{"id":10011,"date":"2015-09-08T16:36:11","date_gmt":"2015-09-08T15:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.insidejapantours.com\/?p=10011"},"modified":"2024-08-21T13:58:51","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T12:58:51","slug":"our-top-10-places-to-see-autumn-leaves-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/09\/08\/our-top-10-places-to-see-autumn-leaves-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"10 places to see autumn leaves in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Updated for 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Japan is extremely proud of its seasons (seriously, you\u2019d think nowhere else in the world had them) \u2014 and for good reason. From mid-September until the beginning of November, Japan\u2019s deciduous trees begin to change colour, painting mountains, parks and forests in a vibrant palette of reds, oranges and golds.<\/p>\n<p>Just as the parks and countryside are packed with revellers gathering for <em>hanami<\/em> (blossom-viewing) parties in spring, during autumn, the Japanese flock to their favourite spots to appreciate the fall foliage (called <em>koyo<\/em> or <em>momiji<\/em> \u2013 two readings of the same characters: \u7d05\u8449).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2018\/09\/07\/top-10-things-to-do-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Top 10 things to do in Japan<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Like the cherry blossom, the <em>koyo<\/em> front sweeps along the length of the country over the course of a few weeks \u2014 but while the cherry blossom begins in Okinawa and spreads north, the autumn leaves begin in northern Hokkaido and travel south. They also tend to stick around for a little longer than the cherry blossom, making them easier to catch than their more fleeting pink counterparts.<\/p>\n<p>Every Japanese person will have their own favourite autumn leaf-peeping spot. But for those who haven\u2019t had a lifetime to decide, we\u2019ve put together a list of our top 10 favourite places to see the turning leaves.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>1. Kyoto\u2019s temples<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10023\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10023\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10023\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200.jpg\" alt=\"Tofuku-ji Temple, Kyoto\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Tofukuji_Kyoto01bs3200-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10023\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tofuku-ji Temple, Kyoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s not for nothing that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/15\/escape-the-crowds-in-kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a> is known as the \u201cCity of Ten Thousand Temples\u201d, and it\u2019s at these shrines and gardens that you\u2019ll see some of Japan\u2019s finest autumn leaves. The colours begin to come out in mid-November and can last until early December. The evening is often the best time to visit, when the trees are beautifully illuminated.<\/p>\n<p>While most of the crowds flock to Tofuku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, we recommend heading to Daigo-ji Temple on the outskirts of the city. One of our favourite temples at any time of year, Daigo-ji is completely stunning in the autumn, and barely known to outsiders.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Do it: <\/em><\/strong><em>Our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-soh\/spirit-of-honshu\/\">Spirit of Honshu<\/a> <em>Small Group Tour stops off in Kyoto for the autumn colours (November departure), but if that&#8217;s sold out, take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-as\/autumn-splendour\/\">&#8216;Autumn Splendour&#8217;<\/a> Self Guided Adventure.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>2. Hokkaido\u2019s national parks<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10013\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10013\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10013 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan.jpg\" alt=\"Daisetsuzan National Park autumn leaves in Japan\" width=\"1000\" height=\"753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan-900x678.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan-720x542.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan-390x294.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan-780x587.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Daisetsuzan-510x384.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10013\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dramatic scenery in Daisetsuzan National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Japan\u2019s northernmost island is rarely visited by foreign tourists, yet it boasts some of the best autumn colours in the country. With huge tracts of wilderness, mountains, volcanoes, plains, lakes and hot springs, this is a stunning place to witness autumn leaves. Our favourite spots include the Daisetsuzan National Park (the first place in Japan to see autumn colours, in mid-September) and the rugged Shiretoko Peninsula.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on where you go in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-regions\/hokkaido\/\">Hokkaido<\/a>, you can find autumn colours here from mid-September until late October.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Travel to Hokkaido in the autumn on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-wdh\/wild-hokkaido\/\">Wild Hokkaido<\/a> Self-Guided Adventure.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>3. The Hachimantai Mountains, Tohoku<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10021\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10021\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10021 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai.jpg\" alt=\"Lovely Onuma Pond in the Hachimantai Mountains\" width=\"1000\" height=\"584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai-900x526.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai-720x420.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai-390x228.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai-780x456.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/onuma-pond-hachimantai-510x298.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10021\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lovely Onuma Pond in the Hachimantai Mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-regions\/tohoku\/\">Tohoku<\/a>, the little-visited northern region of Japan\u2019s mainland, lies one of the very best autumn spots in all of Japan: the Hachimantai Mountains. They\u2019re a little bit out of the way if you\u2019re only on a short trip, but if you want to get off the beaten track, these mountains in the north of Akita and Iwate Prefectures are resplendent throughout October.<\/p>\n<p>In this region you\u2019ll also find some fantastic hot spring towns and hiking trails, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a more traditional, rural experience of Japan.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it: <\/strong>Our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-ans\/a-northern-soul\/\">A Northern Soul<\/a> <em>Small Group Tour will take you to Tohoku for the autumn leaves (October departure).<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>4. Tokyo<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10015\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10015\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10015\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko.jpg\" alt=\"Tokyo's famous Gingko Avenue\" width=\"1000\" height=\"757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko-900x681.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko-720x545.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko-390x295.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko-780x590.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/gingko-510x386.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10015\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tokyo&#8217;s famous Gingko Avenue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Though it\u2019s not as spectacular as the national parks of the north, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a> is the starting point of almost every Japan itinerary \u2013 and it boasts some excellent autumn leaves in its parks and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n<p>As well as the famous Gingko Avenue (Icho Namiki), lined with yellow-leafed gingko trees, Rikugien Park and Koishikawa Korakuen Park are great places to admire a variety of autumn colours.<\/p>\n<p>A little way out of Tokyo, meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/mount-takao\/\">Mount Takao<\/a> is another popular spot. The leaves here turn slightly earlier than in the city due to the higher altitude, so if you\u2019re visiting in mid-November this is your best shout for autumn colours.<\/p>\n<p>In general, the best time to see the leaves in Tokyo is from late November into early December.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Travel on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-as\/autumn-splendour\/\">Autumn Splendour<\/a> Self-Guided Adventure to experience the best of Japan in autumn.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>5. Lake Towada and Oirase Stream, Tohoku<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10024\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10024\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10024 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada.jpg\" alt=\"Lake Towada\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-900x1351.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-720x1081.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-390x585.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-780x1171.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Towada-510x766.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10024\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lake Towada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Heading up north again, the next spot on our list is Tohoku\u2019s beautiful Lake Towada, not far from the Hachimantai Mountains mentioned above. Together with nearby Oirase Stream, this is one of Japan\u2019s most famous autumn spots, displaying magnificent autumn colours from late October until early November.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\">Get in touch<\/a> with one of our expert consultants to start planning a tailor-made trip to Tohoku now.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>6. Nikko<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10018\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10018\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10018 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158.jpg\" alt=\"Stunning Nikko autumn leaves in Japan\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Japan_158-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10018\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of our favourite destinations full stop, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/01\/05\/nikko-is-nippon\/\">Nikko<\/a> is just a couple of hours\u2019 train ride from Tokyo, making it easily accessible even on the shortest of trips. The final resting place of Japan\u2019s most famous shogun, Nikko\u2019s elaborate temple complex is set against the backdrop of a beautiful national park and is particularly attractive from early October until mid-November.<\/p>\n<p>After you\u2019ve explored the region\u2019s cultural offerings, be sure to make time to head out into the surrounding forests. The area surrounding Lake Chuzenji and the hot spring town of Yumoto Onsen is where the leaves are most beautiful.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-je\/japan-enchantment\/\">Japan Enchantment<\/a> Small Group Tour takes advantage of the autumn leaves in Nikko (September, October and November departures). Nikko also features in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-asc\/autumn-splendour\/\">Autumn Splendour<\/a> Self-Guided Adventure.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>7. Kamikochi<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-26009 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1.jpg\" alt=\"autumn leaves in Japan kamikochi \" width=\"1145\" height=\"858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1.jpg 1145w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-900x674.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-390x292.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-780x584.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/840-1-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1145px) 100vw, 1145px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Meaning \u201cland of the gods\u201d, Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps really is a paradise for hikers and nature-lovers \u2013 and it\u2019s arguably at its most impressive in the autumn months.<\/p>\n<p>The drive up through the mountains is stupendous, but the views in the park are even better (especially when you\u2019ve just slogged to the top of a mountain for them). Reward yourself afterwards with a big bowl of noodles and a nice, long soak in an outdoor hot spring bath.<\/p>\n<p>Kamikochi usually sees its autumn colours fairly early in the season, from late September to mid-October. The park closes in November, so be sure to check your dates before you travel.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Join our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-cj\/classic-japan\/\">Classic Japan<\/a> Small Group Tour to see the autumn leaves in Kamikochi (September and October departures). Alternatively, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\">get in touch<\/a> with one of our expert consultants to start planning a tailor-made trip to Kamikochi now.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>8. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10016\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn colours\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hachimantai-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A novel way to appreciate Japan\u2019s autumn colours is to travel the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tateyama_Kurobe_Alpine_Route\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route<\/a>, which links Toyama City with Omachi Town via a combination of trains, cable cars, buses and ropeways.<\/p>\n<p>Autumn leaves love high altitudes, so along this route, you\u2019ll see a wide array of different colours at different elevations. Visit any time between late September and early November and you\u2019ll be sure to see some spectacular <em>koyo<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Do it: <\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/about-us\/contact-us\/\">Get in touch<\/a> with one of our expert consultants to start planning a tailor-made trip to include the Kurobe Alpine Route. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route\u00a0also features in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-fdhc\/alpine-adventure-family-driving-holiday\/\">Alpine Adventure: Family Driving Holiday Self-Guided Adventure<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>9. Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10012\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10012\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10012\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d.jpg\" alt=\"Kenrokuen: Beautiful at any time of year\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d-900x598.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d-720x478.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d-780x518.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/3062620213_1379b0b53a_o_d-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10012\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kenrokuen: Beautiful at any time of year<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Easily accessed on the Hokuriku bullet train line, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2017\/05\/19\/kanazawa-24-hours\/\">Kanazawa<\/a> is one of our top destinations in Japan. Known as \u201cLittle Kyoto\u201d for its impressive collection of temples, shrines and gardens, it has plenty of great places to see the autumn leaves \u2013 but the best is Kenrokuen, one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Take our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-tjs\/traditional-japan\/\">Traditional Japan<\/a> Self-Guided Adventure during the autumn for a chance to see Kanazawa&#8217;s beautiful autumn colours. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-ju\/japan-unmasked\/\">Japan Unmasked<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-je\/japan-enchantment\/\">Japan Enchantment<\/a> Small Group Tours also include Kanazawa and have autumn departures.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>10. Miyajima<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-26052\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1013\" height=\"678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1.jpg 1013w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-564x377.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-900x602.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-robert.lamb%40me.com-1-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1013px) 100vw, 1013px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the most popular destinations in Japan, this tiny island across the bay from Hiroshima is famous for its friendly deer, World Heritage Shrine, and \u201cfloating\u201d torii gate. Though it\u2019s a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, we particularly love to wander Momijidani (\u201cMaple Valley\u201d) Park and the slopes of Mount Misen in autumn.<\/p>\n<p>Miyajima usually enjoys its autumn colours from mid-October until mid-December, peaking around the 15th of November.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-boje\/best-of-japan\/\">Best of Japan<\/a> Self-Guided Adventure is a superb introduction to the country and includes a visit to Miyajima.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Bonus: The Shin-Etsu Trail<\/h2>\n<p>Last but not least, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/08\/hiking-in-japan-the-shin-etsu-trail\/\">Shin-Etsu Trail<\/a><\/strong> offers autumn colours with a twist. A 70-kilometre (44-mile) hiking path that follows the ridge of the Sekida Mountains between the prefectures of Niigata and Nagano, this hike will take you through dense cedar forests, peaceful beech woods, grassy marshland and knife-edge ridgelines. Compared with some of Japan\u2019s better-known hikes, it\u2019s a blissfully peaceful trail and easy to follow on your own \u2013 though we recommend enlisting a guide, at least for your first day.<\/p>\n<p>The Shin-Etsu Trail makes for one of the best spots to view autumn leaves in Japan, and you&#8217;ll find the trees are typically at their finest from late September through to mid-October.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Do it:<\/strong> Get in touch with one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/\">Japan holidays<\/a> experts to find out how to include all or part of the Shin-Etsu Trail on your Japan trip.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/18\/japan-autumn-leaves-by-month\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Best places to see the autumn leaves by month in Japan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"border-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #ffffff; background: 3px 50% \/ 14px 14px no-repeat scroll #bd081c; position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer;\">Save<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F10011\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Updated for 2021 Japan is extremely proud of its seasons (seriously, you\u2019d think nowhere else in the world had them) \u2014 and for good reason. From mid-September until the beginning of November, Japan\u2019s deciduous trees begin to change colour, painting mountains, parks and forests in a vibrant [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2361],"tags":[1810,1880,2574,2575,2576,4976,4979],"class_list":["post-10011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-when-to-go-to-japan","tag-koyo","tag-momiji","tag-autumn-leaves","tag-top-ten","tag-fall-colours","tag-japan-in-autumn","tag-autumn-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10011"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34050,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10011\/revisions\/34050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}