When you think of autumn in Japan, places like Kyoto’s famous temples and Nara’s deer parks might be the first to come to mind. These spots aere popular for a reason—they’re beautiful, especially in the fall—but they also get really crowded. If you’re like me and prefer to enjoy the changing leaves in peace, without having to elbow your way through a sea of tourists, there are lesser-known fall foliage spots in Kansai that are perfect for a quiet autumn day.
Whether you’ve been hunting for the best fall foliage for years or you’re just looking for a new adventure, these hidden spots in Kansai will give you a gorgeous, peaceful experience. Let’s dive into some of the best places to enjoy autumn’s colours without the hustle and bustle, and I’ll also share some tips on how to get there, what to do, and even what to eat while you’re in the area.
Get Lost in Kansai’s Hidden Fall Beauties
1. Ishiyama-dera: A Quiet Temple in Shiga
First up is Ishiyama-dera, a lovely old temple tucked away in Shiga Prefecture. While everyone else is heading to Kyoto’s busy Kiyomizu-dera, you could be wandering through Ishiyama-dera’s peaceful grounds.
The temple is surrounded by maple trees that light up in bright reds and oranges during autumn. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the season without the crowds. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where you can soak in Japan’s autumn colours, this is the place to be.
Getting to Ishiyama-dera is fairly easy. From Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Biwako Line to Ishiyama Station, which takes about 15 minutes. From there, it’s a short bus ride or a 10-minute taxi ride to the temple.
Entrance to the temple costs around 600 yen, which is well worth it for the stunning scenery. The area around the temple is also lovely for a leisurely stroll, especially along the Seta River, which has some picturesque views of its own.
2. Metasequoia Avenue: A Golden Tunnel of Trees
Want to walk or drive down a road where the trees on either side stretch up to the sky, their leaves turning a brilliant golden yellow? Then head to Metasequoia Avenue in Shiga Prefecture.
This beautiful avenue, lined with towering metasequoia trees, turns into a golden tunnel in autumn. It’s the kind of place that’s just made for taking photos.
Despite how stunning it is, it’s not as well-known as other spots, so you can enjoy the beauty without too many people around. It’s a hidden gem for sure, and perfect for a leisurely walk or drive in the crisp autumn air.
To get to Metasequoia Avenue, take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station to Makino Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes. From there, it’s about a 5-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk to the avenue.
There’s no entrance fee since it’s a public road, but parking might require a small fee if you’re driving. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a lovely cafe called Namiki Cafe Metasequoia nearby, where you can enjoy a light meal or a cup of coffee while taking in the scenery. The area around Lake Biwa, which is close by, is also worth exploring, especially if you enjoy scenic walks or bike rides along the lakeshore.
3. Saimyoji Temple: A Peaceful Mountain Escape
Saimyoji Temple is another hidden treasure in Shiga. This ancient temple is in the mountains and surrounded by forests that explode with colour in autumn. The old wooden buildings look amazing against the bright reds and oranges of the maple trees.
Because it’s off the beaten path, not many tourists make it here, so you’ll likely have the place almost to yourself. It’s a wonderful spot to take in the history and natural beauty of Japan, all in one peaceful, quiet location.
You can reach Saimyoji Temple by taking the JR Biwako Line from Kyoto Station to Hikone Station, which takes about an hour. From Hikone Station, you’ll need to take a bus heading towards Taga Taisha, and get off at the Saimyoji stop.
The entrance fee to the temple is around 500 yen. After exploring the temple, you might want to visit the nearby Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, which is also stunning in the autumn.
If you’re hungry, there are several traditional restaurants near the castle where you can try Omi beef, a local speciality that’s considered one of Japan’s top three types of wagyu.
4. Shosha-zan Engyo-ji Temple: A Spiritual Hideaway with Stunning Views
Perched high on Mount Shosha in Hyogo Prefecture, Shosha-zan Engyo-ji Temple is a bit of a hidden gem. Even though locals know about it, it’s not on most tourists’ radars. Getting to the temple is part of the fun—you take a scenic ropeway ride that gives you sweeping views of the forest below. Once you’re there, the temple’s old buildings are surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves, making it look like something out of a traditional Japanese painting. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot, perfect for those who want to enjoy autumn’s colours while soaking in some history and spirituality.
To get to Shosha-zan Engyo-ji, take the JR Sanyo Line from Osaka or Kyoto to Himeji Station. From Himeji Station, it’s a short bus ride to the Shosha Ropeway. The ropeway ride itself costs around 1,000 yen for a round trip, and entrance to the temple is an additional 500 yen.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss visiting Himeji Castle, Japan’s most famous and arguably most beautiful castle. It’s particularly stunning in autumn, surrounded by colourful trees.
5. Tanzan Shrine: A Quiet Gem in Nara
If you’re looking for a quieter spot in Nara, head to Tanzan Shrine. This beautiful shrine, located in the mountains, is surrounded by rich autumn colours. Unlike the more famous spots in Nara, Tanzan Shrine is much less crowded, offering a peaceful place to enjoy the season.
The shrine’s pagoda, set against the backdrop of deep red leaves, is a sight you won’t forget. It’s a great place to connect with nature and experience the beauty of autumn in a serene, spiritual setting.
Reaching Tanzan Shrine from Nara is relatively simple. Take the Kintetsu Line from Nara to Sakurai Station, and from there, hop on a bus to Tanzan Shrine. The bus ride is about 25 minutes. The shrine’s entrance fee is around 600 yen.
6. Murouji Temple: A Tranquil Retreat in Nara
Murouji Temple in Nara Prefecture is often called “Nyonin Koya” or “Women’s Koya” because it was one of the few temples that welcomed women in the past. This temple is surrounded by towering cedar trees and serene gardens, and it becomes even more magical in autumn.
The bright colours of the maple leaves stand out beautifully against the deep green of the cedars. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy the autumn foliage without the crowds, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.
To get to Murouji Temple, take the Kintetsu Line from Nara to Muroguchiono Station, then it’s about a 15-minute bus ride to the temple. Entrance to the temple is around 600 yen.
While you’re in the area, you might want to explore the surrounding countryside, which is dotted with beautiful walking trails.
7. Hoshida Suspension Bridge: A Bird’s-Eye View of Autumn in Osaka
For those who like a bit of adventure with their autumn colours, Hoshida Suspension Bridge in Osaka Prefecture is a must-visit. The bridge stretches across a valley filled with vibrant trees, offering a bird’s-eye view of the forest below. As you walk across, you’re surrounded by a sea of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
It’s an exhilarating way to take in the beauty of the season and a far cry from the usual tourist spots. If you’re up for something a little different, this is one of the best lesser-known fall foliage spots in Kansai.
Hoshida Suspension Bridge is located in the Hoshida Enchi Park, which is accessible by taking the Keihan Line to Kisaichi Station. From the station, it’s about a 40-minute walk through the park to the bridge, or you can take a taxi to shorten the journey.
There’s no fee to cross the bridge, but make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the trails can be a bit rugged.
8. Soni Highlands: Golden Grasses and Open Views
If you’re in the mood for wide-open spaces and sweeping views, head to the Soni Highlands in Nara Prefecture. The highlands are covered in pampas grass that turns a beautiful golden colour in the autumn. The contrast of the golden grass against the blue sky is simply stunning.
This area is still pretty under-the-radar for most international tourists, so it’s a great spot to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Getting to Soni Highlands is a bit of a trek but well worth it. From Nara, take the Kintetsu Line to Nabari Station, then transfer to a bus that takes you to Soni Kogen. The whole journey takes about two hours.
There’s no entrance fee, and the highlands are open to the public. For those who enjoy hiking, there are several trails that offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, stick around for sunset—the sight of the golden pampas grass glowing in the evening light is unforgettable. In the nearby village of Soni, you’ll find a few cosy cafes where you can warm up with a bowl of local udon noodles or a cup of hot tea.
9. Kii Peninsula: Dramatic Autumn Scenery in Wakayama and Mie
Last but not least, the Kii Peninsula offers some of Kansai’s most dramatic autumn landscapes. This remote area, which stretches across Wakayama and Mie Prefectures, is full of deep valleys and gorges, like Dorokyo Gorge, where the trees light up in brilliant autumn colours. The Kii Peninsula is also home to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, where you can enjoy a peaceful hike while taking in the stunning scenery. It’s the perfect spot for those who love exploring nature and want to see some of the most beautiful, yet lesser-known, autumn views in Kansai.
Reaching the Kii Peninsula can be a bit of a journey depending on where you’re starting. From Osaka, you can take the JR Kuroshio Limited Express to Shingu Station, which takes about four hours. From there, you can access various parts of the peninsula, including Dorokyo Gorge and the Kumano Kodo trails. While exploring the peninsula, I recommend staying in one of the local ryokan (traditional inns), many of which have onsen where you can relax after a day of hiking. The local food is also a treat—try the fresh seafood, especially the tuna, which is a local specialty.
Make Your Way to Kansai’s Secret Autumn Spots
While places like Kyoto and Nara are well-known for their fall foliage, these lesser-known spots in Kansai offer something a bit different: peace, quiet, and a chance to really connect with nature. Whether you’re walking through ancient temple grounds, crossing a high suspension bridge, or hiking through golden highlands, these hidden gems provide a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of autumn.
Next time you’re in Kansai during the fall, why not take a break from the usual tourist spots and explore these quieter, more peaceful places? You might just find that the best autumn experiences are the ones where you can enjoy the colours without the crowds, surrounded by nature in all its glory. So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to discover Kansai’s hidden autumn treasures!
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