Updated November 12, 2024

Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular times to go visit Japan is in Autumn. Starting in October, the weather starts to calm down from the typhoons of September. The heat isn't too overwhelming, but without a doubt, the best part of autumn, are the colors. The leaves turn bright, bold shades of orange and red, with golden hues of yellow to offset everything beautifully. Usually the autumn foliage begins in Hokkaido and works its way down, but it depends on the weather and environmental conditions. Here we created a list of some places that are perfect if you want to observe the changing leaves and make the most out of your autumn trip to Japan!

1. Shiretoko National Park

Located in Hokkaido, this is a gorgeous park filled with sights of nature, and is spectacular year-round. However when autumn rolls around, the colors just make it that much more amazing. There are also waterfalls, lakes, deer, and even bears to be observed, so you're never at a loss for beautiful sights! 

2. Rikugien Garden

A beautiful garden in the Tokyo prefecture, this is a nice little spot to walk around and relax with your thoughts. During the fall, the color is beautiful and they even have a Rikugien Autumn Leaves Lightup where they illuminate the colorful trees so that it reflects beautifully off the surrounding water.

3.Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji temple is located in Kyoto. This destination is a must if you want to see the ideal, picture-perfect autumn foliage. This is quite a popular destination in the fall, and it's easy to see why.

4. Sankeien Garden

Sankeien Garden is located in Yokohama and is Japanese-style garden with a lot of history. During autumn, the trees turn to golden reds, yellows, and oranges and create a beautiful landscape. The ponds and streams within the garden give it a little extra touch and create a feeling of serenity. It's a great place to visit to unwind and just take in the sights.

5. Miyajima

Miyajima is a small island off the coast of Hiroshima. Although the leaves don't turn as intensely as other places in Japan, some bright spots of red and orange can be observed amidst the sea of green trees, making for a picturesque view.

In Japan, there is no shortage on the amount of beautiful sights to behold in autumn. Despite the similar color scheme of the leaves, each place that you visit is different. The trees may be different, the shades may vary, and the surrounding structures make for a unique landscape. You can't ever get enough of the beauty Japan in the autumn has to offer, and it is the perfect time to visit Japan!