Get Lost in the Enchanting World and Customs of Japan’s Autumn Leaves

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.

Momiji leaves are the iconic, deep red leaves that many people envision when thinking of autumn leaves in Japan.
There are a few that change to a brilliant gold color, but most of them are found in a deep crimson hue.
Momiji, while not a scientific variant, is considered a kind of “kaede”, or Japanese maple leaf, but the distinction between the two is unique to Japan.
So while there is no exact definition, many people call maple leaves with dramatically deep-cut outlines momiji, while the less dramatic outlined leaves are commonly called kaede.

Ginkgo in a dazzling yellow. Depending on how the sun its, it can even shimmer like gold.
This particular tree strain grows quickly, while remaining impervious to air pollution and cold, which is why you’ll often find it planted along city roads and parks.
As a result, you’ll probably find a great number of ginkgo trees at popular autumh foliage spots in Tokyo.

Cherry blossom trees like the Somei Yoshino variant are known for blooming in spring, but also enjoy their own gorgeous splash of color in autumn.
Wherever the sunbeams hits it turns red, whereas shadier leaves turn orange or yellow, meaning a mix of red, orange and yellow can even be found on a single tree.

It is said that from the Nara period (710-794 AD) to the Heian period (794-1185 AD), the nobles of the time started "autumn leaf viewing". This was a pastime for high-ranking people, who enjoyed the autumn leaves in a number of ways like going to mountains and valleys to see the autumn leaves, or eating and drinking while watching the autumn leaves and writing Japanese poems. The common people started enjoying autumn leaves in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), reportedly by visiting famous autumn leaf spots away from crowds and urban areas, much like today. The Edo period tourist guide, "Edo Famous Places Flower Calendar", also introduces famous autumn leaf spots.

Nowadays, any trip to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage can be called "autumn leaf hunting", but originally, this nicknamed was saved specifically for excursions out into the mountains or valleys. In Japanese, even the word “hunting” is used for animal hunting, so how did this full on sport make its way into the realm of leaves.
There are several theories about its origin.
For one, the nobles of the Heian era regarded “walking” as vulgar and were known to often travel by ox-pulled cart. That being said, mountain and valley roads mean walking is unavoidable, so they were said to use “hunting” as a euphemism for walking.
Another theory stems from the idea of Heian era nobles for searching and picking up leaves to admire in their hands.

Another theory about the origin of "autumn leaf viewing" is the "Autumn Leaf Legend" where a beautiful woman turns into a demon.
The story has even seen wide coverage in traditional Kabuki and Noh plays called "Autumn Leaf Hunting".
The legend has been handed down across Japan, with slight variations depending on the region, but the general outline is that a woman named "Autumn Leaf" becomes a demon and is exterminated by a warrior.
In the theatre adaptation of "Autumn Leaf Hunting" seen in Kabuki or Noh, the plot features a traveler who sets out to see the foliage before stumbling across beautiful women, but the twist is that they turn out to be demons. The legend itself is shared in regions like Togakushi and Bessho Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, making it all the more fun to catch the leaves for yourself in Nagano, thinking about the legend of demons as you go.

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.

In beautiful autumn leaf viewing spots such as valleys and lakes, many people enjoy activities like kayaking, canoeing, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Viewing autumn leaves from the water offers a different sense of splendor than just viewing from the ground. The view of autumn leaves from a kayak or canoe on Lake Towada in Aomori or Lake Chuzenji in Tochigi is breathtaking.
While not as common, there are also opportunities to see the autumn colors from the sky via paragliding, or to explore the autumn leaf spots on a Segway tour.
One of the best ways to kick off the adventure is with classics like taking to the kayak or canoe.

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.

Many castles, temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens known for their autumn leaves often have illuminations at night. The resulting combination of historic landmarks and autumn leaves lit up in all their splendor makes for a one of a kind space of elegance and fantasy. When all alight even the same spots can look completely different, making a visit at both night and day an interesting way to compare.

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.

Taking a soak at the hot springs while looking up at the autumn leaves is one luxurious way to welcome the fall season in Japan. There are a good number of ryokan inns where you can enjoy the springs alongside a view of mountains and valley in full fall colors, so make sure to see if you can find one.
In addition to the large mixed baths, many rooms often private rotemburo or open-air baths, offering you a time of luxurious solitude while taking in the view.
Jozankei Onsen in Hokkaido is a hot spring area known as a famous place for autumn leaves. To cap off your autumn travels, treat yourself to a soak in an open-air bath beneath a canopy of autumn leaves.

The first fish that comes to mind when Japanese people think of autumn flavors is Sanma, a variety of Pacific saury that comes in season between September and October. It is known as a fish with high nutritional value, not to mention its unbeatable taste. It's a staple to eat it grilled with salt, but it's also delicious made into "Sanma Kabayaki" (grilled Sanma with a sweet soy-based sauce), "Sanma mixed rice", and "Sanma Nanbanzuke" (Sanma marinated with vegetables in a vinegar-based sauce).

Chestnuts, with their gentle sweetness and fluffy texture, are in season from September to October. Chestnuts are also an iconic autumn ingredient, that’s perfectly delicious even when just steamed. Chestnut rice, where chestnuts are folded in and cooked with rice, is a staple dish that Japanese people want to eat when autumn comes. Mont Blanc and Kuri Kinton, sweets made with chestnuts, are also something you want to eat in season.

Shiitake, Matsutake and Shimeji are all known to start popping up in the fall for an extra burst of seasonal flavor. They’re commonly paired with a wide range of ingredients, like the fall favorite of salmon cooked with rice, or parcels of foil-hugged “steam wraps” for an extra luxe flair.

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.

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.