As a Japanese national with a passion for travel, I've had the chance to visit countless breathtaking spots across the country. The locations on this list are not only personal favorites but are also widely recognized among locals as some of the best places to experience autumn colors. Many of these destinations frequently top the "best places for fall foliage" rankings on popular Japanese travel websites for various areas. While a few may already be familiar to international visitors, many are hidden gems that are less known outside Japan, offering a more authentic and awe-inspiring experience for those eager to explore.

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.

The best time to visit to see autumn leaves is after mid-November. However, it starts to color at the end of October.

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 Shinjuku Gyoen was originally made for the royal family.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.

The best time for autumn leaves here is from early November to early December.

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.

The best time for autumn leaves is from mid to late November.

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!

The best time for autumn leaves is from late November to early December.

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!

The best time for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from early November to late November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is late October.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December. Leaves here often are illuminated in the evening, making for a magical experience.

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.

The best times for autumn leaves are:
・Around rock garden - from late October to mid-November
・Shinji no Ike Pond - from early November to late November
・Sankeiden - from mid-November

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from late November to early December.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid to late November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid-October to early November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is mid-October.

Opening hours: Vary seasonally. Please check the official website.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from late November to early December.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

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!

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid to late November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid to late November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid to late November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

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 best season for autumn leaves is from early to late November.

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.

The best season for autumn leaves is from early to late November.

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.