Japan’s fall season transforms the country into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange,
and gold hues that captivate visitors worldwide. From late October through early
December, the Japanese archipelago experiences a gradual wave of fall colors that
sweeps from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern regions.
This guide will lead you through 20 of Japan’s most spectacular fall foliage viewing
spots, with local insights and practical visiting information.
Mount Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi Prefecture
The five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji offer unparalleled views of Japan’s most iconic
peak, framed by brilliant fall colors. The contrast between the snow-capped mountain
and the warm fall palette creates a photographer’s paradise, particularly at Lake
Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako.
The Chureito Pagoda viewing point provides the quintessential Japanese fall photograph, which has become famous worldwide.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto
While famous for its towering bamboo, Arashiyama’s hidden gem is its spectacular
fall transformation along the Katsura River. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a viewing
platform for the surrounding mountains, draped in fall colors.
The traditional Tenryu-ji Temple gardens showcase carefully cultivated maple trees that have been maintained for centuries.
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Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tochigi Prefecture
The ornate Toshogu Shrine complex becomes even more magnificent when
surrounded by fall foliage. The sacred bridge and ancient cedar-lined paths create a
mystical atmosphere as golden ginkgo leaves carpet the ground.
Nearby Lake Chuzenji offers additional viewing spots, where mountains painted in fall colors reflect perfectly in the calm waters.
Korankei Gorge, Aichi Prefecture
This valley holds over 4,000 maple trees planted by local monks over 350 years ago.
The annual fall festival features evening illuminations that transform the gorge into a
magical landscape of light and color.
Local vendors sell seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and maple-leaf tempura along the walking paths.
Mount Kurama, Kyoto
This sacred mountain north of Kyoto city offers a unique combination of spiritual sites
and natural beauty. The journey begins at the Kurama-dera Temple and winds
through forest trails adorned with Japanese maples and beech trees.
The natural hot springs at the base provide a perfect way to warm up after exploring the fall landscapes.
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Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori Prefecture
The historical castle provides a stunning backdrop for over 2,600 maple and beech
trees that burst into color each fall. The castle’s moat reflects the vibrant foliage,
creating picture-perfect mirror images.
Local apple farms surrounding the park offer fresh fall harvests and cider-tasting experiences.
Minoo Park, Osaka Prefecture
This natural park, just 30 minutes from downtown Osaka, features a spectacular
waterfall surrounded by fall colors. The three-mile hiking trail leading to the falls is
famous for ‘momiji tempura,’ a local delicacy of maple leaves fried in sweet batter.
The park’s accessibility makes it perfect for half-day excursions from the city.
Rikugien Gardens, Tokyo
This traditional Japanese landscape garden showcases carefully pruned maple trees
that create stunning reflections in the central pond. Evening illuminations during peak
season transform the garden into an ethereal display of light and shadow.
The garden’s tea houses offer seasonal wagashi sweets and matcha with views of the fall scenery.
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Oirase Stream, Aomori Prefecture
The crystal-clear mountain stream runs through a gorge lined with beech and maple
trees, creating a natural tunnel of fall colors. Fourteen waterfalls along the stream
add dynamic elements to the fall landscape.
The walking trail provides numerous photography spots and resting areas where you can enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Kyoto
The temple’s famous wooden stage offers panoramic views of Kyoto city framed by
brilliant fall foliage. Over 1,000 maple trees grow in the surrounding hills, creating a sea of red and orange hues.
Evening illuminations add a magical quality to the already spectacular fall views.
Hakone National Park, Kanagawa Prefecture
The expansive Hakone region transforms into a tapestry of fall colors. The Hakone
Ropeway provides breathtaking aerial views of the volcanic Owakudani Valley,
draped in fall hues. The Sengoku-era Old Tokaido Road, lined with towering cedar
trees interspersed with vibrant maples, offers a historical journey through fall
splendor.
The pristine shores of Lake Ashi reflect the surrounding mountainsides painted in red and gold, creating perfect photo opportunities with Mount Fuji in the background.
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Nara Park, Nara Prefecture
The ancient capital’s deer park transforms into a golden landscape as hundreds of
ginkgo trees change color. The massive bronze Buddha at Todaiji Temple provides a
stunning backdrop for fall photography.
The park’s famous resident deer add charm to the fall scenery as they roam freely among the changing leaves.
Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido
Japan’s largest national park offers the country’s earliest fall colors, starting in mid-
September. The park’s volcanic landscapes create dramatic backdrops for the
changing foliage.
The extensive network of hiking trails provides access to remote viewing spots away from crowds.
Eikando Temple, Kyoto
This temple is known as the ‘Temple of Maple Trees’ due to its spectacular fall
display. The two-story viewing pavilion offers unique perspectives of the garden’s fall
transformation.
Evening illuminations create magical reflections in the temple pond.
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Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
This former imperial garden provides an oasis of fall colors in the heart of Tokyo. The
traditional Japanese landscape garden features carefully curated maple displays.
The park’s three distinct garden styles – Japanese, English, and French – offer
various perspectives on fall beauty.
Mount Takao, Tokyo
This accessible mountain near Tokyo offers eight hiking trails through forests of
maple and ginkgo trees. The cable car provides easy access to viewing points for
those who prefer not to hike.
The mountain’s beer garden becomes popular for fall leaf viewing parties.
Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa
One of Japan’s three great gardens shows its most spectacular face during autumn.
The careful pruning of maple trees creates perfect frames for the garden’s ponds and
streams.
Traditional tea ceremonies during the fall season offer unique cultural experiences among the changing leaves.
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Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo
The famous Ginkgo Avenue features perfectly aligned trees, creating a golden
canopy each fall. The annual Ginkgo Festival celebrates this transformation with
food stalls and cultural performances.
The nearby sports facilities and cafes make it perfect for a full day of fall enjoyment.
Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture
Japan’s most beautiful original castle becomes even more spectacular when
surrounded by fall colors. The castle’s white walls contrast stunningly with the red
and orange maple leaves.
The recently restored gardens offer excellent close-up views of fall foliage.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, Kyoto
The former residence of Japan’s Imperial family showcases carefully maintained fall
gardens. Ancient ginkgo trees create carpets of golden leaves along the palace
walls, and the park’s wide paths provide peaceful spaces for contemplating the
changing seasons.
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Embracing Japan’s Fall Beauty For Memories
As you plan your fall journey through Japan, remember that timing varies by location
and elevation. Colors typically appear in the north and at higher altitudes before
gradually moving south.
Each destination offers a unique perspective on Japan’s fall beauty, combining natural splendor with cultural significance. The experience of witnessing these stunning transformations will create lasting memories of Japan’s most colorful season.
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