As you feel the cool breeze caressing your cheeks, the leaves on the trees begin to change color from green to red and yellow, and the scenery changes from moment to moment.
The front of the autumn foliage slowly moves south from Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, which is said to be the first place in Japan to change color. Please enjoy the spectacular scenery of colorful autumn that paints the plateau, lakeside, and cityscape.
*Please check the official website of each facility for the latest information.
Hokkaido
Daisetsuzan National Park (Asahidake)/ Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido
Best time to see the flowers: Early September to late September
Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range is famous as the place in Japan where autumn leaves come out the earliest. From late August, the broadleaf trees turn red and yellow, creating a vivid contrast with the green of the conifers across the entire mountain. The view from the summit is as captivating as the view from the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway.
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Jozankei/ Sapporo, Hokkaido
Best time to see: Early October to mid-October
Jozankei is one of Hokkaido's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, and can be easily Access by car from central Sapporo in about an hour. From early to mid-October, the trees along the valley turn red and yellow. In particular, the bright red Futami Suspension Bridge, which spans the Toyohira River on the nature trail Futami Jozan no Michi, is a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves.
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Tohoku
Hakkoda mountain range/ Aomori Aomori City
Best time to see the flowers: late September to late October
The Hakkoda mountain range, with Mt. Odake towering to the south of Aomori City as its main peak, begins to change color in late September and reaches its peak in early to late October. From the Hakkoda Ropeway, you can enjoy a 10-minute aerial stroll and enjoy a panoramic view of the autumn leaves along with views of the Tsugaru Plain and Mutsu Bay.
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Shirakami-Sanchi (World Heritage Beech Forest Walking Trail)/ Nishimeya Village Aomori
Best time to see: Mid-October to late October
The Shirakami Mountains, which straddle Aomori and Akita prefectures, are registered as a World Heritage Site. The virgin beech forest, which has been barely affected by humans, has been developed into a "World Heritage Path: Beech Forest Walking Trail" where you can easily stroll through it. In the autumn foliage season, the beech trees turn yellow, creating a fantastical landscape in which the entire forest is enveloped in a golden hue.
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Oirase Gorge/Towada City Aomori
Best time to see: Mid-October to early November
Oirase Gorge is a beautiful valley with clear water, and in the autumn the trees turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful landscape. In particular, the Sanran no Nagare, where three rivers join together, is a place where the water flows strongly and violently, creating a spectacular contrast with the autumn leaves.
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genbikei/ Iwate Ichinoseki
Best time to see the flowers: late October to early November
Genbikei Gorge is a 2km stretch of holes, waterfalls and deep abysses along the Iwai River, which originates from Mount Kurikoma. Its expressions change with the seasons, and in autumn many people visit to see the cliffs turn red and yellow. There are Hot springs and tourist facilities around the gorge, so spending a relaxing time there is also one of its attractions.
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Hachimantai/ Iwate Hachimantai
Best time to see: Late September to mid-October
Hachimantai, which straddles both Iwate and Akita prefectures, is home to a mystical natural landscape unique to a volcanic belt. You can fully experience the beauty of nature by taking a walk through the autumn leaves in Matsukawa Valley, where a primeval forest of deciduous trees such as beech, oak, and maple grows, or by taking a drive through the autumn leaves on the Hachimantai Aspite Line, where you can enjoy the unique scenery of Hachimantai.
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Dakigaeri Valley/ Senboku Semboku-shi Prefecture
Best time to see the flowers: late October to early November
Also known as the Yabakei of the Tohoku region, the Dakigaeri Gorge stretches for 10km along the middle reaches of the Tamagawa River, which flows between Tazawako and Kakunodate. The walking trails along the valley have many scenic spots, such as Kami no Iwahashi Bridge and Kakei no Taki Falls, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the red and yellow trees.
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Kanto
Hitachi Seaside Park/ Ibaraki Hitachinaka, Japan
Best time to see the flowers: Early October to late October
Hitachi Seaside Park is a place where you can enjoy flowers of every season. The kochia plants planted on the vast Miharashi Hill begin to change color from green to red little by little from early October, painting the entire hill a deep red. After that, they change to a golden color known as "broom color," giving you a sense of autumn's deepening.
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Momijidani Suspension Bridge/ Tochigi shi Nasu Nasushiobara-shi
Best time to see: Late October to mid-November
Momijidani Suspension Bridge is a 320m long suspension bridge located in Nasushiobara-shi Tochigi. Shiobara Valley surrounding the bridge is a place where beautiful scenery changes with the seasons. In particular, in autumn, when the maples change color and the surrounding area is adorned with fiery red leaves, visitors are enchanted by the aerial walk surrounded by a 360-degree panoramic view.
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Red Suspension Bridge/ Tochigi shi Nasu Nasushiobara-shi
Best time to see: Late October to mid-November
The area around the Kurenai Suspension Bridge over the Hoki River is dyed red in the autumn foliage season. The beautiful view of the spreading red carpet is overwhelming, and it is one of Shiobara 's most famous autumn foliage spots. The view of the autumn leaves from the suspension bridge captivates all who visit. The collaboration with the valley is also a highlight.
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Lake Chuzenji/ Nikko-shi Tochigi
Best time to see: Mid-October to early November
Lake Chuzenji, created by the eruption of Mt. Nantai, is located at an altitude of 1,269 meters, and the clear air makes the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface look even more beautiful. The colorful autumn leaves of maples, beeches, Japanese oaks, and sumac trees that color the surrounding mountains are a vivid sight to behold. We also recommend boarding a sightseeing boat and enjoying a leisurely ride from the lake.
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Mount Nasu/ Tochigi Nasu Town
Best time to see the flowers: late September to late October
Mount Nasu is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains and is also famous for its autumn foliage. Mount Chausu, the main peak of Mount Nasu, is 1,925 meters above sea level and can be reached up to the 9th station by the Nasu Ropeway, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent autumn foliage that changes color from the summit to the mountainside. Ubagadaira, which can be reached by trekking for about 40 minutes from the summit station, is also popular as a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage.
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Shiga Kusatsu Highlands Route/Kusatsu Gunma Prefecture
Best time to see: Early October to mid-October
National Route 292, commonly known as the "Shiga-Kusatsu Highlands Route," is the perfect route for a drive to see the autumn leaves. The autumn leaves of the Yoshigahira Wetlands, which can be viewed from Shibu Pass, the highest point on the national route, are truly spectacular. There are many other famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in the area, such as the area around Bugudatsunoike Pond, where boardwalks are maintained, and Sesshogawara, where strong hydrogen sulfide spews out from countless fumaroles.
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Nagatoro Line Kudari/ Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture
Best time to see the flowers: late October to early December
Why not enjoy the autumn leaves while taking a Nagatoro specialty boat ride down the Rhine? From the sheer cliffs, you can see the beautiful colors of the trees around the rock formations. Don't miss the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the water's surface as seen from the boat. Enjoy the season of beautiful nature shining in brilliant colors to your heart's content.
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Naritasan Park/ Chiba
Best time to see: Mid-November to early December
Naritasan Park is a large park of 165,000 square meters located behind the main hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. In autumn, about 250 trees, including maples, oaks, and ginkgo trees, turn red and yellow. The park is also a great place for a stroll, with a tunnel of autumn leaves and a pond where the leaves shine brightly. During the peak viewing season, a fall foliage festival is held, attracting many visitors.
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Yoro Valley/ Chiba Prefecture
Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December
The clear water of the valley and the colorful autumn leaves make the Yoro Valley an attractive spot. There are many scenic spots along the valley formed by the Yoro River, and the crimson-colored valley shows off its stunning beauty. The area around Yoro Falls in particular is a popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves, where you can feel the majesty of nature.
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Hamarikyu Garden/ Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Best time to see: Mid-November to early December
Hama-rikyu Gardens is designated as a special place of scenic beauty and a special historic site by the national government. It is a representative feudal garden that dates back to the Edo period and was owned by the Tokugawa Shogunate. It is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. There are many different trees in the garden, including maples, Japanese wax trees, ginkgo trees, and cherry trees, and the leaves change color beautifully in the autumn season.
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Ueno Park/ Taito Ward, Tokyo
Best time to see: Mid-November to early December
Ueno Onshi Park is known as one of the first parks in Japan to be designated as such, and has many spots to view autumn leaves, such as Ueno Toshogu Shrine and around Shinobazu Pond. Even though it is in the city center, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, and the vibrant and beautiful autumn leaves in red, yellow, and orange fascinate many visitors.
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Showa Kinen Park/ Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Best time to see the flowers: late October to late November
Showa Memorial Park is a national park with a total area of 180 hectares that has been selected as one of the 100 best urban parks in Japan. The vast park is dotted with beautiful yellow and red foliage spots, and the Kanal Ginkgo Tree Line (200m) and Katara Ginkgo Tree Line (300m) create a magnificent golden tunnel.
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Mt. Mitake/ Ome-shi, Tokyo
Best time to see: Early November to mid-November
Mount Mitake is said to be one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Tokyo. It is easily Access from the city center, and one of its attractions is that you can easily climb the mountain by using the cable car. The Rock Garden, a promenade along a stream lined with giant rocks, is the perfect place to stroll and enjoy the autumn leaves. The view of the Kanto Plain from Musashi Mitake Shrine, located at the summit at an altitude of 929m, is exceptional.
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Oyama/Isehara City Kanagawa
Best time to see: Mid-November to late November
Mt. Daisen is a mountain with an elevation of 1,252m, and is a popular tourist spot that attracts many people during the autumn foliage season. During the autumn foliage season, the leaves in front of the gates of Daisen-ji Temple turn a deep red. Daisen-ji Temple and the lower shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine are also lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy the beautifully illuminated autumn leaves and the night view that spreads out below.
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Chubu
Myoko Kogen/ Niigata Myoko City
Best time to see: Mid-October to early November
The majestic figure of Mt. Myoko and the colorful trees create a beautiful autumn foliage at Myoko Kogen. There are plenty of spots to see autumn foliage, such as Imori Pond, which you can walk around in about 20 minutes with the autumn foliage of Mt. Myoko in the background, and Myoko Kogen Sky Cable, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful gradation of the autumn leaves.
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Kenrokuen Garden/Kanazawa City Ishikawa
Best time to see the flowers: Early November to late November
This stroll-style garden is counted among Japan's three most famous gardens. From early November, the leaves turn red and yellow, and the entire garden is colored with splendid autumn foliage. There are many sights to see, such as Yamazakiyama, Kasumigaike Pond, and Hyoike Pond. You can enjoy the beautiful contrast with the green of the pine trees and appreciate Japan's beautiful autumn scenery.
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Eiheiji Temple/ Fukui Eiheiji Town
Best time to see the flowers: late October to early November
Eiheiji Temple, located in a secluded valley deep in the mountains, is the head temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism. Seven temple buildings are neatly lined up among a forest of ancient cedars, connected by corridors, creating beautiful scenery in every season. Many people visit the temple in the autumn, when the leaves change color and the solemn scenery unfolds amid the silence of the season.
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Lake Kawaguchi/ Yamanashi Fuji-Kawaguchiko Town
Best time to see the flowers: Early November to late November
Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji, offers a fantastic view of the maple and ginkgo trees along with the snow-capped Mt. Fuji. There are many spots to see the autumn leaves along the lakeside, and the Momiji Corridor is also lit up at night. Many people visit on weekends, so weekdays are recommended for a more leisurely experience.
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Yokotani Gorge/ Nagano Chino City
Best time to see: Mid-October to early November
Yokoya Gorge, which spreads out upstream of the Shibukawa River and is filled with negative ions, is one of the best spots in Shinshu to see autumn leaves. The view from Yokoya Kannon Observatory is particularly spectacular, with mountains dyed in autumn leaves as far as the eye can see. There are walking paths along the valley, so you can enjoy a stroll through the autumn leaves while viewing several waterfalls, including Otome Falls, Kirifuri Falls, and Otaki Falls.
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Atami Garden/ Atami-shi Shizuoka
Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December
Approximately 380 autumn-leaved trees take on beautiful colors from late November to December. From mid-November, early-blooming plum trees begin to bloom, allowing you to enjoy both the autumn leaves and the flowers at the same time. During the Momiji Festival, the garden is lit up, creating a fantastical landscape. The view from the observation deck is also wonderful, and the autumn leaves at Atami Garden, woven together by the warm climate, are sure to be memorable.
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Lake Ippeki/ Ito-shi Shizuoka
Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December
Lake Ippeki, the largest lake on the Izu Peninsula, is known as the Eye of Izu and has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan. A 4km walking trail has been constructed around the lake, which was created by an eruption about 100,000 years ago, where you can enjoy a stroll through the autumn leaves while taking in the beautiful scenery unique to autumn, with the main focus on yellow leaves. On calm days, the upside-down autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface also fascinate visitors.
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Tokugawa Garden/Nagoya City Aichi
Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December
Tokugawa Garden is the former residence of the Owari Tokugawa family, and is a Japanese garden with a pond and a strolling pond located near the center of Nagoya City. It features the Ryusen Lake, the central feature of the pond and Ryumon Falls, which was recreated using stones from a waterfall that was located on the former site of the Owari family's Edo residence, and about 300 maples and euonymus trees brightly decorate the garden during the autumn foliage season.
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Kinki
Hikone and Genkyuen Garden/ Hikone-shi Shiga
Best time to see: Mid-November to early December
Located to the north of Hikone Castle, Genkyuen is a daimyo garden with a pond and a stroll-style garden that was built by Ii Naoki (the 4th head of the Ii clan) in 1677. The sight of the trees in the garden, dyed red and yellow, reflected on the water's surface is captivatingly beautiful, and the view of Hikone main tower from the garden, colored by the autumn leaves, is especially beautiful.
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Arashiyama/ Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Best time to see: Mid-November to early December
Arashiyama is a popular tourist spot in Kyoto, known for its beautiful scenery, regardless of the season. In autumn, Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River, dyed in red and yellow, create a magnificent landscape. There are plenty of spots to see autumn leaves in the surrounding area, such as the Sagano Torokko Train, where you can view the autumn leaves from the train window, and Rokuo-in Temple, where you can enjoy a peaceful viewing experience.
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Osaka Castle Park/ Osaka Osaka
Best time to see: Mid-November to early December
In autumn, the trees in Osaka Castle Park are colored with beautiful autumn leaves. The sight of the 300-year-old ginkgo tree shining golden in front of the castle tower and the trees along the castle walls turning red is particularly worth seeing. This is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature even in the middle of the city of Osaka.
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Zuihoji Park/ Hyogo Kobe-shi Prefecture
Best time to see: Early November to mid-November
Zuihoji Park was built on the site of Zuihoji Temple, which was abandoned in 1873. The large grounds, with about 2,500 maple trees and a stream, are known as "Kinshu-dani" and are one of the prefecture's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves. After seeing the magnificent autumn leaves, Toyotomi Hideyoshi praised them, saying, "No matter how much I look at them, I never get bored," and the park is also known as the "Daytime Garden."
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Nara Park/ Nara Nara
Best time to see the flowers: late October to late November
Nara has a vivid contrast between the autumn leaves and evergreen trees. The deer walking quietly through the park, dyed in autumn colors by the morning sun rising from Mount Wakakusa, is a mystical sight. In this season, when the autumn leaves accentuate the atmosphere of the ancient capital, we recommend walking early in the morning to avoid crowds.
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Kizetsu Gorge/Tanabe Tanabe-shi Wakayama
Best time to see: Mid-November to late November
Located upstream of the river, Kizetsukyo Gorge is a valley blessed with abundant nature. You can enjoy the beauty of the valley in every season, with fresh greenery and cherry blossoms in spring, a cool waterfall in summer, and scarlet autumn leaves in autumn. Another highlight is the "Great Stone Buddha with Three Stones Carved on a Cliff," painted based on an original painting by artist Domoto Insho, located up the mountain trail from the waterfall.
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Chugoku
Shukkeien Garden/ Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December
Shukkeien, a historic feudal garden built in 1620, is a lush garden that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, even though it is located in the center of Hiroshima City. In the autumn foliage season, the garden is decorated with maples, hazels, zelkova trees, and a large ginkgo tree that is over 200 years old and survived a tragic war.
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Shikoku
Torii in the Sky Takaya Shrine/ Kagawa Kanonji-shi
Best time to see: Mid-November to late November
Takaya Shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Inazumi (404m above sea level). The main shrine's torii gate is known as the "Torii Gate of the Sky," and over the gate you can see Kanonji-shi and the majestic Seto Inland Sea. In autumn, you can enjoy the autumn leaves and the magnificent view below at the same time, making it a popular spot that was selected as one of the 88 scenic views of Shikoku in 2018.
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Harigi Water Purification Plant and Harigi Sports Park/ Kochi Kochi
Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December
Harigi Water Purification Plant and Harigi Sports Park are also known as famous cherry blossom viewing spots. This nature-rich park, easily Access from the center of Kochi City, is also popular as a walking course. When the maples and Taiwan maples change color, the whole area turns yellow with the fallen leaves covering the ground, creating a fantastical landscape.
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Kyushu
Momiji Hachiman Shrine/ Fukuoka Fukuoka City
Best time to see: Late November to mid-December
Momiji Hachimangu Shrine is located in Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City, and was built in the Muromachi period. As its name suggests, this shrine is famous for its autumn leaves, and is also known for being the first shrine in Japan to use an AR goshuin app. Another highlight is the autumn leaves votive plaques, made to the same size as the maple leaves planted next to the lion statues.
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Matoishi Ochaya ruins/ Aso-shi Kumamoto
Best time to see: Early to mid-November
The remains of the Matoishi Ochaya teahouse were used as a resting place during alternate attendance in the Edo period. Within the grounds, there is a spring that draws water from the northern outer rim of the volcano, and it has been selected as one of the 100 best waters in Kumamoto. Behind the remains of the teahouse is Junyo Tenmangu Shrine, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the maple trees with their spreading branches reflected on the water's surface.
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Kirishima Mountains/Kirishima City Kagoshima
Best time to see the flowers: late October to early December
The Kirishima Mountains are home to some of Kyushu's most magnificent scenery. Many spots to see autumn leaves are dotted along Prefectural Route 1, which runs from Maruo in Kirishima Hot springs to Ebino Highlands in Miyazaki. Onami Pond, which can be reached in about 30-40 minutes on foot from the trailhead along the prefectural road, is one of the recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves, with a promenade around the pond, where you can experience the vast nature of the Kirishima Mountains.
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