Autumn in Japan is also one of the best times to travel the country, aside from the popular cherry blossoms. The changing autumn colors, locally known as “koyo”. It is highly anticipated with annual forecasts predicting the change of leaves from green to stunning shades of yellow, gold, and red.
You will be able to catch the leaves from the end of September through to December. From Kyoto temple, to the mountains in Hokkaido. Take a note of these destinations if you want to see the best of Japanese autumn.
Kyoto, Kyoto
If you don’t have much time to spend autumn in Japan, Kyoto is the best destination to visit. It is a home to some of the country’s most famous “koyo” spots including picturesque Ruriko-in Temple.
The garden’s scenery can be seen reflected on a polished black lacquered table.This countryside neighborhood offers beautiful autumn leaves on its forested mountains along the river.
Kurobe Gorge, Toyama
This lush ravine is one of the deepest gorges in the country. It is a wonderful spot to visit in autumn. The area is also famous for the Kurobe Gorge Railway. You can try using the railway to enjoy the panoramic views of nature, between late October and mid-November.
Naruko Gorge, Miyagi
This gorge is one of top natural attractions in the Tohoku region. Located in the north-western part of Miyagi Prefecture. The trees here blush in shades of gold and auburn from late October to early November.
To get the best views, head to the Narukokyo Resthouse, where you can see the famous Ofukazawa Bridge from the observation deck. And you can take a stroll along the Naruko Gorge Walking Trail to the bottom of the gorge, to immerse yourself in the gorgeous surroundings.
Minoo Falls, Osaka
In Minoo Falls, you can see a waterfall against a backdrop of autumn foliage. The 33m-high waterfall is easily reached via a leisurely 45-minute trek at Minoo Park. There are local shops and temples along the trail, which add to the area’s charm.
You must try the momiji leaf tempura, autumn speciality food, sold at some shops in the park. Plan your visit around mid- to late November to catch the autumn colors at its best.
Jozankei Onsen, Hokkaido
Jozankei Onsen is a favourite destination among “koyo” seekers. A charming onsen town in western Hokkaido. The view of the resort town is particularly memorable around this time of the year, as the area surrounding Hoheikyo Dam and the famous red Futami Suspension Bridge is awash with colorful foliage.
For an aerial vantage point, you can ride the gondola at Sapporo International Ski Resort and see the blushing leaves from above. The best time to visit Jozankei Onsen is from early October to mid-October.
Mikuni Pass, Hokkaido
The Mikuni Pass in Kamishihoro, which runs along National Route 273, sits at staggering 1,139m above sea level. From late-September to mid-October, you will be afforded with some of the best views of autumn in Hokkaido from this height.
The scenic drive cuts through Daisetsuzan National Park, where you can find an abundance of trees’ colors change as the weather cools. The best time to visit is between September and October. There are free parking lots and view points along the way.
Lake Towada, Aomori
Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on Japan’s Honshu Island, is a sight to behold come autumn. The trees here tend to change their colors slightly earlier than their southern counterparts, since the weather tends to be cooler up north in Aomori, with peak season usually around mid-October to late-October.
The shores are populated by beech trees, which turn bright yellow, and momiji maple trees, which are known for their vermillion shades. The reflection of Mt. Towada and its seasonal foliage’s surface, makes this scenic spot truly spectacular.
Nikko, Tochigi
In the north of Tokyo, Nikko feels like a mini Kyoto with its Unesco World Heritage-listed temples and picturesque nature, especially in autumn. The Shinkyo Bridge and Ryuzu Falls offer some of the best photo ops.
Shinkyo Bridge sits near the entrance to Nikko’s main shrines and temples. Its vibrant red color matches perfectly with the seasonal vermillion foliage.
Ryuzu Falls, also known as Dragon’s Head Waterfall, is part of Yukawa River and flows into Lake Chuzenji.In autumn, the leaves here turn shades of gold, orange and red, giving the waterfall a dragon-like appearance.
The peak season for autumn leaves in Nikko usually runs from early October to early November.
Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi
A photo of Mt. Fuji surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves is very popular. Around Fuji five lakes, there is Lake Kawaguchiko is especially stunning as a good spot to catch the seasonal foliage.
The lake offers two vantage points. The Momiji Corridor along the Nashigawa River, and the iconic Momiji Tunnel which gives you a shot of Mt. Fuji framed by red maple leaves.
The trees here star to blush from mid-November to late November, and should last until early December.
Hitachi Seaside Park
If you are looking for something different in autumn, head to Ibaraki’s Hitachi Seaside Park. When autumn, the park’s kochia (summer cypress) fields are sight to behold. The small, bushy plants turn from bright green to brilliant red as the weather cools.
This expansive park makes for a fun day trip as it can be accessed in just over an hour from central Tokyo. These bushes are at their best around mid-October. And later into the month, the bushes will take on a dusty golden hue.