21/09/2026
Japan in autumn is something else 🍁
From fiery mountain valleys in Hokkaido and Aomori to hidden gorges in Shikoku, lakes beneath Mt. Fuji and steaming riverside onsen, these are some of the most spectacular places to experience autumn foliage across Japan.
The best part is that the season stretches for weeks as the colours move south and down through different elevations — meaning you can catch peak foliage from Hokkaido all the way through Honshu and Shikoku if you time it right.
01 — Onuma Quasi-National Park, Hokkaido 🍁
One of Hokkaido’s dreamiest autumn landscapes, with Mt. Komagatake rising behind a maze of tiny islands and mirror-like lakes. Walk or cycle around the lakes for reflections of the red and gold foliage — especially beautiful in the calm morning light.
📅 Best time: Late Oct–Early Nov
02 — Lake Momiji, Nagano 🍁
Its real name is Minowa Dam, but with around 10,000 maple trees surrounding the lake, “Momiji Lake” feels pretty accurate. In autumn, the hillsides turn intense shades of red, orange and yellow, with a famous maple tunnel that’s made this one of Nagano’s standout foliage spots.
📅 Best time: Late Oct–Early Nov
03 — Iya Valley, Tokushima 🍁
Deep in the mountains of Shikoku, Iya feels worlds away from Japan’s busier autumn destinations. Think steep V-shaped valleys, emerald-green rivers, misty mountains and entire hillsides covered in autumn colour — plus the famous vine bridges hidden among the forest.
📅 Best time: Late Oct–Mid Nov
04 — Buttsuji Temple, Mihara, Hiroshima 🍁
One of Hiroshima’s lesser-known autumn gems. This historic Zen temple sits deep among old cedar trees and maples, creating a beautiful mix of traditional temple architecture, stone paths and fiery red foliage — without the Kyoto crowds.
📅 Best time: Late Nov
05 — Kamakura, Kanagawa 🍁
Autumn arrives later in Kamakura, making it perfect if you’re visiting Japan toward the end of the season. Ancient temples, bamboo gardens and quiet pathways become framed by red and gold maples — try Engakuji, Hasedera, Meigetsuin or the temples around Kita-Kamakura.
📅 Best time: Mid Nov–Early Dec
06 — Kurobe Gorge, Toyama 🍁
One of Japan’s most dramatic autumn landscapes. Ride the tiny Kurobe Gorge Railway through steep mountains covered in red and gold, crossing bridges high above the turquoise Kurobe River with waterfalls and hidden onsen along the way.
📅 Best time: Late Oct–Late Nov
Colour changes progressively with elevation.
07 — Takaragawa Onsen, Gunma 🍁
Possibly the ultimate autumn onsen experience. Huge open-air baths sit directly beside the Takaragawa River, surrounded by forest-covered mountains that turn red, orange and gold — so you can literally soak while watching the leaves fall around you.
📅 Best time: Mid Oct–Mid Nov
08 — Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi 🍁
Few autumn views are more unmistakably Japan: snow-capped Mt. Fuji rising above Lake Kawaguchiko, framed by brilliant red maple leaves. Head to the northern shore and the Momiji Corridor for some of the most iconic views — and stay after sunset for the seasonal illuminations.
📅 Best time: Late Oct–Mid Nov
09 — Tsutanuma Pond, Aomori 🍁
This might be one of Japan’s most magical autumn mornings. At sunrise, the dense beech forest surrounding Tsutanuma can glow deep red and orange, while the completely still pond creates an almost perfect reflection of the colour.
📅 Best time: Mid–Late Oct
💡 Peak-season morning access can require advance booking.
10 — Nikko, Tochigi 🍁
Nikko is more than one foliage spot — the colours move down the mountains as autumn progresses. Start around Lake Chuzenji and the waterfalls of Okunikko, then follow the winding Irohazaka road toward the temples and shrines of central Nikko.
📅 Best time: Mid Oct–Early Nov
Higher elevations turn first.
