Explore 20 Vibrant Autumn Landscapes in Japan 2024
Japan's autumn season is outrageously fabulous, as the country transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. When summer's sweltering heat finally surrenders, the weather cools, and Mother Nature kicks into high gear, painting the leaves in shades of fire-engine red, tangy orange, and gold. Japan's folk call this spectacle Momiji-gari, or "hunting red leaves." And hunting you shall, whether you're trekking through mountains and valleys bathed in hues of crimson, sauntering down avenues lined with golden ginkgo trees, or gazing upon the blazing Japanese maples and burnished bushes.
If you're eager to immerse yourself in this breath-taking natural display, here are the best spots for autumn leaf viewing in Japan:
- Daisetsuzan Asahi-dake, Hokkaido:
- Access: From Sapporo, catch the Limited Express (85 minutes) or local trains (150 minutes) to Asahikawa. From Asahikawa Station to the ropeway base station, take the bus Ideyu-go.
- Meiji Jingu Gaienmae, Tokyo:
- Access: Gaienmae Station or Aoyama Icchome Station on Tokyo metro.
- Rikugien Garden, Tokyo:
- Access: The nearest station is Komagome Station of the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.
- Mt. Takao, Tokyo:
- Access: About 50 minutes by express train from Shinjuku Station of the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station.
- Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi:
- Access: A highway bus from Shinjuku Bus station (2 hours) or a train journey from Shinjuku Station changing at Otsuki (around 2.5 hours).
- Kegon Waterfall, Nikko, Tochigi:
- Access: The trains to Nikko leave Tokyo at least once an hour by JR and Tobu lines. From Nikko, the journey to the Chuzenjiko bus terminal takes just under an hour.
- Hakone Tozan train, Hakone, Kanagawa:
- Access: There are two lines you can take from Tokyo: the Tokaido Shinkansen line and the Odakyu line. From Odawara you then take the Hakone Tozan train.
- Kamakura, Kanagawa:
- Access: JR Yokosuka Line connects Tokyo directly for just under an hour.
- Arashiyama, Kyoto:
- Access: The fastest access from Kyoto Station is by the JR Sagano Line (JR Sanin Line).
- Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto:
- Access: Bus from Kyoto Station.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto:
- Access: JR Inari Station is 5 minutes ride from Kyoto Station by the JR Nara Line. Or take Keihan line from Kyoto center.
- Miyajima, Hiroshima:
- Access: Trains depart from Hiroshima Station every 15 minutes to Miyajimaguchi (JR Sanyo line).
- Shirakawago, Gifu:
- Access: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Takaoka Station (3 hours) and transfer to the Kaetsuno Bus for Shirakawa-go (2 hours).
- Korankei, Aichi:
- Access: From Higashi Okazaki Station, take Meitetsu Bus toward Asuke and get off at Korankei (about 70 minutes).
- Metasequoia Namiki, Shiga:
- Access: From JR Kosei Line Makino Station, take Makino Kogen Bus and get off at Makino Pick Land (6-20 minutes).
- Bandai-Azuma Skyline, Fukushima:
- Access: From JR Fukushima Station, take a taxi for 100 minutes.
- Naruko Gorge, Miyagi:
- Access: From JR Naruko Onsen Station, dive 10 minutes or from Nakayama-daira Onsen Station, drive 10 minutes.
- Fujieshi Gyorakuen, Fukuoka:
- Access: From Buzen-Kawasaki Station, take Fureai Bus (Kijo Arahira course) and get off at Arahira Kominkan and walk 5 minutes.
- Autumn foliage in the sea, Saga:
- Access: About a 30 minutes taxi ride from JR Saga Station.
- Okutsu Valley, Okayama:
- Access: From JR Tsuyama Station, Hokubu Chutetsu Bus bound for Ishikoshi (50 minutes) and get off at Obata Stop and walk for 10 minutes.
If you fancy exploring these magnificent locations in traditional attire, you can rent a kimono at various spots to immerse yourself fully in Japanese culture. Happy traveling!
Now, I'm itching to don a kimono and wander through the dazzling landscapes Japan has to offer in the autumn season. Are you along for the journey? Remember: life is an adventure if you make it one!
P.S. If you'd like to know more about Japan's seasonal charm, don't forget to follow us on Instagram or Facebook for additional travel inspiration. And if you want help planning your trip, feel free to shoot us a message for assistance!
If you're intent on traveling and searching for the best places to visit around the world, why not make Japan your next destination and catch this stunning vibrant display of autumn leaves?
- Japan's enchanting autumn season calls for enthralling tours to witness the breathtaking display of colors in places like Daisetsuzan Asahi-dake, Hokkaido, or the historic cities of Kyoto, Kamakura, and Hiroshima.
- For a memorable cultural experience, consider renting a kimono and immersing yourself in the traditional lifestyle while exploring these stunning locales.
- Some of Japan's best-known experiences include sauntering down avenues lined with golden ginkgo trees at Meiji Jingu Gaienmae in Tokyo, taking a serene stroll through the ancient Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, or basking in the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi.
- To explore the rich history and elegance of Japan's home-and-garden settings, pay a visit to Rikugien Garden, Kiyomizu-dera, or Fujieshi Gyorakuen.
- Nature lovers should not miss opportunities to witness the blazing Japanese maples and burnished bushes in the vibrant landscapes that make autumn in Japan an unparalleled experience.
- During your travels, indulge in the unique flavors of Japanese cuisine as you dine in restaurants showcasing the country's celebrated food culture.
- After an exhilarating day of sightseeing, unwind in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring, which can be found in numerous locations across the country, whether it's at Mt. Takao or in the Hakone region.