Best Places To Enjoy Autumn in Japan

Japan is famous for its cherry blossom season. But did you know it is just as impressive during the fall season? We share six cities where you can experience the stunning colors of Autumn in Japan.

Autumn is a perfect season to visit Japan. The city parks, gardens, and countryside are bursting with the reds, yellows, and oranges of fall.

The best time to see the fall colors in Japan is from the middle of November through December. The peak colors will depend on the region and the weather for the year.

In the island of Honshu, these months traditionally have cooler weather with average temperatures in the mid-fifties to low sixties. So walking and hiking can be quite comfortable.

If you want to follow the expected dates for peak season in every area of Japan you can visit the Japan Weather Association.

To start your planning, here are six cities with great autumn colors and the best places for leaf viewing.

Autumn in Tokyo

Whether it’s your first visit to Japan or your tenth, Tokyo is a must-see. There’s always something new or a favorite spot to revisit.

Tokyo also offers one of the best opportunities to experience the beauty of Autumn in Japan.

Probably the best-known place to see fall foliage in Tokyo is Meiji Jingu Gaien. This major avenue is lined for about 300 meters (984 feet) with Gingko Trees.

Around mid-November the leaves of the Gingko trees turn a beautiful golden color filling the street with its magical glow.

During the peak season, the Japanese celebrate Icho Matsuri, the Gingko Tree Festival. You’ll find many food stalls lining Meiji Jingu Gaien, offering a variety of Japanese food.

Another fantastic spot to enjoy the changing seasons is Yoyogi Park, right in the heart of Tokyo. This park houses over 13,000 trees including Gingkoes.

Not far away is Omotesando Street, known for its luxury shopping and trendy cafes and restaurants. This tree-lined avenue surprises with its stunning fall blooms.

A must-see for every first-time visitor to Japan is the Imperial Palace near Tokyo Station. This location is especially delightful in mid to late November when the avenues of Marunouchi, connecting the palace and the station, turn a lovely yellow.

The Edo-period Koishikawa Korakuen is another must-see during a visit to Tokyo. Located beside Tokyo Dome, this is considered one of the Great Gardens of Japan.

But if you’re craving a proper hike into nature to see the Autumn colors of Japan then get yourself to Mt. Takao.

About an hour from Tokyo, the Keio Line will bring you from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi, from where you can hike around the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Paths and Parks: Autumn in Kyoto and Nara

Two other must-see cities often included in many travelers’ Japan itineraries are Kyoto and Nara.

Kyoto:

There is no bad place to view the autumn colors in Kyoto. Almost anywhere you walk in Kyoto you will enjoy the colors of fall.

But some of the best places to appreciate the reds, oranges, and yellows are:

• Philosophers Path – this is a beautiful walking path beside a canal filled with all types of trees and many shrines and temples along the way.
• Toji Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Buddhist temple dates back to when the capital of Edo was transferred from Nara to Kyoto. The gardens in this temple with the beautiful structures are breathtaking.
• Kodai-ji Temple – this is a Zen temple at the foot of the Kyoto Mountains with a spectacular garden, it is illuminated at night during the spring and autumn seasons.
• Kyotogyoen – the gardens of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto were designed for the emperor and boast some of the most beautifully manicured gardens in Japan. Perfect for fall viewing.
• Rurikoin Temple – this temple is known for its garden, especially in autumn where the leaves of the trees are reflected onto the ebony surface of a table. Be aware the entrance is one of the pricier in Kyoto and the lines can be very long to enter.

There are many places in Kyoto where you can see fall foliage. Given the amount of temples, shrines, and gardens you will have no difficulty in savoring all that Autumn in Japan has to offer.

Nara

Nara was the capital of Japan before it was moved to Kyoto. The most famous things to see in Nara are the big Buddha and the deer throughout Nara.

Visiting these tourist and local favorites you will automatically be able to appreciate the wonderful fall colors of Nara.

• Todai-ji Temple – for a view of the Buddha and the surrounding gardens
• Nara Park – for deer and red-leaved trees
• Isuien Garden – very close to Nara Park and Todai-ji you can find this small Japanese garden where you can enjoy the colors with less of the crowds

Castles and Gardens: Kanazawa and Matsumoto

Two places not far from Tokyo but with unique backgrounds for fall viewing are the city of Kanazawa and the town of Matsumoto.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa, a city three hours east of Tokyo by train, is home to another one of Japan’s great gardens.

Kenroku-en Garden is an Edo-period garden with a large pond, several tea houses, and one of the oldest fountains in Japan.

Strolling along the paths, you can enjoy the lovely variety of trees and plants turning different shades of orange, red, or brown among the green evergreen foliage. Breathtaking!

Across the street from Kenroku-en lies the Imposing Kanazawa Palace. This expansive castle estate includes both a garden and a park, making it an ideal spot for relaxing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the fall colors.

While you will find other smaller shrines and parks throughout the city, these two are the main attractions.

Matsumoto

Two and a half hours from Tokyo, you’ll discover Matsumoto Castle, situated in a tranquil, small town.

Matsumoto Castle earns its nickname “Black Crow” due to its dark color, making it particularly special for autumn viewing.

The red maples surrounding Matsumoto Castle create a stunning contrast with the blue sky and the castle’s black exterior.

Autumn Off the Beaten Path: Aomori

If you’re open for a little adventure you can take a 3-hour 20-minute train ride or a 3-hour 40-minute flight to the far north of Honshu Island and visit Aomori.

Although small in size Aomori is a great town to visit. You’ll find little pockets of color at shrines and along the boardwalk.

But the true beauty of Aomori lies in a day trip to Lake Towada to witness the forest-filled mountains. It’s truly impressive to see all those colors reflected on the lake’s surface.

Things to Remember When Visiting Japan in Autumn

Remember this is autumn, the weather can be unpredictable so be prepared.

• Dress in layers – for those not accustomed to the changing seasons weather in fall can vary quite considerably throughout the day. Use layers to manage the changes in temperature and humidity.
• Comfortable shoes – whether you’re hiking on a trail or pounding the paved jungles there is a lot of walking. Make sure your footwear is sturdy and comfortable.
• Have an umbrella or rain jacket – for those days when Mother Nature decides to shower you with her love.
• Hydrate – all that walking can leave you dehydrated, drink lots of water.
• Explore – some of the best foliage is found in a little nook or as you turn the corner onto a beautiful avenue.

We hope these ideas and tips inspire you to visit Japan during the Aki (autumn) season.