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Top 14 Spots for Autumn Color in Japan

TIME : 2016/2/24 15:58:30

Mt. Fuji in Autumn

Japan is famous for its beautiful autumn colors, and as the day shorten and get cooler, there are beautiful vistas all across the country. Even taking a walk in a local community park, the trees and bushes seem to glow in shades of red, yellow, and orange. The classic tree is the momiji, or Japanese maple, and when stores decorate for the season, the motif is invariably momiji. However, other trees and shrubs are beautiful, and a blend of species can create spectacular displays, especially when set against a backdrop of evergreens or reflected in a lake.

Autumn in Japan

Where should you go to see the best fall colors? Everyone has their favorite locations, and many are well off the beaten track and more difficult for the tourist to reach. This Top 10 list includes some of the more famous places noted for their autumn beauty, and some that are easily accessible for a visitor without much additional travel or effort. The peak season is estimated, and can vary depending on the weather conditions of any given year. All of the places are excellent additions to an autumn trip to Japan (please click on links for each for more details and pictures):

Oirase Stream

Daisetsuzan National Park (mid-September to mid-October) In Hokkaido, this is one of the first places to see colors change in the fall. It is considered one of the classic viewing places of beauty.
Hachimantai (all October) Considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan for fall colors, this mountain area of the Tohoku region attracts tourists from all over the country.
Lake Towada / Oirase Stream (late October to late November) This is another classic area in the Tohoku region that is noted for the beauty of the trees reflecting in the water.
Rikugien (late November to early December) Close to public transportation in Tokyo, this is an excellent choice for a traditional Japanese garden in full color. Enjoy a snack at the tea house while viewing the leaves reflecting in the pond.
Koishikawa Korakuen (late November to early December) Located in the heart of Tokyo, this small park has one of the most beautiful displays of autumn color in the city.
Nikko (early October to mid-November) North of Tokyo, the shrines and temples of Nikko are popular tourist sites throughout the year, but they are especially stunning set against a backdrop of changing leaves.
Tofuku-ji (mid to late November) A lovely temple complex outside of the Kyoto city center built on a hillside that is aflame with momiji during the autumn.
Kiyomizudera (late November to early December) One of the most popular tourist sites in Kyoto, this temple looks like it is floating in a cloud of fall colors. It is lovely lit up at night as well as during the daytime.
Arashiyama (late November to early December) This forested area to the west of Kyoto is dotted with temples and shrines. It also has a beautiful river valley that makes an excellent day trip.
Miyajima (mid November) This small island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Noted for its beauty throughout the year, it is especially famous for its momiji; the local food specialty is even a pastry shaped like a maple leaf.
Mt. Tanigawadake, Gunma Prefecture (early October to mid-November) For those wanting to find spectacular fall colors and natural beauty which is possible to reach by public transportation, try Mt. Tanigawadake (谷川岳) on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures.
Eikando Temple, Kyoto (Zenrin-ji) (mid to late November) At the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, just north of Nanzen-ji, you will find Eikando (永観堂禅林寺) The temple complex consists of many wooden buildings connected by corridors. It is located at the base of a mountain and known for its autumn colors, though the gardens and buildings are beautiful throughout the year.
Yoshimine-dera, Kyoto (mid to late November) Try the beautiful Yoshimine-dera (善峯寺) in the Kyoto’s West. It is especially noted for the fall colors which are usually at their peak in mid to late November. Along with a good view of Kyoto below, there are some historical trees of interest.
Mt. Takao, Hachioji City (outside of Tokyo) (early October to mid-November) Those familiar with the sprawling glass and concrete metropolis of Tokyo might be surprised that there is a mountain with natural forests and hiking trails less than an hour from Shinjuku Station by train. Mt. Takao is known for its diversity of species and its incredible beauty.