🍁 Best Time to Visit Japan for Autumn Foliage and Fall Festivals
Top Autumn Leaf Viewing Locations and Fall Festivals in Japan: A Complete Travel Guide
🍁 Why Visit Japan in Autumn?
Autumn in Japan, known locally as koyo (紅葉), is a magical time when the landscape bursts into shades of crimson, gold, and orange. From October to early December, Japan becomes a photographer’s paradise and a peaceful haven for travelers who want to experience the country’s natural beauty and traditional culture at its finest.
🍂 Best Time to Visit for Autumn Foliage:
- Northern Japan (Hokkaido): Late September to mid-October
- Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto): Mid-November to early December
- Southern Japan (Kyushu): Late November to early December
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| Nikko Tochigi – Unesco World Heritage Site and Temples |
🍁 Top Autumn Leaf Viewing Spots in Japan
- Best time: Mid to late October
- Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is famous for its vibrant maple trees, mountain views, and historic temples like Toshogu Shrine. Don’t miss Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls during peak foliage.
2. Arashiyama – Kyoto
- Best time: Mid-November
- Highlights: Take a stroll or boat ride along the Hozugawa River as you admire fiery red maples lining the hills. The Togetsukyo Bridge with autumn colors in the background is iconic.
3. Daisetsuzan National Park – Hokkaido
- Best time: Late September to early October
- Highlights: One of the earliest spots for autumn foliage in Japan, this vast alpine park is perfect for hikers and nature lovers. Think deep reds and golden larches set against rugged mountains.
4. Mount Takao – Tokyo
- Best time: Mid to late November
- Highlights: Just an hour from central Tokyo, Mount Takao is an easily accessible escape into nature. The view from the summit, with Mount Fuji peeking over a sea of colorful leaves, is spectacular.
5. Eikando Temple – Kyoto
- Best time: Late November
- Highlights: This serene temple is renowned for its illuminated night-time autumn leaf viewing. The gardens and pond reflect the deep crimson of maple trees—pure Kyoto elegance.
6. Lake Kawaguchi – Yamanashi Prefecture
- Best time: Early to mid-November
- Highlights: Located near Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi offers stunning fall foliage with Mt. Fuji in the background. Visit the Momiji Tunnel for a golden canopy of maple trees.
7. Kōyasan (Mount Koya) – Wakayama Prefecture
- Best time: Late October to early November
- Highlights: A sacred mountain town and center of Shingon Buddhism, Koyasan glows with vibrant foliage, especially around the Okunoin Cemetery and temple lodgings.
📅 Autumn Foliage Forecast in Japan (By Region)
Region | Peak Viewing Period |
Hokkaido | Late Sep – Mid Oct |
Tohoku (Sendai) | Mid Oct – Early Nov |
Tokyo / Kyoto | Mid Nov – Early Dec |
Kyushu (Fukuoka) | Late Nov – Early Dec |
Check official koyo forecasts for the most accurate bloom times:
👉 Japan Meteorological Agency Forecast
📸 Pro Travel Tips for Leaf Viewing (Koyo)
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light.
- Stay overnight in rural spots like Koyasan or Lake Kawaguchi for a peaceful experience.
- Don’t miss night illuminations at temples like Eikando and Kiyomizudera.
- Use regional rail passes to save money on travel between foliage spots.
- Pack warm layers – evenings can be chilly!
🚩 Things to do in Japan for Fall Festivals
Japan’s autumn season is celebrated with a vibrant array of festivals, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
Here’s a curated list of some of the most notable things to do in Japan for fall festivals across Japan:
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| Takayama Fall Festival [Hachiman Matsuri] |
🍁 Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) – Gifu Prefecture
Held annually on October 9–10 in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, this festival features beautifully decorated yatai (floats) adorned with karakuri ningyo (mechanical puppets). The floats are paraded through the historic old town, accompanied by traditional music and rituals.
- When: October 9–10
- Where: Takayama Old Town
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Takayama Station (JR Takayama Line)
- How to Get There: From Nagoya, take the JR Limited Express “Hida” to Takayama (~2.5 hours).
👘 Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) – Kyoto
Taking place on October 22 in Kyoto, this grand procession showcases over a thousand participants dressed in historical costumes representing various periods of Japanese history, from the Heian to the Meiji era. The parade starts at Kyoto Imperial Palace and concludes at Heian Shrine.
- When: October 22
- Where: Kyoto Imperial Palace → Heian Shrine
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Subway Tozai Line) or Jingu-Marutamachi Station (Keihan Line)
- How to Get There: From Kyoto Station, take a subway or bus to the Imperial Palace.
🔥 Kurama Fire Festival (Kurama no Hi Matsuri) – Kyoto (Kurama)
On October 22, in the village of Kurama near Kyoto, locals carry massive flaming torches up Mount Kurama to the Kurama-dera Temple. The festival, known as Kurama no Hi Matsuri, is a dramatic display of fire and tradition, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
- When: October 22
- Where: Kurama-dera Temple area
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Kurama Station (Eizan Electric Railway)
- How to Get There: Take the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto (~30 min). Expect heavy crowds!
🐉 Karatsu Kunchi – Saga Prefecture
Held from November 2–4 in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, this festival features large, intricately decorated floats depicting mythical creatures and historical figures. The floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by lively music and traditional performances.
- When: November 2–4
- Where: Karatsu City
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Karatsu Station (JR Karatsu Line)
- How to Get There: From Fukuoka (Hakata), take the JR Chikuhi Line (1.5 hours via transfer at Meinohama).
🌏 Nagasaki Kunchi – Nagasaki
From October 7–9 in Nagasaki, this festival celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage with performances such as dragon dances, traditional music, and theatrical displays. The event reflects Nagasaki’s historical connections with China and the Netherlands.
- When: October 7–9
- Where: Suwa Shrine and downtown Nagasaki
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Nagasaki Station (JR Nagasaki Main Line)
- How to Get There: Take the JR Limited Express “Kamome” from Hakata Station (~2 hours).
🎭 Kawagoe Hikawa Festival – Saitama Prefecture
On the third weekend of October in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, this festival features ornate floats paraded through the city’s historic Kurazukuri district. The highlight is the “Hikkawase,” a musical battle between floats, accompanied by traditional performances and lantern illuminations.
- When: Third weekend of October
- Where: Kawagoe’s Kurazukuri Zone
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Kawagoe Station (JR & Tobu Tojo Line) or Hon-Kawagoe Station
- How to Get There: From Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo), take the Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoe (~30 min express).
🥁 Niihama Taiko Festival – Ehime Prefecture (Shikoku)
Held from October 16–18 in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, this festival showcases massive taiko drum floats, known as taikodai, paraded through the streets. The event celebrates the autumn harvest with energetic performances and traditional music.
- When: October 16–18
- Where: Niihama City
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Niihama Station (JR Yosan Line)
- How to Get There: From Okayama, take the JR Seto-Ohashi Line and transfer to the Yosan Line (~2.5–3 hrs total).
🛷 Kishiwada Danjiri Festival – Osaka Prefecture
In mid-September, Kishiwada City in Osaka Prefecture hosts this dynamic festival where teams race heavy wooden floats through narrow streets. The festival is renowned for its high-energy atmosphere and intricate float carvings.
- When: Mid-September
- Where: Kishiwada City
- Nearest Station: 🚉 Kishiwada Station (Nankai Main Line)
- How to Get There: From Namba Station (Osaka), take the Nankai Main Line to Kishiwada (~20–25 min).
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These festivals not only highlight Japan’s rich cultural heritage but also offer visitors a chance to experience the country’s traditions and community spirit during the beautiful autumn season. Late October to early December is the best time to visit Japan for autumn foliage and fall festivals.
If you’re planning to attend any of these festivals for the things to do in Japan, it’s advisable to check their official websites or local tourism boards for the most current information and travel tips.
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🗓️ 7-Day Autumn Leaf Viewing Itinerary
Day 1 – Tokyo Arrival + Mount Takao
- Hike up Mount Takao for early red maples
- Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park for urban foliage
Day 2 – Nikko Day Trip
- Explore Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls
- Return to Tokyo in the evening
Day 3 – Travel to Kyoto
- Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (2.5–3 hrs)
- Evening stroll along Philosopher’s Path
Day 4 – Kyoto Temples + Night Viewing
- Visit Eikando, Kiyomizudera, and Tofukuji
- Enjoy illuminated foliage at Eikando after sunset
Day 5 – Arashiyama Day
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
- Take a Hozugawa River boat ride through colorful hills
Day 6 – Lake Kawaguchi + Mount Fuji
- Travel to Kawaguchiko
- Photograph Mount Fuji framed by red maples
- Visit Momiji Tunnel and Kawaguchiko Music Forest
Day 7 – Return to Tokyo + Autumn Shopping
- Last-minute gift shopping in Asakusa or Shibuya
- Enjoy Tokyo’s fall illuminations in Roppongi or Marunouchi
Planning to visit Japan in the Fall? We hope these informative guide and tips on the best time to visit Japan for autumn foliage and Fall festivals to be resourceful to you.
Want more Japan travel tips and ideas?
→ Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan 🌸
→ Top Autumn Leaf Viewing Locations 🍁
→ How to Use Public Transport in Japan 🚆
