Autumn Foliage in Japan

Koyo (fall colors) transforms Japan into a sea of red, orange, and gold. Temples, gardens, and mountains become living paintings.

Season: Late September (Hokkaido) to Early December (Tokyo/Kyoto)

Peak Timing by Region

Autumn colors move south through Japan. Plan your timing based on where you want to see them.

Hokkaido

Peak: Early October

Late September - Mid October

Earliest in Japan. Daisetsuzan starts turning late September.

Key spots:

DaisetsuzanJozankeiLake ToyaOnuma Park

Tohoku

Peak: Late October

Mid October - Early November

Beautiful mountain colors. Less crowded than Kyoto.

Key spots:

Oirase GorgeLake TowadaNaruko GorgeYamadera

Tokyo / Kanto

Peak: Late November

Mid November - Early December

Urban gardens peak late November. Nikko peaks earlier (mid-Oct).

Key spots:

RikugienKoishikawa KorakuenMeiji Jingu GaienNikko

Kyoto / Kansai

Peak: Late November

Mid November - Early December

Most famous autumn destination. Extremely crowded at peak.

Key spots:

Tofuku-jiEikandoKiyomizu-deraArashiyama

Hiroshima / Chugoku

Peak: Mid November

Early November - Late November

Miyajima is spectacular. Less crowded than Kyoto.

Key spots:

MiyajimaSandankyo GorgeKorakuen Garden

Kyushu

Peak: Late November

Mid November - Early December

Latest colors in Japan. Milder weather for viewing.

Key spots:

DazaifuYufuinKirishimaKumamoto Castle

Best Kyoto Spots

Kyoto is the ultimate autumn destination in Japan. Here's where to go.

Tofuku-ji Temple

Extreme

Temple | Mid to late November

Tsutenkyo Bridge views of 2,000 maple trees in the valley below.

Tip: Arrive before 8am or go on weekdays. Lines can be 1-2 hours at peak.

Eikando Temple

Very High

Temple | Mid to late November

Night illuminations make maples glow against dark temple buildings.

Tip: Evening illuminations (separate ticket) are magical but crowded.

Kiyomizu-dera

Extreme

Temple | Mid November - early December

Iconic wooden terrace overlooking sea of red and orange.

Tip: Go at dawn (6am opening) or for evening illumination. Skip midday.

Arashiyama

High

District | Late November

Mountains turn red behind the famous bamboo grove.

Tip: Tenryu-ji garden and Hogon-in temple have best colors. Go early.

Philosopher's Path

Moderate

Walk | Late November

2km canal-side walk lined with cherry and maple trees.

Tip: Free! Walk from Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji. Best in afternoon light.

Kodai-ji Temple

High

Temple | Mid to late November

Stunning night illuminations with maples reflected in pond.

Tip: Evening illumination is the highlight. Less famous than Eikando.

Best Tokyo Spots

Tokyo's fall colors peak in late November. Gardens and parks offer peaceful viewing.

Rikugien Garden

Garden | Late November - early December

Traditional Edo garden with night illuminations. Peak Tokyo autumn.

Evening illumination (until 9pm) is spectacular. Buy tickets online.

Koishikawa Korakuen

Garden | Late November

One of Tokyo's oldest gardens. Dramatic red bridge with maples.

Less crowded than Rikugien. Near Tokyo Dome, easy to combine.

Meiji Jingu Gaien

Free

Avenue | Mid to late November

Famous ginkgo tree-lined avenue turns brilliant gold.

Free to walk! Festival with food stalls. Weekend crowds intense.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Park | Mid November - early December

58 hectares with Japanese, French, and English gardens.

Alcohol and large crowds banned. Peaceful compared to other spots.

Mt. Takao

Free

Mountain | Mid to late November

1-hour train from Shinjuku. Full mountain hiking with fall colors.

Take cable car up, walk down. Less crowded on weekdays.

Beyond Kyoto & Tokyo

Some of Japan's best autumn scenery is off the beaten path.

Nikko

(Tochigi)

Mid October - early November

UNESCO shrines in mountain setting. Earlier than Tokyo.

Toshogu ShrineLake ChuzenjiIrohazaka winding road

Nara Park

(Nara)

Mid to late November

Deer among autumn leaves. Less crowded than Kyoto temples.

Todai-ji maplesDeer photosKasuga Taisha approach

Miyajima

(Hiroshima)

Mid to late November

Famous torii gate with autumn mountain backdrop.

Momijidani ParkRopeway viewsFloating torii

Korankei

(Aichi)

Mid November

Japan's most famous koyo spot. 4,000 maple trees along river.

River valley walksNight illuminationLess touristy

Oirase Gorge

(Aomori)

Mid to late October

14km stream through forest. Waterfalls and bridges.

Walking pathsWaterfallsEarly autumn

Koyo Viewing Tips

Check forecasts weekly

Koyo timing varies by 1-2 weeks each year. Japan Meteorological Agency and Weathernews publish forecasts.

Book Kyoto hotels 3-6 months ahead

November is Kyoto's busiest month. Prices double and hotels sell out. Consider staying in Osaka.

Go early or late

Major spots like Tofuku-ji can have 1-2 hour waits. Arrive at opening or visit during evening illumination.

Don't skip the mountains

Nikko, Hakone, and Nagano have spectacular fall colors with fewer crowds than Kyoto.

Weekdays are worth it

Take time off work if possible. Weekend crowds in Kyoto are genuinely overwhelming.

Night illuminations are magical

Many temples offer evening light-ups. Separate ticket required but crowds thin after dinner.

Plan Your Autumn Japan Trip

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