With the arrival of autumn, Japan is transformed into a world of vivid colors. During this season, the bright red leaves known as "koyo (紅葉)" come into view, and from mid-October to early December, the whole of Japan is covered in colorful autumn foliage. For those who travel to Japan to experience the beauty of autumn foliage, here are 10 of the best places in Japan to enjoy autumn colors.

Meiji Jingu Gaien Garden, Tokyo

Meiji Jingu Gaien, famous for its 300-meter-long ginkgo tree-lined avenue, is one of the most popular spots in Tokyo for yellow leaves. The ginkgo trees, 146 in number since the time of the shrine's founding, line both sides of the road overlooking Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery from Aoyama-dori Avenue, and begin to turn yellow in mid-November, turning golden in late November.

 

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

Senso-ji Temple, located in Taito-ku, Tokyo, has flourished since the Edo period and is popular among many tourists. In the fall, the trees around the temple change colors and the autumn foliage provides a beautiful sight.
The "Nakamise" street, a charming shopping street that retains a Japanese atmosphere, is decorated with maple trees overhead, making it easy to enjoy the autumn colors while shopping.

Showa Commemorative National Government Park, Tokyo

At Tachikawa Park, located in the lush green city of Tachikawa, beautiful autumn foliage spreads across the park with the arrival of autumn. Among them, the rows of ginkgo trees in Katarai (98 trees, 300m) and along the canal at Tachikawa-guchi (106 trees, 200m) become a golden tunnel around November, attracting many visitors. In the Japanese garden, maple trees (about 300 trees) beautifully change their leaves to create the colors of the season.

 

Ashinoko Lake, Kanagawa

The charm of the autumn foliage at Ashinoko Lake  is that the entire lakeside area is dyed in a variety of colors surrounded by beautiful nature. The reflection of the autumn leaves on the surface of the lake is so fantastic and beautiful that visitors can enjoy the autumn colors while strolling along the lakeside. There are also many day-trip hot springs along the lakeside, so you can relax and refresh yourself after enjoying nature.

 

Arakurayama Sengen Park, Yamanashi

Arakurayama Sengen Park is a park located on the slopes of Mount Asakura. At the square located at the top of the 398 steps staircase, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and the cityscape straight ahead, as well as a Japanese-style scenery with the five-story pagoda. It is known for the beautiful contrast between the autumn foliage and Mount Fuji.

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its Senbon-torii, or "thousand torii" gates. During the autumn foliage season, the vermilion of the torii gates and the autumn leaves harmonize beautifully, creating a splendid scene. Many tourists visit during the autumn foliage season and are enchanted by the vivid colors.

 

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

The charm of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the beautiful scenery of the colored leaves and the buildings combined. In particular, the autumn leaves in front of the main hall of the temple are especially famous, and many people are attracted by their beauty. Kiyomizu-dera Temple attracts many visitors during the autumn foliage season. Kiyomizu-dera Temple at night, when the temple is illuminated, is also known for its fantastic beauty.

 

Nijo-jo Castle, Kyoto

The charm of the autumn foliage at Nijo Castle lies in the beauty of the castle's extensive gardens and the beautiful harmony between the historical buildings and the autumn foliage. Visitors can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage scenery of the multiple gardens, including the autumn leaves and ginkgo trees. The autumn foliage illuminated at night is also a must-see.

 

Osaka Castle Park, Osaka 

The charm of the autumn foliage in Osaka Castle Park lies in the beautiful harmony between the castle area and nature. In front of the castle tower, there is a 300-year-old ginkgo tree, a 1km-long row of ginkgo trees, and 300 cherry trees, which are illuminated at night to create an attractive sight.

 

Momijidani Park, Hiroshima

The autumn foliage is so spectacular that it is used in the park's name, and there are approximately 700 trees in the park. At the end of the season, the ground is stained red with fallen leaves, which is also a highlight. The "Autumn Leaves Bridge" with its beautiful vermilion-lacquered parapet near the entrance and the brilliant autumn leaves look extremely beautiful when lit up after sunset.

 

Japanese autumn and its beautiful nature will be an unforgettable memory to mark the end of your trip. Autumn leaves in Japan are sure to leave you awestruck. Whether you are strolling through temple gardens, hiking in the mountains, or taking a leisurely stroll in the park, the autumn leaves in Japan will leave you with a sense of serenity and make for an unforgettable experience.