Discover breathtaking views of autumn leaves. 18 of the best spots across Japan, both famous and hidden

In this article, we have carefully selected 18 of the best autumn foliage viewing spots in each area from among the famous autumn foliage viewing spots across the country. From spectacular spots that can be reached by travelling a little further away to hidden gems close to home, we introduce the highlights and best viewing times of each spot with a map. We also explain the origins of autumn leaf viewing and how to enjoy it. Please use this as a reference for your autumn outings.

Find out when the best time to see the autumn leaves is! Nationwide autumn foliage map

We have compiled a list of 18 famous autumn foliage viewing spots across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Oita in the south. The best viewing times are earlier along the high mountain areas, and later the closer to the plains. The autumn leaves can be enjoyed for a long time all over Japan, from late September through December, so please use this list as a reference for your autumn outings.

Hokkaido and Tohoku area (late September to late October)

The Hokkaido and Tohoku areas are a treasure trove of mountains where you can enjoy autumn foliage. They are also the areas in Japan where the leaves change color the earliest, and in some places you can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves from late September.

Jozankei (Hokkaido), located just under an hour from central Sapporo

Jozankei, located in Sapporo city, is a hot spring town familiar to those who live in Sapporo. It is blessed with such abundant nature that it has been designated a national park, and is especially well-known nationwide as a spot to see autumn leaves.

Located in an area surrounded by colorful mountains, you can fully enjoy the autumn leaves just by walking around the hot spring town.

The leaves start to change color gradually from late September every year, and the "Momiji Kappa Bus" tours the best spots for viewing autumn leaves from October onwards. As it is accompanied by a local guide, you may discover something new that you would not have noticed on your own.

Other attractions of Jozankei include the ability to view the autumn leaves from a variety of perspectives, such as the spectacular view of the mountains and Ishikari Bay while riding a gondola at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, the majestic sight of Hoheikyo Dam and the autumn leaves, and the view looking up while paddling a canoe on the Toyohira River.

It takes about an hour from central Sapporo, so you can combine your visit with sightseeing in Sapporo. It can get quite chilly during the autumn foliage season, so why not warm yourself up by soaking in the hot springs after viewing the autumn leaves?

Jozankei

A drive through the spectacular scenery of Hachimantai (Iwate)

Hachimantai, located on the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures, is a 1,613m high mountain that has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan.

The leaves begin to change color around the summit in late September each year, and the peak viewing season at the foot of the mountain is in mid-October.

A popular attraction in Hachimantai is the scenic drive on the Hachimantai Aspite Line, a road in the mountains. In autumn, the colorful autumn leaves delight the eyes of visitors. As the drive passes near the peak of Hachimantai, you can compare the different expressions of the autumn leaves depending on the altitude.

The clear air and colorful autumn leaves are sure to make you feel refreshed.

There are also well-maintained trekking courses and a campsite at the base, so it is also recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hachimantai

Zao (Miyagi) is beautiful not only in winter but also in autumn

When you hear Miyagi Zao, many people probably think of winter images such as ski resorts and frost-covered trees.

However, in fact, it is not only popular in the winter, but also as a spot to see autumn leaves. The mountains of the Zao mountain range change color near the peaks from late September to early October, and the best time to see autumn leaves at the base is from early to late October.

One of the must-see spots in Miyagi Zao is the emerald green volcanic lake "Okama." You can enjoy the unique scenery created by nature and the autumn leaves together.

Zao is unique in that you can drive to the top of the mountain, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can enjoy the spectacular view from the top. If you drive the "Zao Echo Line" that connects Miyagi Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture, you can drive along a single road surrounded by autumn leaves.

You can also drive to autumn foliage viewing spots such as Sankai Falls and Fudo Falls, so enjoy the changing expressions of the autumn leaves depending on the location while you drive.

Zao

Kanto area (mid-October to early December)

There are many famous spots in the Kanto region that you can visit on a day trip from the city center to see the autumn leaves. Here are four of the best spots to choose from.

The stunning crimson-hued suspension bridge at Hananuki Valley (Ibaraki)

Hananuki Valley in Takahagi City in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture is a hidden spot for viewing autumn leaves that is well known among locals. It is about a two-hour drive from the city center, so it is perfect for a day trip. It was also used as a location for the NHK morning drama series.

The most spectacular view point is the Shiomi Falls Suspension Bridge that spans the valley. In mid-November, fallen leaves pile up on the bridge, and the crimson foliage jumps into your eyes whether you look up or down.

You can also go down to the river from near the suspension bridge and enjoy the view from a vantage point where you can look up at the bridge and the crimson-hued leaves.

The Hananuki Valley Autumn Foliage Festival is held every November. The gorgeous illuminated scenery at night is sure to leave a lasting impression. Normally it's difficult to get to without a car, but during the festival there is a shuttle bus from JR Takahagi Station to Hananuki Valley, so why not take this opportunity to visit?

Hananuki Valley

Enjoy the colorful lakeside of Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi)

Nikko, a popular tourist destination, is said to be one of Japan's three greatest places to see autumn leaves.

One of the must-see spots is Lake Chuzenji.

We recommend taking a pleasure boat to view the autumn leaves at Lake Chuzenji, where various kinds of autumn leaves surround the lake. The pleasure boat dock, Fune no Eki Chuzenji, is a 3-minute walk from the parking lot, and tickets are available that allow you to get on and off at any of the docks along the way, so you can also take a walk around the lake. Viewing the colorful autumn leaves reflected on the calm lake surface is a unique way to enjoy Lake Chuzenji.

On the way to Lake Chuzenji, "Irohazaka" is also visited by many people who enjoy the autumn leaves. From the "Akechidaira Ropeway Observatory" that you can stop on the way, you can get a panoramic view of the combination of the autumn leaves and "Kegon Falls", one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan.

Nikko is dotted with hot spring inns, so after an active day viewing the autumn leaves, you can spend some relaxing time at the inn, enjoying the hot springs and a meal.

Lake Chuzenji (Nikko)

The stunning golden carpet that spreads across Oze (Gunma)

Oze National Park, which spans four prefectures - Gunma, Fukushima, Tochigi, and Niigata - has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots.
It is the largest wetland in Honshu.

If you're looking to see autumn leaves in Oze, a place of magnificent nature, you can't miss the autumn grass foliage of Ozegahara.

A little earlier than the trees change color, the entire marshland turns golden brown from mid- to late September. It has a different beauty to the fiery autumn leaves that cover the mountains, and looks like a golden carpet spreading all over the place.

There is a hiking trail that takes about 4 hours, and the best part is walking along a boardwalk through the contrast between the green of the mountains and the golden autumn leaves, feeling the clear autumn air and the majesty of nature. There are benches and mountain huts along the trail, so try taking breaks as you walk.

By the way, the best time to see the autumn leaves in the mountains is mid-October. As October approaches, the color of the grass leaves will begin to fade, but if you time it right, you can go hiking and see both the grass leaves and the autumn leaves of the mountains together. Enjoy the gradation of autumn colors created by nature.

Ozegahara

The best season for the popular spot, Mount Takao (Tokyo)

Mount Takao is a 599m high mountain that can be reached by train in about an hour from central Tokyo. You can easily enjoy hiking all year round, but there are many things to see around November when the leaves change color.

The charm of Mount Takao is that you can see the autumn leaves all the way from Kiyotaki Station at the base to the summit. When you're walking along the mountain trail, if you happen to look up, the autumn leaves will spread out before your eyes.

You can walk to the top of the mountain, but we also recommend taking the cable car from Kiyotaki Station at the base to Takaosan Station, located at an altitude of 472m. There are colorful trees lining the line, and if you take the cable car in the morning, you can see the leaves sparkling in the sunlight.

On the way to the summit, you will find power spots and local gourmet food to enjoy, so be sure to take a break while strolling.
The Takao Mountain Maple Festival is held every November, making the area even more lively.

Mt. Takao

Chubu area (early October to early December)

The Chubu region has many spots where you can enjoy autumn leaves while immersed in the great outdoors. This region is also home to the Japanese Alps.

From the Chubu area, we will introduce some popular spots that are popular with people who visit again and again, as well as spots that have become popular on social media.

Capture the picturesque autumn scenery at Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa)

Kenrokuen is a Japanese garden located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, famous as one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. During the autumn foliage season, the garden is colored everywhere, making it a relaxing space where you can stroll around and enjoy the autumn leaves.

The highlight is the area around "Kasumigaike Pond." In November, the work of installing snow poles to protect the trees from the weight of snow begins, so you can enjoy both the snow poles and the autumn leaves together.

From the top of the 9m-high artificial hill "Sazaeyama," you can get a panoramic view of the snow hangings and autumn leaves around Kasumigaike Pond.

After sunset, the area is lit up and the buildings and trees stand out in the light, transforming it into a completely different world from daytime.

Near Kenrokuen, there are other autumn foliage viewing spots such as Gyokusen'inmaru Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, so why not visit them as well?

Kenrokuen Garden

Discover breathtaking views at Kamikochi, a place you'll want to visit again and again (Nagano)

Kamikochi is the gateway to the Northern Alps. It is a scenic mountain spot at an altitude of about 1,500m in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The leaves usually start to change color in early October, and reach their peak around mid-October.

A popular spot in Kamikochi is Kappa Bridge, located right next to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.

The combination of the Azusa River, so clear you can see the riverbed, the magnificent Hotaka mountain range, and the brilliantly colored autumn leaves is sure to captivate you at first sight.

After walking for about an hour from Kappa Bridge, you will arrive at Myojin Pond. On a calm, sunny day, the blue sky and autumn leaves are reflected in the pond, creating a mystical sight.

For those who enjoy mountain climbing, we also recommend Karasawa Cirque, which is about a six-hour walk one way from Kamikochi Bus Terminal.

Kamikochi

Enjoy the combination of the Sumata Gorge and the suspension bridge (Shizuoka)

Sumata Gorge, located in Kawane-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture, is the location of the "Dream Suspension Bridge" that has become a hot topic on social media.

The tour course, which takes about 90 minutes to complete, includes a 90m-long suspension bridge that spans the dam lake.

Due to the beauty of the dam lake, which appears emerald green and cobalt blue due to the reflection of light, it was selected as one of "10 pedestrian suspension bridges in the world that you must cross at least once before you die" by TripAdvisor, the world's largest review site.

The collaboration of colorful cherry, maple, zelkova and other trees with the emerald green lake can only be seen here.

During the day, it gets crowded with people wanting to catch a glimpse of the spectacular view, so we recommend visiting early in the morning. If you stay at Sumatakyo Onsen and head out first thing in the morning, you might be able to have the bridge of your dreams all to yourself.

Sumata Gorge

Kansai area (early November to early December)

The Kansai region is full of attractive spots to see autumn leaves, including Kyoto and Nara, which are dotted with historical sites.

We will introduce you to some of the most popular autumn foliage spots that are deeply connected to the culture rooted in the area and attract tourists from all over Japan.

Arashiyama (Kyoto), a nationally famous spot for viewing autumn leaves

When it comes to famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto, Arashiyama is the place to go. It is said that aristocrats have been coming here to view the autumn leaves since the Heian period.

Tenryu-ji Temple is particularly popular in Arashiyama. It is registered as a World Heritage Site and is famous for the tunnel of autumn leaves that forms on the path behind the Sogenchi Garden.

During the autumn foliage season, you can usually enter the garden from 7:30 a.m. There are fewer people in the mornings, so we recommend visiting Tenryu-ji Temple early in the morning and then having breakfast at a cafe in Arashiyama.

If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves of Arashiyama, you can't miss the trolley train. From the train, which travels 7.3 km one way and takes about 25 minutes, you can see the autumn leaves looming before your eyes.

At night, the autumn leaves are lit up, offering a rare experience of riding a trolley through a fantastical landscape.

Arashiyama

Related articles on autumn foliage spots in Kyoto

10 recommended spots to see autumn leaves in Kyoto this fall. Information on illuminations and hidden spots included.

Kyoto is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves are colored red. We have carefully selected 10 places that can only be seen in Kyoto, including fantastically lit up spots and hidden gems. We will also introduce information on the best viewing times in 2022.

ontrip.jal.co.jp

Enjoy the sights and tastes of autumn leaves in Minoh (Osaka)

Minoh City in Osaka Prefecture is known as the best place to see autumn leaves in the Kansai region. It is located about 30 minutes by car from Osaka city.

One of the most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in Minoh City is Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park. Within the park is Minoh Otaki Falls, which has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, where you can enjoy the collaboration of the bright red autumn leaves and the powerful waterfall.

If you visit Minoh to see the autumn leaves, you should also try the famous sweet "Momiji no Tempura." Not only can you appreciate the leaves, but you can also eat them. This is a historic delicacy that is said to have first been served to travelers visiting Mount Minoh about 1,300 years ago.

Once you try the crispy texture and simple sweetness, you'll be hooked. Each piece of tempura is carefully fried and eaten like a snack, making it the perfect travel companion or souvenir.

Minoo Falls

Shorekiji Temple (Nara), a famous and historic site known as the "Village of Nishiki"

Shorekiji Temple is known as one of the most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in Nara Prefecture. Located in the southeastern suburbs of Nara City, it is also famous as the birthplace of Japanese sake.

Shorekiji Temple is home to 3,000 maple trees, and is known as the "Village of Nishiki" for its beautiful brocade look.

The leaves usually start to change color around early November. In late November, the nandina trees also start to bear red berries, and you can see the bright red leaves and berries all over the temple grounds.

Only during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons will the temple's secret principal image, the Seated Yakushi Nyorai statue, be open to the public, so why not pay a visit to see both?

By the way, taking photographs is prohibited inside the main hall and Fukujuin Temple. Even if you are normally obsessed with photography, you can take a leisurely stroll around Shorekiji Temple and burn the beautiful scenery into your mind and eyes.

Shorekiji Temple

Chugoku and Shikoku area (late October to late November)

In the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, there are many famous autumn foliage spots not only in the mountainous areas, but also on the islands floating in the relatively warm Seto Inland Sea. We will introduce you to some of the charming spots created by the nature of the land, such as the autumn foliage that allows you to feel the unique beauty of the Seto Inland Sea's many islands.

Mt. Daisen (Tottori), a famous mountain known as the Fuji of the West

Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture is a 1,709m high mountain that has been chosen as one of the top three famous mountains in Japan. Its beauty is praised as "Mt. Fuji in the east, Mt. Daisen in the west."

Kagikake Pass is known as the most scenic spot on Mt. Daisen.

Between late October and early November each year, you can enjoy the contrast between Mt. Daisen covered in a thin layer of snow and the autumn leaves.
It is located at an altitude of about 910m, but it can be reached by car, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can easily visit.

The "Signal Platform" on Mt. Goenzan is another popular viewing spot along with Kagikake Pass. Because it is located at the top of the slopes of Mt. Goenzan Ski Resort, there are few visitors outside of the winter season, so you may be able to have the idyllic, Scandinavian-like scenery all to yourself.

During the autumn foliage season, the beech forest, a symbol of Mt. Daisen, changes color, creating a landscape that looks like a giant carpet of leaves. Taking a deep breath while admiring the autumn leaves is sure to refresh your mind and body.

Daisen

Miyajima Momijidani Park (Hiroshima) bathed in autumn colors

Miyajima is an essential stop for sightseeing in Hiroshima. When you board the ferry to Miyajima, you will be greeted by the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and the autumn leaves that spread out behind it.

If you visit Miyajima during the autumn foliage season, be sure to stop by Momijidani Park. Around November 20th each year, the park is dyed bright red with around 700 trees of various kinds.

The highlight of Momijidani Park is the Momijigyo Bridge near the park's entrance. It is a common photo to capture the vermilion bridge and the bright red autumn leaves in one picture. From the bridge, you can see the picturesque sight of the bright red autumn leaves floating on the crystal clear Momijidani River.

It is lit up during the autumn foliage season, so we recommend visiting twice, once during the day and once at night, to enjoy the changing scenery.

Momijidani Park

Panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and autumn leaves from Kankakei (Kagawa)

Kankakei, one of the three most beautiful valleys in Japan, is a spot where you can experience the great outdoors of Shodoshima Island.

The beautiful scenery created by the strangely shaped rocks, which took approximately 2 million years to form, attracts many visitors even outside of the autumn foliage season.

There are three hiking trails in Kankakei, and even the shortest one takes about an hour. You can walk to the summit and back, but during the autumn foliage season, we recommend taking the ropeway straight to the summit and then leisurely descending the trail while enjoying the scenery on the way back.

If you take the ropeway, you can enjoy a 5-minute aerial stroll while looking down at the colorful scenery of green, red, yellow, and orange. Only on the ropeway can you see the autumn leaves directly below you. You can enjoy the beauty of this valley, one of the most beautiful in Japan.

If you go to Takatori Observatory at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a luxurious time with the colorful mountains and the Seto Inland Sea all to yourself.

Kankakei

Kyushu area (late October to mid-December)

Kyushu, which has a relatively warm climate, also has many famous spots for viewing autumn leaves.

Kyushu is also home to one of Japan's three most famous autumn foliage spots, so be sure to check it out if you're planning on going to Kyushu between November and early December.

A power spot filled with maple leaves: Momiji Hachimangu Shrine (Fukuoka)

Momiji Hachimangu Shrine in Takatori, Fukuoka City, is a shrine visited by many locals who believe it has the power to grant safe childbirth and ward off evil spirits. As its name suggests, it is also a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, and every year around the end of November, the maple trees planted within the shrine grounds turn a deep red.

The Momiji Festival is held every year in the latter half of November, and the grounds are decorated with Japanese umbrellas and flower water fountains. There are also goshuin stamps that are only available during the Momiji Festival, so if you enjoy collecting goshuin stamps, try visiting during the festival.

Momiji Hachimangu Shrine also has votive plaques in the shape of maples, making it a place filled with maples. Taking a photo with the bright red leaves is sure to bring you power.

Starting one week before the festival, the shrine is lit up after sunset. The fantastical sight is well worth seeing. Seeing the shrine lit up allows you to appreciate the beauty of the shrine architecture.

Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Seaside Park are located nearby, so after enjoying the autumn leaves, why not head to the seaside and enjoy sightseeing in Fukuoka?

Momiji Hachiman Shrine

Yabakei (Oita), one of the three most beautiful autumn foliage spots in Japan

Yabakei in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture is a scenic spot that has been selected as one of Japan's Three Great Scenic Spots and the New Three Most Scenic Spots. It is said to be one of Japan's three greatest autumn foliage spots, along with Arashiyama in Kyoto and Nikko in Tochigi, which we have introduced so far.

The most notable sight at Yabakei is the "Hitome Hakkei." It is also known as the "Village of Maples," and every year from late October to mid-November, you can see the collaboration of eight strangely shaped rocks and autumn leaves.

The observation deck offers a spectacular 360-degree view, allowing you to capture the impressive beauty of nature's formations that have been created over many years.

Another feature of Yabakei is that it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

We recommend taking a drive along Hisashi Momiji, a stretch of maple trees that hang over the road for about 100 meters, or cycling along the abandoned Yabakei Railway road. At Momiji no Yu, located about a five-minute drive from Hitome Hakkei, you can enjoy the view of Yabakei while soaking in the open-air bath.

Yabakei