How to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Japan and the Best View of Autumn

Since ancient times, Japanese people have long sought out the vibrant Leaves that washes over the mountains and valleys in autumn. Fast forward to today and you can still find travelers flocking to famous autumn leaves spots in fall, even visitors from overseas who come for this season in particular.

This article introduces the charm of Japan's autumn Leaves, which attracts people from Japan and abroad, as well as some of the best places to see autumn foliage in Japan and the most spectacular autumn scenery.

■ The Charm of Autumn Leaves in Japan

While Japan isn’t the only country with autumn leaves, the ones you’ll find here come in especially high regard. The sheer vibrance is the first undeniable draw.

There are a surprising few countries in the world where the trees turn colors in fall, limited to just coastal areas in East Asia, the U.S., and parts of Europe. On top of that, the spots outside of Japan tend to only have one of two colors, mainly yellow or crimson alone.

In Japan you’ll find the same spot is washed with a bright splash of reds, yellows and verdant evergreen in a mosaic together.

The hue changes based on altitude, meaning Japan’s dramatic mountain landscapes lends itself to a breathtaking gradient of color that reaches from earth to sky.

Another undeniable draw surrounding Japan’s autumn leaves is the countless number of ways you can find them in nature. Just as the mountains and valleys are painted with their shimmering hues, so too are the mystic backdrops behind shrines and temples, the rippling lakeside shores, the dancing boughs above the open-air hot springs, and so many other picture-perfect backdrops.

■ When is the best time to see the autumn leaves?

The best time to see autumn leaves varies by region and location, but some areas can reach their peak as early as late September. In areas with a warm climate, autumn leaves can be seen until early December. Just remember, Okinawa does not have any autumn leaves of its own as its climate conditions aren’t fit.
The best times to catch the autumn foliage can also change based on the altitude so be sure to check before setting out to your favorite spot for autumn leaves.

Some trees will fall in about two weeks, while others may last up to a month, not as short as the cherry blossoms, which fall in about a week, but depending on the weather, they may fall earlier, so you should consider yourself lucky if you see them.

■ Recommended clothing for catching the autumn leaves

People used to say they would go “hunting for autumn leaves”, meaning they would set out into the mountains to see them all awash with fall hues, but today the same phrase points more towards going out to see them.
If you are heading towards a mountain or valley to catch the natural display we recommend prepping clothes not too dissimilar from what you’d where mountain hiking or trekking.
Even while still just autumn, any spots at a higher altitude will feel cooler, so you may prefer thicker materials like long-sleeved wool or fleeces.
Even if you’re not heading to a mountain or valley spot, there’s a chance you may slip on any fallen leaves so be sure to where walking shoes with a good tread on them.

■ Unique ways Japanese people enjoy autumn leaves

Here’s a breakdown of how Japan’s locals have loved and continue to love the autumn leaves for years to come. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the fall, you won’t want to miss adding in the three tips below to make the most of the picture-perfect foliage.

Enjoying autumn leaves while mountain climbing or hiking

In Japan, two-thirds of the land is covered by forests, with many mountains and valleys known for their beautiful autumn foliage. As a result, one classic way to catch the views for yourself is by taking up a chance to go mountain climbing or hiking. Escape to a quiet region tucked away from the city hustle and feast your eyes on the grandeur of mountains washed in a beautiful gradient of gorgeous leaves.

In Tokyo, one famous mountain escape is Mt. Takao.

The peak isn’t too high and the trails are well kept, plus there’s even a cable car so you can join the many who come here for a casual, picturesque hike.

For other spots they’re even plenty of hiking and mountain climbing a spots like Kamikochi in Nagano or Korankei in Aichi Prefecture.

Feel the profound presence at shrines and temples set against the autumn leaves

Many temples and shrines in Japan have deciduous broad-leaved trees planted across the grounds, meaning you can find views of historic landmarks set against the iconic backdrop of autumn foliage.

This is one main reason so many people visit temples and shrines to see the autumn leaves. Walking around in the solemn atmosphere and viewing the autumn leaves should give you a sense of uniquely Japanese ambiance.

There are temples and shrines famous for autumn leaves all over the country, but particularly well-known ones are Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto, or Chuson-ji Temple in Iwate. After exploring the mountains and valleys under a blanket of autumn leaves, try out a trip to a temple or shrine.

Unfurl the Magical Carpet of Beautiful Leaves at your Feet

For Japan’s locals, its common to visit not only during peak autumn colors, but once again later after the leaves have begun to fall. This point is especially beautiful as the landscapes, where maple leaves and ginkgo leaves have fallen, create trails like a crimson and golden carpet.
Step into the mountains and trek upon the blanket of red and yellow leaves for a truly beautiful sense of autumn.

■ Japan's Three Greatest Autumn Leaves Spots

Among the many fall foliage spots in Japan, the "Three Major Fall Foliage Sites" are known for their particularly beautiful autumn leaves. If you're visiting Japan with the intention of seeing fall foliage, we highly recommend visiting at least one of the following three spots.

1. [Kyoto] Arashiyama

In Arashiyama, Kyoto, you can enjoy a landscape where historical structures harmonize with autumn leaves. The area is filled with spots that exude the coveted Japanese essence you expect, like Japanese gardens with colorful mountains or neatly arranged rock gardens with autumn leaves. Particularly popular are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Tenryu-ji Temple and Ryoan-ji Temple, as well as Togetsukyo Bridge, a scenic spot that represents Arashiyama.

2. [Tochigi] Nikko

In Nikko, a city which makes up a whole quarter of Tochigi Prefecture, you can find a wealth of popular fall foliage spots, including Irohazaka slope where you can enjoy autumn leaves while driving, Chuzenji Lake, known as one of the best places for autumn leaves in the Kanto region, and Ryuzu waterfall, where you’ll find the enchanting dual snapshot of a gorgeous waterfall backed by autumn leaves. There are even hot springs resorts here, meaning you can enjoy they leaves while look up from a soak in the springs.

With many spots to enjoy autumn leaves along the road, renting a car is an extra option that would bring you to the forefront of autumn beauty in Nikko.

3. [Oita] Yabakei

In Yabakei in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, selected as one of the "New Three Scenic Views of Japan", "Japan Heritage", and "Three Great Sights of Japan", you can enjoy a collaboration of vibrant autumn leaves against the rocky peaks. Inside the vast area between 32km north-south and 36km east-west, a unique and sprawling landscape unfolds with cliffs, caves, mountain streams, and unique rocks. Among the many beautiful spots to see autumn leaves, the most famous is the "Eight Scenic Views Observation Deck" located in the center of Deep Yabakei. The spectacular view from the "Eight Scenic Views Observation Deck" can only be seen here.

■ The best place to see autumn foliage in the suburbs of Tokyo

1. [Tokyo] Mt. Takao

Mt. Takao, located in Hachioji, Tokyo, is a 599m high mountain. It's widely sought out for its easy access and ease of climbing, drawing crowds of all ages both young and old. With about 3 million visitors per year, the peak boasts the highest number of climbers in the world.

Mt. Takao is also a well-known spot for autumn leaves in Tokyo, dazzling its visitors with views of gorgeous reds, yellows and greens in the fall.

Some of the trails up are low-difficulty climbs, meaning even novice hikers can enjoy stretching their legs as they take in the views of autumn leaves.

2. [Tokyo] Meiji Jingu Gaien

Meiji Jingu Gaien, the outer garden of Meiji Shrine founded in 1926. Visitors here will find the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, as well as the Meiji Jingu Stadium and centers for every sport, plus full on nature escapes to take in across all four seasons.

The famous avenue flanked with ginkgo tress stretches some 300 meters from Aoyama Street to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, becoming a breathtaking tunnel of gold in the fall.

Once the autumn leaves come into season, the time for the Gaien Ginkgo Festival arrives, bringing with it a smorgasbord of tasty eats from across the world.

The gingko trees are also lit at night, making this an unforgettable chance to see illuminations in the full glory of fall.

3. [Tokyo] Showa Kinen Park

This expansive park boasts an impressive size equivalent to almost 40 Tokyo Domes, featuring lush green lawns, fountains, sport courts, gardens home to flowers in bloom each season, and ponds filled with aquatic plants.

Inside you’ll also find a number of centers where you can learn about plants and nature together, along with a plenty of other events and programming all year long.

For two yellow-leaf spots, Ginkgo Avenue of Katara with 98 ginkgo trees lined up for about 300m, and Canal-side Ginkgo Avenue with 106 ginkgo trees lined up for about 200m are the way to go. There’s even a tunnel of two different strains of golden yellow glory to enjoy along a stroll.

■ Enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Japan!

We have introduced how to enjoy the autumn leaves and famous places in Japan.

The period during which you can see the autumn leaves is short, so please do your research and make your sightseeing plans based on this article. Popular spots are expected to be crowded, so do your research well in advance.

Enjoy the beautiful Japanese autumn leaves to the fullest!