🍁 2025 Edition | A Must-See Guide to Japan’s Breathtaking Autumn Foliage

When it comes to autumn in Japan, there is nothing quite like the fiery glow of its autumn leaves.

From city streets to quiet temples, trees across Japan blaze in brilliant reds and golds each autumn. Not only are there famous viewing spots, but you can also find beautiful autumn scenery in nearby parks and along city streets.

This guide introduces the best time and place to enjoy autumn leaves across Japan.

🍂 When is the best season for autumn foliage?

Japan stretches a long way from north to south, so the peak season for autumn leaves varies greatly by region.

Since timing varies by region, check the forecast for your destination to catch the leaves at their peak.

Source: Japan Weather Association

City	Estimated Peak Viewing Date
Sapporo	November 9
Aomori	November 15
Sendai	November 27
Tokyo	December 1
Nagoya	December 3
Osaka	December 5
Fukuoka	December 9

For the latest updates on autumn foliage, we recommend checking here.

Note: The forecasted peak dates may change depending on temperature and weather conditions. Even within the same region, the best time to enjoy the leaves can vary by location and elevation.

Top 10 Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots in Japan

From the northern forests of Hokkaido to Kyoto’s ancient temples, here are ten of Japan’s most unforgettable autumn destinations.

■Hokkaido – Jozankei

Source：Jozankei Tourism Association

🕓 Best season: Mid to late October

Just an hour from Sapporo, Jozankei is a hot spring town famed for its vivid valley views in autumn. The stunning view of the colorful trees along the valley is unforgettable, with red and yellow leaves beautifully reflecting on the river’s surface.

Source：Jozankei Tourism Association

During the autumn foliage season, you can admire the vibrant colors while canoeing or boating through the gorge, or even enjoy a breathtaking view of the autumn leaves from above on a gondola.

For more details on facilities and access, check the official Jozankei Tourism website.

■Tokyo – Shinjuku Gyoen

Source：Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Foundation

🕓 Best season: Late November to mid-December

Shinjuku Gyoen, a spacious garden in the heart of Tokyo, becomes a calm sea of red and gold each autumn. During the autumn season, the maple trees and ginkgo trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, creating a peaceful and relaxing oasis that feels far away from the busy city.

With wide lawns perfect for picnics and a modest 500-yen entry fee, it’s one of Tokyo’s easiest and most peaceful foliage escapes.

■Tokyo – Meiji Jingu Gaien

🕓 Best season: Late November to early December

Meiji Jingu Gaien’s 300-meter ginkgo avenue glows golden each autumn, creating one of Tokyo’s most photographed fall scenes. The 300-meter-long path turns a shimmering gold in autumn, creating a scene straight out of a movie.

Source：Hachioji Ginkgo Festival Executive Committee

One of the highlights of the season is the Ginkgo Festivalheld annually (November 15–16, 2025), where visitors can enjoy food stalls and seasonal sweets.

Because it’s such a popular location, please follow local rules and enjoy the foliage safely without stepping onto the road or crossing barriers.

■Tokyo – Showa Kinen Park

Source：Showa Kinen Park

🕓 Best season: Early to late November

Showa Kinen Park is a vast and lush national park known for its spectacular autumn colors. The maple and ginkgo trees paint the park in vivid hues. The “Canal” ginkgo avenue is particularly famous, glowing golden in the autumn light.

Source：Japan Green Parks Foundation

The “Golden & Autumn Leaves Festival and Night Walk” (October 30–November 30, 2025) allows visitors to enjoy the foliage both during the day and at night. Nighttime illuminations turn the park into a glowing dreamscape — a must-see for photographers.

For the latest updates and event information, check the official Showa Kinen Park website.

■Tochigi – Nikko

Source：Nikko City Tourism Association

🕓 Best season: Late October to mid-November

Nikko is a popular travel destination where historical temples and shrines, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, harmoniously blend with stunning natural scenery. 

In autumn, the area transforms as spots like Lake Chuzenji, Irohazaka Winding Road, and Kegon Falls are painted in vibrant reds and yellows, creating a breathtaking autumn landscape.

Source：Nikko City Tourism Association

At Lake Chuzenji, crimson and gold leaves mirror perfectly on the calm surface — best viewed from a sightseeing cruise. A sightseeing cruise offers a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

For detailed information on sightseeing and access, visit the official Nikko Tourism website.

■Nagano – Kagamiike Pond

Source：Togakushi Tourism Association

🕓 Best season: Mid-October to early November

Kagamiike Pond is one of Nagano Prefecture’s most iconic autumn foliage destinations. 

In autumn, the surrounding mountains of the Togakushi range and the colorful trees are reflected perfectly on the pond’s still surface, creating a mirror-like, otherworldly view.

Visit early morning when the pond is still — the reflection is so sharp it feels like another world.

■Yamanashi – Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor

Source：Fujisan Yamanashi

🕓 Best season: Mid to late November

The Maple Corridor at Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, is one of Japan’s most famous autumn foliage spots. More than 100 maple trees line the riverside, forming a glowing tunnel of red and gold beneath Mt. Fuji’s gaze.

Source：Fujisan Yamanashi

On sunny days, you can enjoy the spectacular combination of Mt. Fuji, autumn leaves, and the lake—a scene that’s truly picture-perfect from the famous “Maple Tunnel.”

The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (November 1–30, 2025) adds even more charm, with craft markets and food stalls. From sunset until 9:30 p.m., the illuminated maple trees create a magical nighttime stroll, offering a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.

■Kyoto – Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Source：Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera

🕓 Best season: Late November to early December

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. In autumn, the temple is surrounded by a sea of crimson maples glowing beneath Kyoto’s skyline. From the temple’s wooden stage, visitors can look out over the sea of autumn leaves and enjoy the contrast with the cityscape of Kyoto.

Source：Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera

During the autumn foliage season, the temple holds a Special Night Viewing Event from November 22 to December 7, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. 

The night illumination transforms Kiyomizu-dera into a floating world of light and color — a sight few forget.

■Kyoto – Rurikoin Temple

Source：Rurikoin Temple

🕓 Best season: Late November to early December

Rurikoin is a temple in the Yase district of Kyoto, renowned for its stunning garden views during autumn. The mix of maple and ginkgo trees paints Arashiyama in warm hues, perfectly mirrored by the Katsura River.

The most famous photo spot is the reflection of the vibrant red maple leaves on the glossy surface of the writing desk in the study hall.

The special autumn viewing period runs from October 1 to December 14, 2025, and advance reservations are required during the peak foliage season (November 8 to December 7).

For more details or to make a reservation, visit the official Rurikoin website.

■Kyoto – Arashiyama

Source：Kyoto Free Photo Resources

🕓 Best season: Late November to early December

Arashiyama is one of the most popular autumn destinations in Kyoto, known for its many scenic spots, including Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Park, and the Bamboo Grove. The mix of maple and ginkgo trees paints Arashiyama in warm hues, perfectly mirrored by the Katsura River.

Source：Kyoto Free Photo Resources

One of the best ways to experience the autumn scenery here is from the water. Taking a Hozugawa River boat ride or a yakata-bune (traditional pleasure boat) allows visitors to enjoy the autumn colors from a unique perspective, as the trees and mountains reflect on the water’s surface. Tickets can be purchased on-site or reserved in advance.

For detailed schedule and reservations, visit the official Yakata-bune website.

■Hiroshima – Miyajima

Source：Miyajima Tourism Association

🕓 Best season: Mid to late November

Miyajima, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, is a breathtaking destination where the entire island is surrounded by autumn foliage in the fall. Momijidani Park, in particular, is famous for its vibrant red maple trees and the scenic “Momiji Bridge,” making it a top photo spot.

Source：Official Instagram of the Miyajima Tourist Association

From November 8 to 30, 2025, the park will be illuminated from sunset to 9:00 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy the magical nighttime view of the glowing autumn leaves.

Summary

Autumn in Japan is a special season where breathtaking foliage can be enjoyed everywhere—from city parks and historic World Heritage sites to vast natural landscapes.

Daytime offers brilliant autumn colors under clear blue skies, while nighttime illuminations, lakeside reflections, and boat rides reveal completely different and magical scenes.

Whether exploring bustling cities or peaceful nature, each location has its own unique charm. Be sure to find your own “best autumn foliage spot” during your journey in Japan.