit: October
Urabandai Autumn Leaves Ropeway 裏磐梯
The Urabandai Autumn Leaves Ropeway is an extraordinarily beautiful way to see the changing leaves. Overlooking Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, this scenic line takes about 15 minutes from the base to the summit of the mountain.
Best time to visit: October
Mt. Adatara 安達太良山
Mt. Adatara is designated as one of the 100 famous mountains of Japan. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy fresh air and a clear blue sky while surrounded by beech, maple and rowan trees in the autumn.
Best time to visit: Late September to late October
Hirosaki Castle 弘前城
Hirosaki Castle is the best known spot for viewing cherry blossoms in Tohoku, but it is also amazing for seeing the Autumn leaves. Visitors can relax in the spacious courtyard and look up at the fiery colors with the white backdrop of Hirosaki Castle. You can even take a sightseeing boat along the moat of the structure.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-November
Kanto Red Leaves
Nikko 日光市
Nikko is a must-visit for any visit to Japan, but especially in the Autumn. The town is dotted with several UNESCO World Heritage sights, and among them Toshogu Shrine is the most amazing. A secret spot to visit in Nikko is the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, a river-side trail lined with 70 Jizo statues. Since the trees cover the path overlooking the river, it makes for an amazing picture spot.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-November
Kamakura 鎌倉
Kamakura is well known for being the second capital of Japan from the years 1192-1333. This historical city becomes shrouded in golden leaves during the autumn months. Because of the many gardens, temples and surrounding mountains, Kamakura is an exceedingly beautiful place to experience the changing of the leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to mid-December
Hakone 箱根町
Hakone is well known in Japan as a hot spring paradise. The picturesque town sits near the base of Mt. Fuji, and therefore provides amazing scenery for your Autumn photoshoot. The freshly capped Mt. Fuji makes for a perfect backdrop.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Nasu 那須町
Nasu is a hikers paradise. Take a walk through the forests here and enjoy the changing colors backdropped by the Nasu Mountains. There are also many hot springs in the area where you can relax after a long day outdoors.
Best time to visit: Early-to-mid October
Kinugawa Onsen 鬼怒川温泉
Kinugawa Onsen is one of the leading hot springs in Kanto. The town is covered with many inns, hotels and baths on both sides of the Kinugawa River, which runs through the center of town. The best spot to view the leaves in town is the Kinu Tateiwa Suspension Bridge.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Fukuroda Falls 袋田の滝
Fukuroda Falls is one of the three famous waterfalls in Japan. Here, you can enjoy varied landscapes year round, but it is especially beautiful in the autumn. Experiencing the leaves falling around you as you enjoy the 120 metre high waterfall makes for a very memorable experience.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Shiomi Suspension Bridge 塩見橋
Within Hananuki Valley lies the Shiomi Suspension Bridge, a beautiful crossing of the Shiomi Falls. While walking across the bridge, you’ll see tree branches arching overhead to form a multicolored tunnel filled with red, orange and gold leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Oze National Park 尾瀬
Oze National Park is listed as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan. This triple-prefecture park houses many beautiful sceneries depending on the season, but in autumn the whole park is dyed orange with the changing colors of the grass and leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-October
Sarugakyo Onsen 猿ヶ京温泉
Sarugakyo Onsen is known for its colorless spring water. This location is surrounded by mountains and sits on the edge of a lake Akaya. This is an amazing place to see maple and ginkgo trees in full yellow and red leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Minakami Onsen 水上温泉
Minakami Onsen is a famous representative of hot spring resorts for Gunma Prefecture because of its connection to the Joetsu Line, making it easily accessible from Tokyo Station. The combination of the baths and the nearby Mt. Tanigawa makes Minakami a perfect getaway to enjoy the autumn leaves.
Best time to visit: Early October to early November
Shima Onsen 四万温泉
Shima Onsen sits along the Shima River and is said to be “a spiritual spring that heals the disease of 40,000.” Nearby leaf-viewing highlights include Momotaro Falls, Tsukimi Bridge and the two lakes, Lake Shima and Oku-Shiman Lake. You can even rent a canoe for the lakes to see the autumn foliage from above the water’s surface.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to mid-November
Ikaho Onsen 伊香保町
Ikaho Onsen has a history dating back 2,000 years and lies at the feet of the Haruna mountain range. The hot spring town is especially beautiful in the autumn when its Taisho style is complimented by the changing leaves.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Fukiwari Falls 吹割瀑
Fukiwari Falls features a 30 metre wide, 7 metre high waterfall. Seeing the leaves fall around this stunning formation is a perfect way to experience the season.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Chichibu 秩父市
Chichibu is a basin only an hour and a half outside of Saitama, and features beautiful rapids and colors. Here, the “Nagatoro Autumn Leaves Festival” and the “Okochichibu Otaki Autumn Leaves Festival” are held, which make for an energetic way to experience autumn.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Tokyo 東京
Tokyo can’t be left out of a trip to Japan, and it offers beautiful scenery in autumn too. I recommend visiting the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden in order to view the color-changes. This space has an amazing Ginkgo avenue that flares up into golden yellows.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Okutama 奥多摩町
Okutama is well known as the earliest spot to see autumn leaves in the Tokyo area. We especially recommend going to Lake Okutama to see the changing leaves, as there is a floating bridge across the lake’s surface.
Best time to visit: Early November to early December
Mt. Takao 高尾山
Mt. Takao is only an hour away from the center of Tokyo, and is well known for its multicolored maples during the autumn. This beautiful spot is rightfully crowded by visitors this time of year, so make sure to arrive early!
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Yoro Valley 県立養老渓谷奥清澄自然公園
Yoro Valley is considered a paradise for hikers year round. This scenic spot features waterfalls, maples, poison oak and many other trees that paint the landscape in autumn. It is a popular spot for tourism and autumn leaf hunting too, so make sure to arrive early.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Chubu and Hokuriku Red Leaves
Korankei 香嵐渓
The most famous place to view autumn leaves in Chubu is Korankei. Legend has it that Monsho Sanei of Koshaku-ji Temple planted a maple tree here in the year 1634. Today 4,000 maple trees can be seen in the area turning a beautiful red.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Hakuba 白馬村
Hakuba is known for its gradient of colors during the autumn. As the temperature shifts, you can see green at the base of the mountains transitioning into yellows and golds in the middle, and finally stoney snow-capped peaks at the top. The overlap of these colors makes for amazing photo opportunities and is a must-see.
Best time to visit: October
Yatsugatake 八ヶ岳連峰
Yatsugatake is ranked among the 100 most famous mountains of Japan. Within the range of the mountains you can find the brilliantly red Higashizawa Bridge. Any photos featuring this bridge spanning across the golden and red leaves is sure to be an awesome souvenir.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Karuizawa 軽井沢
Karuizawa is well known in Japan as a summer resort, brimming with cafes and restaurants. Don’t let that fool you though, as this spot is also a prime autumn leaf location. While in full color change, the leaves are beautifully reflected on the surface of Kumoba Pond.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Lake Yamanaka 山中湖
Lake Yamanaka is a fantastic spot to see the leaves while also viewing Mt. Fuji. The lake is the third highest in Japan and is famous as one of the Fuji Five Lakes. In the autumn months, the lake’s shores are painted with red maple trees.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to mid-November
Lake Kawaguchiko 河口湖
The most famous and the best place in all of Japan to see the autumn leaves is from the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. One of the five Fuji lakes, Kawaguchiko serves as a prime reflective surface to mirror not only the stunning leaves, but also the looming Mt. Fuji in the background. It’s recommended to visit both early in the day and to hope for clear weather for a truly unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Naeba Dragondola ドラゴンドラ
For a stunning panoramic view of the autumn leaves, look no further than Naeba Dragondola. This super-gondola is the longest in Japan at 5,481 metres! It connects the Naeba and Tashiro Plateaus and is one of the best places to see golden larch trees.
Best time to visit: Early October to early November
Sunmata Gorge 寸又峡
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not visit Sunmata Gorge? This waterfall valley has a reputation for the beauty of its autumn foliage and for its daring suspension bridge.
Best time to visit: Early November to early December
Gero Onsen 下呂温泉
Gero Onsen has a rich 1,000 year history as a place to relax and watch the leaves change. Gero Onsen is not only the best hot spring resort in the Hida region, but is also one of the three most famous hot springs in all of Japan, accompanied by Arima and Kusatsu.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Yoro Falls 養老の滝
Yoro Park is a large green space centered around the Yoro Falls, one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. There’s a beautiful promenade with views of the waterfall that compliments the autumn leaves.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Kuzuryu Lake 九頭竜湖
Kuzuryu Lake is an artificial lake formed by the dams along the Kuzuryu river. The Hakagase Bridge spans 270 metres across the lake and makes for a great photo when contrasted with the autumn leaves.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Kenrokuen Garden 兼六園
Kenrokuen Garden in Ishikawa is known as one of the three famous gardens of Japan, paired with Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Already a manicured beauty for the rest of the year, the garden comes into its own in the autumn when dressed with yellow, orange and gold leaves.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 立山黒部アルペンルート
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route serves as a breathtaking sightseeing trip by way of trolley buses, highland buses, cable cars and ropeways. The surrounding Northern Alps are a collection of majestic 3,000 metre-class mountains and add to the stunning autumn foliage.
Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-October
Yahiko 新潟県
Yahiko is well known for its park of the same name. The space features a beautiful vermillion bridge, tunnel and waterfall, and spectacular views of autumn foliage. The park is filled with maple trees that drape the area in red leaves.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Lake Okutadami 奥只見湖
The most famous autumn leaf viewing spot in Niigata is Lake Okutadami. There is a boat tour available and it provides the best views of the surrounding maple, beech and rowan trees.
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Kansai Red Leaves
Kyoto 京都
Kyoto is famous across the world as an ancient capital. The city is also a famous spot for both Japanese and international visitors for its beautiful autumn scenery. Fushimi Inari shrine and Kiyomizu-dera are obvious picks for a leaf-viewing excursion, but they will be packed with people so make sure to go early!
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Koto Sanzan 湖東三山
The Koto Sanzan are three famous temples east of Lake Biwa; Saimyoji, Kongorin and Baekje Temples. Collectively, these locations are considered to be some of the best for viewing the autumn leaves in Kansai.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Keisoku-ji Temple 鶏足寺
Founded by a monk during the Nara period, Keisoku-ji Temple is a popular spot for red leaves during the autumn. The highlight of this location is the cobblestone path surrounded by maple trees leading up to the temple.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Makino Metasequoia マキノ町のメタセコイア並木
On the approach to Makino Plateau you can find about 500 metasequoia trees. These enormous trees turn the road below into a golden tunnel during the autumn months.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Nara Park 奈良公園
Nara Park makes for a perfect day-trip if you’re based in Kyoto for the season. Famous for its bowing deer, Nara park turns into a canvas for gold, yellow and orange leaves in the autumn.
Best time to visit: Late October to early December
Mt. Koya 高野山
Mt. Koya serves as the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in the year 805. The religiously and historically significant location is covered in maple and ginkgo trees, all of which turn bright red and yellow in the autumn.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Midosuji Avenue 御堂筋
Midosuji is the main street of Osaka, and is lined with yellow ginkgo trees in autumn. Known for its luxury outlets, this avenue makes for an awesome shopping-spree spot during your autumn stay.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Minoh Falls 箕面大滝
Minoh Falls is known as the best place to see autumn leaves in Osaka. The 33 metre waterfall’s gleaming mist is a perfect contrast to the bright red maple trees that surround the area in autumn.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Arima Onsen 有馬温泉
Arima Onsen, one of the three most famous hot springs of Japan, is an exceptional place to relax and view the leaves. The red maples that dot the town are best seen in Zuihoji Park and along Arima Ropeway.
Best time to visit: November
Takeda Castle 竹田城跡
Takeda Castle, the “Japanese Machu Picchu,” is a popular spot for leaf viewing because of its wreath of clouds during the morning. Wake up early to catch the clouds coasting just overhead, accompanied by the stunning red maple leaves.
Best time to visit: November
Autumn Leaves in Chugoku and Shikoku
Mt. Daisen 大山
Mt. Daisen is considered among the 100 best mountains of Japan. During the autumn, a beautiful gradient of yellow, orange and crimson leaves makes its way up to the snowy ridge.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Kankakei Gorge 寒霞渓
Kankakei is a beautiful valley filled with strange, wind-eroded rocks. The ropeway provides a stunning view of the changing leaves below, with the occasional stone monster creeping through the tree-line.
Best time to visit: November
Iya Onsen ホテル祖谷温泉露天風呂
Iya Onsen is a hot spring hidden among the mountains and leaves. This adorable spot is a great location to take a relaxing bath away from the crowds and take in the valley filled with the colors of autumn.
Best time to visit: Mid-october to mid-November
Okutsu Gorge 奥津渓
Okutsu Gorge in Okayama stretches for 3km and is a super refreshing place to enjoy the autumn leaves because of the Yoshii River from which it is carved.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Adachi Art Museum 足立美術館
The Adachi Art Museum is home to a vast Japanese garden where you can find a huge amount of azalea trees. In autumn, these trees turn the already beautiful garden into a colored artwork of its own.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Chomon Gorge 長門峡
Chomon Gorge can be enjoyed the second you get off the JR Yamaguchi line at Chomonkyo Station, surrounded by maple, selkova and hazenoki leaves. The 14 km gorge is spectacular for leaf-viewing.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Miyajima 宮島
Miyajima is counted among the three most scenic spots in Japan, the others being Amanohashidate and Matsushima. Itsukushima Shrine is designated as a national treasure, and becomes a real treasure for the eyes in the autumn. The vermilion torii gate complements the crimson maple leaves perfectly, and the whole scene is a must-see.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
Autumn Leaves in Kyushu
Yabakei Gorge 耶馬渓
Yabakei is a famous gorge known as the best place to see the autumn leaves in Kyushu. The strangely shaped stone peaks provide a stunning backdrop to the shifting colors.
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
Akizuki Castle Ruins 秋月城跡
The Akizuki Castle Ruins and its accompanying Kuromon Gate make for a beautiful spot to watch the falling leaves. The mossy rocks and old wooden structures make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Fuki-ji Temple 富貴寺
Fuki-ji Temple is said to have been founded in the year 718, and is the oldest wooden building in Kyushu. This national treasure of Japan is best enjoyed while draped in autumn leaves.
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Kikuchi Valley 菊池渓谷
Kikuchi Valley within Aso Kuju National Park is a perfect location for autumn leaf and bird watchers alike. The stream which runs through the valley provides a beautiful contrast in the autumn, and the chirping birds from the surrounding forest make the experience surreal.
Best time to visit: Early-to-mid November
Takachiho Gorge 高千穂峡
Takachiho Gorge is a beautiful scenic spot and natural monument. The canyon was formed through the erosion of lava which once flowed from the nearby Aso mountain range. The area’s thick forests and tranquil waters are a perfect environment in which to enjoy the changing colors.
Best time to visit: November
Sogi Falls 曽木の滝
Sogi Falls, known as the “Niagara of the East,” is one of the Heisei 100 Views of Japan. The white waters of the waterfall provide a stark contrast to the colorful fir and ginkgo trees found on the water’s edge.
Best time to visit: Late October to late November
Kirishima Onsen 霧島温泉
Kirishima Onsen, located within the 23-volcano Kirishima mountain range, is a stunning hot spring city. The area allows you to experience plenty of nature while relaxing at one of the many baths around town. The frequent red maple leaves make this steamy city unforgettable.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late November
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We hope this in-depth guide to autumn leaf-hunting helped you decide on somewhere to visit during your trip to Japan! Let us know where you’ll be collecting maple, ginkgo or azalea leaves!
This is just a spectacular guide to the fall in Japan. Detailed at at the same time dynamic writing. I will be following your website to plan my next visit to Japan. Thank you!