Japan Autumn Leaves Guide: Read up this Rundown of Japan’s Best Foliage!

For real-time updates of the autumn leaves and their coloration, please refer to the weather feeds below on sites run by local weather companies and Japan Meteorological Association.

In Arashiyama, Kyoto you’ll find the nexus between autumn leaves and old-world architecture of Japan.
From traditional Japanese gardens and color-washed mountains to autumn leaves and neatly arranged rock gardens, there are countless spots just bursting with authentic, Japan-esque vibes.
Among these spots, the most popular autumn leaves destinations are locales like the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge from Arashiyama.

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.

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.

A historic hot spring town located in Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, often referred to as the inner parlor of the big city, Sapporo. Over 150 years since its establishment, it has been designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and the hot spring town spreads along the riverbank carved out by the Shirai River and Toyohira River. From Jozankei Bridge in the center of the hot spring town, you can overlook the scenery of hotels standing in the large valley colored by autumn leaves. There are also famous autumn leaves spots near the hot spring town, making it an ideal base for touring autumn leaves spots.

Hokkaido University is home to a vast, wide open campus.
It’s easily accessible, located within walking distance of Sapporo Station. In addition to students and faculty, the campus is also open to outside visitors to come and have a stroll.
Once inside you’ll find Poplar Avenue, a spot where gazing up into the outstretched tree trunks will grant you a marvelous treescape that’s very typical of the north.
On Kita-13-Jo Street you’ll find a road flanked with ginkgo trees, waiting to impress you with their shimmering gold flair at the height of autumn.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido. Its scale extends over a total area of 993 km². In addition to Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, two major caldera lakes (lakes formed when water collects in a crater), you can see various types of volcanoes and volcanic terrains, such as Mount Yotei, Mount Usu, and Mount Tarumae. There are many autumn leaves spots in the park, and the Noboribetsu Onsen Jigokudani and the area around Lake Shikotsu are particularly famous as autumn leaves spots.

The Oirase River flows out from the waters of Lake Towada. Part of the river, the section from Konoguchi on the banks of Lake Towada to Yakeyama, is a valley area of about 14km known as Oirase Gorge.
The gorge is designated as a national place of scenic beauty and a natural monument, offering splendid natural landscapes including crystal-clear streams, waterfalls of various shapes, and a variety of large and small rocks amongst the trees. The dual snapshot of waterfalls and streams, set against a backdrop of colored leaves is truly breathtaking, spawning exceptional views only available in autumn at spots like Sanran-no-Nagare, Ishigedo-no-Se, Ashura-no-Nagare, and Lake Towada.
There's also a nature trail, making it perfect for a stroll.

Naruko Gorge is approximately 2.5 km long destination, lined with cliffs that tower at 100m. Deciduous broad-leaved trees such as maples and Mizunara thrive on the sharply cut white cliffs, creating a picture-esque sight when they turn crimson and gold in the fall each year.
If you cross the Ofukazawa Bridge, which spans Naruko Gorge, you’ll step into the immersive world up high, surrounded by the gorgeous scenery. Full of thrills and romance, you may even be lucky enough to catch a train as it passes through the gorge.

The Hakkoda Mountains, a general term for several mountains towering in the southern part of Aomori City, is one of the "100 Famous Japanese Mountains." When the autumn leaves are at their peak, the entire mountain range is dyed in autumn colors, creating a beautiful brocade pattern. The first snow often falls in late October, offering a unique experience to view autumn leaves in the snow.
Then take to the Hakkoda Ropeway, where a 360-degree panoramic view of autumn colors await.

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.

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.

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.

Kamikochi, one of Japan's most coveted mountain destinations, is recognized as a "special place of scenic beauty" and "special natural monument" due to its stunning landscapes.
From its well-maintained walking paths, visitors here are greeted with up close views of mountains as they tower over 3000 meters high, including Hotaka. It's also the starting point for several mountain trails, welcoming throngs of serious climbers doning large backpacks. Kamikochi is home to a multitude of breathtaking autumn foliage spots, particularly around Kappa Bridge, Myojin Pond, and Taisho Pond. Experiencing both real hiking and beautiful autumn leaves is a unique perk of Kamikochi in fall.

Korankei is part of the Aichi Kogen Quasi-National Park, a valley about 1km long created by the Tomoe River. From Mount Iimori, standing at 254m above sea level, down along the river, a deciduous broadleaf forest spreads out, with about 4,000 maple trees coloring the area in fall.
During peak autumn season, visitors here can find the Korankei Momiji Festival, and at night a chance to glimpse the fantastical world created by the illuminated golden Mount Iimori and the golden trees reflected in the Tomoe River.
Other popular spots here include the Koran Bridge, offering 360-degree views of Korankei's autumn leaves, and the approach to the Kojakuji Temple, covered in trees that turn brilliant colors in fall.

Stretching from the foot of Mount Hoken in the Central Alps, out over the cities of Komagane and Miyada in Nagano Prefecture, is a bowl-shaped valley eroded by glaciers 20,000 years ago.
Travelers and hikers from across Japan flock here to see the grandeur of dynamically changed landscapes all year around
This valley is known as a treasure trove of alpine plants, offering colorful autumnal grasses to see in fall.
Come here to see the sheer magnificence of autumn leaves in red, yellow, and orange as they paint the entire mountainside, seen from up above on the Central Alps Komagatake Ropeway.

Kurobe Gorge is a sharp, V-shaped gorge, deeply carved by the erosion of the Kurobe River. The waters here originate from Washibadake in the central part of the Northern Alps, before flowing down the 3000m altitude and 86km distance between the Tateyama and Hida Mountain ranges.
The only access to this steep destination is by trolley train. As you sway on the trolley train, gaze out over the ever-expanding view of color contrast contrast woven by three types of trees: evergreen, deciduous, and yellow-leaved trees.
Along the line, you can even find scenic destinations like Sarutobikyo, a special natural monument, Okukane Bridge which spans the air 34m high above the Kurobe River streams, and Hito-Kui-Iwa, an awe-inspiring rock formation created by the sheer force of nature. A journey here is more than just a delight in gorgeous foliage, but also a mini excursion into the drama of breathtaking landscapes.

Yahiko Park, spreading over approximately 40,000 tsubo, offers a multitude of scenic spots where you can experience the lush, coveted vibes of Japan found near streams and waterfalls.
Visitors here will find a number of tree varieties across the grounds, meaning there’s plenty of picturesque nature to find each season.
In Momiji Valley, near the iconic Kangetsu Bridge from Yahiko Park, there are heaps of “Momiji” crimson trees and yellow-leaf varieties.
The shimmering luster of Kangetsu Bridge against the vermillion leaves is like none other.
The trees are even illuminated at night, making for even more magic to love after the sun sets.

Naeba Dragondola, Japan's longest gondola, connects Naeba Highlands and Tashiro Highlands.
The gondola climbs a height of 430m in just 25 minutes, offering all the thrills of wide open views as you mount the skies.
In the fall, the trees along the way take on a wash of different colors, like the gorgeous emerald green at Lake Niike against a backdrop of shimmering autumn leaves.
At the coveted fall foliage spot, Pillar 14, travelers here are greeted with the delightful splendor of passing through the autumn mountains from the gondola.

Opened in 778 and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple is home to over 30 structures and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties, within its 130,000 sq. meter grounds.
As autumn approaches, the trees here begin to shift towards a gorgeous red, making for a picturesque backdrop of autumn leaves for all the historic structures.
The view at the main hall especially, nicknamed "jump off the stage of Kiyomizu" (a Japanese idiom meaning "to take the plunge"), is where you’ll find the three-storied pagoda and trees behind it painted in a brilliant wash of vermillion so beautiful it can’ be missed.

A Rinzai Zen temple of the Kenninji school, Kodaiji is located at the foot of Kyoto's Higashiyama, to the northeast of the famous Hokanji Temple with its Yasaka Pagoda. Following the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, his widow Nene moved from Osaka to Kyoto and became a nun. In 1606, to mourn Hideyoshi and to serve as her own grave, she founded Kodaiji Temple, one of the most famous temples in the Higashiyama area. Although there are countless highlights within the grounds like the tea room designed by Sen no Rikyu and a garden designed by Kobori Enshu, the autumn leaves here are what really make Kodaiji famous. The gradient of colors created by approximately 1,000 maple trees is breathtaking. During the night light-up, you can enjoy a solemn and mystical landscape.

Nara is where you can enjoy truly grand, natural beauty as it weaves around the precious historic landmarks and cultural heritage sites like Kasuga Taisha, Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji, the Nara National Museum, and Shoso-in.
In addition to Kasugayama Primeval Forest (a special natural monument), the Nara deer, Nagi Forest in the precincts of Kasuga Shrine, Narano Yae-zakura cherry tree in Chisokuin Temple and the Loomis white-bellied woodpecker habitat are all designated as natural monuments.
As autumn arrives, the park transforms into a space where these same landmarks meld perfectly into a tapestry of brightly colored trees.
The entire grounds are planted with deciduous tree varieties, making for a perfect place to take in the views as you enjoy an autumn stroll.

Located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay, Momijidani Park is a walking path in a valley at the foot of Mount Misen.
In autumn, the park is washed in the color of some 700 different trees as they turn a deep shade of red.
Of the 700 trees, 560 are the “Iroha Kaede” variety, making for a striking contrast of bright red boughs set against the dazzling shades of green.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted with the unforgettable, glorious splendor of kaede and Momiji trees as they decorate the steps around the Momijibashi Bridge.

Imakoyasan Mountain was established as a temple equivalent to the head temple of Koyasan, a sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism opened by Kobo Daishi (Kukai).
The temple once prospered with 7 halls and 12 sub-temples, but most were lost due to natural disaster and war. Today, the main deity of the Kannondo and the Lion Head of Niu Shrine found here are designated as cultural properties.
When the autumn leaves are at their peak, the entire Imakoyasan Mountain area changes color, allowing you to stroll the grounds beneath a picture-perfection snapshot of temples paired with autumn leaves.

Okutsu Valley, a gorge in the upper reaches of the Yoshii River and designated as a national scenic spot, is said to have the "largest natural potholes in the East" formed over tens of thousands of years.
In addition to the potholes, the valley has various other attractions, collectively known as the "Eight Views of Okutsu Valley".
In autumn, maple, gingko, and other trees begin to change color, offering a fantastic brocade of autumn colors against the varied topography. At night, the autumn leaves are lit up, allowing for a different view from the daytime, at this spot of varied magnificence.

Ritsurin Garden, was designed as an additional estate for the Matsudaira clan, the lord of Takamatsu, and stands today as one of the largest recognized “special places of scenic beauty” and cultural assets built as a garden after it was completed 300 years ago, a result of the continues work of successive feudal lords.
Once inside, visitors will find a circular garden that’s home to six ponds and 13 artificial hills, will strolling through this mosaic of sights nicknamed to boast a new view with each step.
During the autumn season the colorful boughs are illuminated, creating mystic reflections of the shimmering leaves across the park lake’s surface.
There’s even a Japanese-style wasen boat tour at the South Pond, where you can view the garden and lit-up autumn leaves from a boat, a simple must-try for the season.

Kankakei is a valley located on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, located at the center of Setonaikai National Park.
The rock formations created by volcanic activity approximately 13 million years ago, such as andesite and concretion, have created a spectacular view of towering odd rocks and stones due to long-term crustal movement and erosion.
The valley gorge stands as of Japan’s selected Top Three Beautiful Valleys in Japan, Japan Top 3 and Top 100 Scenic Views, as well as one of the Top 100 Natural Scenic Beauties of the 21st century.
Visitors here can take a ride up the ropeway that starts in the deep valley, taking in the swooping views out over the Seto Inland Sea and the valley of vibrant autumn leaves as you climb.
This is the only valley in Japan where you can see open skies, open seas and the grandeur of autumn leaves all at once.

This is a valley spread at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, known as a nationally designated scenic spot.
The waters here are so clear they’re known for being able to see straight to the riverbed, even from the distance of a far off walkway.
The emerald green-like clear streams offer a striking contrast against the autumn leaves, washed in a splendid color of red and yellow. The area is shrouded in an air of magic and mystique.
There are also spots where you can see waterfalls and strange rocks, offering a variety of spectacular views to find.

This V-shaped gorge was created by the Gokase River eroding the lava that flowed out from the eruption of Mt. Aso over tens of thousands of years.
The view of the cliffs, which reach as high as 100m and average 80m, extending for 7km is so magnificent Japan has designated this spot as a natural monument and a place of scenic beauty.
The biggest highlight is Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. When the autumn leaves are in full season, the area around the waterfall also changes color, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and autumn leaves that you can view from a boat.
There’s even more to see outside of Manai Falls, meaning you can enjoy your autumn stroll while taking the Takachiho Gorge promenade.

The ginkgo grove spreading in the vineyards of Taibaru area, known as "Taibaru's Ginkgo Leaves", attracts many tourists when the autumn leaves are at their best. The ginkgo grove is privately owned, and access is allowed by the goodwill of the owner, so entry is prohibited outside the viewing period. When it's time for the leaves to fall, it looks as if a golden carpet was laid out beneath your feet.

Located at the foot of Hoko-ritsu Mountain, Nomiyama Kannonji Temple is a distinguished monastery of the Koyasan Shingon sect, holding a status equivalent to that of a head temple.
This temple, with its miraculous virtues, attracts over a million visitors every year.
It also serves as a place of rigorous study for many monks. There are numerous points of interest, such as over 3,000 Mizuko Jizos, a Daishi Hall where Kobo Daishi is enshrined, and an Inari Shrine where Inari Daimyojin is worshipped. More than 1,000 maple and azalea trees each adorn the temple grounds and approach, creating a solemn atmosphere dyed in autumn colors when fall arrives. Among the many beautiful autumn leaves spots, a must-see is the approximately 1,000 white ekianthus planted behind the "Hyakukannon-do", which turn a vivid red.