Top 10 Autumn Color Spots in Japan

Here are our top 10 places to visit in Japan for the autumn leaves!

autumn_meiji_jingu_s1. Meiji Jingu Gaien (明治神宮外苑)

Have a lovely walk down the road leading to the Emperor’s palace.

When: Late November to early December

The closest station is Gaienmae on the Metro Ginza line.

 mount_takao_small2. Mount Takao (高尾山)

Take a relaxing hike or cable car up this mountain for some of the best autumn leaves in Honshu.

When: November

Mount Takao guide and pics here.


hakone_autumn_color3. Hakone (箱根)

Another great place for a bit of autumn color hiking, Hakone is a great place for a one or two day trip from Tokyo.

When: November

Hakone travel guide

buddha_small4.Kamakura (鎌倉)

See some beautiful golden leaves around the big Buddha.

When: Mid November to early December

Kamakura guide and pics here.

nikko_autumn_color5. Nikko (日光)

The town, as well as the surrounding countryside, is full of autumn leaves.

When: Early October to mid November

Nikko guide

kamikochi_autumn_color6. Kamikochi (上高地)

Why not go hiking in the Japanese Alps in autumn? There are countless hiking and walking courses to do here in this autumn leaves hotspot.

When: Early October to mid November

Kamikochi guide

miyajima_autumn_colors7. Miyajima (宮島)

If you are heading down south, take the boat over to this island near Hiroshima. Then spend the early morning surrounded my autumn leaves as the sun rises.

When: Mid to late November

Miyajima guide

asahidake_autumn_color8. Daisetsuzan National Park

Start off an awesome autumn color hike at Sounkyo Onsen or Mount Asahidake. Hokkaido is slightly earlier than other regions.

When: Mid September to mid October

 

 

Kiyomizudera_autumn_color9. Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺)

In our opinion the best place in Kyoto for autumn colors, his temple becomes a huge autumn color paradise.

When: Mid November to early December

Kiyomizudera Temple guide

 

chichibu_autumn_color10. Chichibu (秩父)

Not far from Tokyo, this countryside town is good for hiking and walking, especially at this time of year. Very quiet as well.

When: Mid November to early December

Chichibu guide

More information about autumn colors can be found in out Autumn Colors guide.

Published by Matthew Baxter

Japan travel writer and onsen addict

One thought on “Top 10 Autumn Color Spots in Japan

  1. It’s takes awhile here in Fukuoka for everything to start showing some fire… It has for the past month. Last time I went to Nanzoin here in Fukuoka it was mighty fiery, but it’s super beautiful, it’s got a way different feel from Colorado from what I’m from originally.

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