đ Autumn
Japan Autumn Foliage Guide
Koyo season â October through December
What is Koyo? (į´ č)
đī¸
Hokkaido
Late September
đ
Honshu
October â November
đŋ
Kyushu
Late November
Top Autumn Foliage Spots
Nikko National Park
Nikko, Tochigi
One of Japan's most spectacular autumn spots. Brilliant reds and golds surround ornate UNESCO shrines and temples. The cedar-lined avenues turn golden in October.
đ Nikko Station (Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa)
Arashiyama
Kyoto, Kyoto
Kyoto's scenic western district blazes with autumn color. The hillsides along the Hozu River turn deep red and orange, complementing the bamboo groves and temples.
đ Arashiyama Station (Hankyu or Keifuku Line)
Daisetsuzan National Park
Kamikawa, Hokkaido
Japan's earliest autumn color â peak foliage arrives in late September. Japan's largest national park with stunning mountain panoramas in red, orange, and yellow.
đ Asahikawa Airport + bus, or Asahikawa Station + bus
Kiyomizudera Temple
Kyoto, Kyoto
The iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizudera surrounded by fiery maple trees is one of Japan's most photographed autumn scenes. Night illuminations make it magical.
đ Bus from Kyoto Station, then 10 min walk
Lake Towada
Towada, Aomori
A volcanic caldera lake surrounded by forests that turn vivid red and orange. The reflected colors on the still water create mirror-like reflections.
đ JR Hachinohe Station + bus (2 hours)
Korankei Valley
Toyota, Aichi
A narrow valley packed with over 4,000 maple trees. During the annual fall festival, the valley is illuminated at night, turning the gorge into a glowing sea of red.
đ Meitetsu Toyota Line to Toyota-shi, then bus