From mid-September, the seemingly relentless summer heat finally begins to ease, with temperatures settling comfortably in the low 20s Celsius (around 70-75°F). Unlike North America and northern Europe, where autumn’s arrival calls for long coats, gloves, and heavy jackets, autumn in Japan starts off as sweater weather and stays relatively mild, with temperatures remaining warm until about mid-November.

For a city like Tokyo, with its diverse and distinct neighborhoods, autumn provides the perfect weather for exploration on foot. You can browse the browning pages of books in Jimbocho, the used book district, pick up some quirky fall fashion in Harajuku, or simply take in the season’s vibrant colors at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Autumn is a season of feasting, as new harvests bring an array of fresh flavors to the markets, tables, and streets of Japan. These seasonal specialties range from warm baked sweet potatoes, sold by street vendors, to earthy Matsutake mushrooms—an aromatic delicacy that can sell for at least 20,000 yen per kilogram.

Sanma (Pacific saury) is another autumnal favorite; its name literally translates to "autumn swordfish." Early September in Tokyo marks the arrival of autumn with a festival in Meguro dedicated to grilled Sanma. This affordable fish is most commonly enjoyed grilled, served with a side of grated radish and a squeeze of lemon.

In October, mikan (mandarin oranges) come into season. Known for its high standards for fruit, Japan offers these juicy citrus treats at their peak during the warm autumn months. For those wanting more than just a taste, a short trip to the coastal Shizuoka area offers the opportunity for a fun day of mikan picking.

Autumn-themed treats also appear in cafés and restaurants, showcasing the best of the season—from sweet potato lattes to mikan desserts.

Probably the most iconic symbol of autumn in Japan is the changing colors of the momiji (maple) leaves. These small maple leaves herald the start of autumn by gradually transforming the landscape into shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Despite Tokyo's reputation as a concrete jungle, the city boasts a wealth of beautiful foliage. Here are five spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy the vibrant autumn colors.

As with all seasons, autumn has its own smell and in Tokyo it’s the smell of ‘yaki imo’ or roasted sweet potato. Sold from back of trucks parked on what seems like every street corner, its sweet scent carries in the light autumn breeze. Once you get out of the city, autumn treks always have a nice earthy smell.

In October, the weather becomes cooler, increasing atmospheric visibility and making Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, more visible. A symbol of the country itself, the snowcapped volcano is a sight worth seeing. If you can’t make a day trip out to the Lake Kawaguchiko area or Hakone to see it, there is a good chance you will be able to see the peak on an early autumn morning from a highrise in Tokyo.

Japan is a country of festivals, and the transition from one season to the next is always celebrated. In summer, it’s a beautiful display of fireworks, spring is hanami which is cherry blossom viewing, winter has the city sparkling with illumination events, and in Autumn processions carrying mikoshi, a divine palanquin that is believed to be a vehicle of transport of a deity from one shrine to another in Shintoism.

The Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival in Nikko on October 16th and 17th features a procession of 1000 samurai warriors. These men dressed as soldiers from the Edo period in Japan's history march each year to commemorate the funeral procession for the first Tokugawa Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. There are traditional Japanese horseback archery demonstrations on the first day, followed by a parade with a Mikoshi being carried from Futarasan-jinja to Otabisho.

From mid-November to early December, Rikugien Garden features an after-dark autumnal illumination. Lights are strategically set up to create a spectacular nighttime viewing of the foliage. The garden stays open until 9pm during this festival and has food stalls set up around the main path.

An autumn festival popular around the world and brought to Japan by the west is Halloween. It may not be traditionally Japanese, but it has recently become a big part of the culture in Tokyo. Halloween-themed treats and decoration make their first appearances in mid-September, and most weekends in October have a Halloween-themed party going on somewhere. Halloween in Tokyo centers around dressing up and walking down either the streets of Kawasaki or Shibuya on Halloween weekend, which is nothing short of a fashion show. It's an array of classic costumes, homemade mishaps, homemade artistic wonders, pop culture references, and a few that are impossible to decipher.

Cosmos flowers begin blooming in mid-September, transforming the fields of Showa Kinen Park into a sea of white and pink, with the display lasting until mid-November.

Chrysanthemums, which bloom in November, hold a special place in Japanese culture. Frequently used in design patterns, they serve as the imperial family seal and are considered Japan's national flower. As they bloom, Tokyo hosts numerous exhibitions and events dedicated to this iconic flower.

Spider lilies are another autumnal marvel, staying true to the season’s vibrant red theme. Millions of these striking crimson flowers can be admired in the Kinchakuda fields in Hidaka, Saitama.

Roses also bloom around October, and one of the most enjoyable ways to see them is by riding the city tram, known as the Sakura Tram, named after the cherry trees and rose bushes that were planted along its route.

Theme parks offer a day filled with excitement, adrenaline, and laughter, but they can also be exhausting—especially when the lines are longer than the rides themselves, and the summer heat drains your energy. Autumn's cooler temperatures create the ideal conditions for a theme park visit, and with schools reopening around mid-September, destinations like Tokyo Dome, Fuji-Q Highland, Tokyo Disneyland, and DisneySea become excellent choices for day trips.

Soaking in hot springs is always a rejuvenating experience, with the therapeutic waters washing away the stresses of daily life and making your vacation in Japan all that more memorable. The cool autumn air and scenic views make this season perfect for a soak. Tokyo is surrounded by hot spring towns like Hakone, Atami, and Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi), each home to traditional Japanese ryokan inns that offer both private and public hot-spring baths. The combination of relaxing in the warm waters, enjoying delicious autumn-themed meals, and sleeping on soft, fluffy futons makes a ryokan stay in autumn feel like the ultimate spa day.

Japanese love spending their vacation traveling around their own country, and during long public and school holidays, most attractions are filled with local crowds. Notoriously patient people, they will queue for hours to eat a meal, see a show or visit a museum. Visiting anywhere during a public holiday or summer vacation can be a nightmare navigating through crowds, booked out hotels, and unavailable tickets. However, the lack of long public holidays in the autumn months resulting in fewer crowds and making it a great time to visit.

Japan’s autumn foliage is a treat for all your senses. The sights, smells, delicious cuisine, and abundance of festivals. It caters to all types of travelers, from active hikers, photographers, and foodies alike, and with its great weather, it becomes one of the best times to visit Japan!