Fall in Love with Japan’s Autumn Colors: Travel Guide and Tips

Autumn leaves in Japan attract millions of visitors every year.

From peaceful temples in Kyoto to lakeside views of Mount Fuji, the fall season turns the country into a world of red, gold, and orange beauty.

Here’s how to enjoy Japan’s most magical time of year.

Autumn in Japan is more than just colorful trees. It’s a full experience that mixes nature, culture, and beauty.

In many places around the world, fall colors are mostly one color—like red or yellow. But autumn leaves in Japan show many colors at once: red, orange, yellow, and even green. This is because Japan has many types of trees that change colors differently.

Also, the settings are unique.

Imagine red maple leaves next to an old temple gate, or yellow ginkgo trees along a quiet street. Lakes, mountains, gardens, and shrines all become part of the scene. This mix of colors and culture is why autumn in Japan feels so special.

You don’t just see the leaves—you feel the season.

So, you can find autumn colors somewhere in Japan for more than two months!

But recently, fall is coming later. The weather stays warm longer, and that makes the leaves change color later too.

Autumn leaves in Japan can be enjoyed in many different places.

From ancient cities to mountain lakes, each area has its own charm. Some spots are famous around the world, while others are peaceful and less crowded.

In this section, we’ll introduce five of the best areas in Japan to see beautiful fall colors.

Kyoto is one of the top places in the world to enjoy autumn leaves.

Every November, the city welcomes travelers from Japan and abroad. The colorful trees, together with old temples and quiet streets, create magical views you won’t find anywhere else.

But Kyoto’s autumn is also very popular—sometimes too popular. Crowds and traffic can be a problem, especially on weekends. So it’s good to plan ahead.

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your autumn visit:

・Try to go on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the crowds
・Dress in layers—mornings and evenings can be very chilly
・Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll walk a lot
・Avoid accessing popular areas by car, as traffic jams can last for hours, and in some cases, roads are closed to cars during peak times.
・Consider visiting less crowded areas like Ohara, Iwakura, or Yamashina for a peaceful autumn walk

Nikko is a mountain town full of history and nature. It’s home to temples, lakes, waterfalls, and deep forests. The area is large, and the altitude changes a lot.

So you can enjoy autumn leaves in Japan here from late September to mid-November, depending on where you go.

In the highlands, the leaves start changing early. In lower areas like the town center, they change later. This means you can enjoy the colors for a long time.

One of the best things about autumn in Nikko is its wide range of elevations, which means the fall season lasts longer than in many other areas of Japan.

In the highland areas, such as Senjogahara and Odashirogahara, the leaves usually start turning from late September to early October. These areas are known for open marshlands, golden grasses, and the gentle colors of larch and birch trees.

Around mid-level spots, including Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Irohazaka, the best time to see the foliage is mid to late October. These places are especially stunning, as the colorful trees reflect beautifully in the water and around the dramatic cliffs.

Closer to downtown Nikko, where famous sites like Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge are located, the fall colors typically peak from late October to mid-November. The bright red and yellow leaves surrounding these historic buildings create a perfect mix of culture and nature.

Thanks to these elevation changes, you can enjoy a full month or more of colorful scenery in Nikko—just by moving from the mountains down into town.

You can enjoy different colors and moods depending on the area’s elevation and timing.Each spot shows a unique side of autumn in Nikko—whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll or a powerful natural view.

Check local websites for real-time updates on foliage and traffic before you go!

If you’re planning an autumn trip to Nikko, there are a few important things to know before you go—especially about traffic, crowds, and the weather.

First of all, Irohazaka, the winding mountain road leading up to Lake Chuzenji, is known for heavy traffic during the fall foliage season. On busy weekends, it can sometimes take up to three hours to pass through.

If you’re driving, it’s best to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid long delays. In general, weekdays are less crowded than weekends, but be aware that Nikko attracts large numbers of visitors regardless of weather—even on rainy days, it’s still busy.

The mountain air can be surprisingly cold, especially in the early morning and evening. Be sure to bring warm clothing and some snacks or drinks, as shops may not always be close by depending on where you go.

While Kyoto is famous for its many night illuminations, Nikko also hosts special evening events during the autumn season. Locations like Lake Chuzenji, Irohazaka, and Toshogu Shrine sometimes offer limited-time light-up displays. These are not held every year or at fixed times, so be sure to check local tourism websites for the latest details before your visit.

Whether you’re chasing bright leaves, peaceful nature, or cultural sites, being prepared will help you make the most of your autumn adventure in Nikko.

Hakone is a great place to enjoy autumn leaves and a relaxing hot spring bath. The town is in the mountains near Mt. Fuji, and the color timing changes by area.

You can enjoy fall colors in many ways: on a train, from a ropeway, in a garden, or from a lakeside hot spring.

Hakone is a popular autumn destination thanks to its scenic beauty and wide range of elevations. Because of this, the fall foliage season lasts longer than in many other places—and the timing varies by area.

In the higher elevations, such as around Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) and Sengokuhara, the leaves usually begin to change in early to mid November. These areas are surrounded by forests and mountains, and the cool, crisp air adds to the charm of the golden and red foliage.

Moving to the mid-level areas like Gora and Kowakudani, the peak comes slightly later—typically in mid to late November. These spots are home to beautiful gardens and hot springs, offering a relaxing setting to enjoy the colors.

Finally, the lower parts of Hakone, including Hakone Yumoto, tend to reach their best around late November to early December. If you miss the earlier peaks, this area still offers a beautiful and quiet chance to enjoy autumn late into the season.

Because of the elevation changes, Hakone allows you to enjoy the foliage across several weeks. Just plan ahead, and you’ll be able to catch the best colors no matter when you visit.

Traveling in Hakone during the autumn season is a wonderful experience, but a bit of planning can help you enjoy it even more.

Public transportation like trains, cable cars, and ropeways can get very crowded—especially on weekends during peak foliage. To avoid long lines, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

Also, the mountain air can be surprisingly cool even during the day, so make sure to bring warm clothing to stay comfortable.

Unlike Kyoto, Hakone doesn’t have many large-scale light-up events.

However, the Japanese garden at the Hakone Museum of Art sometimes opens in the evening from mid to late November.

Be sure to check local guides or websites before your visit to catch any limited-time events.

This is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji at the same time. The view is like apostcard—so beautiful it doesn’t feel real.

The area starts changing color in late October, and the best time is from early to mid-November.

Kawaguchiko gets very crowded in autumn, especially during the Momiji Festival. If you’re planning to enjoy the colorful leaves and Mt. Fuji views in peace, it’s best to visit on weekdays or early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Even though the days may feel mild, the weather can get quite chilly in the evening, especially if you’re staying for a light-up event. Make sure to bring a warm jacket or layers to stay comfortable.

For the best photos of Mt. Fuji framed by autumn leaves, head to the north side of the lake—this area offers the clearest views and most iconic spots.

Parking is available in several places around the lake, but during festival season, spaces fill up quickly.

By planning ahead, you can enjoy a relaxed and unforgettable autumn experience at Kawaguchiko.

You don’t need to leave the city to experience Japan’s beautiful fall colors. Even in the heart of Tokyo, there are peaceful parks and historic gardens where you can enjoy golden ginkgo trees, bright red maples, and quiet paths full of autumn charm.

Whether you’re here for a short trip or just looking for a relaxing afternoon, these spots offer a perfect taste of Japan’s fall—without the long travel.

Every autumn, Meiji Jingu Gaien transforms into one of Tokyo’s most iconic seasonal sights.

The long path lined with about 300 golden ginkgo trees becomes a glowing tunnel of yellow leaves, attracting photographers and visitors from all over the world.

The symmetry of the trees and the way the light filters through the golden canopy make it one of the most photogenic fall spots in Japan.

The atmosphere is lively, especially during peak season, with couples, families, and tourists all soaking in the beauty.

Rikugien Garden is a peaceful place to enjoy autumn in Tokyo.

This traditional Japanese garden has a big pond, small bridges, and a teahouse. In late fall, the trees turn bright red and orange, and the colors reflect beautifully on the water.

Walking through the garden feels calm and relaxing, almost like going back in time. It’s quiet and not too crowded, so you can take your time and enjoy the colors at your own pace.