Fall Travel in Japan: 5 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves & Activity

Autumn in Japan is truly magical. As the summer heat fades, the country transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and gold. Autumn leaves are known as koyo, a season which not only offers the beauty of nature, but also delicious, seasonal food and rich cultural experiences.

For travelers, autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan — comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and unforgettable scenery. Here’s your guide to the best spots for fall foliage viewing in Japan along with some unique activities to enjoy at each location.

🍁 When Is The Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Japan?

Japan’s fall colors appear gradually from north to south, allowing travelers to “chase the leaves” depending on when you visit.

・Hokkaido (North): Late September – Mid October

・Tohoku Region (Northeast Honshu): Early – Late October

・Kanto & Kansai (Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.): Early – Late November

・Kyushu (South): Mid November – Early December

Tip: The peak period is early to mid-November. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or early mornings.

🍁 5 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan?

Where Tradition Meets Fall Beauty

Kyoto

Best for: Mid to Late November

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and cultural heart, becomes even more mesmerizing in autumn.
As the leaves change, the city’s iconic temples, shrines, and gardens are set ablaze with brilliant colors.

Must-See Spots

Tofuku-ji Temple

A Zen temple known for its scenic valley views.
Stroll across Tsutenkyo Bridge
for a panoramic view of fiery maple trees.

Eikan-do Temple

Famous for its golden ginkgo trees and brilliant red maples, especially beautiful when lit up at night.

Rurikoin Temple

Known for its polished floors
that reflect the vivid colors outsideーlike a living painting.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Spectacular views of Kyoto overlooking colorful hillsides
from its iconic wooden terrace.

Arashiyama

Home to the famous bamboo grove and scenic riverside. Take the Sagano Romantic Train for a stunning autumn ride through colorful valleys.

Recommended Activities

・Rent a bicycle to explore Kyoto’s quieter temple paths at your own pace.

Japan’s Earliest Fall Foliage

Daisetsuzan National Park

(Hokkaido)

Best for: Late September to Early October

Daisetsuzan National Park is the first place in Japan to welcome the colors of autumn.
Located in the mountainous interior of Hokkaido, it offers pristine nature and dramatic alpine views.

Must-See Spots

Mount Asahidake

The highest peak in Hokkaido.
Hike through volcanic landscapes surrounded by brilliant reds and yellows.

Tenninkyo Gorge

A secluded valley known for its mystical waterfalls and steep, forested cliffs. Hike the trail to Hagoromo Falls, one of Hokkaido’s tallest waterfalls, surrounded by fiery fall foliage. The gorge feels especially magical in the crisp autumn air.

Mikuni Pass Observation Deck

The highest national highway passes in Hokkaido with panoramic views over endless forest. In autumn, the view from the observation deck transforms into a golden sea of Japanese larch trees stretching across the horizon

Recommended Activities

・Ride the Mount Asahidake ropeway for breathtaking panoramic views of its spectacular autumn foliage.

・Relax in a natural hot spring. There are many great outdoor hot springs with peaceful views of the forested mountainsides that glow with fall colors.

A World Heritage, Ablaze with Color

Nikko

(Tochigi)

Best for: Mid to Late October

A two-hour train ride from Tokyo, Nikko is where spiritual heritage and natural beauty meet.
It’s especially breathtaking in autumn, when the forests surrounding its shrines and lakes transform into vibrant colors.

Must-See Spots

Lake Chuzenji

Nestled at the base of Mt. Nantai, the peaceful lake mirrors the surrounding mountains, ablaze with autumn colors. The reflection on a calm day feels like stepping into a watercolor painting.

Kegon Falls

One of Japan’s most dramatic waterfalls, it plunges 97 meters into a rocky gorge. During fall, fiery leaves frame the cascading water and creates a truly unforgettable scene from the viewing platform.

Toshogu Shrine

Surrounded by dense forest, this richly adorned shrine glows under the golden light filtering through the autumn canopy. The contrast between ornate architecture and natural beauty is breathtaking.

Recommended Activities

・Drive or ride a bus through Irohazaka Winding Road—a famous mountain route with 48 hairpin turns. View layers of color as you ascend one of Japan’s most scenic fall drives.

Tokyo’s Autumn Escape

Mount Takao

(Tokyo)

Best for: Mid to Late November

Just an hour from central Tokyo, Mount Takao offers an easy escape into nature and is one of the city’s most popular fall destinations.
A variety of well-maintained hiking trails lead through forests that burst with autumn colors from mid to late November.

Must-See Spots

SUMMIT

At the summit of Mount Takao (2,000 feet high), you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of Tokyo.
On clear mornings, you may even glimpse Mount Fuji in the distance.

Yakuo-in Temple

Yakuo-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located near the summit of Mount Takao.
Founded in the 8th century, it’s known for its connection to mountain worship and the tengu, mythical guardian spirits.

Recommended Activities

・Take the cable car or chair lift to mid-mountain for panoramic views.

・Sample local mountain snacks at the summit, like hand-made soba noodles or grilled mochi.

Best for Late-Season Colors

Yabakei

(Oita)

Best for: Late November to Early December

Located in southern Japan, Yabakei Gorge in Oita Prefecture is ideal for those traveling later in the fall.
From late November to early December, the region bursts into color with dramatically fewer tourists.

Must-See Spots

Yabakei Gorge

A scenic valley with towering rock formations and river views, framed by vivid red and orange leaves.

Yabakei Bridge

A charming stone arch bridge that looks especially picturesque in the fall.

Rakan-ji Temple

Built into a cliffside, this temple overlooks a sea of autumn color and houses over one thousand stone Buddhas inside its caves.

Recommended Activities

・Enjoy a peaceful cycling tour along the gorge and take in the quiet beauty of Kyushu’s countryside.

・Relax in a local hot spring after a day of exploring.

Let us help you plan the perfect fall getaway to Japan!

Have questions or want to customize your itinerary?
Contact our Japan Travel specialists today.

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