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Looking for some amazing fall colors while visiting Japan? Depending on what part of the country you’re in, the leaves will change color during different times of the season. This can make it tricky to plan some foliage spotting, but it is definitely worth the time and planning. Northern Japan is probably the best part of the country to witness the autumn leaves’ vibrant colors due to its numerous locations. Yet, there are other well-known places scattered throughout Japan to enjoy this seasonal phenomenon.

Travel tip: “Momijigari” or “koyo” are both Japanese terms used for describing the autumn leaves. Momiji in “momijigari” is the name for the Japanese maple tree, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful autumn trees.

Japan’s Best Spots for Autumn Leaves

The following are several places recommended for seeing autumn leaves. I complied this list from various websites and sources, specifically JW Web Magazine and the Japan Rail Pass Blog. They are listed starting with northern-most locations first. Note that each prefecture has top spots for fall foliage viewing, so research can be done beforehand if you’re only in a certain area in the autumn.

• Daisetsuzan National Park, Kamikawa in Hokkaido Prefecture (click to view my Sapporo Travel Guide)
• Mount Asahi, Fukushima Prefecture
• Mount Nasu-dake, Tochigi Prefecture
• Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
• Oze National Park (extends into various prefectures)
• Kurobe Gorge, Kurobe in Toyama Prefecture
• Ginkgo Avenue in Meiji-jinju Gaien Park, Tokyo (click to view my Tokyo Travel Guide)
• Rikugi Garden, Tokyo
• Lake Ashinoko, Hakone (click to view my Hakone Travel Guide)
• Hasedera Temple, Kamakura (click to view my Kamakura Travel Guide)
• Fujigoko, Yamanashi Prefecture (click to view my Fujigoko Travel Guide)
• Eikando Temple, Kyoto (click to view my Kyoto Travel Guide)
• Arashiyama, Kyoto 
• Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto 

Travel tip: Make sure you check when the leaves are supposed to change color, as it varies region to region and year to year! Websites like allaboutjapan.com release annual information about regional fall foliage predictions.

Autumn Leaves in Shizuoka Prefecture

Where I live in Japan—Shizuoka Prefecture—is generally much more mild in temperature compared to other parts of the country. This causes the leaves to not change in color as drastically. They also change color quite late compared to surrounding areas, with peak times usually falling between mid-November to early December. Three common places for fall foliage viewing in Shizuoka Prefecture are:

• Shuzenji Temple on the Izu Peninsula (click to view my Izu Hanto Travel Guide)
• Sumatakyo Gorge near Kawanehon (click to view my Kawane Travel Guide)
• Okuni Shrine near Kakegawa (click to view my Kakegawa Travel Guide)

If you’re in Shizuoka Prefecture during mid to late November, Doudanbara in Shimada City and Akihasan Hongu Akiha Shrine are two lesser-known locations where the leaves also change color. Doudanbara is less than seven kilometers from the Shimada JR Station on a small, lush mountain. One place to start your hike to Doudanbara is at a local onsen (hot spring) called Tashiro no Sato. This specific trail takes between thirty and forty minutes through the forest to get to the prime spot for viewing bright red, orange, and brown leaves. In contrast, Akihasan Hongu Akiha Shrine sits at the top of Mount Akiha in Hamamatsu. Mount Akiha (Akihasan) is quite a distance from any train station, making it difficult to access. It is possible to hike from the lower shrine of Akihasan Hongu to the top of the mountain, but most of the fall leaves are near the top shrine along the stairs.

Travel tip: If you’re going to Doudanbara using public transportation, it is best to go earlier in the day as there are limited buses that lead to and from the base of the hiking trail. Ideally, taking a car would be best for ease and convenience. However, getting to the top of Akihasan Hongu Akiha Shrine is easiest by using a car or taking a tour bus.

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Fall is a beautiful time across Japan, complete with some delicious seasonal flavors, too! Chestnut and sweet potato are in season and used to flavor numerous Japanese sweets. It’s also perfect weather for outdoor excursions, such as seeing Mount Fuji from Nihondaira or going on a hike at Sumatakyo Gorge. Whatever you choose, autumn is a great time to visit and explore. Let me know if you would like more tips for traveling in Japan by sending me an email!

Peace & happy travels,

Tay