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Best places to Visit in Japan in Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Japan with vibrant foliage transforming the mountain and forest landscapes. Read our guide to discover the best places to visit in Autumn.
By Walk into Luxury
From September to November, Autumn sees the air turn crisp, and the country’s forests erupting into shades of crimson, amber, and gold. It’s a season for walking, and breathtaking viewpoints framed by fiery maple trees. Whether you’re drawn to misty mountains, ancient temples, or dramatic waterfalls, Japan’s autumn landscapes are truly unforgettable.
Here are the best places to visit in Japan in Autumn.
Kamikochi Valley & Myojin Pond Walk
Hidden in the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most spectacular nature reserves, and Autumn is the best time to visit. Known for its golden larch forests and the contrast of the vibrant Autumn foliage against the azure waters of the Azusa River, Kamikochi in Autumn is a special place. We recommend the peaceful nature walk along the Kamikochi Valley Floor from the famous Kappabashi Bridge to Myojin Pond. This 2-3 hour loop walk winds through the forests alongside tranquil sections of the Azusa River and its trickling streams, before arriving at the sacred Myojin Pond. Here, reflections of autumn foliage ripple on the glassy surface, creating a dreamlike scene.
Learn more: Kamikochi Valley Hiking, Japan's Northern Alps
Best Journeys
- 4 Day Best of Japan's Alps: Kamikochi, Mt Fuji & Mt Hotaka
- 10 Day Best of the Nakasendo & Japanese Alps
Images (L-R): Kamikochi Valley in autumn; Valley view on the walk from Kappabashi Bridge to Myojin Pond
Ryuo-kyo Gorge Walk
For those who love a dramatic landscape, Ryuo-kyo Gorge delivers. The rugged cliffs and emerald river running through this gorge become even more mesmerizing in autumn, as the dense forests blaze in vibrant hues of orange and gold. The elevated walking trail follows the course of the Kinugawa River past waterfalls, deep pools, and scenic bridges as the gorge extends down the valley. This spectacular but lesser-known gem feels like a hidden world, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.
Learn more: Ryuo-kyo Gorge Walk above Kinugawa River, Nikko
Best Journey
Images (L-R): Ryuo-kyo Gorge; a bridge over Kinugawa River on the Ryuo-kyo Gorge Walk
Nakasendo Trail and its Post-Towns
Experience the misty mornings and peaceful Autumn days on the Nakasendo Trail, away from the peak crowds of Spring. In the Kiso Valley, the weather in Autumn is perfect for the forested and valley sections of the Nakasendo, with Autumn leaves lighting up the forest and adding colour to the village scenes. The picture-perfect post-towns of Magome and Narai are particularly pretty surrounded by the Autumn landscape.
Learn more: Walk Magome to Tsumago, Nagiso to Nojiri and Yabuhara to Narai on the Nakasendo Trail
Best Journeys
- 7 Day Best of the Nakasendo Trail & Kiso Valley
- 10 Day Best of the Nakasendo & Japanese Alps
- 13 Day Best of the Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo Trail
Images (L-R): Magome, a well-preserved post-town on the Nakasendo; Torii Pass near Narai; Atera River near Nojiri on the Nakasendo Trail
Koyasan's Pilgrim Trails & Temples
A visit to Koyasan in autumn is truly unique, with the town so thoroughly nestled in its forest setting on sacred Mount Koya that the seasonal colours have a profound impact on the experience of the town itself. Koyasan is home to ancient temples, moss-covered cemeteries, and towering cedar forests that turn golden in the fall. The Okunoin Cemetery, where thousands of weathered stone lanterns line the paths, is also particularly haunting and beautiful under the autumn canopy. For the ultimate experience, spend a night in a shukubo (temple lodging) - we recommend Ekoin Temple Lodge - and wake up to the golden foliage emerging from the morning mist.
Learn more: Okunoin Cemetery and Koyasan pilgrim trail walk
Best Journeys
Images (L-R): Danjo Garan Complex, Mt. Koya, Koyasan
Akechidaira Plateau & Kegon Falls
For one of the best panoramic views of Japan’s autumnal forest landscapes, take the Akechidaira Ropeway up to the observation deck above Kegon Falls. From here, the rolling mountains of Nikko National Park are covered in an endless sea of red and gold. Just below, Kegon Falls cascades 97 meters down a sheer cliff, which together with Lake Chuzenji in the background, creates a beautiful contrast against the fiery foliage. Autumn is one of the best times to visit Nikko, and particularly good for hiking. To access Kegon Falls you will travel on the famed Iroha Slope (Irohazaka) - a mountain road famous for its Autumn foliage which covers the forest floor surrounding its winding path to the falls.
Learn more: Kegon Falls & Akechidaira Ropeway, Nikko
Best Journey
Images (L-R): Akechidaira Plateau & Kegon Falls, Iroha Slope
Mount Hotaka Ropeway & Nishi-Hotaka Hike
The Mount Hotaka range is stunning in any season, but Autumn transforms the landscape adding colour with golds and oranges added to the deep green of the evergreens. The Mountain is best accessed via the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, and from the observation deck you can enjoy the view of the layers of jagged peaks of the Northern Alps. If an alpine hike appeals, time your visit to Mount Hotaka for September when the conditions should allow you to hike from the top of the ropeway up to Nishiho Doppyo mountain hut and beyond to the Maruyama Viewpoint - offering an exceptional alpine hike and view you will not forget.
Learn more: Mt Hotaka Hike & Ropeway, Japan's Northern Alps
Best Journeys
- 4 Day Best of Japan's Alps: Kamikochi, Mt Fuji & Mt Hotaka
- 10 Day Best of the Nakasendo & Japanese Alps
Images (L-R): Shin-Hotaka Ropeway in Autumn; Observation Deck at the top of Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (during Summer)
Ryuzu Falls
Named after its resemblance to a dragon’s head, Ryuzu Falls is one of the most beautiful autumn waterfalls in Japan. Located near Lake Chuzenji in Nikko, the two-tiered cascade flows through a tunnel of fiery maple trees, making it a must-visit in the fall. The best time to visit is early to mid-October when the colors are at their peak. A cozy teahouse near the falls offers a perfect place to sit with a bowl of warming soba noodles and admire the view. We recommend a very scenic walk from Yumoto Onsen to Ryuzu Falls which takes in a variety of landscapes including the Senjogahara Wetlands, Yudaki Falls, and Yunoko Lake - the latter is also known for the vibrant Autumn foliage surrounding the lake.
Learn more: Senjogahara Wetlands Hike to Yudaki and Ryuzu Falls, Nikko
Best Journey
Images (L-R): Ryuzu Falls in Autumn; Lake Yunoko surrounded by the forest in Autumn
Nachi Falls
Few places in Japan are as striking as Nachi Falls in autumn. This 133-meter waterfall, the tallest uninterrupted drop in the country, cascades down a lush mountainside framed by vibrant red and orange foliage. The nearby Seiganto-ji Temple, with its bright vermillion pagoda, perfectly complements the fall colors. It’s a place where nature and spirituality intertwine, with Nachi Falls located alongside Nachi Taisha - one of the three Grand Shrines on the Kumano Kodo pilgrim trail through the Kii Mountains.
Learn more: Nachi Falls Walk, Kumano Kodo Trail
Best Journeys
Images (L-R): Nachi Falls and Seiganto-ji Temple; the base of Nachi Falls
Yoshino Walk
Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, Mount Yoshino is also spectacular in autumn. The forests covering this UNESCO-listed mountain transform into a sea of red, gold, and orange, stretching as far as the eye can see. Walking through Yoshino and its surrounding forest trails, you’ll pass ancient shrines and temples - including World Heritage Listed Kinpusen-ji - and stunning viewpoints overlooking the colorful valley. The soft light filtering through the maple trees adds a special quality to any walk on Mount Yoshino in Autumn.
Learn more: Mount Yoshino walk and temples
Best Journeys
Images (L-R): Kinpusen-ji Temple surrounded by Autumn foliage, Mount Yoshino view from Mount Hanayagura Observation Point
Kyoto’s Temples Amid Autumn Leaves
Kyoto’s historic temples are always a must-visit, but in autumn they have a special atmosphere, with the temple gardens and surrounding forest landscapes adding colour and contrast. Kiyomizudera, Eikando, Tenryu-Ji, and Nanzen-ji are some of the best places to witness the contrast between vibrant foliage and centuries-old architecture, with ancient wooden structures framed by fiery maples and golden ginkgo trees. Strolling through these temple gardens feels like stepping into a living painting.
Learn more: Kyoto's Best Temples & Philosopher's Path
Best Journeys
- 7 Day Best of the Nakasendo Trail & Kiso Valley
- 9 Day Kumano Kodo & Kii Mountains Pilgrim Trails
- 13 Day Best of the Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo Trail
- 10 Day Best of the Nakasendo & Japanese Alps
Images (L-R): Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple
Mountain Lakes of Nikko National Park
There are several scenic walks in and around Nikko National Park connecting mountain lakes and waterfalls with charming Onsen villages like Yumoto Onsen. One of our favourite trails takes in Lake Yunoko, Lake Karikomi and Lake Kirikomi, as it weaves past the base of mountains traversing between two hot spring villages. The hike takes in the contrasting colours of the dense forests and pristine lakes of Oku-Nikko.
Learn more: Nikko Mountain Lakes Hike from Yumoto Onsen
Best Journey
Images (L-R): Lake Yunoko, Lake Chuzenji, Yumoto Onsen
Mt. Fuji & Okuniwa Nature Park
No trip to Japan in autumn is complete without viewing Mount Fuji. The surrounding forests, such as those in Okuniwa Nature Park, burst into color in the fall, creating an incredible frame for viewing Japan’s most iconic peak. The park itself is a wonderful place to relax while gazing at the autumn scenery, and a walk on the Ochudo pilgrim trail is a great way to take in the significance of Mount Fuji. A visit to 5th Station is also recommended.
Learn more: Mount Fuji & Okuniwa Nature Park
Best Journeys
- 4 Day Best of Japan's Alps: Kamikochi, Mt Fuji & Mt Hotaka
- 10 Day Best of the Nakasendo & Japanese Alps
Images (L-R): Mount Fuji from Okiniwa Nature Park, in two stages of Autumn foliage
