Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan 2023
An autumn foliage adventure is something you can look forward to in Japan between October and December - here are some of our favourite sightseeing spots to bookmark and some amazing tours that will take you to the best autumn fall foliage views 🤩
Autumn in Japan
Image credit: Japan Meteorological Corporation
Image credit: Japan Meteorological Corporation
Autumn in Japan is as popular as spring, where many flock to catch a glimpse of magical red, orange and gold leaves that fall between end September to early December (most regions peak in November).
Cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo and Hokkaido are transformed and drenched in gorgeous autumn hues; plus it’s perfect sweater weather (hovering around ~20°C)!
The 2023 Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast is finally out! You can check it out here on the Japan Meteorological Corporation website 👀
Tokyo
1. Rikugien Garden
Image credit: @thatsgiappone on Instagram
Rikugien Garden is a famous landscape garden in Tokyo that's well-known and loved especially during the autumn months, thanks to its numerous maple trees.
We recommend taking an entire afternoon off to stroll the many trails around the park before enjoying tea at one of the many teahouses. The views are particularly beautiful around the stream that runs by the Tsutsuji no Chaya teahouse, around the Togetsukyo Bride and from the Fujishirotoge viewpoint.
Colours usually peak around late November to early December.
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
2. Watarase Keikoku Railway
Image credit: Visit Gunma Tourism
For an unforgettable autumn colours viewing experience, all aboard the Watarase Keikoku Railway for a romantic train ride through vibrant fall colours - it's almost as if you're in a scene right out of a romantic movie!
The Watarase Keikoku Railway runs between Kiryu in Gunma and Nikko in Tochigi, providing breathtaking views over the 80-minute ride. One highlight along the railway route that you cannot miss is the Takatsudokyo Gorge, which offers a different vantage point of the valley and surrounds of the amber rainforest.
Check out this tour Autumn Maple Leaves Sightseeing Day Tour from Tokyo that will take you to see dazzling fall colours by the scenic Watarase Valley Railway, Takatsudokyo Gorge and a stop by Ashikaga Flower Park!
Address: 1375 Omama, Omama, Midori (Omama Station), connects to the JR Ryomo line at Kiryu Station
3. Icho Namiki
Image credit: Japan Tourism Board
Meiji-Jingu Gaien is one of the most famous spots to see autumn leaves in Tokyo, particularly at Icho Namiki (Icho Namiki means “a row of ginkgo trees”). Take your time to stroll through the gold-lined streets and take gorgeous photos - it's a perfect photo op at every corner!
The best time to admire the leaves is from late November to early December.
Address: 1 Kasumigaoka, Shinjuku-kuTokyo
Check out this 70-minute Open Top Bus Sightseeing Trip that will take you to see various Tokyo attractions, from the Tokyo Tower to Meiji-Jingu Gaien. The bus also goes around Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Akasaka, Meiji Jingu Gaien, Roppongi, Tokyo Tower, Ginza, and more!
4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden may be an iconic must-do during hanami (cherry blossom) season, but did you know that it's a great place for autumn foliage viewing too?
Image credit: Live Japan
There are three distinct gardens here in the park; the Japanese Garden is known for its deep red maple leaves, while the British Garden is where you will find yellow ginkgo gold foliage. You can also spot roses blooming at the French Garden too! Take your pick (but we definitely think that you should visit them all).
Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden between mid-October and mid-December to make the most out of the unique sceneries.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
5. Mount Nasu
Mount Nasu, also known as Mount Chausu, is one of the region’s most iconic active volcanoes. You can enjoy a scenic ride on the Nasu Ropeway up to the mountain's Ninth Station (the waypoint marking the ninth stage of the hike). Come autumn, the views are just simply spectacular and covered in red and gold.
Address: 215 Yumoto, Nasu Town, Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture
For those planning to join a tour, the Nasu Autumn Leaves & Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination One Day Tour includes transport to Mt Nasu, as well as a buffet lunch and admission to the world-famous Ashikaga Flower Park, which is known for its sensational night illuminations and flower displays.
6. Hitachi National Seaside Park
Many will know and recognise the Hitachi Seaside Park for their rolling fields of gorgeous Baby Blue Eyes, or Nemophila menziesii, but did you know that Hitachi has other breathtaking flower fields too?
In autumn, look out for the Red Kochia Hill, which features a carpet of blazing red Kochia ball plants. These Kochia plants are green in the summer and gradually turn yellow in September, and finally a fiery red in October.
Address: 605-4 Mawatari Onuma, Hitachinaka 312-0012 Ibaraki Prefecture
Looking for a tour to the Hitachi Seaside Park? This Hitachi National Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park or Mito Kairakuen Park Trip from Tokyo includes a trip there as well as an all-you-can-eat and drink feast at Ibaragi (enjoy yakiniku, sushi, and 130 types of gourmet dessert!). There's also pear-picking at Ibaraki's orchard, and a visit to Mentai Park Oarai to learn how to make a Japanese traditional dish!
Osaka
7. Minoo Park
Image credit: @mathildeqgn on Instagram
Osaka is lesser known for its natural landscape so you’ll be glad to find Minoo Park free from the usual throngs of crowd.
Minoo Park is definitely a great place to visit during autumn. Besides the lovely fall colours, and main park attraction, Minoo Falls (waterfall), you can also treat yourself to freshly-fried momiji tempura - maple leaves deep fried in batter.
Address: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
8. Osaka Castle
Image credit: @kstyle5963 on Instagram
Plunge deep into an oasis of autumn reds and golds when you visit Osaka Castle. This heritage site has long been a popular picnic spot and especially so during the fall season.
And who wouldn't want to capture that IG-worthy shot of the grand castle draped in fall hues?
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
9. Mount Gozaisho
Image credit: @ihappytime on Instagram
Now that you have seen the best of Japan from the ground, how about switching things up a notch and taking in an aerial view instead? dyed maple leaves? Hop on the Gozaisho Ropeway and enjoy a relaxing, scenic ride - complete with sweeping panoramic views of gold, auburn and emerald sprawled across Mount Gozaisho.
Fall colours on Mount Gozaisho begin at the summit in mid-October and gradually travel down the mountainsides to Yunoyama Onsen Hot Springs at the base in the span of a month. You can find more information about the various autumn peak foliage durations here.
Address: 8625 Komono, Komono-Cho, Mie-gun, Mie
If you're looking for a tour that includes a ride on the Gozaisho Ropeway, try this Nabana no Sato & Osaka Maple Viewing Day Tour. It also includes a beef sukiyaki lunch!
Kyoto
10. Sagano Romantic Train
Image credit: Sagano Romantic Train on Facebook
Hop aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, which will take you on a leisurely 25-minute ride 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 well-loved trails, especially for all the hopeless romantics.
For a comprehensive tour, check out the Autumn Sagano Romantic Train Half Day Tour in Arashiyama which includes free time to explore Togetsu Bridge and the Arashiyama bamboo forest, as well as a Hozugawakudari River Boat Ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama!
Nearest Station: Arashiyama Station (via the JR Pass)
11. Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizudera (also known as 'Pure Water Temple') is one of the most famous temples in Japan, with over a thousand years of history. It is famed for its wooden stage that offers gorgeous panoramas of the many cherry and maple trees and is especially crowded come spring or autumn as many flock here for cherry blossom or fall foliage views. The temple is also home to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Check out this day trip tour that will take you to the Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Pavilion Temple as well as the Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for its thousand torii gates.
12. Tofukuji Temple
When it comes to autumn foliage views in Kyoto, Tofukuji Temple is a hot favourite among locals and tourists alike. Tofukuji is a large Zen temple with the prime vantage point being the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees.
Capture the temple dressed in peak autumn colours in November!
Address: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
13. Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple is another unbeatable spot when it comes to catching autumn hues. Waste no time and head inside the Hyakkaen Garden for another stunning foliage spot.
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 small fee, you can pair a romantic gallery viewing of Japan’s renowned painting while admiring the garden beyond in shades of red.
Address: 68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture
Nara
14. Nara Park
Animal lovers definitely can't skip past Nara on their Japan holiday. Nara Park is home to hundreds of friendly deer who will bow for their biscuits. Come autumn, it is also an excellent spot for fall foliage. The best place for a photo? The spacious grounds of Todai-ji Temple and across the Daibutsu-Ike Pond are highly recommended.
Hokkaido
15. Blue Pond
The mystical, magical Blue Pond truly is a stunning sight to behold, even more so in autumn. A pond so cobalt-blue that in the absence of wind, a moment of stillness would turn the crystal surface into a mirror reflection. Come in October for the best viewing experience!
Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
16. Daisetsuzan National Park
Any seasoned hikers in Japan would know that Daisetsuzan National Park has nothing shy of the most spectacular fall scenes. Part of Daisetsuzan National Park, the Sounkyo area comprises a range of gorges surrounded by 100-metre-high cliffs. Chase waterfalls splashed in rich and crisp autumn colours - trust us, this is a hike you will never forget.
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
If you're looking for a tour that includes the Daisetsuzan National Park, this Asahidake Sky Garden and Shikisai no Oka Walking Course is perfect. It includes a ride on the Asahidake Ropeway which connects to Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido! Lunch is also included in this day tour.
17. Jozankei Onsen
The largest hot spring town in Hokkaido with about 20 ryokan inns, Jozankei Onsen in Shikotsu-Toya National Park is one of Hokkaido's major tourist attractions. And it's not hard to see why! Located just an hour from Sapporo, visitors can look forward to relaxing and revitalising onsen soaks paired with stunning foliage all around.
Check out this Houheikyou & Fukidashi park Autumn Maple One Day Tour from Sapporo which includes a stop at Jozankei as well as:
- Fuping Gorge (one of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Sapporo)
- Lake Toya (amazing views of the lake paired with autumn leaves)
- Showa Shinzan (a volcano with cable car ride)
- Mt Yotei (top 100 mountains in Japan)
If you are travelling free and easy, don't miss a pit stop at the Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge, an iconic cherry red bridge that is part of a hiking trail about 10 minutes away from Jozankei Hot Spring resort. Enjoy the view which overlooks the bubbling Toyohira River flanked by hills of yellow and gold.
Address: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo
18. Noboribetsu Onsen
Another hot spring town part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu Onsen is also one of Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resorts. Why, you ask? For starters, it has multiple types of hot spring water - boosted by a variety of different minerals like sulphur, calcium, and sodium.
Locals believe that natural hot spring water is healing for a variety of ailments - not only for your aches and pains! After all, what could be better than a healing dip and stunning scenery?
Address: Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
19. Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Image credit: Japan Tourism
Jigokudani (more commonly known as 'Hell Valley') is a spectacular valley above the town of Noboribetsu Onsen. Here you will find many hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. To best explore the area you can do a walking trail through the hills or just admire the view and enjoy a footbath in the area.
Address: Noboribetsuonsenchō, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
Looking for a day tour that covers a trip to Hell Valley? Check out this Noboribetsu Fruit Picking & Autumn Leaves Viewing Tour from Sapporo that also includes:
- Wakasaimo Honpo Toyako Main Store (Only on 2, 4, & 6 October): Savor a delectable scallop steamed rice and crab meatball hot pot meal at Sendo-an. Enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Toya, and explore the souvenir corner on the first floor after your meal
- Showashinzan Ichibankan (Only on 3 & 5 October): Indulge in scallop-centric cuisine while gazing at Showa Shinzan, one of the newest active volcanoes. Experience the power of this majestic earth and relish Hokkaido’s famous speciality
- Ano Tourist Orchard: Enjoy picking low-pesticide fruits, such as sweet apples with honey cores and crunchy sweet-sour apples. Depending on the weather, you may also get the chance to pick fresh grapes
- Silo Observatory: Take in the stunning panorama of Lake Toya, Nakajima, and Mt. Usu. Don’t forget to explore the souvenir shop, offering unique souvenirs inspired by the breathtaking scenery
20. BONUS: Dress Up in Kimono and Yukata
Want to take your fall foliage photos up a notch? Why not do a photoshoot and dress up in traditional yukata and kimono? Some shops also offer kids-sized kimono and yukata so those travelling with little ones can do a family photo shoot.
Simply rent your yukata or kimono on Klook and head off to snap all your pics with the sensational autumn leaves in your background. Your Instagram friends are going to be so jealous!
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