Autumn colors 2025

Mid September to mid October
Daisetsuzan National Park is the first place in Japan to welcome autumn. From mid-September, fiery colors light up the alpine trails around Mount Asahidake, Ginsendai, and Kogen Onsen. By early October, the foliage spreads to lower areas like Sounkyo, offering stunning views for hikers and visitors alike.

Late September to mid-October
Shiretoko National Park offers breathtaking autumn scenery on Japan’s remote northeastern coast. In early October, vibrant colors appear around Shiretoko Pass, followed by rich hues surrounding the Shiretoko Five Lakes in mid-October—perfect for nature walks and quiet scenic escapes.

Early to mid October
Noboribetsu transforms into a vivid autumn landscape in October, as the forests around the dramatic Hell Valley and steaming sulfur ponds burst into fiery reds and golds. The contrast between volcanic terrain and colorful trees creates one of Hokkaido’s most striking seasonal scenes.

Mid to late October
Onuma Park, near Hokkaido’s southern tip, comes alive with autumn colors in late October. Gentle walking trails wind around scenic ponds and forested islands, offering a peaceful way to enjoy the season’s warm hues against a backdrop of Mount Komagatake’s volcanic silhouette.

Mid to late October
Sapporo, the lively capital of Hokkaido, transforms into a sea of warm autumn colors as October progresses. Parks like Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park, and the gardens around Hokkaido University glow in shades of red, gold, and orange. With wide walking paths, ponds, and quiet tree-lined avenues, the city offers a relaxing way to enjoy the season — all set against the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Early to late October
Hachimantai offers some of Japan’s most stunning autumn landscapes, with vibrant foliage blanketing the mountains from late September. Highlights include the summit of Mount Hachimantai, the steaming paths near Goshogake Onsen and Onuma Pond, as well as the scenic hot spring towns of Tamagawa and Nyuto Onsen.

Late October
Lake Towada and Oirase Stream in Aomori are among Japan’s top autumn destinations. In mid to late October, golden and crimson leaves surround the lake’s deep blue waters, while a scenic trail follows the Oirase Stream through a colorful forest filled with waterfalls, mossy rocks, and serene woodland views.

Late October to early November
Naruko Gorge, nestled in the mountains west of Sendai, is one of Tohoku’s most iconic autumn spots. In late October to early November, the steep cliffs and forests burst into fiery reds and yellows. Walking trails offer spectacular views, especially the famous sight of Ofukazawa Bridge framed by vibrant foliage.

Early to late October
Urabandai, a scenic highland north of Mount Bandai, is known for its colorful autumn landscapes in October. Hiking trails wind past reflective ponds and quiet forests, while sightseeing roads like the Bandai-Azuma Lake Line offer panoramic views of the vibrant foliage across the mountainous terrain.

Late November to early December
Rikugien is one of Tokyo’s most elegant Japanese gardens, especially enchanting during autumn. In late November, the maple and ginkgo trees surrounding its central pond turn brilliant shades of red and gold. During the peak season, the garden hosts evening illuminations, casting a magical glow over the serene landscape.

Late November to early December
Koishikawa Korakuen ranks among Tokyo’s finest traditional gardens and becomes especially beautiful in late November. Winding paths, stone bridges, and reflective ponds are framed by vivid maple and ginkgo trees, making it one of the city’s most peaceful and picturesque places to enjoy the autumn colors.

Late November to early December
Icho Namiki (Ginkgo Avenue) in Meiji-jingu Gaien Park is Tokyo’s most iconic ginkgo-lined street. In late November, rows of golden trees—neatly pruned into elegant shapes—form a glowing tunnel of yellow leaves, drawing crowds for strolls and photos beneath their vibrant canopy.

Mid to late November
Mount Takao offers a perfect autumn escape just 50 minutes from Shinjuku. This forested mountain features scenic hiking trails, a mountaintop temple, and sweeping views framed by brilliant fall foliage from mid to late November, making it a favorite for both nature lovers and day-trippers from Tokyo.

Late September to mid October
Oze National Park, located around 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, is a unique autumn destination known for its vast marshlands and scenic hiking trails. In late September, the highland grasses shift into warm tones of red and gold—called kusamomiji—transforming the wetlands around Ozenuma Pond into a glowing carpet of color beneath the surrounding mountains.

Early October to mid November
Nikko is one of Japan’s top autumn spots, glowing with vibrant colors from October to November. Early to mid-October sees the brightest hues in Okunikko, near Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. As the weeks pass, central Nikko and its temple areas shift to deep reds and golds, drawing weekend visitors to its mountains, waterfalls, and historic shrines.

Mid to late October
Mount Tanigawadake in Minakami offers striking autumn scenery from late September to mid-November. Hikers can enjoy colorful mountain trails or ride the ropeway for panoramic views. Around Minakami’s valleys, the foliage lasts into mid-November, blending with rivers, forests, and hot spring resorts.

Mid November
Sakurayama Park in Gunma Prefecture offers a rare and magical autumn sight—thousands of winter-blooming cherry blossoms flowering alongside vibrant fall foliage. This stunning blend of pink and crimson occurs from mid to late November, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape. Located about two hours from Tokyo, the park is best accessed by rental car due to limited public transportation.

Late October to mid November
Fuji Five Lakes, at Mount Fuji’s northern base, is a top spot for autumn views of Japan’s iconic peak. Colors start in early October near the 5th Station and reach the lake shores by early to mid-November, when Lake Kawaguchiko glows with red and gold reflected against Fuji’s silhouette.

Late October to mid November
Shosenkyo Gorge near Kofu is often called Japan’s most beautiful gorge, and autumn elevates its charm. From late October to mid-November, cliffs, waterfalls, and clear streams are surrounded by vivid red, gold, and orange leaves. Scenic trails and viewpoints make it an unforgettable place to enjoy the season.

Early to late November
Hakone shows beautiful autumn colors from early to late November, starting in high areas like Owakudani and moving down to Lake Ashi. Red and yellow hues pair perfectly with hot springs, mountains, and traditional inns, creating a relaxing autumn escape near Tokyo.

Late November to mid December
Kamakura, the historic coastal town south of Tokyo, offers a calm autumn atmosphere with colors appearing later than elsewhere. Early December brings vibrant foliage to temples like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Hasedera, and Engakuji, where seasonal hues enhance serene gardens and centuries-old architecture.

Late September to early November
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route enjoys a long autumn season due to its huge elevation range. From late September, Murodo’s high peaks turn red and gold, with colors gradually descending into early November. Cable cars, lakes, valleys, and the Kurobe Dam all offer shifting, stunning views of vibrant mountain foliage.

Mid to late October
Kamikōchi, deep in the Northern Japanese Alps, becomes one of Japan’s most breathtaking autumn landscapes as October peaks. The larch forests around Kappa Bridge turn golden, while the Azusa River reflects the season’s vivid colors. With serene trails and towering alpine scenery, it’s an unforgettable escape into Japan’s mountain wilderness.

Late October to mid November
Kurobe Gorge in the Northern Japan Alps offers some of Japan’s most dramatic autumn scenery. From mid to late October, its steep forests glow red, orange, and gold. The Kurobe Gorge Railway winds through tunnels and bridges along the turquoise river, giving riders stunning views of the vibrant foliage.

Mid to late November
Korankei near Nagoya is one of Japan’s top autumn spots. In November, the valley glows with red and gold maples along the Tomoe River and Mount Iimori. Night illuminations create a magical tunnel of color, while food stalls and seasonal treats add a lively, festive atmosphere.

Mid November to Early December
Kyoto is one of Japan’s top spots for autumn colors, with temples, gardens, and mountains glowing in reds and golds from mid-November to early December. Famous sites like Kiyomizudera, Eikando, and Arashiyama offer stunning views, while evening light-ups add a magical touch to the fall scenery.

Late October to late November
Nara blends rich history with seasonal beauty as autumn colors transform its ancient parks and temple grounds from late October to late November. Stroll among free-roaming deer in Nara Park under golden ginkgo and maple trees, and visit landmarks like Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha, framed by warm autumn hues.

Mid to late October
Koyasan in Wakayama is a sacred mountain famed for its temples and ancient cedar forests. From mid to late October, vibrant red and gold leaves frame Okunoin and Danjo Garan. Colorful maples, mossy lanterns, and cool mountain air create a serene, almost otherworldly autumn experience.

Late October to mid-November
Arima Onsen, tucked behind Mount Rokko in Hyogo, is one of Japan’s oldest and most scenic hot spring towns. From late October to mid-November, the hills glow in red, orange, and gold. Visitors can stroll along the river, ride the Arima-Rokko ropeway, or relax in the famous baths surrounded by autumn colors.

Mid November
Miyajima near Hiroshima blends cultural heritage with stunning autumn colors. From mid to late November, Momijidani Park glows with red and gold maples behind Itsukushima Shrine. Visitors can also take the Mount Misen ropeway for sweeping views of the island and Inland Sea covered in autumn foliage.

Late October to early November
Mount Daisen, the tallest peak in the Chugoku Region, is a premier autumn destination in Tottori Prefecture. From mid to late October, its slopes are covered in vibrant maple and beech trees that turn brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange. Well-maintained hiking trails and forest walks around Daisen-ji Temple offer stunning views of the foliage against the rugged mountain backdrop. The crisp mountain air and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot for nature lovers during the autumn season.

Late October to mid-November
Iya Valley in Tokushima is one of Shikoku’s most scenic autumn spots. From late October to mid-November, its cliffs and forests turn vivid red and gold. Visitors can cross the Kazurabashi vine bridge, drive through colorful mountain roads, or relax in hot springs surrounded by autumn views.

Late October to mid-November
Oboke and Koboke Gorges in Tokushima offer striking autumn views along the emerald Yoshino River. From late October to mid-November, the steep cliffs glow with red, orange, and yellow foliage. Sightseeing boats and nearby viewpoints let visitors enjoy the colorful, dramatic landscape up close.

Mid to late November
Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, especially in autumn. From mid to late November, colorful maple and ginkgo trees surround peaceful ponds and stone bridges. Visitors can stroll scenic paths, sip tea, or enjoy a boat ride through the seasonal scenery.

Early to mid October
The Kuju Mountains in Oita boast Kyushu’s highest peaks and stunning autumn scenery. From early to mid-October, volcanic slopes and grasslands turn red, orange, and gold. Trails near Kuju Flower Park and Mount Kuju offer sweeping views, making this area a standout foliage spot in mild-climate Kyushu.

Early to mid October
Mount Aso in Kumamoto offers an impressive autumn landscape within one of the world’s largest calderas. From early to mid-October, the grasslands of Kusasenri turn shades of red, orange, and gold, with steaming craters providing a dramatic backdrop. Walking trails and viewpoints along the crater rim make it one of Kyushu’s most beautiful fall destinations.