Autumn in Japan
For just three fleeting months, Japan attracts millions of visitors into the heart of autumn. Cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hokkaido erupt into a brilliant painting of autumn hues, and it’s perfect sweater weather! If you’ve never caught the foliage before, it’s time to visit Japan with your cameras and outfits planned. Read on to find out how your autumn dream can take flight in these 12 sightseeing spots in Japan.
What months are autumn in Japan?
The changing of the leaves in Japan varies by region, so if you’re planning to visit a specific region for its autumn foliage, you might wanna take note of these dates:
- Osaka: mid-November to early December
- Kyoto: mid-November to early December
- Tokyo: late November to early December
- Hokkaido: mid-September to late October
What happens during autumn in Japan?
Just as you’d expect, autumn in Japan is filled with colourful trees with its leaves falling on the ground. With beauty surrounding the country, an appropriate phrase often used during this time is “geijutsu no aki,” or “autumn, the season for art.” The Japanese believe that this season symbolises freshness and new endeavours because of the mild climate and crisp air.
Other than its unique warm-toned leaves, festive Halloween parties occur, and special seasonal dishes are offered during this time.
Getting around Japan
Enjoy the falling leaves during this season. Photo credits: bethom33 on Flickr
To get to all of Japan’s prime autumn spots in the four cities, we recommend getting the Whole Japan Rail Pass which is available for 7 days, 14 days or 21 days. This pass grants you unlimited rides on the JR lines, local buses, and even a Miyajima ferry across Japan with utmost ease and comfort.
Still have doubts? We’ve compiled a detailed guide to figuring out your JR Pass.
On the flipside, if you’re only exploring just a specific city in Japan during your holiday, these tickets/passes will be much more cost-efficient.
- Osaka Amazing Pass Guide (Osaka only)
Where are the best places to go sightseeing in Japan in autumn?
Now that you’ve figured out your transportation, here are the best spots to experience the beautiful autumn in Japan, according to Klook!
Osaka
- Minoo Park
- Osaka Castle
- Mount Gozaisho
Kyoto
- Sagano Romantic Train
- Tofukuji Temple
- Tenryuji Temple
Tokyo
- Watarase Keikoku Railway
- Rikugien
- Icho Namiki
Hokkaido
- Blue Pond
- Daisetsuzan National Park, Kogen Onsen Ponds
- Jozankei Onsen
Osaka
1. Minoo Park
Photo credits: Daniel Ramirez on Flickr
If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city during your trip to Osaka, you’ll be glad to find Minoo Park free from the usual throngs of the crowd. For the best viewing experience, follow the inclined hiking path (no worries, it’s an easy walking route!) and catch the maple leaf season across the bridge, soothed with the quiet rush of a bubbling waterfall from behind. Make sure to munch on the freshly fried maple leaf tempura from any of the street shops in Minoo Park too!
Minoo Park
Address: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Senri-Chuo Subway Station (via the Amazing Osaka Pass)
2. Osaka Castle
Get the best view of Osaka when you climb to the peak of the castle. Photo credits: @kstyle5963 on Instagram
Plunge deep into an oasis of autumn spread when you drop by the iconic Osaka Castle. This heritage site has long been a popular picnic spot and is incredibly scenic during the fall season. Many passionate autumn fans lean against ginkgo trees to catch sight of the grand castle draped in fall hues. If you’re up to it, you can even climb to the peak of Osaka Castle for a majestic overview of Japan’s finest city!
Osaka Castle
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee: 600 Yen ($7.57)
Nearest Station: Osakajokoen Station (via the JR pass)
3. Mount Gozaisho
See dyed maple leaves from high above. Photo credits: @ihappytime on Instagram
Now that you have seen the best of Japan from the ground, how about taking things up a notch and taking in an aerial view of dyed maple leaves? If you’re up for the challenge, take on the Gozaisho Ropeway and peer beneath for a breathtaking landscape of gold, auburn and emerald sprawled across the Gozaisho Mountain.
Gozaisho Mountain
Address: Komono, Higashiomi, Shiga 510-1233, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Nearest Station: Takao Station (via the JR Pass), then pay an additional fee to Takaosanguchi Station
Begonia Garden
Enjoy Begonia Garden’s light show during a starry night.
Can’t get enough of nature? Snag a slot in the Nabana no Sato & Osaka Maple Viewing Day Tour and catch the Begonia Garden revamp for a major glow-up under the starry night. Savour the taste of Japan with a Matsusaka beef Sukiyaki meal to refuel before a day of sightseeing as well.
Begonia Garden
Address: 270 Nagashimacho Komae, Kuwana, Mie 511-1144, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
Entrance Fee: 2300 yen to 2800 yen (depending on the season)
Nearest Station: Nagashima Station (via the JR Pass)
Kyoto
4. Sagano Romantic Train
Take your special someone on this romantic train ride. Photo credits: Sagano Romantic Train
Hop aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, a 25-minute ride that takes you around the Arashiyama district. As you glide past landscapes flamed in a blanket of fiery red, you’ll understand why it’s reputed as one of the most romantic trails for all couples.
You will spot the Hozugawa River on the rail ride, but if you prefer catching the scene up close, sign yourself and your special someone up for an Arashiyama Day Trip in Kyoto with Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat experience. A bucket list item for nature lovers, hop on a boat ride and admire the rainforest from another view. This is also one therapeutic activity to indulge in while the calming sounds of the rippling water comfort you.
Sagano Romantic Train
Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Nearest Station: Arashiyama Station (via the JR Pass)
Don’t forget to take pictures at this landmark! Photo credits: mendhack on Flickr
P.S. This tour also includes a visit to the Bamboo Grove, a photogenic landmark filled with sprawling bamboo shoots towering over you!
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Nearest Station: Saga-Arashiyama Station (via the JR Pass)
5. Tofukuji Temple
Check out the vibrant red hues at this temple.
The autumn foliage at Tofukuji Temple is a household name not just in Japan, but across all autumn avid fans from around the globe! Every year, the Zen temple at Southeastern Kyoto blossoms into the most vibrant crimson, beckoning each and every local and traveller alike to fall in love with Japan all over again.
The best vantage point is not at the peak of Tofukuji Temple but along the Tsutenkyo Bridge. The 100-meter-long walk is lavished with valleys of burgundy maple trees, another sight you wouldn’t want to miss. Capture the temple at its peak in November!
Tofukuji Temple
Address: 778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (April to October); 8:30 am to 4 pm (November to early December); 9 am to 3:30 pm (December to March)
Nearest Station: Tofukuji Station (via the JR Pass)
6. Tenryuji Temple
This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a stunning autumn foliage. Photo credits: Tetsuhiro Terada on Flickr
Second to none, the Tenryuji Temple is another unbeatable spot when it comes to catching the autumn hues. Waste no time and head straight to the Hyakkaen Garden for another stunning foliage.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also home to famous paintings like “The Cloud Dragon” right on the ceiling of the Hatto Hall. For a meagre fee of 500 yen, pair a romantic gallery viewing of Japan’s renowned painting while the garden dips in shades of red.
If both the Tofukuji and Tenryuji Temples are on your agenda and you prefer being chauffeured around, book a Maple Leaves Sightseeing Trip!
Tenryuji Temple
Address: 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (21st March to 20th October); 8:30 am to 5 pm (21st October to 20th March)
Nearest Station: Arashiyama Station or Saga Station (via the JR Pass)
Tokyo
7. Watarase Keikoku Railway
Take a train ride to view the changing colours of fall.
Visiting Japan in autumn is always a good idea.
A ride on the Watarase Keikoku Railway is one scene right out of a romantic movie! There is no better way than to lay back in the comforts of your seats while capturing the gorgeous swath of red littering across the district. Food services are available on the train, so you can dig into a bento before your visit.
Take pictures on the bridge for the best views of the gorge. Photo credits: @notobachan on Instagram
Away from city lines, the Takatsudokyo Gorge is one pit stop along the Watarase Keikoku Railway route. The popping red bridge is hard to miss, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to spot. You can also disembark from the ride and cross the iconic geometric bridge for a static view of the amber rainforest.
Takatsudokyo Gorge
Address: Omama, Midori City, Gunma
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Omama Station (via the JR Pass)
Experience a one-of-a-kind light show here at Ashikaga Flower Park.
Catch the best of the autumn vista and complete it with the brilliant illumination at the Ashikaga Flower Park. It’s a beautiful light show not to bemissed during autumn in Japan.
Ashikaga Flower Park
Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi 329-4216, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Nearest Station: Ashikaga Flower Park Station (via the JR Pass)
8. Rikugien
Rikugien has been around since the Edo period. Photo credits: Tokyo Park Association
Rikugien is Tokyo’s most famous landscaped garden, which showcases a garden you’ll find back during the Edo period. The park takes a whole hour to cover, so be sure to set aside sufficient time. Accentuated by the peaceful stream running along the Togetsukyo Bridge, the entire setup is ready for taking pictures!
You can still visit the garden at nighttime. Photo credits: Tokyo Park Association
Most places close when the day comes to an end, but not for Rikugien. Travellers and locals alike can still catch the autumn season in full bloom even when the sun has long set.
Rikugien
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm (Closed 21st December to 1st January)
Entrance Fee: 300 yen
Nearest Station: Komagome Station (via the JR Pass & Tokyo Subway Ticket)
9. Icho Namiki
Icho Namiki is lined with ginkgo trees. Photo credits: @shinyakuraoka on Instagram
Go on a food trip at the Jingugaien Itcho Festival! Photo credits: Tim Tram on Flickr
The best sightseeing trails are best paired with a full-blown festival of toasty street food! Every year, food vendors part of the Jingugaien Itcho Festival (mid-November to early December) line themselves along the sidewalks and offer Japanese dishes from bite-sized food like takoyaki (Octopus balls) to a hearty bowl of ramen and donburi. What better way to pair your walk along the most spectacular ginkgo blossom other than a full stomach?
Icho Namiki
Address: 1 Kasumigaoka, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Nearest Station: Gaienmae Station or Aoyama-Itchome Station (via the Tokyo Subway Ticket)
If you’re a fan of maple leaves, check out our blog post on the best places to see them around Tokyo:
Hokkaido
10. Blue Pond
Have you ever seen a pond so blue?
The Blue Pond is exactly what it's named after, a pond so cobalt-blue that in the absence of wind, a moment of stillness would turn the crystal surface into a mirror reflection. Despite its underrated reputation, this hidden gem in Hokkaido absolutely deserves a visit in the fall. The surrounding mountain erupts into an eye-catching palette of yellow and green, creating a visually stunning contrast against the Blue Pond.
Along with a visit to Shikisai-no-Oka, a fantastic flourish of flowers resembling a rainbow strip, and the largest waterfall at Hagoromo Waterfall, book a slot in the Hagoromo Falls, Blue Pond, and Shikisai-no-Oka Autumn Day Trip from Sapporo to enjoy all of Hokkaido’s prime spots.
Blue Pond
Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Biei Station (via the JR Pass)
11. Daisetsuzan National Park, Kogen Onsen Ponds
Take a hike at Daisetsuzan National Park. Photo credits: Dimitry B. on Flickr
Any seasoned hikers in Japan would know that Daisetsuzan National Park has nothing shy of the most spectacular fall scenes. However, only regulars would know that the real deal is near the river beds. Kogen Onsen Ponds is a hot spring located deep inside the park. It’s definitely an autumn pick for those who like to be active; the trade-off is guaranteed worth the sweat.
If you prefer taking things easy, we have just the plan for you. Access most of Hokkaido’s popular fall spots and Daisetsuzan National Park in a 2D1N Autumn Leaves Viewing Trip.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Address: Yukomanbetsu, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture 071-1472
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Kamikawa Station (via the JR Pass)
12. Jozankei Onsen
Reenergize at the Jozankei Onsen. Photo credits: Wikimedia.Commons
Jozankei Onsen is located just an hour from Sapporo and is not just famed for its foot bath but also for its breathtaking autumn transformation. Patrons can stroll around the resort while chasing after falling maple leaves! For a fuss-free process, book your tickets for immediate booking verification!
Jozankei Onsen
Address: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-Chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Opening Hours: 7 am to 8 pm
Entrance Fee: 300 yen
Nearest Station: Makomanai Station or Sapporo Station (via the JR Pass)
If you’re visiting Japan on a different season but would like to see their iconic cherry blossoms, here’s our blogpost on where to find them during their off-season:
Updated by: Nina Marable
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