After the road trip to Hokkaido last year, Autumn is now officially our favourite season to visit Japan. As the season transit from summer to autumn, the colour of leaves changes into a different shade of orange and red. The sight is absolutely stunning! It is definitely a nice mix in between summer and winter.
Read things to do during a layover in Narita Airport
The Best time to
catch Autumn leaves in Japan
Autumn Foliage also is known as Koyo or Momiji is popular among
locals and visitors to Japan. Many would go for Momigari aka red leave hunting
and to find the perfect spot for the view! The leaves will start changing colours
in mid-October to Early December and from North to South of Japan.
Image Credit: JRailpass |
With multiple factors, the Momiji season changes every year. Hence, if you are planning to catch the Momiji, it’s best to plan
your trip with the estimated guide provided by the Japan Meteorological Department and Jrailpass. You can use the
weather guide here to help you plan your trip. This year, the Momiji start later compared to last year. Lucky for those who are visiting in November to December! I hope that I can catch some when I travel in mid-October!
Best Place to see the
autumn foliage
Japan is a beautiful country and every city is beautiful
enough for you to revisit every few years. To make the most of your trip, I
highly recommend you to visit these places to catch autumn foliage. Some are
already on our list for our future trip!
Hokkaido
Autumn Foliage starts from the north and thus Hokkaido is
the first place to catch autumn foliage in Japan. Hence, if you are planning to
travel in October then Hokkaido should be on your list.
Daisetsuzan National Park
The largest national park in Japan, Daisetsuzan National
park is the best place to view autumn foliage. With different colour in
different elevation, it made the view stunning! Plus, one can enjoy the view
via Kurodake ropeway or even hike up their way!
Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko is Hokkaido best kept secret and the highlight
during our trip. The five lakes are beautiful and unspoilt. One can take a walk
and explore the five lakes with a gorgeous shade of leaves. We were lucky to
witness the beautiful sunset while we were there!
Read 10 Days 9Night Autumn Itinerary in Hokkaido here
Central Japan
Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route
Image Credit:Japan Guide |
One can enjoy the autumn colour along the route from early
October onward. The elevation around northern alps is spectacular when the colour
changes. Especially the scenery of Tateyama Mountain range.
Kurobe Dam
Image Credit: Japan Guide |
The Kurobe Gorge is located in the mountain
of Northern Japan Alps. One of the most unique ways for the visitors to enjoy the
autumn foliage is by taking Kirobe Gorge Railway. As the train travels 20km
into the gorge, one enjoys the beautiful fall colours with different elevation
range.
Fuji Five Lake
Image Credit: Common Wikimedia |
Located along the base of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko
offers one of the most amazing spots with autumn leaves with the Mount Fuji at the background.
During peak season, many tourist especially tourist will enjoy the stunning
colour and maple tree-covered road section along the lake.
Read Japan Hakone-Fuji Free Pass Itinerary 3 Days 2 Night
Tokyo (Late November
to Early December)
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the most accessible place to
go. With flights every day, Tokyo is the busiest city in Japan. If you are
first time visitor to Japan, Tokyo is the best place to start!
Rikugien
Image Credit: Common wikimedia |
One of the top landscape gardens in Tokyo, one does not need
to travel out of Tokyo to enjoy the autumn foliage. The view around the stream
and along the bridge made it unique and beautiful. The garden even has its own
special illumination in Autumn. Definitely, the best spot to catch the Momiji.
Koishikawa Korakuen
Image Credit:common wikimedia |
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest and top Japanese
landscape garden. It was built in the early edo period. With dozen of maple
trees planted in the garden, it becomes one of the most popular Momiji spots in Tokyo.
With various shades of orange and red, the entire garden becomes very vibrant
in autumn.
Read 6 Day 6 Night Tokyo, Hakone & Kawaguchiko Itinerary here
Kyoto
Tofukuji
Image Credit: Common Wikimedia |
The large Zen Temple was founded in 1236 and under the Fujiwara
clan. Well known for its autumn foliage, Tofukuji Temple has one of the most spectacular
views in Kyoto. Plus, the view of and from the Tsutenkyo Bridge is stunning and
definitely a great spot for Momigari.
Arashiyama
Image Credit: Common wikimedia |
Located at the outskirt of Kyoto, Arashiyama is blessed with
forested mountains and trees. From the temple in Arashiyama, one can admire the
different shade of leaves along with the Togetsukyo bridge.
Kiyomizudera
Image Credit: Wikipedia |
Kiyomizudera is also known as 清水寺is
one the oldest temple in Japan. Well known for its wooden stage, Kiyomizudera
is one of the most popular places to spot cherry blossom as well as maple trees from
13m above the hillside. The stage allows visitors to enjoy the spectacular shade
of trees in autumn.
Are you excited for autumn?
Are you excited for autumn?
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