LIST: The best spots for autumn foliage in Japan
Picture a whole forest in blazing shades of orange and red, a cool breeze on your face as you step on crunchy leaves. Cherry blossoms get all the spotlight in spring, but autumn has its own showstopper, and Japanese locals call it kōyō.
Because of climate change, the timing of kōyō shifts a little every year. The leaves change first around mid-September in northern Japan, like Hokkaido. Your best bet for the full beauty of kōyō is late November to mid December in main spots like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and early November in the northern and mountainous areas.
If you're in Japan in the fall, these underrated places will give you that perfect cozy autumn vibe.
Kyoto: Mimuroto-ji
Google "Kyoto in autumn" and you'll get Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. But I'd love to introduce you to a hidden gem in Uji, Japan's matcha capital: a temple called Mimuroto-ji. The temple is famous for its hydrangeas that bloom in early summer, and locals flock here for kōyō too. Tourists, not so much, so you can enjoy the colors in peace, without the crowds.
Osaka: Minoh
You don't have to go far from the city center to bask in a forest of orange and gold. Minoh Falls, a 33-meter waterfall, is a gentle 30 to 45-minute walk from the park entrance. The trail is scenic, and along the way you can buy fried maple leaves, dango (soft rice balls on sticks) and other traditional snacks.
My favorite part is past the falls. Katsuoji Temple sits at the mountaintop, with thousands of daruma dolls (traditional red wooden dolls with big eyes) of various sizes scattered everywhere. It's the perfect place to bask in the tranquil yet powerful presence of mother nature.
Osaka: Daisen Park
This little secret in Sakai City sits beside Japan's largest burial mounds. For only 200 yen, you can stroll through the Daisen Japanese Garden. And for a different view from the usual observation decks, ride the hot air balloon for a 360-degree look at the whole city.
Kobe: Nunobiki Herb Garden
Start your autumn adventure with a scenic cable car ride up the mountains of Kobe to Nunobiki Herb Garden. Stroll through the lush greenhouse, warm up with a hot mug of wine, then wind your way down a path of maple trees and pockets of little gardens. Near the restaurant, there's a free hot foot bath where you can soak your feet while taking in the autumn colors on the horizon.
Okayama: Korakuen Garden and Kurashiki Bikan
Okayama is a very underrated prefecture, and it's home to one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, Korakuen. From there, you can catch a picture-perfect view of Okayama Castle, nicknamed "Crow Castle" for its black exterior. The garden is especially beautiful in the evening during its seasonal autumn illumination.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter was once a commercial center in the Edo period and is now a beloved landmark. Walk along the Kurashiki canal or take a break at one of the many cafés nearby. If you're visiting in mid-October, catch the Kurashiki Autumn Festival, though the leaves here won't be at peak color yet.
Kanazawa: Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden
Known as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa lets you do so much in one day because everything is close together, minus the big crowds. Start at Kanazawa Castle Park with a cup of warm matcha and traditional Japanese sweets at the teahouse, overlooking the perfectly manicured landscape. Then head to Kenrokuen Garden, another of Japan's Three Great Gardens like Korakuen, and try Kanazawa's famous gold leaf ice cream. The autumn illumination makes it all the more magical.
Himeji: Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden and Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
A quick 30-minute bullet train ride from Osaka, Himeji is known for its stunning architecture, anchored by Himeji Castle. Nicknamed the "White Heron" for its brilliant white exterior, it's the largest castle in Japan. Koko-en Garden, famous for its autumn foliage, sits a few steps away from the castle grounds.
For a different kind of view, take the Shoshazan Ropeway up to Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, where you'll get a magnificent look at Himeji from above. Fun fact: this temple was a filming location for one of the scenes in The Last Samurai.