Japan Autumn Leaves Viewing Guide 2024
Now’s the season to go on a momijigari (autumn-leaf hunting)! We hope you have enjoyed reading our Cherry Blossom Guide for hanami (sakura viewing) and our Autumn Leaves Viewing Guide 2023. Read on to discover the beautiful autumn colours of Japan as well as the best places to view autumn leaves this year!
From end September to early December, vibrant red, orange, and gold foilage adorn Japan, the following is a map of Japan with estimated peak foliage times, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation.
From Sapporo/Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto to Osaka, read on to discover the prime locations to view Japan's autumn colours and add lovely hues to your adventures in the country. Apart from these popular spots, we have also curated a few less-crowded neighbouring places such as Kobe and Ibaraki, where you can enjoy the autumn colours in a more peaceful setting.
Autumn Season in Japan
Autumn in Japan spans from September to November, with foliage changing from mid-October onwards. This year, the end of November to early December is the peak period to enjoy vibrant foliage across Japan.
There are two waves of foliage: yellow leaves (ginkgo trees) in late November, followed by red leaves (Japanese maple) from mid November to early December. Peak colours vary by region, as they are influenced by elevation and weather, sometimes extending to early/mid December.
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
Hokkaido and Sapporo Region
At the northernmost part of Japan is Hokkaido, where the country's first autumn colours emerge. The fall foliage begins at Mount Asahi in the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group and gradually spreads southward. Spot broadleaf trees and conifers, including maple, Japanese rowan, black locust, Ezo spruce, and Sakhalin fir, a gorgeous medley of red, yellow, and green hues. The best time to visit is from 20 October to 8 November, with Hokkaido fall colours reaching its peak in mid October.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Hokkaido’s biggest park, Daisetsuzan covers a sprawling area of untouched wilderness, a wonderland for outdoor lovers and hikers. It is also a great spot to catch a glimpse of Japan’s pristine snow colours.
The most popular entry point to Daisetsuzan is the city of Asahikawa northwest of the national park. It is about a 95-min flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Ashikawa Airport (how to get to Asahikawa).
Tenninkyo Onsen in Daisetsuzan National Park
Source: Japan-Guide
Location: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.15pm daily (Closed on Sat)
Website
Jozankei Onsen
Historic hot spring resort near Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is located in the lush valley of Toyohira River, within Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido, Japan. The vibrant autumn leaves are dotted all over Jozankei Onsen, from the surrounding mountains and lush forests, to the resort’s footpaths, guest rooms, open-air baths and more. In addition, there are several exciting activities open to guests, such as camping/glamping, fruit picking, nature walks and more.
Aerial view of Futami-Jozan Road at Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Source: Jozankei Tourist Association
Jozankei Onsen is approximately one hour’s drive from central Sapporo.
Location: Jozankei, Minamiku, Sapporo 061-2302 Hokkaido Japan
Website
Tokyo
In Tokyo, the best time to view the autumn leaves is estimated to be around 26 November to 1 December. The greater Tokyo area offers a wealth of renowned autumn leaf spots, including the famous Nikko area and in the urban jungle of the Japanese capital itself.
Nikko
Located in Tochigi Prefecture about 125 kilometres north of Tokyo, Nikko is an ideal place for a day trip from Tokyo. Enjoy Nikko fall colours among ancient temples set against the backdrop of mountains and riversl. The best time to enjoy Nikko fall fliage is from mid October to early November. The numerous autumn viewing spots in Nikko can be grouped into 2 major areas: Oku Nikko and Kinugawa.
Source: UME Travel
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens, featuring two exceptional viewing spots, along Oigawa River- created to resemble Kyoto Arashiyama and Togetsukyo behind the Kantoku pavilion which offers a breathtaking view of the bright maple trees.
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Source: Japan-Guide
Location: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily
Website
Hitachi Seaside Park
The vast sea of flowers, Hitachi Seaside Park is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about two hours away from Tokyo by public transport. Spanning around 200 hectares of land, the beautiful park is filled with millions of different flowers and about two million cosmos flowers are in full bloom during autumn. Its autumn highlight is none other than kochia (summer cypress)- an annual plant native to dry lands in the Eurasian Continent. As kochia grow, their colour changes from vibrant green in the summer to a greenish-red and finally to a bright scarlet in mid October.
The nearest station is Katsuta Station (about 1 hour train ride from Shinagawa and Iwaki)
Kochia at Hitachi Seaside Park
Source: Hitachi Seaside Park
Location: 605-4 Onuma-aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012, Japan
Opening hours: 9.30am - 6.00pm
Website
Kinki Region
The best time to view autumn leaves in the Kinki region is from 27 November to 13 December. Prime viewing spots in the region include Hikone (Shiga), Kyoto, Kobe (Hyogo), Nara and Wakayama. Among these locations, the first place to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours is Nara Prefecture, which is at its peak from 27 November to 2 December.
Osaka Castle
Famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, the cherry and plum trees transform the Nishinomaru Garden into an autumn wonderland during fall. Also, there are rows of golden ginkgo trees which line the paths leading to the castle tower. Ascend the tower for a panoramic view of Osaka city.
Osaka Castle
Source: LIVE JAPAN
Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily
Website
Arashiyama (Kyoto)
As one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, Arashiyama offers many options for visitors to discover the beauty of its colourful autumn foliage. Take a boat ride from Kameoka upstream (Hozugawa Kudari river boar cruise) and admire the warm and vibrant leaves along the river. Alternatively, take a Sagano Romantic train ride from Kyoto Sagano to Arashiyama, Hozu Ravine and Kameoka to enjoy a picturesque view of Arashiyama.
Hozugawa River
Source: Japan Travel
Location: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan (accessible from Saga Arashiyama Station and Arashiyama Station)
Website
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway (Hyogo)
Japan’s largest herb garden, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway offers an impressive panorama of autumn leaves from its observation plaza at an altitude of about 400m. At the huge garden, there are 5,000 herbs and flowers of about 200 kinds blooming throughout the year.
Explore 12 garden areas adorned with seasonal herbs and flowers arranged according to different themes.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
Source: Hyakkei
Location: 1 Chome-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 9.30am - 8.15pm daily
Website
To enjoy momijigari in Japan, start planning your autumn travel at least 4 months in advance, book your accommodation promptly as hotels particularly in Tokyo and Kyoto may fill up quickly. Have fun viewing the autumn leaves, appreciate the deepening of fall, the changing of the seasons, and the colourful trees as their leaves change brilliantly one last time before shedding for winter.
Planning to visit Japan during winter instead? Check out 10 Things To Do In Tokyo and Osaka During Winter.
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