Spectacular Autumn Leaves Spots in Japan
Curated by @travelog
Hello, lovers of autumn foliage! With the arrival of fall, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the stunning autumn colors across Japan. Today, we’re excited to showcase some of the most breathtaking fall spots, as recommended by Japan Travelog users. From famous locations with vibrant red and gold leaves to serene and beautiful hidden gems, we’ve gathered a diverse array of scenic spots for you to explore. Use this guide to find inspiration for a soul-soothing autumn journey.
Lake Towada is known as a scenic spot for its fresh green leaves and autumn foliage. The lake is as beautiful as a mirror reflecting the sky and the surrounding mountains, and the open panoramic view makes you want to take a deep breath. Lake Towada is one of Japan's most popular autumn foliage viewing spots, with the surrounding mountains turning red at the same time, creating a fantastic atmosphere on the lake. The view of the autumn leaves from a sightseeing boat or a boat that regularly depa... Show more
Lake Towada is where the Oirase mountain stream flows out. Because it is a large lake, its entire surface does not freeze over in winter, even in snowy Aomori. The shores and lake are covered with snow, and visitors can enjoy the fantastic snow-covered lake Towada that only winter can offer. During the Towadako Winter Story festival, visitors can enjoy meeting the local people, and the special event site and inside the rest house are lit up to create a fantastic atmosphere. (Source: Amazing Aom... Show more
Lake Towada is a typical double caldera lake formed about 2,000 years ago by volcanic activity, with water pooling in a mortar-shaped depression. The lake is about 400 m above sea level, 46 km in circumference, and 326.8 m deep at its deepest point, making it the 12th largest lake in Japan in terms of area. It is a mysterious lake with a beautiful indigo color, and is a magical place not only in the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, but also in winter, making it a soothing place to vis... Show more
Autumn in Jozankei was truly breathtaking! The combination of hot springs and fall foliage is wonderful. There are also free foot baths nearby, making it easily accessible for everyone to enjoy. During the autumn foliage season, there are frequent express buses from Sapporo city, so when planning a trip to Sapporo in the fall, why not consider incorporating Jozankei into your travel itinerary?
The huge rocks, which are 100 meters high and 500 meters wide, reflect their majestic appearance on the surface of the Kozagawa River, showing various expressions in different seasons and weather conditions. It is also part of the "Kozagawa Arcuate Rock Vein," the only one in the prefecture selected as one of the 100 best geological features in Japan. There is also a legend of a brave dog called "Ichimaiwa no Mamoruinu (Guardian Dog of Ichimaiwa). (Source: Wakayama Prefecture's official tourism... Show more
The "Oyusetu," or "great fountain," violently spurts out hot water and steam as if it were the breath of the earth. At the bottom of the 60-meter-high canyon, the sight of boiling water spouting out from between sheer rocks with a roaring sound is breathtaking. The view of the canyon between the trees and the steam is beautiful in all seasons, with fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and large icicles "shigakko" that hang down in the canyon in winter. The cracks in the geothermal re... Show more
Naruko Gorge is a beautiful large canyon blessed with abundant nature located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. This area offers picturesque scenery throughout the seasons, particularly during the autumn foliage season when the stunning colors adorn the gorge, attracting numerous tourists. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the enchanting scenery covered in fresh greenery. It is closed during the winter. At the visitor center, one can enjoy local flavors such as Tamakon.
The Mogami Gorge Basho Line boat tour is a great way to enjoy the scenery from the boat. The boat ride down the majestic river can be enjoyed at any time of the year. In winter, "kotatsu boats" are also available. (December through the end of March) *Please check the official website for information on when the boats are closed. (Source: A Journey to Yamagata)
Naena Falls has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. With a 55-meter drop, it is a powerful sight to see the water splashing down! The waterfall spans the Sekigawa River, which flows along the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the valley in a variety of ways, including the fresh green foliage, but the most popular times to visit are spring, when the water from the melting snow flows in torrents, and fall, when the surrounding sce... Show more
Yunishigawa Onsen is a picturesque hidden hot spring located within day-trip distance from the Tokyo metropolitan area! Nestled along a valley that displays beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, there are numerous hot spring inns where you can enjoy the hot springs whether staying overnight or visiting for the day. It is located in a remote mountain village where the Heike clan, defeated in the Battle of Dan-no-ura, is said to have taken refuge, making it a place where those interested... Show more
A historical park that preserves the grandeur of a castle town of 60,000 koku (about one million imperial subjects) Nishio Castle was the castle of the Nishio domain of 60,000 koku in the Edo period (1603-1867), and it is said that Saijo Castle was originally built by Ashikaga Yoshiji in the early Kamakura period (1192-1333). Saijo Castle was originally built by Ashikaga Yoshiji in the early Kamakura period (1185-1333). The Saijo Historical Park is a partially reconstructed and restored version... Show more
Scenic Daimyo Garden! One of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Tsunamasa Ikeda, the second lord of the Okayama domain, built this large garden as a place of relaxation for himself. In 1952, the garden was designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" as a historical and cultural heritage, and was awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon. The garden is also open at night for a limited period of time for a special "Fantasy Garden" event, when the garden is illuminated during... Show more
Planned by Nobuyoshi, the third lord of the domain, construction began in Meireki 2 and was completed in Kanbun 7. It is said to be the most beautiful tower in Tohoku. It was built over a period of more than 10 years with contributions from Nobuyoshi Tsugaru, the 3rd lord of the Tsugaru domain, and Nobumasa, the 4th lord of the Tsugaru domain. It is the northernmost five-story pagoda designated as a national important cultural property in Japan. (Source: Amazing Aomori)
Daikozenji Temple, a temple of the Tendai sect founded by Gyoki in 717, is also known as "Azalea Temple. The 75,000-square-meter azalea garden on the hill behind the main hall is filled with approximately 50,000 azaleas from mid-April to early May, when they are at their best. The temple is also famous for its autumn foliage, which attracts many visitors throughout the four seasons. Daikozenji Temple is also home to many cultural assets. The temple is also home to a number of cultural assets, in... Show more
A fantastic "healing" photo spot. Located halfway up Mt. Sakure, the "Maple Forest" was built over a period of about 40 years. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of nature throughout the four seasons, with fresh greenery in spring and more than 10,000 maple trees in autumn. At Fuyu Sanso, located on the premises, the lacquer-lacquered tables reflect the surrounding scenery, creating a magical world of experience. There are short (15 minutes) and long (30 minutes) walking trails in the fores... Show more
Lake Kinrin is one of Yufuin's representative tourist attractions. It is said that the lake was named "Kinrin-ko" by Kuso Mori, a Confucian scholar in the early Meiji period, when he saw the scales of fish swimming in the lake glowing gold in the setting sun. It is said that fresh water and hot springs flow into the lake, and because the water temperature is high throughout the year, visitors can see the fantastic sight of steam rising from the surface of the lake in the early morning of winter.... Show more
Touzan Shrine was built in 1658 on a hill overlooking the town of Arita, the birthplace of porcelain in Japan. Visitors ascending the stone steps of the shrine are greeted by a beautiful porcelain torii gate with a pale blue arabesque design painted on white porcelain. This gate was donated by the potters in 1888 and is now a symbol of Arita. In addition, porcelain komain dogs, a large water jar, and lanterns made with the best of Arita porcelain firing techniques are dedicated to the shrine, de... Show more
Momiji Corridor Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Parking: Free, some areas are paid ¥ Free From October 26th to November 20th Lighting up from sunset to 21:30 The autumn leaves are very beautiful 🍁 Nearby is Lake Kawaguchi ✨ You can also see Mount Fuji 🗻, the view is amazing!