The fall foliage in Japan, called “koyo” or “momiji,” is a truly spectacular event. In fact, fall in Japan is just as popular as the cherry blossom season (although not as crowded)! As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and golds.
Seasonal changes are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and there are festivals and activities to celebrate. The fall season in Japan is an amazing time to explore the country’s natural wonders and ancient traditions.
Here are 16 places where you can see some of the best fall foliage in Japan!
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When to Plan Your Fall Trip to Japan
How far in advance should you start planning and booking your trip to see the fall foliage in Japan? Well, at least six months in advance is best. This is so you can get the best deals on flights and accommodations. Availability can book up fast for hotels as autumn leaf viewing is popular with both tourists and locals.
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Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
So, fall foliage in Japan is called “koyo” or “momiji.” Koyo refers to red and yellow colors, while Momiji means the intensely red maple leaves that are particularly stunning. Fall foliage typically starts in the north with Hokkaido and then works its way south as the weather changes.
Where you want to go will determine when you should visit. It all depends on the location, temperature, and elevation. The season varies each year, but generally it starts in Hokkaido around mid-September. Further south, in places like Tokyo and Kyoto, it will typically last from mid-October to early December.
Not every place will have beautiful fall foliage for the whole season. Sometimes it only lasts a few weeks, maybe a month, in one city. It’s best to search for a Japan fall foliage forecast to figure out the best time to visit each location.
I went to see the fall foliage in Japan in mid to late November, and it was only just starting. By the end of my trip, there were a lot more colorful leaves than at the start! November is considered the best month to view Autumn leaves in Japan.
What Else to Do in Japan in the Fall
The main event is “Momijigari,” the traditional viewing or hunting of fall leaves, and seeing the beautiful night illuminations across the country. Many temples and gardens light up the autumn leaves at night, and it is truly spectacular. But there are also so many other fall activities you can enjoy!
Eat maple-shaped cakes and maple leaf tempura, go on hikes and picnics, and relax in the many hot springs across Japan. Other classic fall foods include chestnuts, hot pot, grilled sweet potato, and persimmons. October 1 is known as “Sake Day,” to mark the start of the sake brewing season, so be sure to try some local sake!
Also in the fall, the Saga International Balloon Fiesta takes place in early November on the southern island of Kyushu. Hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky over a period of five days.
Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, the northernmost island, is the first region to see fall colors in Japan. The peak time for fall foliage here is usually mid-October to early November but can start as early as mid to late September. Remember, it all depends on the weather!
Hokkaido’s vast wilderness areas and national parks offer some of the most dramatic fall foliage in Japan. Many tourists don’t go this far north of Tokyo, so you’ll find it less intense here than in Tokyo or Kyoto.
Sapporo
In Sapporo, Odori Park and Maruyama Park are great spots for momijigari, autumn leaf viewing. Enjoy leisurely walks and picnics, and photograph the beautiful color changes that take place in Autumn in Hokkaido.
The Sapporo Autumn Fest takes place in Odori Park from September 12 – October 4, 2025, and celebrates local Hokkaido cuisine with seasonal ingredients. And don’t miss out on a chance to try the famous Sapporo beer and check out local breweries and izakaya.
Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan National Park, often referred to as the “roof of Hokkaido,” has some of the earliest and most dramatic color displays during Autumn in Japan. The park’s alpine landscape is painted in rich hues of red, orange, and gold as far as the eye can see.
Hiking trails provide breathtaking views of the autumn colors blanketing the mountainsides, with the changing leaves often beginning in mid-September. The Kurodake Ropeway is a fun way to really take in all the views from above as you ride up the mountain.
Ginkgo Avenue at Hokkaido University
Ginkgo Avenue at Hokkaido University in Sapporo is a must-visit destination during the fall season in Japan. In late October to early November, the avenue’s ginkgo trees turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating a stunning natural tunnel.
Come here, take a walk, and snap tons of pictures to capture the gorgeous fall foliage! And since it’s in Sapporo, there’s plenty of other things to do with the rest of your time. (See above for other autumn leaf viewing spots in Sapporo.)
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Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen, a hot spring resort area near Sapporo, combines the relaxation of thermal baths with spectacular autumn scenery. You can soak in relaxing outdoor hot springs while surrounded by forested hills covered with fall colors!
This area’s peak foliage season typically occurs in mid-October, which is also a great time to enjoy traditional Japanese onsen culture. You can also visit the nearby Ainu Cultural Center to learn about the indigenous culture.
Autumn Leaves in Tokyo
Tokyo offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty during the fall season. While it is a massive city with many modern structures, there are plenty of parks, gardens, and cultural sites to enjoy the fall foliage.
The best time to experience the Autumn leaves in Tokyo is usually late November. It’s best to pick one or two areas of Tokyo and stick to those for a couple days before moving on to a different area. It can take an hour or more to get from one side of Tokyo to the other.
Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is one of the most iconic places to see Autumn leaves in Tokyo! In late November, the avenue’s perfectly aligned ginkgo trees turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating a stunning natural canopy.
This 300-meter stretch becomes a popular spot for photographers, so try to get there early in the morning for fewer crowds. It’s located between Shibuya and Shinjuku (and the famous Harajuku), so there’s plenty of other things to do in this area.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular public spaces, has a ton of diverse fall foliage displays. The park’s various tree species, including maples, ginkgos, and zelkovas, create a vibrant autumn palette.
Enjoy the fall colors while exploring the park’s museums, shrines, and ponds, exploring both the nature and culture on offer in Tokyo. There are often food vendors gathered in Ueno Park, so you can try some popular local cuisines while you’re admiring the leaves.
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Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is another prime spot for viewing vibrant Autumn leaves in Tokyo. The southern section of the park is particularly impressive, with an array of ginkgo trees that turn a striking yellow and maples with vibrant red leaves.
Enjoy peaceful walks, outdoor performances, and weekend flea markets while surrounded by some of the best fall foliage in Japan. Don’t miss the nearby Meiji Shrine, surrounded by its own fall foliage and full of culture and history.
Mount Fuji
While not in Tokyo proper, Lake Kawaguchiko has absolutely spectacular fall foliage with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. The area is easily accessible from Tokyo and is famous for its Momiji Corridor, where Japanese maple trees line the northern shore of the lake.
In early to mid-November, these trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange, creating a stunning contrast with Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak. I saw some of the reddest reds I’ve ever seen here! Take the Panoramic Ropeway for incredible views of the lake and Mount Fuji (if the weather is clear enough to see it).
Autumn Leaves in Kyoto
Kyoto’s historic charm is really complemented by the fall colors, with iconic temples and gardens offering breathtaking views. The Autumn leaves in Kyoto typically last from late October to early December, with peak colors around mid to late November.
You can find a lot of the traditional fall foods in Kyoto, especially in the famous Nishiki Market. This was one of my favorite places to wander and grab a quick bite during the day! You can spend hours exploring the different stalls with food, sake, souvenirs, and other local goods.
Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is a stone walkway that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. Fall in Kyoto completely transforms it into a corridor of beautiful autumn colors. Maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange, creating a picturesque setting for contemplative walks just like the philosophers of centuries ago.
This 2-kilometer route also connects several temples and shrines, so you can explore different cultural sites as you wander the path. Start with Nanzenji Temple, stop in to Eikan do Zenrin-ji, Honen-in, and Otoya Shrine, and end at Ginkakuji, the famous Silver Pavilion.
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Daigo-Ji Garden
Daigo-ji is a World Heritage site renowned for its stunning autumn colors. The temple’s grounds feature a variety of maple trees that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall. The five-storied pagoda makes for a gorgeous photo opportunity against the backdrop of colorful foliage.
While not walkable, you can also visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine while in the south-eastern area of Kyoto. It’s about a 20-min Uber or taxi ride away from Daigo-ji and is well worth the hike to the top for incredible views of Kyoto.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is an iconic area of Kyoto, well-known for its picturesque autumn scenery. The Togetsukyo Bridge across the Katsura River has stunning views of the surrounding mountains in fall colors. Arashiyama has some of the most beautiful and varied fall foliage in Japan, especially if you catch it in transition from green to red and yellow.
Take scenic walks through bamboo groves, enjoy boat rides on the river, and visit temples like Tenryu-ji. The Sagano Romantic Train, running along the Hozugawa River, offers a unique way to view the autumn colors. If you take the train up to Kameoka Station, then you can ride a boat back down the river for a different viewpoint.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination during the fall season. There’s a stunning wooden platform that juts out over the hillside with panoramic views of Kyoto and the autumn leaves.
It’s most known for the “waterfall,” three streams of flowing water that you can catch with a ladle and pray for your wishes to come true. The best time to visit Kiyomizu-dera for peak autumn foliage is typically from mid-November to early December.
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Autumn Leaves in Okayama
The Okayama prefecture has its own autumn charm, with the peak foliage season usually occurring from mid-November to early December. It’s a great area to stay in, or you can take day trips from nearby Kyoto or Osaka. There are a lot of smaller islands just off the coast that you could spend days exploring!
Sogenji Temple (Okayama City)
Sogenji Temple, located in Okayama City, is a serene and calm place to admire the Autumn leaves in Okayama. The temple’s Japanese garden is especially beautiful in fall, with maple trees turning vibrant shades of red and orange. Enjoy the fall colors while experiencing the temple’s Zen atmosphere, typically at its peak in late November.
Korakuen (Okayama City)
Korakuen Garden in the city of Okayama is known for its diverse range of species, including Japanese maples that give those deep red colors. These are complemented by other trees with stunning shades of gold and orange. There are also reflective ponds, traditional tea houses, and winding paths with various viewpoints to appreciate all the fall colors.
Kurashiki
Kurashiki is one of my absolute favorite places in Japan! It’s beautiful and charming in any season, but the historic district is exceptional in the fall. The area’s well-preserved merchant houses and storehouses, dating back to the Edo period, are a picturesque backdrop for fall foliage.
Stroll along the willow-lined canals, enjoying the contrast of autumn colors against the historical white-walled buildings. Kurashiki is not as famous for fall colors as some other places, and many tourists don’t even know it’s here yet. It’s a very peaceful town, best experienced in late November.
Okutsu Valley
Okutsu Valley, located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is a hidden gem for autumn leaf viewing. The valley’s hiking trails wind through forests of maple, beech, and oak trees, all of which turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall.
The area is particularly known for its vibrant Japanese maples. Enjoy scenic walks, picturesque bridges, and natural hot springs while surrounded by the fall colors. The peak viewing period in the valley is typically from early to mid-November.
Let’s go see the fall foliage in Japan!
During the fall season in Japan, each region has its own unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From the early colors of Hokkaido to the late-blooming foliage of Okayama, a fall trip to Japan promises unforgettable memories of vibrant landscapes and rich traditions.
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Japan and experiencing the gorgeous fall landscape, start planning your trip now! And let me know in the comments below where you want to go.
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