Best places to see Autumn leaves in Japan
Witnessing the spectacular autumn leaves in Japan is an unforgettable experience. Trees lining the streets burst into brilliant shades of red and yellow, and for the Singaporean tourist, it’s a world’s difference from the green canopies back home.
Compared to the sakura season, Autumn unfolds at a much more leisurely pace, typically between September to December. But even then, carefully planned timings and itineraries are crucial if you’re to catch the foliage at its most vibrant peak. To help you out, here’s a guide for some of the best places to see Autumn foliage in Japan and the ideal months to visit.
Table of Contents
- Best places to see Autumn leaves in Japan
- When is the best time to see Autumn leaves in Japan?
- What’s the best time of day to see Autumn leaves in Japan?
- Where to view Autumn leaves in Japan
- 1. Hokkaido
- 2. Aomori
- 3. Nikko
- 4. Hiroshima
- 5. Nagoya
- 6. Yamanashi
- 7. Fukushima
- 8. Osaka
- 9. Kyoto
- 10. Tokyo
- What’s the temperature like during the Autumn season in Japan?
- What to wear during Autumn in Japan?
- Catch stunning views of Autumn leaves in Japan
When is the best time to see Autumn leaves in Japan?
While the peak timings to see Autumn leaves at their brightest differ depending on which prefecture you’re visiting, the Autumn season in Japan typically ranges from late September to early December.
That being said, places like Hokkaido and Aomori experience Autumn first, while cities like Tokyo only begin changing colours towards the latter half of November.
What’s the best time of day to see Autumn leaves in Japan?
Securing that IG-worthy shot underneath canopies of Autumn foliage is almost a rite of passage when visiting leaf-viewing spots in Japan. For the best lighting and minimal crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning after sunrise.
Where to view Autumn leaves in Japan
From Hokkaido to Tokyo, here are some of the best places to see the stunning autumn leaves in Japan.
1. Hokkaido
Late September to late October
With Hokkaido being the northernmost prefecture in Japan, Autumn will make landfall the earliest out of every prefecture in Japan.
Image credit: Visit Hokkaido
No trip to see the Autumn leaves in Japan is complete without a hike through Daisetsuzan National Park. A walk amidst unspoiled nature is refreshing enough, but swing by in October and you’ll be greeted by a wide blanket of bright orange trees.
Image credit: @japandrivecom via Instagram
Alternatively, you can drive to Mikuni Pass instead. It’s the highest altitude pass in Hokkaido’s national highway with a height of 1,139 metres above sea level. Stop by the Mikuni Pass Observation Deck, and you can soak up the stunning view of the fall foliage from above.
Also recommended: Sounkyo, Hokkaido University, Nakajima Park
2. Aomori
Early October to early November
Aomori is home to the country’s most stunning scenery, and coupled with the Autumn colours, you’ll be in for a treat.
Image credit: @bommamba via Instagram
Tourists go camera trigger-happy at Lake Towada for good reason – its crystal clear waters and rolling hills in the distance make for one pretty shot. Between mid and late October during the fall season in Japan, the surrounding trees burst into colour, which just amplifies the beauty of the place.
Image credit: @jumplivejump via Instagram
Head further into the trees, and you’ll come across the Oirase Stream. It’s a mountain stream that stems from Lake Towada, and in the Autumn, you can admire the beautiful yellow and orange trees lining the rocky brook.
Also recommended: Mount Hakkoda, Nakano Momiji Yama
3. Nikko
Early October to early November
Nestled within the Tochigi prefecture lies the idyllic, mountainous city of Nikko. It’s known for its serene vibes, incredible sights and Autumn scenery located just 2 hours north of Tokyo, which makes it a hit amongst those yearning to escape the busy metropolis.
Image credit: @antoniakim1 via Instagram
One of the most iconic attractions in this city is Lake Chuzenji. You can get up close to the bright maple trees with a walk around this mountain lake – it‘s a 25km trail of hills and forests that will take you around 3 hours to complete.
Image credit: @galn_2463 via Instagram
If you’re not up for a walk, head up to the Akechidaira Plateau and take the cable car across the ropeway. A round-trip ticket costs just ¥1000 (~$8.69) per person, which is well worth it given the views you’re going to get. Apart from the red-tinged mountains all around, you can also spot Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls in the distance.
Also recommended: Senjogahara Marshland, Shoyoen Garden, Ryuzu Falls.
4. Hiroshima
Late October to mid-November
Hiroshima’s a place teeming with history and stories, but apart from that, it also boasts multiple sightseeing spots that become great places for tourists to view the rich Autumn leaves in Japan.
Image credit: Reddit
The scenery surrounding Buttsuji makes it a hot favourite for locals and tourists alike to drop by during Autumn. It’s a temple that hosts one of the Zen Buddhist training halls in Japan, and for a fee of ¥300 (~$3.85), you can enter and enjoy the sights through the trails covered in soft orange petals.
Image credit: @yoyo_photography via Instagram
Alternatively, pay Momijidani Park a visit. It sits at the foot of Misen Primeval Forest on Miyajima, populated by 700 maple trees that paint the scenery with incredible shades of pinkish reds and yellow.
Also recommended: Taishakukyo Valley, Shukkeien Garden, Kosanji Temple
5. Nagoya
Throughout November
Besides being the centre of the Japanese car industry, Nagoya is also a hot spot for those hunting down the best viewing spots to see the Autumn leaves in Japan. For the entire month of November, watch as it becomes lit ablaze by blankets of vermillion and orange.
Image credit: Aichi Now
One of the most highly-raved Autumn-viewing spots in Aichi has got to be Korankei Valley, which you’ll find after a 1-hour drive from Nagoya. A typical day will grant you incredible views of the valley and the mountains, while this gorge will be illuminated by stunning shades of red and orange in Autumn.
Image credit: @cinematic_one via Instagram
In Nagoya, head over to Tokugawaen Garden for a serene walk through its premises. You’ll get to feast your eyes on the vividly-coloured maple and spindle trees as you cross over bridges and traverse over the walking trails.
Also recommended: Mount Horaiji, Jakkoin Temple, Momotaro Shrine
6. Yamanashi
Throughout November
The Yamanashi prefecture is known for being the home of Mount Fuji. However, beyond that, it also possesses 2 major spots for viewing Autumn leaves in Japan, which can all be found near Lake Kawaguchi.
Image credit: @toi.03 via Instagram
Take a walk down the Momiji Corridor at Lake Kawaguchi to admire a pop of colour. The word “momiji” means red leaves, which is aptly named given that the entire alley is covered with a pretty red layer all the way down.
Image credit: @wowchaweewan via Instagram
The sight of Mount Fuji towering over Lake Kawaguchi is one you’re familiar with. You can find this particular view at Momiji Tunnel, which, in Autumn, will be brightened by blazing red maples.
7. Fukushima
Throughout November
The prefecture of Fukushima is famous for the abundance of old-town buildings, lakes, and hills. In Autumn, these sightseeing spots will come to life with the beautiful orange maples bursting into bloom.
Image credit: @jin_st_agram via Instagram
The Bandai Azuma Skyline’s known as one of the most scenic roads in Japan – and for good reason. It’s situated 1,350 metres above sea level, where you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of rolling hills and forests bathed in Autumn hues stretching all the way out into the distance.
Image credit: @rediscoverfukushima via Instagram
The name “Goshikinuma” means “5 coloured ponds”, and true to its name, all 5 ponds in this place each possess different colours depending on the season and time of day. The emerald greens and crystalline blues of these ponds make for one colourful picture – especially so in Autumn, when the ponds are framed by numerous maple trees sprouting deep reds and oranges.
Also recommended: Yukiwari Bridge, Ja No Hana Garden, Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatoko
8. Osaka
Early November to early December
Osaka’s a lively city full of great shopping, and scrumptious food – but more than that, it’s also full of sightseeing options to see the Autumn colours in Japan.
Image credit: @bado1701 via Instagram
A 40-minute drive from Osaka city will take you to Minoo Park, a vast national park scattered with lush forests, waterfalls, and temples. While the entire park comes alive during Autumn, you can take a 2.8km hike up to Minoo Waterfall for picturesque views of the maple trees and the waterfall together.
Image credit: Kyotogram via Facebook
The sight of Osaka Castle standing tall amidst the Autumn trees also makes for one pretty sight. While the castle itself is surrounded by scarlet cherry and plum trees, it’s contrasted by honey-coloured gingko trees that line the path leading up to the castle.
Also recommended: Hoshida Park, Daisen Park, Katsuo-ji Temple.
9. Kyoto
Mid-November to early December
The culture-rich city of Kyoto is awash in fiery hues of red and gold between November to December, so really, a stroll down any street will prove picturesque.
Image credit: Josiah Neo
Arashiyama is noted for being one of the top fall foliage spots in Kyoto. It’s situated on the outskirts of Kyoto, boasting everything from temples to bamboo forests and a monkey park. Tofukuji Temple is especially beautiful during this time.
Image credit: Josiah Neo
Instead of going around on foot, you can also see the best of Arashiyama’s Autumn beauty with a lazy cruise down the Hozugawa River for a small fee.
Image credit: Japan Airlines
You’ve seen this scene in just about every postcard in the convenience store, and it’s time to finally visit it. Stand atop the wooden terrace of the Kiyomizudera Temple, look out into the distance, and you’ll see a sea of red trees stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Also recommended: Kodaiji, Kyoto Goen, Kodaiji
10. Tokyo
Late November to early December
You don’t have to venture out of Tokyo for some sick Autumn scenery. This bustling metropolis has its fair share of fall foliage spots, so mark these places down on your next trip there.
Image credit: @cahya__.yya via Instagram
One of the most popular spots to view the Autumn leaves in Japan is along the streets of Meiji-jingu Gaien Park. It’s a 300-metre street lined with 146 gingko trees that erupt into striking golden hues between mid-November to early December.
Image credit: @stranger_in_the_mirror via Instagram
Located in the heart of the busy Shinjuku area, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a quiet escape from the throngs of people in its surroundings. Take a long, leisurely stroll through the garden and you’ll be able to admire the eye-catching reds of maple trees.
Image credit: @anasato_japan via Instagram
Don’t miss out on a chance to visit Rikugien Garden. It’s a traditional Japanese garden that features ponds, tea houses, and hills, which are especially beautiful when surrounded by flaming red maple trees in the Autumn.
Also recommended: Koshikawa Korakuen, Fujishiro-toge Hill, Mount Mitake
What’s the temperature like during the Autumn season in Japan?
The temperature during Autumn in Japan can vary between months. If you’re visiting around September, you can expect the weather to still be slightly on the warmer side as the season transitions from summer to fall. Temperatures can range from 23ºC to 28ºC earlier in the day before dropping to 18ºC to 21ºC from evening onwards. However, do note that humidity can be quite noticeable, partly due to the typhoon season that usually occurs during this period.
October tends to bring the most comfortable weather, especially for those sensitive to colder temperatures. Daytime highs range between 19ºC and 23ºC, while nighttime lows generally fall between 14ºC and 18ºC. Rainfall is also less reported during this month too, making it one of the best months to visit in the fall.
November and early December offer some of the coolest temperatures during the autumn season. Afternoons range from 14ºC to 18ºC, while mornings and evenings can be cooler, hovering between 7ºC and 12ºC. The weather is generally dry with little to no rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Keep in mind that northern regions of Japan can get quite chilly, so be sure to pick up some extra layers from these winter apparel shops in Singapore to stay warm and comfortable.
What to wear during Autumn in Japan?
In September, when the weather is still on the warmer side, we recommend wearing lightweight, long-sleeved tops paired with pants or long skirts. Alternatively, you could wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and layer it with a jacket or cardigan for added warmth.
As October approaches, it’s a good idea to bring slightly thicker shirts, sweaters, and jackets, and consider packing a hoodie or two for extra layering. For November and early December, having a wool coat and thermal innerwear ready can be useful in case the temperatures drop more than expected.
Catch stunning views of Autumn leaves in Japan
Autumn season in Japan will give you sights of trees breaking out into every shade of red, orange, and yellow, which makes it one hella good time to visit. All it takes is a little planning and research to catch these trees at their most vibrant, and boom – you’re all set for a visually-stunning trip to Japan.
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Cover image adapted from: Josiah Neo, @cinematic_one & @cahya__.yya via Instagram