Fall Foliage in Japan 2024

Autumn is a sweet spot between the warm summer vibes and the chill of winter. The best nature attraction during this season is the sight of leaves changing color. Attracting many visitors, Japanese maples, wax trees, rowan, burning bush, ginkgo, and elms turn vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors. Leaf peeping ("Momiji-gari" in Japanese) is highly popular in Japan and is the main draw for many tourists. Plus, the relatively pleasant temperatures make autumn a peak travel season in Japan.

When do the leaves start to change their colors in Japan?

Leap peeping season in Japan starts in mid-October and can last until the end of November. The timing varies depending on altitude and geography. For example, in the mountains, the leaves typically turn yellow a bit sooner, while the leaves in the milder southwestern island of Kyushu change their color around the end of November. Overall, Japan has a relatively long period for autumn, but September is a little too early for fall foliage.

Best places to see fall foliage in Japan

Tokyo

Even though everybody imagines Tokyo as a concrete jungle, it's abundant with different parks and gardens. You can pay attention to Yoyogi Park, located next to Shibuya, Omotesando, and Harajuku. It's home to many ginkgo and maple trees. Also, you can visit Icho Namiki, Tokyo's iconic fall foliage spot. In the middle of Tokyo, you will find Koishikawa Korakuen—one of Tokyo's oldest and best Japanese gardens. Don't miss a chance to visit Rikugien—a wonderful garden with plenty of trees and a teahouse with a small waterfall near at hand.

Mt. Takao, known for its temple at the summit, is a beloved destination among Tokyo residents seeking weekend hikes, especially during the picturesque autumn season. It offers six trails of varying difficulty levels, accommodating hikers of all skill levels and making it an ideal choice for day trips from Tokyo. Mt. Takao is conveniently accessible, with a quick 50-minute train ride from Shinjuku Station. Okutama is another cherished spot among Tokyo locals for viewing autumn foliage. If scaling Mt. Mitake isn't your preference, the Hatonosu Valley trail provides a stroll along a scenic river and through captivating forests, offering a serene alternative to more strenuous hikes.

Kyoto

Sometimes, Kyoto seems overwhelming. It's one of the oldest cities in Japan, with a rich history and many temples. In addition to historical buildings, this city is full of impressive gardens and parks. One of the most breathtaking spots for enjoying autumn color is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Overlooking the Higashiyama area, this place offers inspiring views. Another spot is Tofukuji—the main temple of the Tofukuji School. It's full of maple trees, turning red in mid-November. Overall, this city is filled with unique spots to enjoy colorful leaves.

Daitoku-ji near Nishijin is gaining popularity for Izusen, offering exceptional shojin ryori. Among its sub-temples, Koto-in is renowned for its stunning maple leaf tunnel. Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama is famous for its UNESCO garden filled with maple trees and Shigetsu, a top shojin ryori spot. Daigo-ji boasts vast grounds and beautiful maple canopies, a must-see for autumn foliage enthusiasts just a short trek from Kyoto Station. Eikando, just a short walk from Nanzen-ji, is a must-visit for autumn colors in Kyoto. The temple dazzles visitors with special nighttime illuminations in November, creating a spectacular sight. The Kyoto Botanical Gardens offers a treasure trove of plant diversity year-round. During autumn, the gardens showcase stunning foliage, complemented by a delightful array of flowers that enchant visitors for days.

Osaka

The best time to enjoy fall foliage in Osaka is mid-October through December. The most appealing spot is Osaka Castle Park, known as Osaka-jo-koen in Japanese. If you are looking for something away from the city center, check out Mino Falls. They are located in northern Osaka Prefecture and offer excellent trails to stroll around while viewing vivid colors.

Midosuji Avenue offers a stunning display of autumn beauty with its canopy of roughly 800 ginkgo trees stretching over four kilometers. During the fall foliage season, the avenue transforms into a breathtaking tunnel adorned with golden ginkgo leaves, making it a must-see attraction.

For a different perspective on autumn colors, head to Hoshida Park, where you can experience the season from a unique vantage point on a giant suspension bridge. The park features a walking trail inspired by a forest railway, meandering along a picturesque riverbed. Adventurous visitors can also enjoy activities like hiking and climbing, including a notable 16.5-meter-tall artificial climbing wall.

Hokkaido

This popular island has many places where you can enjoy a vivid palette of yellow, red, and orange colors. For instance, you can head to Daisetsuzan National Park—the largest national park in the Hokkaido region. It consists of various hiking trails, mountain ranges, hot spring resorts, and beautiful wildlife. Sounkyo is another Japanese paradise located at the foot of Mount Kurodake. Its forested valleys offer spectacular fall colors. Shiretoko Five Lakes is one more destination that will take your breath away. Just imagine: the crystal clear surfaces of these lakes reflect the shimmering colors and mountain range.

In Hokkaido, visitors can enjoy the stunning fall foliage at "Noboribetsu Jigokudani." This renowned spot, selected among Japan's top 100 for red foliage, offers a breathtaking view from the Jigokudani Observatory Deck. Here, visitors can experience steam vents, rare volcanic scenery, and vibrant red leaves. A short hike to Lake Oyunuma unveils rocky cliffs contrasting with autumn hues, perfect for visual enjoyment.

Kanto

The best time to see fall foliage in the Kanto area is in September and even in December. Shima Onsen, located right in Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park, is definitely worth your time and attention. The colorful trees of the Hakone Museum of Art are also amazing but less popular, meaning you can avoid the crowds of tourists. The Haruna Mountains offer some of the best places to enjoy autumn leaves, such as Kajika Bridge and Ikaho Onsen.

Hananuki Valley, known for its numerous valleys and waterfalls, offers spectacular views from the Shiomidaki Suspension Bridge and campground. In autumn, the valley transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, with red, yellow, and green leaves from beech and chestnut oak trees painting a captivating scene. Lake Kameyama, nestled within the Boso Peninsula, is Chiba's largest reservoir. Spanning 1.39 million square meters, it features scenic trails and parks perfect for strolls amidst mountain and lake vistas. Visitors can also enjoy pleasure boat rides from Sasakawa Valley or Inonokawa Valley, immersing themselves in the serene beauty of autumn foliage that enhances the landscape's charm.