Contents
Autumn in Japan is a beautiful and highly anticipated season, known as “aki” in Japanese. It typically spans from September to November, with peak foliage occurring in October and early November, depending on the region.
One of the highlights of autumn in Japan is the stunning foliage. Trees, especially maple and ginkgo trees, turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This phenomenon is known as “koyo,” and people from all over the world visit Japan to witness it. Today I will introduce to you the top 10 places to enjoy Autumn leaves in Japan
Kyoto
Kyoto is renowned for its picturesque temples and gardens, especially during the fall season. Places like Kiyomizu Temple, Tofukuji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are some of the best spots to witness vibrant red leaves.
Nikko
Nikko, located north of Tokyo, offers breathtaking autumn scenery. The Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the surrounding national parks are excellent places to see red leaves.
Hokkaido
Reasons why many people choose Hokkaido when traveling to Japan
The northern island of Hokkaido has stunning fall foliage. Places like Daisetsuzan National Park and the Shiretoko Peninsula offer beautiful red and gold landscapes.
Nara
It’s known for its friendly deer and ancient temples, which became even more enchanting during the autumn season. Nara Park and the paths leading to Kasuga Taisha Shrine are popular spots for viewing red leaves.
Miyajima Island
The floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, near Hiroshima, is surrounded by fiery red leaves during the fall, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Lake Towada
Located in Aomori Prefecture, Lake Towada is surrounded by lush forests that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall. Boat cruises on the lake offer stunning views of the red foliage.
Kurobe Gorge
Located in the Northern Alps of Japan, Kurobe Gorge is known for its scenic train ride and stunning red leaves in the fall.
Gifu
The Gifu Prefecture, particularly the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama regions, is famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses and the beautiful red foliage that surrounds them.
Fuji Five Lakes
The Fuji Five Lakes region, near Mount Fuji, offers a stunning backdrop for red autumn leaves. Chureito Pagoda and the Maple Corridor in Lake Kawaguchi are popular spots.
Tohoku Region
This region in northern Japan, including places like Yamagata, Fukushima, and Aomori, offers incredible autumn foliage. The Yamadera Temple in Yamagata and Oirase Gorge in Aomori are must-visit locations.