Travel . Lifestyle . Dining

Search

Autumn in Japan - Autumn Foliage Forecast and best spot to see autumn foliage


Japan Itinerary Japan Autumn Foliage  Japan maple leaves
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 
central japan autumn
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? 

No comments

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.