A Season of Tranquil Beauty: Japan's Breathtaking Autumn Scenery

Autumn Splendor: Ginkgo Trees Illuminate Showa Kinen Park, Tokyo

Autumnal Radiance at Ginkakuji (銀閣寺; YouTube link)

Top 10 Autumn Color Spots in Japan 

Though literally meaning 'red leaves,' koyo (紅葉) carries a deeper significance in Japanese culture. It's tied to the centuries-old tradition of momijigari (literally 'hunting autumn leaves'), where people venture out to admire the vibrant tapestry of fall foliage.

Unlike cherry blossoms, which usually last for only one week, autumn colors can be enjoyed typically over a couple of weeks or so and tend to be slightly easier to catch than the blossoms. Based on the this YouTube link, the top 10 Autumn Color Spots in Japan include:

1. Kyoto
• Best probably in the second half of November.  The below list include temples with evening illuminations in 2023:
• Kiyomizudera—11/18 to 11/30, 17:30 to 21:30 (entry until 21:00), 400 yen
• Eikando—11/3 to 12/3, 17:30 to 21:00 (entry until 20:30), 600 yen
• Kodaiji—10/21 to 12/10, 17:00 to 22:00 (entry until 21:30), 600 yen
• Kitano Tenmangu—11/11 to 12/3, sunset to 20:00 (entry until 19:30), 1000 yen
• Chionin—11/16 to 12/2, 17:30 to 21:30 (entry until 21:00), 800 yen
2. Daisetsuzan
• Best probably in the last third of September
• Hokkaido's largest national park
3. Lake Towada
• Best in the late Oct
• Part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the area is well known for its autumn colors especially around the Oirase Stream, one of Japan's most famous autumn color spots.
4. Hachimantai
• Best from mid Oct to late Oct
5. Tokyo
• Best from late Nov to early Dec
• Night Walk at Showa Kinen Park 2024 (10/31/2024 - 12/01/2024)
6. Fuji Five Lakes
• Best from late Nov to early Dec
• Best viewing spots include:
• Iyashi no Sato at Lake Sai
• Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
• Lake Yamanaka
• The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival in 2023 was held from October 28th to November 23rd. 
7. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート)
• Best from late Sept to early Nov
8. Nikko
• Best from October 1 to November 15 (estimated)
• Autumn colors around Yumoto Onsen are usually best around mid October.
• Senjogahara, a marshland at an elevation of 1400 meters.
• Ryuzu Waterfall (竜頭の滝), a waterfall famous for its autumn colors.
• Hangetsuyama, which is a 1753 meter tall mountain. From the car park or bus stop at Hangetsuyama, it is a 20-30 minute walk to the peak. 
• Shoyoen Garden, a Japanese garden on the grounds of Rinnoji Temple, Nikko's most important temple.
• Tobu bus online link
9. Onuma Park
• Best from mid Oct to late Oct
10. Urabandai
• Best from early Oct to late Oct

Autumn leaves in Japan 🍁 10 spectacular views in Kanto (YouTube link)

Shouwa Kinen Park (YouTube link)