Japan is blessed with beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, but autumn holds a particularly special charm. Under the crisp, clear skies, the vivid autumn leaves painting the mountains and townscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. Combined with the stillness of nature, they offer a serene, soul-cleansing experience.
So, where should you go to truly enjoy Japan’s autumn foliage? This time, we have carefully selected 25 of the best spots across the country to enjoy spectacular fall scenery. From historic temples and traditional gardens to lakeshores and valleys, each destination offers its own unique appeal.
Use this article as a guide to plan your ideal autumn day trip or weekend getaway. We also provide information on the best viewing times for the foliage and how to access each spot.

Zenrinji appeared in the historic Japanese waka (a sort of poem) collection "Kokin Wakashu," compiled by emperor Daigo's order in 905. Since then, this place has been recognized as a famous spot for autumn leaves in Japan.

There are about 3,000 Japanese maple trees. From early November to early December, the breathtakingly beautiful trees are lit up at night.

Do you know there is a massive Japanese garden in the middle of Tokyo? Shinjuku Gyoen was originally made for the royal family. Then, it was opened to the public after the war, and now it's become a locals' oasis in the concrete jungle. They have various trees that show lovely autumn leaves in red, yellow, and amber all over the garden's grounds.

What makes Tofukuji outstanding is its breathtaking autumn leaves and the refreshing sound of the stream that flows through the temple grounds. Here, there is also a valley called Sengyokukan, which is filled with around 2,000 maple trees.

From the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which overlooks the valley, you can gaze out at the combination of vividly colored autumn leaves and the river. However, it would be best to bear in mind that you might not be allowed to stop and take a picture when the bridge is crowded for safety reasons.

Giouji is a convent (temple) that showed up in a renowned historic Japanese prose narrative, "Heike Monogatari." It is surrounded by bamboo groves and Japanese maple trees. This contrast between the vivid greens of bamboo and moss and the reds of maple leaves makes this place especially stunning in autumn!

One of Kyoto's most popular temples, Tenryuji was built in 1339 to pray for the departed soul of emperor Go-Daigo. As the temple is immersed in rich, vivid greenery, spectacular spots to see autumn leaves are spread throughout the site. One of the best of these is Sougenchi-teien, a garden with a pond. This garden still remains in almost the same shape as when it was created some 700 years ago. You’ll see the pond reflecting vividly colored autumn leaves, which is beyond amazing!

Mokichi Okada established this museum in 1952, intending to have an art museum in a garden that would blend natural and artificial beauty. Besides the art collections, there is a traditional Japanese house in which Mokichi Okada lived, a chashitsu (tea room), and several Japanese/Asian gardens exhibited outside, where you can enjoy gazing at the lovely seasonal change in nature.

This 14km long stream is located within the Towada Hachimantai National Park in the northern prefecture of Aomori. The area is said to have Japan’s deepest snowfall, which creates stunning landscapes and is one of the region’s key draws. A famous spot for autumn leaves in Japan, the Oirase Stream is carpeted with moss and ferns, making for a stunning contrast amid the deep reds of Japanese maple trees. You can enjoy trekking alongside the stream, taking about four and a half hours.

Rikugien was created in 1695 after seven years of planning and construction. Since then, it's been renowned as one of the most significant parks in Tokyo and a frequented spot for autumn leaves in Japan. Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa, who worked for Edo bakufu, was given this area to build his suburban residence, so he designed Rikugien and directed the construction himself.

Rikugien shows Yanagisawa's deep knowledge of literature. For example, the name Rikugien (六義園) is taken from the Rikutai (六体), which comprises the six categories of Japanese poetry. Known as Waka, Tsurayuki Kino set these in the 9th century to distinguish them from ancient Chinese poetry.

Entsūin Temple is located in Matsushima city in Miyagi Prefecture, where it is said to have one of Japan's top 3 significant views. There are alluring Japanese gardens on the site that show the beauty of the four seasons through nature, such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and so on.

Entsūin Temple holds its foliage illumination event in autumn from late October to mid-November. It’s a magical sight that’s thoroughly worthwhile. If you are interested in attending, you must purchase a special night admission ticket from the temple or nearby shops and restaurants. As it's generally hectic around the main gate at the event, buying a ticket in advance is advisable for smooth entry.

Toji is a World Heritage Site just a stone's throw from Kyoto Station, and it becomes even more marvelous in autumn. The view of the Goju-no-toh (five-storied pagoda) with surrounding foliage makes for postcard-perfect photos that are simply beyond stunning - among the very best for autumn leaves in Japan.

And if you stop by in the evening, you are in for a special treat. While autumn foliage illumination events from late October to early December, the ones at Kondo (金堂) and Kodo (講堂), which normally close at 5 pm, are open exclusively at night. And that's not all! You can also see inside the five-storied pagoda, which is generally closed to the public, between late October and late November.

Miidera is especially famous in spring, for its cherry blossoms, and in autumn, for its spectacular fall foliage. While Kyoto, where many temples and shrines are located quite close to each other, is typically super busy during this season and full of eager travelers, Miidera Temple is a relatively undiscovered gem. It remains rather calm and quiet in comparison. So, if you'd like to immerse yourself in beautiful autumn foliage to unwind, this would be the one for you.

Visit Tohoku during autumn, and you’re bound to see posters sporting similar spectacular views of Naruko Gorge. The 100-meter-deep gorge will be covered with vivid autumn foliage from mid-October to early November. You can grab the best view from the observation deck at Naruko Rest House, a restaurant and souvenir shop. There is also a 2.2km long trail called Obukasawa Yuuhodo, which affords superb views of foliage, rock formations, and the Daiya River.

Feeling like unique autumn foliage? Then you should visit the Hitachi Seaside Park - about 2 hours away from Tokyo. What colors the park in vivid red hues is not Japanese maple trees but rolling hills covered by balls of kochia, a tumbleweed-shaped plant.

Kochia's peak only lasts for 7-10 days. However, it shows a stunning color changing from green to pink, and from red to gold before and after autumn foliage. So, you won't regret visiting there even though you miss the peak.

Kinkakuji is said to substitute for Gokuraku-Jodo, the Pure Land of Perfect Bliss in Buddhism, on the land of the living. In fact, the combination of the golden reliquary hall and autumn foliage is too beautiful to be true! On clear autumn days, the shining reflection of the Golden Pavilion with blue sky and foliage in the pond is simply poetic. You’ll love wandering around the grounds and finding the perfect shots for your Facebook feed.

Ginkakuji, named as a twin of Kinkakuji, is another must-visit place in Kyoto where you can feel the beauty of Japanese autumn. Although it is considered as a twin to Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji has quite a sober look to it. This is because Yoshimasa Ashikaga, the eighth general of the Muromachi shogunate, reflected his sense of beauty, emphasizing simplicity and sophistication, through the construction of Ginkakuji. During autumn, you'll be able to experience the essence of Japanese "Wabi-Sabi" (an aesthetic view embracing acceptance of transience and imperfection) with beautifully colored leaves.

Minoh Falls in Osaka can't be missed if you are a nature lover. Winding up to the falls from the nearest train station is a peaceful, 2.7km long path alongside the Minoo River. Along the stroll up, you can enjoy not only autumn foliage but also the soothing gurgle of the river and fresh air filled with the sweet aroma of loam and falling leaves.

Tip: if you visit by taxi, ride directly to the falls and then walk down the trail to the station.

Genko-an, which has around a 670-year history, is renowned for "Satori no mado" and "Mayoi no mado," two picturesque windows offering outstanding vistas. Satori no mado, which means the Window of Enlightenment, symbolizes the mind of Zen with its circle. Mayoi no mado, which means the Window of Hesitation/Ambivalence, symbolizes the life of human beings with its square shape.

And the garden full of autumn colors seen through the windows is absolutely fascinating – one that you wouldn't want to miss!

Besides the solemnity of the temple, which has a history running back some 1200 years, one of the charms of Sanzen-in is its cute little Jizo statues, called Warabe (Child) Jizo. These playful stone figures come in a variety of forms. You'll see many of them posing in different ways, from sitting and lying down, around the pond and temple grounds. In the season of autumn foliage, the leaves fall off on Warabe Jizo and make the scenery seem even more mysterious.

Situated on the slope of Mount Ogura-yama, Jojakkoji Temple is surrounded by Japanese maples and other kinds of trees that also change color during autumn. The temple immersed in a serene forest of reds will give you a fantastic memory to keep close to your heart forever!

Ritsurin Garden is an extensive and important cultural property that took over 100 years to finish construction. There are six ponds and 13 artificial hills around the site, which is breathtaking in each season. Autumn is exceptionally fantastic. One of the most famous sceneries here is the fall leaves with their reflection across the pond's mirror-like surface. You can enjoy the views by strolling through the park, or from a Japanese boat as the Tonosama feudal lords did in ages past!

When you think of Tokyo, neon, urban images of Shibuya or Shinjuku might come first to mind. But did you know that the city is actually home to one of the world’s most popular mountains – attracting some 2.6 million visitors annually? Mount Takao is one of the best places to see autumn leaves, and is easily accessible from downtown Tokyo.

To the top, where you can encounter the most beautiful views of autumn foliage, there are various courses. You can choose one to suit your condition/level of confidence in hiking. And if hiking isn’t quite for you, no worries: there is even a cable car to take you close to the top.

Here is another suggestion for autumn leaves in Tokyo! This street, Meiji Jingu Gaien, is a popular filming location known for its beautiful rows of golden ginkgo trees. You might've seen it before in Japanese TV programs/films. In late autumn, the ginkgo trees all go yellow, and their fallen leaves cover the street. It is refreshing to walk through the tender yellow tunnel, and you might even forget that you are in the middle of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle.

Autumn foliage for a night owl? Yes, there it is in Tokyo, too!

One of Tokyo’s largest parks, Showa Memorial Park holds its Autumn Leaves Festival from early to late November. During this period, the park is exclusively open at night. As a part of the festival, they light up a row of ginkgo trees and the Japanese garden as the Autumn Night Walk.

The laid-back village of Nagatoro is popular for its traditional cruises down the Arakawa River – a tour called the Line Kudari that simply can't be missed! In autumn, the trees all along the river turn into reds and yellows, which make for an extraordinary view when reflected in the water. In addition to the boating experience, you can also enjoy other choices such as train or ropeway, to enjoy the autumn foliage in the surrounding area.

For those who love driving, Irohazaka would be the best place to see the autumn foliage. It is a long, curvy mountain road connecting Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, and Oku Nikko. When you want to stop by to take in some fresh air or snap a picture of the wonderful view, there are some observation stops along the road.

Located in Yoro Town, Gifu Prefecture, Yoro Falls is renowned as a prime spot for autumn foliage, drawing many visitors each fall. The 30-meter-high waterfall cascades gracefully between trees dressed in vivid shades of red and yellow—an awe-inspiring sight to behold. This area is also home to the famous “Filial Piety Legend,” allowing visitors to enjoy not only the beauty of nature but also the history and folklore surrounding the site.

A well-maintained walking trail leads to the falls, offering a relaxing stroll while admiring the colorful autumn scenery along the way. The adjacent Yoro Park is also spectacular in autumn, with Japanese maples and ginkgo trees vividly expressing the season’s deepening colors.

The Metasequoia Avenue stretches for about 2.4 kilometers, lined with towering metasequoia trees. In autumn, their leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange, creating a straight road that looks like something out of a picture book. The Hira Mountain Range rises majestically in the background, also dressed in autumn colors, offering a truly grand panorama. The surrounding area is well-equipped with hot spring facilities and campgrounds, making it an ideal place to enjoy the autumn foliage while relaxing in nature.

Located in Takahagi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hananuki Gorge is a celebrated autumn foliage spot known for its beautiful natural scenery where clear streams and vibrant fall colors intertwine. In autumn, the maples and Japanese maples along the Hananuki River blaze with vivid hues, creating a stunning contrast with the flowing waters.

A highlight is the view from the Shiomi Falls Suspension Bridge, where red and yellow leaves seem to embrace the gorge in a breathtaking panorama. It’s a photographer’s dream, attracting countless visitors every year. Well-maintained walking trails allow for a leisurely stroll while listening to the gentle murmur of the river.

During the autumn foliage season, the Hananuki Gorge Autumn Foliage Festival is also held, featuring local specialty products and various events for visitors to enjoy.

Located in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, Ichinokurasawa on Mt. Tanigawa is a breathtaking autumn foliage spot that symbolizes the arrival of fall. The dramatic rocky cliffs and forests dressed in brocade-like colors create a scene where you can feel both the rugged power and delicate beauty of one of Japan’s three great rock walls.

The autumn colors begin along the high ridges and gradually descend to the mid-slopes from early October, reaching their peak around Ichinokurasawa in mid to late October. If you are lucky enough to visit during the season’s first snowfall, you may witness a rare and spectacular sight known as the “three-tier foliage” — the white snowcapped cliffs, vibrant autumn leaves, and the lingering greens of beech and rowan trees all in harmony. It’s a view well worth seeing.

Tsubakuro Valley, a scenic viewpoint along the Bandai-Azuma Skyline in Fukushima City, transforms into a breathtaking panorama in autumn, as the entire valley is painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. From the 95-meter-long Fudosawa Bridge, the view down into the valley—some 80 to 84 meters below—is truly spectacular, and on clear days you can even see the city of Fukushima in the distance.

Situated at an elevation of about 1,300 to 1,600 meters, the autumn foliage here typically reaches its peak earlier than in lower areas, from late September to late October. Brilliant leaves from mountain ash, maples, and white birch cover the valley like a giant brocade painting, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Located about a 60-minute drive from Takayu Onsen, it offers both convenient access and the opportunity to enjoy a scenic drive and autumn foliage stroll. On sunny days, the observatories along the Skyline provide panoramic views of the mountains and the colorful valley below, making it a perfect spot for photography.