14 Spectacular Places For Fall Foliage in Japan
Glorious summer comes to an end. The arrival of autumn leaves season transforms national parks and secret gardens across the Japan. The lush greenery and beautiful wildflowers wilt, turning popular picnic spots into forests in red. Trees turn red and orange starting from late September through to early December. Here are some of the best spots where you can see Fall foliage.
Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi
Lake Kawaguchi is a popular destination with easy access from Tokyo with stunning views of Mt Fuji. Autumn is a great time for photos with Mt Fuji framed by red maple leaves. In November, you can join the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival on the lake’s north shore. You can also rent a bike, take a boat cruise, windsurf, camp, fish and more! Or even relax at a hot spring hotel after a day.
Eikando Temple, Kyoto
Eikando Temple is one of Kyoto’s top red foliage attractions. 3,000 Japanese maple trees have been planted. In mid-November, the temple will be covered with red leaves, adding to its beauty. Eikando Temple is also called “Red Leaves Eikan-do”. There will be night lanterns hanging along the corridor with the background of red leaves.
Showa Kinen Park, Tokyo
In Showa Kinen Park, 98 Japan ginkgo trees are arranged in two rows to form the 300-metre “Sports Plaza Ginkgo Boulevard”. Additionally, there is a 200-metre-long “Ginkgo River”, which has become a renowned ginkgo attraction in Tokyo and has been ranked as one of the top 100 choices for red foliage in Japan. The park will display both red and yellow leaves when it is full bloom.
Kenroku-en, Kanazawa
Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s three most renowned gardens and is renowned worldwide as Japan’s national special scenic spot. It is an ideal location for viewing Japanese red maple at night. The garden features 340 trees with red leaves. The garden boasts 340 red-leafed trees, 420 cherry trees, and 60 zelkova trees. These trees intertwine to create a highly fanciful and layered beauty for the Autumn season.
Rikugien Gardens, Tokyo
Rikugien Gardens is located near Komagome Station. In late November, there will be more than 400 maple trees and approximately 560 wild lacquer, ginkgo, and other trees. We would like to suggest that the most recommended area is around the Shuixiang River, located in the northwest part of the park. The illuminated gardens at night create a dreamlike effect with the flowing water.
Mido-suji, Osaka
The 4.2-kilometre stretch of Mido-suji from Yodoyabashi to Namba boasts the planting of more than 800 Japanese ginkgo trees. During November, which is the optimal time to view the autumn colours in Japan. This area will become a popular destination for those seeking to appreciate the autumn foliage in Osaka. Midosuji is home to numerous fashionable shops and 30 artistic bronze statue installations, which are paired with golden ginkgo leaves. These installations offer a unique literary, romantic, and intoxicating experience during the autumn season in Japan.
Nakajima Park, Sapporo
Every autumn, Nakajima Park in Sapporo City is filled with red and yellow. Mt. Moriwa as the background and ginkgo leaves cover the park with yellow. It is a beautiful view of the fall season in Japan. On the west side of Nakajima Park, there is a Japanese garden with flowers, maple leaves and ginkgo leaves in autumn.
Icho Namiki Avenue, Tokyo
Take a stroll through golden trees in Tokyo. Icho Namiki is a row of ginkgo trees. It is best visited in late November and December. At the end of the avenue is Meiji Jingu Gaien, a history complex.
Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido
Daisetsuzan is Japan’s largest national park and is located in the heart of Hokkaido. This is where you can see some of the first autumn leaves in Japan. Visit from September to October to see the changing colours of the forests. A hike is the best way to see the leaves. Climb Asahidake, Tomuraushi or Tokachidaketo to enjoy great views.
Nabana no Sato, Nagoya
Nahana no Sato is famous for its lighting effects at night in Japan. It is one of the best places to enjoy Nagoya’s autumn, especially the illuminated red leaves. The garden has over 300 red maple trees. The bule pool and excellent illumination reflect the red leaves, creating a beautiful picture.
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Kyoto
Nishi Honganji Temple is the second largest wooden building complex in Japan. It was listed as a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1994 for its historic buildings and gardens. Nishi Honganji Temple has a 400-year-old “reverse ginkgo” tree in front.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Nagano
Visit Japan’s Northern Alps, also known as ‘the roof of Japan’. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connects Nagano and Toyama. Open from April to November, this is a great place to see the seasons change. The autumn colours appear differently at each altitude.
Koyasan, Wakayama
Koyasan is a large Buddhist complex in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 100 temples and 52 that also offer lodgings. It is known for its culture, history and tradition, also for its autumn colours. The best time to see the autumn colours is from October to early November.
Kifune Shrine, Kyoto
Kibune Shrine is an ancient shrine in the mountains dedicated to the god of rain. The shrine is the first place in Kyoto to see red maple leaves and one of the best for autumn leaves. In autumn, the wooden lanterns on either side of the stone stairs in front of the shrine will be lit after dark. The red leaves and lanterns look great together.
Autumn in Japan usually starts around the end of September and lasts until early December. However, when it comes to the question of when autumn will arrive in Japan in 2024, the exact timing can vary depending on the region and the weather. In the northern parts of Japan, such as Hokkaido, autumn arrives earlier, while in the southern regions, such as Okinawa, it can be later. The peak of autumn foliage is usually in October and November. Autumn in Japan is also the peak tourist season. If you want to enjoy Japan’s red leaves in comfort, it is highly recommended that you book your Japan tour in advance. Customize your autumn tour with our travel consultants!
