Autumn Travel in Japan: Where to Go, What to Eat, and What to Do?

Autumn in Japan not only brings gentle breezes and refreshing weather but also paints a romantic scene with trees changing their leaves to vibrant red across the land. If you are planning to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, be sure to note the suggestions for where to go, what to eat, and what to do during autumn travel in Japan in the article below.

1. When Does Autumn Foliage Season in Japan Occur?

Autumn in Japan typically begins in September and extends through the end of November. During this time, the weather is pleasantly cool with a hint of morning chill. Moreover, autumn brings the picturesque natural beauty of lush green leaves gradually turning yellow and then vibrant red all around. It can be said that the autumn foliage season in Japan adorns itself with a new, lively, yet equally romantic outfit.

2. Where Should You Go During Autumn in Japan? Top 5 Beautiful Autumn Spots in Japan

Visiting Japan during autumn will undoubtedly offer you numerous wonderful sightseeing, exploring, and leisure options. If you're unsure where to go, you can refer to the top 5 beautiful autumn spots in Japan below.

2.1 Admire Autumn Foliage at Rikugien Park

Rikugien Park is one of the ideal places to admire beautiful Japan. In the fall, visitors to the park can witness over 400 maple trees transforming into a new coat of bright orange and striking red. Especially, each maple tree is adorned with sparkling lights that make them even more enchanting at night. The best time to see the leaves changing color is from late November to early December..

Rikugien Park

Rikugien Park is one of the places to admire autumn foliage in the heart of Tokyo.

2.2 Experience the Romantic Autumn in Matsumoto City

The next destination to enjoy autumn in Japan is Matsumoto City. Known for its striking contrast of black and white, this Japanese National Treasure also impresses with the vibrant red maple leaves that surround it. Together, they create an incredibly romantic and breathtaking scenery.

2.3 Witness Autumn in Japan at Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji (or Golden Pavilion) is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, renowned for being covered in gold and situated amidst the vibrant red maple trees. Thanks to its dazzling golden color and impressive location, it has become an ideal destination to immerse oneself in Japan's autumn season. Moreover, Kinkakuji is famous for its reflection in the pond, creating a rare and stunning natural picture.

2.4 Be Enchanted by the Romantic Autumn at Fujigoko (Five Lakes of Mount Fuji)

When it comes to beautiful autumn scenes in Japan, you cannot overlook Fujigoko, the Five Lakes of Mount Fuji. These are five famous freshwater lakes located north of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture: Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko. Each lake area has its own unique beauty during autumn, making anyone who visits them endlessly enchanted. Besides enjoying the scenery, visitors can also participate in various exciting activities such as cave exploration (at Lake Saiko), rowing, fishing, and paddleboarding (at Lake Yamanakako), long-distance hiking, camping, and fishing (at Lake Shojiko),...

Fujigoko

Nature has bestowed Fujigoko with breathtaking beauty in autumn.

2.5 Experience Nyuto Hot Springs in Autumn

Located at the foot of Mount Nyuto, Nyuto Onsenkyo is one of the most famous open-air hot spring areas in northern Japan. Apart from its picturesque natural beauty, this place exudes a sense of tranquility with waterfalls hidden in the pristine forest. Therefore, when you come here, you can not only immerse yourself in the warm hot spring water but also admire the red surroundings.

3. Enjoy Japanese Autumn Specialties

In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, don't forget to treat your taste buds to some of the renowned Japanese specialties during autumn, such as:

3.1 Matsutake Mushrooms

Matsutake mushrooms are a type of fragrant mushroom that typically grows on the roots of living pine trees, giving them a distinctive flavor. To fully savor the Matsutake flavor, the Japanese usually grill them directly over an open flame and serve them with rice or prepare them as Matsutake soup in a small teapot. This allows you to experience the sweet, refreshing taste of Matsutake mushrooms, complemented by harmonious flavors of various seasonings.

Matsutake Mushrooms

Matsutake mushrooms are a nutritious Japanese autumn specialty.

3.2 Swordfish

Swordfish, often with a silvery-white belly and a gray-black back, is commonly caught in September and October each year. Not only does it have a soft, tender, and fatty texture, but it also provides abundant nutritional value beneficial to health. When eating swordfish, the Japanese usually prefer simple preparations such as grilling, salt seasoning, and making swordfish sushi.

3.3 Chestnuts

If you are a fan of Japanese animation, you may be familiar with the tradition of collecting chestnuts in Japan during the autumn season. Chestnuts have a distinct aroma and a rich, nutty flavor, rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals. Therefore, they are widely used in Japanese cuisine, especially in steamed and grilled dishes.

3.4 Tempura Momiji

Tempura Momiji is a traditional handmade pastry that can only be found in regions famous for their beautiful maple leaves. Japanese people typically select beautiful yellow maple leaves, soak them in salt, and let them age for a year before coating them in batter and frying them. During autumn in Japan, people often enjoy Tempura Momiji with tea while admiring the red leaves to showcase their refined taste.

3.5 Persimmons

When visiting Japan in autumn, alongside appreciating the beauty of red leaves, you also have the opportunity to savor a popular Japanese fruit, persimmons. In Japan, persimmons are divided into two types: sweet persimmons and astringent persimmons, both known for their light, sweet, and crisp taste. Besides eating them fresh, the Japanese also use persimmons to create specialties such as wind-dried persimmons, persimmon tea, wagashi (Japanese confectionery)...

>> See more: Discover famous Japanese dishes that attract tourists

4. Recommendations for Enjoying Autumn Foliage Season in Japan

To capture beautiful photos of autumn in Japan and have fantastic exploration experiences, you must not miss the following activities:

4.1 Participating in Japan's Autumn Festivals

Autumn in Japan is also a time when many unique traditional festivals take place, allowing travelers to enjoy beautiful scenery and learn more about Japan's history. Some autumn festivals you shouldn't miss include the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, the Jidai Matsuri Festival, the Kochia Carnival, the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival in Fukushima, the Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival), and the Takayama Procession Festival.

4.2 Soak in Hot Springs

Immersing oneself in hot springs is not only a habit but also a unique cultural experience for the people of Japan. Some of Japan's stunning natural hot springs are surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes and vibrant autumn foliage, such as Kusatsu Onsen, Beppu Onsen, Kurokawa Onsen, Yufuin Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen, and Gero Onsen.

Autumn in Japan

Soaking in hot springs and admiring the red autumn leaves is a highly cherished activity during the autumn season in Japan.

4.3 Momiji-gari - "Hunting Red Leaves" in Japan

Momiji-gari, or "hunting red leaves," is an elegant pastime that has been a part of Japanese cultural and spiritual life for a long time during the autumn season. To fully appreciate the transformation of trees from yellow to brilliant red, people often visit majestic mountainous regions like Mount Nikko and Mount Karuizawa. Additionally, parks and temples such as Rikugien Park, Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Kozanji Temple, and Daikaku-ji Temple are ideal places for leaf hunting.

4.4 Outdoor Camping

Autumn in Japan is characterized by low rainfall and pleasant weather, making it perfect for outdoor camping activities. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, admire the red autumn leaves, and witness the beauty of various nocturnal butterflies. Some of the most popular camping destinations in Japan include Hitachi Park (Tokyo), Kameoka Park (Kyoto), Engaru Park (Hokkaido), and the Cosmos Arakawa Road (Saitama).

4.5 Hiking to Enjoy Scenic Views

When discussing favorite activities of the Japanese during autumn, hiking is a must-mention. Hiking not only helps the Japanese maintain their health but also allows them to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and admire the beautiful foliage along the hillsides. Some notable mountains to conquer during the autumn season include Odaigahara (Nara), Takao (Tokyo), and Hieizan (Kyoto).

5. Important Notes for Traveling to Japan During the Autumn Foliage Season

Here are some important notes for those planning to visit Japan during the autumn foliage season:

Stay updated on the schedule of changing leaves in Japan each year to plan your itinerary and choose the most suitable time for your trip.
Prioritize the locations you want to see the most. Each day, limit your visits to one or two places, which you can combine with sightseeing and dining in the surrounding areas for a more enjoyable trip.
Wake up early, as the misty morning scenery is the ideal time to admire the autumn leaves.
Avoid crowded places to ensure a clear view and enhance your exploration experience.
5. Book your flight tickets and accommodations 2-3 months in advance for the best prices. If you plan to travel independently to Japan during the autumn season, consider booking your flight tickets to Japan 1-2 months ahead to save on costs. Currently, Vietjet operates many flights to Japan with super discounted prices, allowing you to explore the "Land of the Rising Sun" during the autumn foliage season without worrying about ticket prices.

Beautiful Japan Autumn Scene

The enchanting red foliage of Japan's autumn is a natural spectacle that captivates every traveler.

Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere and admire the stunning red leaves – it's undoubtedly a fantastic experience when traveling to Japan during the autumn season. We hope this article provides you and your family with many useful options before your visit to Japan during this picturesque autumn season.

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