Best Time to Visit Japan in Autumn 2025

Global Team
17 Aug 2024 - 5 min read
best time to visit Japan in autumn

The beauty of falling maple leaves surrounding you when autumn in Japan definitely makes it more dramatically intimate for you and your loved ones. Japan during autumn is so magical, like you’re entering another world that lives in your dream.

Japan's countryside, mountains, and rural areas come to life as a brilliant canvas of red, orange, and yellow colours. The shifting leaves, known as "koyo," are an incredible sight, along with "Momiji," known as the maple leaf.

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In Japan, there are numerous festivals held in the autumn to honour the harvest and the arrival of new seasons. Parades, folk dances, and regional cuisine are all common. Seasonal items including sweet potatoes, persimmons, mushrooms, and chestnuts may be enjoyed.

You may also be mesmerised by the serene landscapes of Japanese gardens that are designed to highlight seasonal changes and become particularly picturesque in autumn. The two of them Rikugien in Tokyo and Kenrokuen in Kanazawa were known for their harmonious design and stunning autumn foliage. It also offers the beauty of autumn views, especially when illuminated at night.

Don't forget to enjoy an outdoor hot spring (Onsen) bath surrounded by colourful autumn leaves is a uniquely relaxing experience. The cool, crisp air of autumn makes it an ideal time for having onsen, outdoor activities, such as hiking and strolling around the parks.

So, the best time to visit Japan in autumn 2025 is mid-October to early December as the finest season in Tokyo and Kyoto. However, if you do decide to travel to Hokkaido, mid-September is the ideal time to go there.

Best Place to Go in Japan During Autumn

Japan is well known for its magnificent autumnal vistas, where the foliage's shifting hues produce breathtaking scenery. Here are Japan's top destinations in fall to take in this spectacular scenery!

1. Arashiyama

Boatman punting the boat at river. Arashiyama in autumn season along the river in Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most picturesque and well-liked neighbourhoods, particularly in the autumn. Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, it offers a blend of spectacular natural surroundings to see autumn colours in Japan

One famous portrayal by Arashiyama is the "Moon Crossing Bridge," also known as the Togetsukyo Bridge. Stretching across the Katsura River, it provides awe-inspiring vistas of the neighbouring mountains dusted with brilliant autumn leaves.

2. Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

A breathtaking view of Kegon Waterfalls, which tumbles from Lake Chuzenji to a stream

In Nikko, Japan, two of the most breathtaking natural landmarks are Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Nikko is well known for its breathtaking scenery, interesting historical landmarks, and vivid autumn foliage. One of the most well-known waterfalls in Japan is Kegon Falls. Vibrant autumn foliage frames the cascade, providing a striking and eye-catching backdrop.

3. Lake Ashi

Mountain Fuji and Lake Ashi with Hakone temple and sightseeing boat in autumn

Mountain Fuji and Lake Ashi with Hakone temple and sightseeing boat in autumn

Ashinoko or Lake Ashi is a picturesque lake in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan's Hakone area. It's well known for having breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. About 3,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption generated a crater that eventually filled with water, creating Lake Ashi.

In the clear sky, Lake Ashi provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji in the distance, making for an idyllic scene. Autumn brings brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow to the surrounding hills and forests; these changes usually occur from late October to early November.

4. Nara Park

Lovely deer under the colorful autumn foliage nara japan park

Lovely deer under the colorful autumn foliage nara japan park

Notable for its free-roaming deer, which have become a local icon, Nara Park is home to numerous of the city's prominent attractions, such as museums and temples. Nara Park is a gorgeous place in the autumn when the leaves change, transforming the area into vivid shades of red, orange and yellow. Usually between mid-November to early December, Nara Park experiences its height of autumnal foliage.

5. Mount Yoshino

Yoshino temple in Japan.

Yoshino temple in Japan.

Mount Yoshino has strong connections to Buddhist and Shinto traditions, making it a revered location for more than a thousand years. It is an important place of pilgrimage and cultural icon. When the leaves change in the autumn, the mountain is blazing with colour, making a striking contrast with the evergreen trees and old buildings. Usually, the leaves change colour between late October and mid-November.

6. Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park

Japan's largest national park, Daisetsuzan National Park, is situated in the middle of the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Autumn foliage usually appears in Daisetsuzan in early September at higher elevations and gradually descends to lower locations by October, making it one of the first places in Japan to see it. The mix of coniferous and deciduous trees in the park's varied terrain weaves a vivid tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows across the valleys and mountains.

7. Shinjuku Gyeon

Group of traveler relax under autumn leaves ,red momiji (maple tree) in Shinjuku Gyeon Park.

Group of traveler relax under autumn leaves ,red momiji (maple tree) in Shinjuku Gyeon Park.

Shinjuku Gyoen is well known for its variety of garden layouts, each of which offers a distinct setting and topography. Shinjuku Gyoen is turned into breathtaking red, orange and yellow landscapes in the fall by the magnificent colours of ginkgo and maple trees. Autumn foliage is usually at its finest between mid-November and early December.

Travelling Tips for Autumn in Japan

Wooden bridge in the autumn park, Japan autumn season, Kyoto Japan

Wooden bridge in the autumn park, Japan autumn season, Kyoto Japan

Travelling to Japan in autumn is the best choice because of the country's breathtaking natural beauty, pleasant temperatures, and exciting cultural activities. We want you to have the best experience while enjoying the serene beauty of ginkgo and maple trees when fall in Japan, here are the tips you must take note!

In Japan, the autumn weather can differ greatly from day to night and between different places. Bring layers, such as sweaters, light jackets, and scarves, to adapt to the changing weather.
The heavy rain may come in the autumn, especially in September and October, so pack a small umbrella or raincoat.
If you'll be taking a lot of rail travel, think about getting a Japan Rail Pass. It can reduce costs on lengthy journeys and provides limitless travel on JR lines for a predetermined amount of time.
In Japan, autumn is a popular season for travel, particularly around national holidays and during periods of peak foliage. To guarantee your top choices, make your hotel reservations well in advance.
Carrying a tripod can help ensure steady photographs, particularly in dimly lit areas or for taking long-exposure pictures of streams and waterfalls.
For an authentic taste of Japanese hospitality, think about booking a room in a ryokan (traditional inn), which offers futon mattresses, tatami mat rooms, and multi-course meals.

To make your trip even more convenient, book your tickets and accommodations through Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can find the best deals on any tickets, nearby hotels, flights and more tourist attractions. Plus, you can read reviews and get travel tips to ensure you make the most of your visit. Start planning your adventure today with Traveloka and enjoy a hassle-free memorable trip!

In This Article

• Best Place to Go in Japan During Autumn
• 1. Arashiyama
• 2. Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls
• 3. Lake Ashi
• 4. Nara Park
• 5. Mount Yoshino
• 6. Daisetsuzan National Park
• 7. Shinjuku Gyeon
• Travelling Tips for Autumn in Japan

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 19 May 2025
AirAsia X
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from 2.468.672 VND
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Fri, 16 May 2025
HK Express
Hanoi (HAN) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from 4.914.735 VND
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Thu, 15 May 2025
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Da Nang (DAD) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from 3.384.427 VND
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