How to Experience Autumn in Japan
Less crowds, temperate weather, and stunning displays of vivid color.
These are just some of the reasons why fall in Japan is the perfect season for immersing in natural beauty while experiencing authentic Japanese culture. In fact, with entire vistas swatched in reds and golds, energetic harvest festivals bustling with local energy, and an unbelievable range of cultural activities available, autumn in Japan might be even more enjoyable than sakura season.
Looking for some inspiration of how to make the most of autumn in Japan? Keep reading for some of the best fall experiences in Japan, whether you’re traveling through Tokyo, cruising through Kyoto, or hiking in Hokkaido.
Best Autumn Activities in Japan
Witness Momiji Fall Foliage:
Autumn in Japan is synonymous with breathtaking fall foliage. Visit iconic spots like Kyoto’s Arashiyama, Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine, or the vibrant maple trees around Lake Kawaguchi. The fall folliage season typically peaks from mid-October to early December, offering a colorful palette of red, orange, and yellow leaves that transform Japan’s landscapes, but varies from area to area. Check the latest forecast for updated estimates.
Visit Traditional Autumn Matsuri Festivals:
Summer festivals, with crowds clad in cotton yukata clothing and watching grand displays of fireworks, might be more well-known, but autumn in Japan is rich with traditional festivals that celebrate the harvest season. Join the locals in otsukimi moon viewing festivals in regions all across Japan, or at a tori-no-ichi festivals focused on prayers for prosperous business or raking in good luck, with ornate rakes decorated with figurines to symbolize your fortune. These festivals offer a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage and are a must-see for visitors.
Trek Through Scenic Trails:
With cooler temperatures and stunning scenery, autumn is the perfect time for hiking in Japan. Popular trails include the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, the Nakasendo Trail, and the Kyoto Trail in Higashiyama. These hikes not only offer breathtaking views of the fall colors but also allow you to explore Japan’s rich history and culture. Whether foraying on your own or guided by a local nature expert, bask in Japan’s fall foliage.
Savor Seasonal Delicacies:
Japanese food is famed for its focus on seasonality, only using ingridents at peak freshness, and rotating menus to best suit the time of year. Wagashi, for example, have an infinite array of shapes and colors reflecting holidays, celebrations, and seasons. Other autumn foods to enjoy when visiting Japan include matsutake mushrooms, persimmons (kaki), and sweet potatoes (satsumaimo), enjoyed both infused into dishes or own their own. Chestnut (kuri) desserts or a warm bowl of oden, a traditional Japanese stew perfect for chilly autumn evenings, are also must-have Japanese fall foods.
Relax In An Onsen With A View:
There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a hot spring onsen while surrounded by autumn leaves. Visit onsen towns like Hakone, Kaga, or Kinosaki, where you can unwind in outdoor baths with stunning views of the fall foliage. This is a quintessential autumn experience that combines Japan’s natural beauty with its rich tradition of wellness.
Visit Historic Temples and Shrines:
Japan’s temples and shrines take on a special charm in autumn, with colorful leaves providing a picturesque backdrop. Explore Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, Nara’s Todai-ji, or the serene gardens of Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. These sacred sites offer a peaceful retreat and a deep connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage, framed in the beauty of momiji.
