The wind carries the leaves, gentle sighs, and a beautiful, natural rhythm. We welcome the arrival of Autumn in Japan, bringing the warmth of the earth’s embrace. Japan is having a record-breaking warm autumn, the hottest since 1898. It’s been so warm, the leaves are changing late. You can see them in December, even though they’re usually gone by November. You can see the nicest leaves in Tokyo around December 5th, and in Osaka around December 9th. So, early December is a good time.
Best Time for Autumn leaves in Japan
Autumn in Japan is truly a beautiful time of year. Japan becomes a painter’s dream in autumn, with colorful leaves that you can see from mid-September until early December. Usually, the leaves are most colorful near the end of November. The leaves change at different times in different places. Mountains get colorful first, then the cities. You’ll find very few autumn colors in September if you’re in major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, even during your Kyoto holidays. It’s simply too early in the season. In the first part of October, the leaves are still mainly green, but changes become noticeable by late October. The mountains change color sooner than the cities, so to catch the best autumn views in Japan, in any location, always check the foilage predictions.
We’re going to explore the best autumn spots in Japan
Rikugien Garden: A Journey through Time and Beauty
Rikugien Garden in Tokyo is a very popular garden, especially in autumn, making it a must-see during Tokyo holidays. The garden is well known because of its many maple trees that become beautifully colored in the fall. It’s best to allow yourself a complete afternoon to fully experience the garden’s trails and teahouse offerings. If you want the best views of the colorful leaves, these are the places to go in Rikugien Garden. The Tsutsuji no Chaya teahouse stream area, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Fujishirotoge high point.
Icho Namiki: An Iconic Tokyo Autumn Experience
Meiji-Jingu Gaien is a favorite spot for autumn leaf viewing in Tokyo, with the Icho Namiki ginkgo trees being a major attraction. Enjoy a walk among the golden ginkgo trees and take memorable photos. The leaves are at their most brilliant from late November to early December.
Watarase Keikoku Railway: An Autumn Journey of Discovery
If you want to enjoy the amazing autumn colors, take a train ride on the Watarase Keikoku Railway. It’s a truly romantic and visually stunning experience, straight out of a cinematic dream. Traveling between Gunma and Tochigi, the train provides 80 minutes, showcasing incredible vistas along the way. One special place you’ll see is the Takatsudokyo Gorge, where you get a great view of the colorful valley. you can easily experience these beautiful autumn sights on a day trip from Tokyo. Organized tours provide transportation to the train, the gorge, and the flower park.
Shinjuku Gyoen: Discovering Hidden Gardens and Pathways
Though most people associate Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with spring’s cherry blossoms, it’s equally enchanting in autumn, showcasing a variety of garden designs. You can admire the deep red maple leaves in the Japanese Garden and the brilliant yellow ginkgo trees in the British Garden. Don’t miss the roses still flowering in the French Graden. To truly experience the variety of autumn colors and the beauty of all three gardens, visit between mid-October and mid-December.
Hitachi National Seaside Park: Where Dreams Bloom and Hills Glow
Many people know Hitachi Seaside Park for its beautiful blue flowers in spring. The park also offers a striking autumn spectacle, with a hill covered in intensely red Kochia plants. During summer, they maintain a green color, which changes to yellow in September, before transforming into a vivid red in October.
Mount Nasu: A Mountainous Landscape of Wonder
Mount Nasu, also called Mount Chausu, is a famous volcano in the area. you can take a cable car, the Nasu Ropeway, almost to the top. The arrival of autumn brings a stunning display of red and gold to the mountain, making it an exceptionally beautiful sight to behold.
Discovering Osaka’s Autumn Treasures
Minoo Park: A Sanctuary of Seasonal Splendor
Osaka is known more for its urban attractions than its natural beauty, unlike some other areas in Japan. However, for those on Osaka holidays seeking a natural escape, Minoo Park is a pleasant surprise! It’s often not too busy, which is good. When autumn arrives, Minoo Park is ideal. You can experience the beauty of the changing leaves and the impressive Minoo Falls waterfall. And, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste Momiji tempura, a special autumn snack of battered and deep-fried maple leaves, a truly enjoyable experience.
Mount Gozaisho: A Ride to Remember
Instead of just walking through Japan’s colorful fall leaves, imagine seeing them from a bird’s-eye view, like from a plane or a high mountain. Take the Gozaisho Ropeway (a cable car) for a relaxing ride up Mount Gozaisho. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of the mountain, showcasing a colorful array of gold, red, and green leaves. The autumn colors appear high in the mountain in mid-October and slowly move lower, reaching the hot springs a month later.
You can find many other Best places for Autumn Leaf Viewing in Japan during the fall season,
Best places for Autumn Leaf Viewing
- Sagano Romantic train
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Nara Park
- Kawachi Wisteria Garden
- Raizansennyoji Taihioin
- Blue Pond
This year, Autumn in Japan is a rare spectacle, a delayed burst of color that breaks the usual patterns. Nature’s artistry is on full display until December, as the warmth sustains the vibrant foliage.
“As the leaves turn, remember the words of Thich Nhat Hanh: ‘The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.’ May you find joy in every colorful leaf and every peaceful moment of Japan’s extended autumn.”
Embrace the magic of fall with Japan holidays, and discover a journey painted in breathtaking colors.
