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The weather and topography in Japan vary significantly from north to south, so autumn arrives at different times in different cities. While autumn lasts for about three months, the change in leaf color only occurs for about two weeks in each region, with Hokkaido starting earliest and Kansai the latest.
Mikuni Pass - Hokkaido
Mikuni Pass, part of Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido, Japan, covers a total area of 226,764 hectares. The pass is situated amidst vast forests and plateaus, with its highest point reaching 1139 meters above sea level. Particularly noteworthy is the opportunity to explore the pristine rainforest with its diverse plant life.
Autumn at Mikuni Pass is the most wonderful time of year, when the trees change color, donning vibrant new foliage. In addition, the S-shaped Matsumio Bridge spans the pass. The bridge blends seamlessly into the surrounding greenery, creating a harmonious and colorful picture. Visiting Mikuni Pass, tourists can admire the magnificent panoramic view woven from red leaves and majestic nature.
Autumn at Mikuni Pass is a wonderful time, when the trees change color, donning vibrant new foliage.
Bandai Azuma - Fukushima Route
Fukushima, located 200 km north of Tokyo, is renowned for its many unique attractions, including samurai culture, historical castles, majestic nature, hot springs, and traditional Japanese sake. The Bandai-Azuma road, dubbed the "Arizona of Japan," attracts scenic drive enthusiasts. Spanning 28.7 km, the route winds through the Azuma mountain range, connecting to the Takayu hot springs and the Tsuchiyu pass. With an average altitude of 1350 m, visitors can easily admire the autumn foliage and enjoy cloud watching.
As one of the first places in Japan to see autumn foliage, from late September to early October, the forests along the Bandai-Azuma route begin to change color. Visitors can choose to admire the view from the 80-meter-high Fudosawa Bridge overlooking the valley or enjoy the beautiful scenery of Fukushima from the bridge's parking lot.
The Bandai Azuma trail is like a silk ribbon amidst a forest of red leaves.
Rissakuji Temple (Yamandera Temple) - Yamagata Prefecture
With a history spanning over 1100 years, Rissakuji Temple is one of the rare sacred sites in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is also the place where the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho, during the Edo period (1603-1868), composed his famous haiku, "Shizukasaya iwani shimiiru seminokoe" (The Sound of Cicadas on the Quiet Rocks). This haiku remains widely known throughout Japan for over 300 years.
Every autumn, visitors from all over flock to Rissakuji Temple to admire the beauty of the autumn foliage. The maple, oak, and ginkgo trees naturally growing on the mountainside simultaneously change color, creating a truly impressive spectacle. Along with the natural beauty of autumn, electric lights are also illuminated in the main hall and on the trees with their red leaves. Rissakuji Temple and the autumn foliage combine to create a stunning picture, especially at night, truly captivating visitors.
Rissakuji Temple boasts a 1100-year history and is one of the few sacred sites in the Tohoku region.
Lake Towada - Aomori Prefecture - Akita Prefecture
Located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures in Japan's Tohoku region, Lake Towada is a crater lake. It is famous for its steep shores and the abundance of oak, maple, and acacia trees that flourish there, all changing color in autumn.
Except in winter, visitors can take boat tours on the lake to enjoy the beauty of the autumn foliage from a boat. Near the lake is the Oirase spring, where the clear blue waters of Lake Towadako flow into. The majestic image of the spring surrounded by colorful trees has made this location one of the top autumn foliage spots in the Tohoku region, attracting many visitors to take photos or sketch the scenery.
The majestic image of the stream surrounded by colorful trees has made this location one of the best autumn foliage spots in the Tohoku region.
Tokyo
One destination that attracts more tourists than Tohoku and Hokkaido due to its geographical location is the capital city of Tokyo. While not as vast or spectacular as the national parks in the north, it is certainly more convenient and offers truly outstanding autumn scenery in its parks and surrounding areas.
Similar to Ginkgo Avenue with its rows of yellow ginkgo trees, Rikugien Park and Koishikawa Korakuen Park are also excellent places to admire the autumn colors of Japan. In the suburbs of Tokyo, the Mount Takao area is also a popular spot for viewing autumn foliage. The leaves here fall earlier than in the city, so visitors who come to Japan in mid-October can still visit. Generally, the best time to see autumn leaves in Tokyo is from late November to early December.
Mount Takao offers cable car and elevator services for those who want to leisurely enjoy the scenery.
