The autumn in Japan in 2019: the best spots by region from north to south
In Japan each season has its beauty and those seasons transform little by little. If the cherry blossoms are beautiful, the autumn on the archipelago is a breathtaking. Colors of leaves ranging from orange, bright red momiji mixed with yellow ginko in harmony with beech, birch, mountain ash, larch inspire painters, writers and poets for centuries. Although subjective, here is a selection of recommended sites to admire for your next trip!
Hokkaido end of October - beginning of November
Daisetsuzan National Park
This vast natural park north of Hokkaido at the end of October is strongly recommended to admire the nature during the autumn, especially in the Midoridake Mountain area where alpine flowers, and other flowers of meadows blend perfectly with the landscape little by little covered by the first snow. The hike is also recommended on the side of Kogen onsen fir and maple forests, or Sounkyo onsen momiji daki.
Northern wilderness landscape of Daisetsuzan National Park and its autumn flowers
Sounkyo onsen
North Tohoku mid-November
The region of Aomori, already beautiful late September with its covered landscapes of ablaze, it becomes sublime in mid-November with its whole forests of bright red momiji. The hike is recommended at the border of the Aomori and Akita prefectures at Lake Towada.
Lake Towada
South of Tohoku mid-November
Bandai Azuma skyline
A road of more than 25 kilometers reaching an altitude of 1622 meters, the bandai Azuma skyline is perhaps one of the most beautiful spots to admire the autumn in Japan, immersed completely in the middle of a gigantic multicolored forest bordering lakes and slopes mountainous Azuma volcano.
Bandai Azuma Line, Fukushima Prefecture
Kanto - end of November
Tochigi-Nikko
A must visit spot for the Koyo (autumn leaves), the surroundings of the city of Nikko, its temples, forests, lakes and waterfalls are very often at the top of the list. A stroll along Lake Chuzenji or in the sacred shrine of Toshogu is inevitable.
Lake Chuzenji also offers beautiful boat rides
Ibaraki - Fukuroda Waterfall
Different in each season, the Fukuroda waterfall becomes magical when autumn arrives. 120 meters high, it is made up of 4 floors where the white water flows with vividness and harmonizes perfectly with the bright red and yellow forests at the end of November.
Chubu - end of November
The Japanese Alps - Kamikochi
Mist in the Kamikochi Valley in Nagano Prefecture
Karuizawa - Nagano
Kumoba pond surrounded by autumn leaves in Karuizawa (Nagano)
Lake Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji view in autumn
Favorite place to admire Mount Fuji to be reflected on Lake Kawaguchiko and the beautiful natural tunnels of momiji.
Kansai - end of November
Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in November to admire the autumn leaves surrounding the sumptuous temples and shrines. A little further, you can easily reach the ancient aristocratic village of Arashiyama, admire the river Hozu along the red forests, Arashiyama.
Kiyomizu-dera temple with Koyo in Kyoto
The Hozu River in Arashiyama
Minoo park Osaka
Right next to the city of Osaka, a beautiful park is adorned with beautiful colors during this season, this park is a must if you want to enjoy the nature near the big city.
Cascade of Minoo Park in Osaka
Chugoku - end of November
Oni no Shitaburui (Shimane)
Exceptional mountainous gorge, this site is also highly recommended, a walk along the river offering beautiful autumn landscapes.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama
One of the best preserved castle in Japan, (only 12 have kept their original structure), this castle built in the 13th century is visible from an observatory located at the top of a mountain from which one can admire a real ocean of clouds through the forests.
Shikoku - end of November
Iya Valley (Tokushima)
Difficult to make a decision because Shikoku island is beautiful everywhere, everytime. Among hundreds of chices, we recommend the Iya Valley because of its magnificent geographical form and its vast forests.
Difficult to make a decision because Shikoku island is beautiful everywhere, everytime. Among hundreds of chices, we recommend the Iya Valley because of its magnificent geographical form and its vast forests.
Kyushu - early December
Yabakei (Oita)
On the slope of the steep cliffs of Yabakei, autumn is the most wonderful season.
Hitome Hakkei Yabakei
Takachiho (Miyazaki)
The cradle of Shinto legends, the Takachiho Gorge offers a magical spectacle
Discover our nature tours in Japan!
Discover our excursions in Kyoto!