Autumn leaves in Japan are almost as popular as the cherry blossom season. Kōyō is the Japanese word for autumn leaves. Kōyō and momiji (maple leaves) use the same kanji and has been that way since the Heian Period. It is a time when all the mountains, rivers, countryside, temples, shrines, parks, gardens and areas around famous structures are surrounded with fall foliage. Searching for autumn leaves has been a custom of Japan since the 8th century when it was mentioned in the compilation of Manyoshu poetry. The activity was even mentioned in the famed “The Tale of Genji,” as a scene of hunting for gorgeous autumn colors. Even a large part of the Kokin Wakashu poetry collection is centered on the autumn leaves. There are many maple trees, Japanese Rowan, Japanese larch, Ginkgo, beech, birch, and many others that change colors during this time. The autumn foliage starts appearing as early as September.
Tohoku | Iwate | Hiraizumi
Chusonji Temple
Chusonji is a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi and is one of the most important structures related to Buddhism in Japan.
Tohoku | Iwate | Hiraizumi
Geibikei Gorge
Geibikei Gorge is located to the west of Ichinoseki and is one of the 100 best landscapes of Japan.
Tohoku | Aomori | Towada
Oirase Mountain Stream
The Oirase Mountain Stream is the only outflow of water for Lake Towada and is one of the best places to see autumn colors.
Tohoku | Aomori | Towada
Lake Towada
The largest caldera lake in Honshu; located on the borders of Aomori and Akita prefectures.
Hokkaido | Sounkyo
Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls
Waterfalls located in the Sounkyo Gorge and are in the top 100 waterfalls in Japan list.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Irohazaka Winding Road
Irohazaka Winding Road has 48 hairpin turns, which goes through the mountainous region of Okunikko and ends at Nikko.
Kansai | Kyoto | Kyoto City
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizudera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and is most known for the wooden stage that is 13 meters tall.
Kansai | Kyoto | Kyoto City
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple is one of the most important temples in the Arashiyama District and has a garden that has been around for centuries.
Chubu | Nagano | Ina
Tenryu-kyo Valley / Tenryu-gawa River Rafting
The Tenryu Valley, situated on the southern tip of Ina Basin in Nagano, is a valley created by the erosion of rocks located in the Ina area over the years.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi is a caldera lake that was formed 3000 years ago from the last volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Kegon Waterfall
Kegon Waterfall is listed as one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan along with Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Kansai | Kyoto | Kyoto City
Sagano Scenic Railway
The Sagano Scenic Railway is a sightseeing train route that winds through mountains and utilizes old fashioned trains.
Kanto | Tochigi | Nikko
Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji is located in the mountains near Nikko at the foot of Mount Nantai and is beautiful around the autumn season.
Kansai | Kyoto | Kyoto City
Arashiyama
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most popular photo spots in Kyoto along with Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Chubu | Gifu | Okuhida
Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
The Shin Hotaka Ropeway has one of the largest elevation gains and features double decker gondola cars.
Chubu | Aichi | Nagoya
Korankei
Korankei is located in Aichi prefecture and is a popular location for viewing autumn leaves in Nagoya.
Kansai | Kyoto | Kyoto City
Shisendo Temple
Shisendo Temple was a mountain hermitage built by Ishikawa Jozan, a scholar, landscape architect, and soldier.
Shikoku | Kagawa | Takamatsu
Ritsurin Koen Park
A 3 star Michelin Green Guide rated traditional garden of Takamatsu, often closely referred to as one of the most beautiful gardens of Japan.
Shikoku | Tokushima | Iya Valley
Kazurabashi Bridge
One of the oldest bridges in Japan built in the Iya Valley of Shikoku Island.
