Admire Japan’s Autumn Foliage – A 7-day itinerary to iconic fall destinations

Date: 2025.10.30

🍁 When Japan puts on its fiery Autumn coat

As the first cool breezes sweep through the air, Japan transforms into its most beautiful season of the year. Beyond its fame for cherry blossoms, Japan’s autumn foliage captivates travelers with a mesmerizing mix of nostalgic charm and vivid natural colors.

During autumn, the maple trees turn crimson, ginkgo leaves paint entire streets golden, and the sky shines a clear, endless blue. It’s a scene both tranquil and vibrant — a time not just to travel, but to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel nature with your soul.

🕰️ Best time to see Autumn leaves in Japan

The fall foliage season moves gradually from north to south. Here’s the ideal time to plan your trip:

– Hokkaido (North): Late September – Mid-October

– Tokyo, Kyoto (Central): Late October – Late November

– Kyushu (South): Mid-November – Early December

🎯 Note: The timing may vary each year depending on weather conditions. Keep an eye on the “Koyo Forecast” for accurate updates.

Recommended Autumn Foliage spots by region

HOKKAIDO REGION

1. Nakajima Park – Sapporo

– Located in central Sapporo
– Features a lake, rowboats, Western-style buildings & traditional Japanese gardens
Best viewing: Mid to late October
→ Highly recommended if your tour starts in Hokkaido or early in the season.

TOHOKU REGION

2. Lake Choro – Miyagi Prefecture

– Forest trails with views from Yamabiko Suspension Bridge
– Peaceful lakeside scenery reflecting autumn colors
– Peak season: Late October – Mid-November

3. Bandai-Azuma Skyline – Fukushima

– Known as “Japan’s Arizona” – a scenic drive surrounded by fiery red leaves
– Best from late September to early October (earlier than other regions)
– Stop by Fudosawa Bridge for panoramic valley photos

CHUBU REGION

4. Hida Folk Village – Gifu

– Near Takayama, featuring thatched-roof houses and lantern-lit evenings
– Ideal for routes connecting Hakone → Kyoto → Takayama
– Best season: Mid-October – Mid-November

5. Metasequoia Tree Avenue – Shiga

– Near Lake Biwa, about 1–1.5 hours from Kyoto by train
– A breathtaking 2.5 km avenue of golden dawn redwoods
– Peak color: Late November – Early December

KANSAI REGION

6. Sagano Scenic Railway – Kyoto

– Near Arashiyama, perfect to pair with bamboo forest visits
– Offers both daytime and illuminated night rides

7. Daisen Park Japanese Garden – Sakai, Osaka

– Combines traditional and modern garden styles
– Tea ceremony and night light-up events in November

8. Isuien Garden – Nara

– Classic garden with a reflective pond, close to Todai-ji Temple
– Combine with Nara Park and Todai-ji for a full-day experience

CHUGOKU REGION

9. Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle – Okayama

– The “Castle in the Clouds” with a sea of mist at dawn
– Best season: Mid to late November

KYUSHU REGION

10. Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple – Fukuoka

– Home to a 400-year-old maple surrounded by ancient temple grounds
– Best viewing: Early to late November

7-Day Japan Autumn Foliage Itinerary — Explore the Best Fall Colors Across Japan

📅 DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HOKKAIDO – BEGIN YOUR AUTUMN JOURNEY IN SAPPORO

– Arrive at New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
– Transfer to city center & check into hotel
📍 Highlights:
– Nakajima Park: Central park with a lake, Western-style buildings & traditional Japanese gardens glowing in autumn hues
– Susukino or Odori Park: Evening strolls with fresh seafood & Hokkaido ramen

📅 DAY 2: TOHOKU – SERENE BEAUTY OF FORESTS AND LAKES

– Morning flight from Sapporo → Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture)
– Rent a car or take a tram to the some lake areas
📍 Highlights:
– Lake Choro: Peaceful forest walk with reflections of red and gold leaves
– Yamabiko Suspension Bridge: A romantic photo spot over the forest canopy
– Overnight in Sendai

📅 DAY 3: FUKUSHIMA – SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE THROUGH AUTUMN COLORS

– Travel from Miyagi to Fukushima (train or car ~ 2 hours)
📍 Highlights:
– Bandai-Azuma Skyline: One of Japan’s most spectacular fall drives
– Fudosawa Bridge: Perfect stop for panoramic valley views
– Overnight in Fukushima or return to Tokyo

📅 DAY 4: TAKAYAMA – THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF OLD JAPAN

– Travel: From Fukushima to Gifu (take the train through Nagoya or flight to Komastu)
📍 Highlights:
– Hida Folk Village: Lantern-lit thatched houses glowing under autumn leaves
– Takayama Old Town: Try Hida beef & local sake
– Overnight in Takayama

📅 DAY 5: SHIGA – GOLDEN AVENUES OF META-SEQUOIA TREES

– Travel: From Takayama to Shiga (train or bus, about 3-4 hours, through Kyoto)
📍 Highlights:
– Metasequoia Avenue (Makino): 2.5 km of flaming orange trees
– Lake Biwa: Japan’s largest lake, nearby scenic stop
– Overnight in Kyoto or Osaka

📅 DAY 6: KYOTO – SAGANO TRAIN & ARASHIYAMA IN FULL COLOR

📍 Highlights:
– Sagano Scenic Train: Ride through glowing autumn gorges
– Arashiyama: Explore Togetsukyo Bridge, bamboo forest, and Tenryu-ji Temple

📅 DAY 7: OSAKA / NARA – GARDENS & HISTORY IN AUTUMN SPLENDOR

Option 1 – Osaka:
– Daisen Park (Sakai): Japanese garden with night illuminations & tea ceremony
– Dotonbori & Namba: Food and shopping paradise
– Evening flight from Kansai Airport

Option 2 – Nara:
– Isuien Garden: Serene garden with pond, stunning in yellow foliage
– Combine with Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple before heading to Kansai Airport
– Evening flight from Kansai Airport

🌟 Unmissable Autumn Experiences in Japan

✔️ Seasonal Cuisine: Grilled Pacific saury (sanma), persimmons, matsutake mushrooms, roasted sweet potatoes – all signature autumn flavors.
✔️ Hot Spring (Onsen): Relax both body and mind while surrounded by colorful mountains.
✔️ Kimono Photoshoot: Stroll through red maple forests in traditional Japanese attire.
✔️ Autumn Festivals (Momiji Matsuri): Light-up events in Kyoto, Nikko – magical and romantic.

💡 Useful tips for your Autumn trip

– Bring a light jacket and scarf – mornings and evenings can be chilly.

– Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll explore a lot on foot.

– Keep your camera or phone fully charged – photo spots everywhere!

– Book accommodations early – peak season means rooms sell out fast.

Conclusion – A journey of the heart

Each falling leaf is a whisper of autumn. Every step under a crimson canopy is a sweet memory waiting to be made.

Japan’s autumn is not just for sightseeing — it’s for feeling: with your eyes, your heart, and every sense. If you seek a trip that’s gentle yet profound, Japan’s autumn foliage journey will be a gift to your soul.