Together with spring, autumn is the best time to visit Japan. When the trees turn colorful, everything around looks magical. Check out this list of 10 things to do in Japan during autumn!
1. Visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Koishikawa Korakuen represents a traditional Japanese garden located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The garden has many ponds, stones, hills and is very rich in vegetation. The scenery is particularly attractive in spring when the plum trees and the cherry blossoms start to flower and in autumn when the trees turn colorful. It is one of the best autumn leaf viewing spots in Tokyo.
Information
- Access: outside Korakuen Station
- Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-0004
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Price: 300 yen
- Holiday: December 29 to January 3
- Website: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/
2. Stroll Momijidani Park
The best place to see autumn colors on Miyajima Island is Momijidani Park, an attractive garden located along a river at the foot of Mount Misen. There are over 200 maple trees that create a painting-like image, attracting many tourists every year. You can also enjoy eating the famous momiji manju, a maple shaped sweet that was named after the park.
Information
- Access: Miyajima ferry station
3. Go to Jigokudani
Jigokudani, the Hell Valley in Hokkaido appeared in the explosion crater of Mount Kuttara and has many hot springs that are coming out from the valley. The main attraction of Jigokudani is Oyunuma Pond, a sulfurous pond wich has steam continuously coming out of it. The pond is very attractive during autumn when warm colors fill the surroundings. There is also a river flowing from the pond which also gives off steam, making the forests look like out this world.
Information
- Access: on several mountain trails from Noboribetsu Station
4. Visit Rikugien Garden
Rikugien is a big landscape garden in the heart of Tokyo. It is regarded as one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens. The name “Riikugien” means “six poems garden” and was given because the garden reproduces 88 scenes from different famous Japanese poems. The spacious garden consists of a small pond, a hill and several tree species. It is a very popular attraction in autumn when trees turn colorful.
Information
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Komagome Station
- Address: 6 Chome Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0021
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Price: 300 yen
- Holiday: December 29 to January 1
- Website: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/
5. Climb Mount Takao
Mount Takao represents one of the closest places to Tokyo where people can enjoy hiking. The 599-meter mountain offers beautiful views from the top, including views of Mount Fuji when weather permits it. There are eight trails that climb towards summit. All of them are barely developed besides trail number 1, which is the most used by visitors, being paved until the end. The mountain fills with colors in autumn, being a perfect place to visit during this season.
Information
- Access: Takaosanguchi Station
6. Visit Nikko National Park
Located just 125 km away from the capital, Nikko National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Japan. The Park features many attractions: Senjogahara Marsh, Chunzeji Temple, Lake Chunzeji, Hangestuyama Mountain, Yumoto Onsen, Kegon Waterfall, Ryuzu Waterfall, Akechidaira Plateau and Irohzaka Road. The autumn colors in the area are just stunning!
7. Go to Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is one of Mount Fuji’s five lakes, which was formed after the previous eruptions of the volcano. The area around the lake is extremely attractive and is the best place to see Mount Fuji up close without actually climbing it. Besides walking around the lake you can take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway and go to the observation deck of Mount Tenjo. The views are extraordinary! Lake Kawaguchi is also one of the best autumn leaf viewing spots in Japan. Few things can beat the views of Mount Fuji combined with colored leaves.
Information
- Access: Kawaguchiko Station
8. Stroll the Arashiyama area
Arashiyama is a mountain in the outskirts of Kyoto. The area is very famous for its autumn colors, attracting many tourists in autumn. The best way to enjoy the colored trees is by visiting the temples in Arashiyama: Gioji, Nisonin, Jojakkoki and Tenryuji. The mountain’s slopes provide a natural background for these temples, creating an amazing view.
Information
- Access: Arashiyama Station
9. Go to Korankei Valley
Korankei Valley is located in Nagoya and is best known for its autumn colors, representing the best autumn leaf viewing spot in Aichi Prefecture. The large valley goes along Mount Iimori, which houses Kojakuji Temple. The head priest of the temple planted many maple trees in the valley more than 400 years ago. Visitors who come to the area today can enjoy the beautiful trees that are now fully grown. The main attraction of the valley is Taigetsukyo, a vermillion bridge that looks very beautiful next to the colored trees.
Information
- Access: Korankei Station
10. Visit Minoo Park
Minoo Park is a mountainous area in the outskirts of Osaka which features a forested valley with a waterfall. The trail that goes to the waterfall is fully paved and passes by many other attractions like temples and shops. Beautiful in every season, the park gets a big number of visitors in autumn, when the colored trees offer spectacular sights.
Information
- Access: Minoo Station
Have a good trip and travel!
