Autumn in Japan is an incredibly breathtaking season, with landscapes transformed by shades of red, orange, and yellow. For travellers, witnessing the Japanese autumn leaves, known as “koyo,” will be a truly unforgettable experience. This guide provides information on the best spots to see autumn leaves in Japan and forecasts for the 2024 season.
Japan’s Autumn Leaves Season
When Do the Leaves Change Colour?
The timing of Japan’s autumn leaves varies depending on the location and weather conditions, particularly temperature. Generally, the peak viewing season extends from September to December.
- Temperature Influence: The timing of the colour change is determined by the temperatures in early autumn. Warmer temperatures delay the colour change, while cooler temperatures hasten it.
- Regional Differences: In the mountains of Hokkaido, the northernmost part of Japan, the leaves start to turn as early as September. However, in the warmer regions along the Pacific coast, the peak of the autumn leaves might not arrive until December. In Okinawa, with its subtropical climate, autumn leaves are almost non-existent.
- Long Viewing Period: Due to Japan’s mountainous terrain and its long shape stretching from Hokkaido to Okinawa, the autumn leaves season is longer than in many other countries.
Autumn Leaves Forecast for 2024
Since the timing of autumn leaves depends heavily on autumn temperatures, and the prediction of autumn leaves for 2024 is not yet announced. However, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, temperatures from September to November 2024 are expected to be higher than average nationwide. This suggests that the peak viewing period for autumn leaves might be later than usual this year. We will update this guide as more accurate forecasts become available.
Autumn Leaves Places and Best Time
Hokkaido Region
大雪山国立公園 (Taisetsuzan National Park)
This is the first place in Japan where the autumn leaves start to change colour. The variety in elevation allows for a prolonged viewing season.
- Access: About 1 hour by bus or car from Asahikawa.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-September to mid-October.
- Recommended Viewpoints: From ropeway.
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
定山渓温泉 (Jozankei Onsen)
Close to Sapporo city, this spot offers beautiful autumn leaves view while enjoying hot springs.
- Access: A short bus ride from Sapporo.
- Best Viewing Time: Early to mid-October.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Futamitsuri Bridge, Shigure Bridge, Jozankei Dam
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
Tohoku Region
奥入瀬渓流 (Oirase-keiryū Gorge) / Aomori
The contrast between the flowing stream and the autumn leaves is stunning.
- Access: About 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Aomori Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-October to early November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Choshi Otaki Waterfall, Ashura Flow, Lake Towada.
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
鳴子峡 (Naruko Gorge) / Miyagi
The dramatic cliffs and autumn leaves create a breathtaking scene, and it’s also a popular hot spring destination.
- Access: 10 minutes by car from Naruko Onsen Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to early November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Naruko Gorge Rest House.
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
八幡平 (Hachimantai)/ Iwate
A scenic route perfect for drives and hikes.
- Access: About 1 hour by car from JR Morioka Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Late September to mid-October.
- Recommended Viewpoints: 御在所 (Gozaisho Area)
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
Kanto Region
日光 (Nikko) / Tochigi
Nikko is one of Japan’s top autumn foliage spots, where you can enjoy the scenery in various ways, such as scenic drives, lakeside hikes, or a combination of colourful leaves and waterfalls.
- Access: About 2 hours by train from Tokyo.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-October to early November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: 中禅寺湖 (Lake Chuzenji), 華厳の滝 (Kegon Falls), 竜頭ノ滝 (Ryuzu Falls), いろは坂 (Irohazaka).
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
高尾山 (Mt. Takao) / Tokyo
A popular hiking spot near Tokyo, also known for its autumn leaf festival.
- Access: About 1 hour by train from Tokyo.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Cable Car, もみじ台 (Momiji-dai).
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
明治神宮外苑 (Meiji Jingu Gaien) / Tokyo
The 300-metre-long road lined with golden ginkgo trees is easily accessible during your stay in Tokyo.
- Access: Walk from Aoyama Itchome Station or Gaienmae Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: イチョウ並木 (Ginkgo Avenue).
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
Chubu Region
河口湖 (Lake Kawaguchi) / Yamanashi
The autumn leaves beautifully lit against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji create a photogenic scene.
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Line.
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to late November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: もみじ回廊 (Maple Corridor), もみじ街道 (Maple Street).
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
黒部渓谷 (Kurobe Gorge) / Toyama
Enjoy the autumn foliages from a scenic trolley train ride through the gorge.
- Access: Train from Toyama Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to mid-November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Keyakidaira Visitor Center, 猿飛遊歩道 (Sarutobi Promenade).
- Admission: Trolley train round-trip: 2,820 yen
- Night illumination: None
香嵐渓 (Korankei) / Aichi
About 4,000 maple trees turn colour at once, creating a stunning display over the water.
- Access: About 1 hour by bus from Meitetsu Higashi-Okazaki Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Taigetsukyo Bridge, Maple Tunnel.
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
兼六園 (Kenrokuen Garden) / Ishikawa
One of Japan’s three most famous gardens, where you can enjoy the beauty of both the autumn leaves and the garden itself.
- Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Early to late November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: 山崎山 (Yamazakiyama), 徽軫灯籠 (Kotojitoro Lantern).
- Admission: 320 yen
- Night illumination: Available
Kansai Region
嵐山 (Arashiyama) / Kyoto
Among Kyoto’s many autumn leaves spots, Arashiyama is the most famous. The view from the scenic train is especially stunning.
- Access: Walk from Arashiyama Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: View from the scenic train.
- Admission: Scenic train: 880 yen
- Night illumination: None
永観堂 (Eikando Temple) / Kyoto
It is a temple especially known for its beautiful autumn leaves. The garden is adorned with 3,000 maple trees.
- Access: Walk from Keage Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid to late November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: 放生池 (Hojo Pond)
- Admission: 600 yen
- Night illumination: Available
瑠璃光院 (Rurikoin Temple) / Kyoto
The photogenic autumn foliage reflecting off the black lacquered tables are a must-see.
- Best Viewing Time: Late November to early December.
- Access: Walk from Hieizan-guchi Station.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Second-floor
- Admission: 2,000 yen
- Night illumination: None
清水寺 (Kiyomizu Temple) / Kyoto
The view of autumn leaves from the stage of Kiyomizu, with the historic cityscape of Kyoto in the background, is truly stunning.
- Access: Walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Kiyomizu Stage.
- Admission: 400 yen
- Night illumination: Available
吉野山 (Mt. Yoshino) / Nara
A famous cherry blossom spot where you can also enjoy the autumn foliage of cherry trees.
- Access: Walk from Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Line.
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to mid-November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Hanayagura observation point
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
箕面公園 (Minoh Park) / Osaka
A dynamic nature site conveniently located in the suburbs of Osaka. A walking course leads to an autumn foliage spot and waterfalls.
- Access: Walk from Hankyu Minoh Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Hitome-senbon.
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
Chugoku Region
宮島 (Miyajima) / Hiroshima
It is famous for the red gate at Itsukushima Shrine on the sea, and the autumn leaves at Momijidani Park is truly magical.
- Access: Short walk from Miyajimaguchi station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid to late November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: 紅葉橋 (Momiji bridge).
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
帝釈峡 (Taishakukyo Gorge) / Hiroshima
The autumn foliage along this gorge are particularly beautiful when viewed from a boat.
- Access: About 2 hours by car from Hiroshima City.
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to early November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Walking trails, boat rides
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: None
Shikoku Region
祖谷渓谷 (Iya Valley) / Tokushima
The entire valley turns into a canvas of red and yellow, with stunning night illuminations.
- Access: About 2 hours by car from Tokushima City.
- Best Viewing Time: Early to mid-November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Kazurabashi Bridge.
- Admission: 550 yen
- Night illumination: Available
寒霞渓 (Kankakei Gorge) / Kagawa
One of Japan’s most scenic nature spots, where you can enjoy autumn leaves from a ropeway.
- Access: A 30-minute bus ride from Tonosho Port.
- Best Viewing Time: Early to late November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: From ropeway
- Admission: Ropeway fare: 2,700 yen
- Night illumination: None
Kyushu Region
深耶馬溪 (Yabakei Gorge) / Oita
One of Kyushu’s top spots for autumn leaves, perfect for hiking.
- Access: A 20-minute bus ride from Bungomori Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Late October to mid-November.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Ichimoku Hakkei
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
竈門神社 (Kamado Shrine) / Fukuoka
This shrine’s beautiful approach is lined with colourful autumn foliages.
- Access: A short bus ride from Dazaifu Station.
- Best Viewing Time: Mid-November to early December.
- Recommended Viewpoints: Approach to the shrine.
- Admission: Free
- Night illumination: Available
Japan’s unique geography and diverse climate create an exceptionally long autumn foliage season, offering travelers many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the fall colours from September to December. Whether you’re exploring the northernmost tip of Hokkaido or the southern regions of Kyushu, you’ll find beautiful autumn leaves wherever you go during this period.
