Enjoy the most beautiful autumn in the land of cherry blossoms

Since October 11, Japan has continued to relax many entry regulations for international visitors. Traveling to the cherry blossom country is gradually becoming as easy as before the pandemic.

Autumn in Japan is also a great time to welcome tourists because of many beautiful scenes. Autumn with yellow maple leaves falling in the wind, wave by wave with the rays of the sunset, the image of ancient temples reflected on the lake surface, creating a poetic, but no less solemn, quiet landscape in Japan. The most suitable time to travel in Japan is usually from late September to December, depending on weather conditions.

Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi

A trip to Japan in the fall would not be complete without a photo of Mount Fuji, surrounded by rows of yellow and red leaves. Among the 5 lakes around Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko is the place chosen by many tourists, thanks to 2 famous autumn viewing spots overlooking Mount Fuji: Momiji Road along the Nashigawa River and Momiji Tunnel. The leaves here usually turn red from late November to early December.

Kurobe Gorge, Toyama

Located in the Northern Alps, Kurobe Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in Japan. The area is most famous for the Kurobe Railway, which runs for 20km through the mountainous terrain with several stops along the way for panoramic views. It is a great place to visit in autumn, especially from late October to mid-November.

Kyoto

If you only have time to visit one place in autumn, Kyoto is the best choice. Japan's cultural capital is home to some of the country's most famous autumn scenery, with the picturesque Ruriko-in temple.

Kyoto’s temples are definitely the highlight of the fall. You can catch stunning foliage at many temples, such as Tofukuji, Kiyomizudera, and Eikando. Also, although Arashiyama is known for its bamboo forest, the area also has some stunning autumn scenery. The peak season for the red and yellow leaves in Kyoto is usually from mid-November to early December.

Naruko Gorge, Miyagi

This majestic gorge in northwestern Miyagi Prefecture is one of the Tohoku region's top natural attractions. From late October to early November, the trees are a riot of gold and brown. For the best views, head to Narukokyo Inn, where you can see the famous Ofukazawa Bridge from its observation deck. Mount Naruko has a hiking trail that takes you through the forest, from where you can fully immerse yourself in the beautiful natural scenery.

Minoo Falls, Osaka

The 33m-high Minoo Falls are easily reached by a leisurely walk (about 45 minutes) at Minoo Park on the outskirts of Osaka. Along the trail are shrines and shops selling must-try maple leaf tempura. For the best view of Osaka’s autumn, visit in the latter half of November.

Jozankei Hot Springs, Hokkaido

The hot spring resort in western Hokkaido is a popular destination for visitors during autumn, especially when the Hoheikyo Dam and Futami Suspension Bridge are filled with colorful foliage. The best time to visit Jozankei Onsen is in the first half of October. For panoramic views from above, head to the Sapporo ski resort (about 20 km from Jozankei Onsen) and admire the autumn colors from the ropeway.

Mikuni Pass, Hokkaido

Mikuni Pass in Kamishihoro, located at an altitude of 1,139 m above sea level, has free parking and parking lots along the way for people to enjoy the view. At this altitude from late September to mid-October, visitors will be able to admire some of Hokkaido's most beautiful autumn scenery. The beautiful road cuts through Daisetsuzan National Park, where visitors will find vast expanses of trees gradually changing color.

Lake Towada, Aomori

The largest crater lake on Japan’s Honshu island is a sight to behold in autumn. Because the weather is generally colder in the north, the leaves in Aomori tend to change colour earlier than in the south, with peak season usually in the latter half of October. What makes the view here spectacular is the image of Mount Towada and its brilliant foliage reflected in the still surface of the lake.

Nikko, Tochigi

Just north of Tokyo, Nikko is like a miniature Kyoto, with UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and picturesque natural scenery, especially in autumn. There are many sightseeing spots, but the Shinkyo Bridge and Ryuzu Falls are the most popular. The autumn foliage season here usually lasts from early October to early November.

Shinkyo Bridge is located near the entrance to Nikko's most famous shrines. Its vibrant red color blends perfectly with the changing foliage of the seasons. Ryuzu Falls is part of the Yukawa River and flows into Lake Chuzenji. In autumn, the leaves here turn yellow, orange and red, giving the waterfall a dragon-like appearance.

Nara Park, Nara

The best time to visit Nara in autumn is from mid-November to December. Nara Park is so large in the city that visitors can spend the whole day here, or stroll under the autumn leaves.

A notable area is the area around Todaiji Temple, with its red maple leaves, golden ginkgo trees and famous deer. In the middle of Nara Park is the Ukimido - a beautiful wooden house that appears to float on water, blending in with the colorful foliage reflected in the lake.

Phuong Thao is the Editor of Travellive Magazine. She is passionate about traveling and loves to capture moments with her camera in every land she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are her favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao