[2018 Edition] 24 Spots Around Japan to View Fall Foliage in November

Fall Foliage in Japan

The act of viewing autumn leaves is called "momiji-gari" in Japanese. You can find places all over Japan that are famous for their beautiful autumn foliage, including easily-accessible places like city parks and temples to more remote locations like mountain peaks and deep forests. In other words, there should be a spot to satisfy everyone!

The above picture is a forecast map for Japan's fall foliage in 2018. If you're interested in practicing momiji-gari, you need to acquire a good, accurate forecast map. We've done our research, but please keep in mind that the dates are ultimately estimates.

This is the final part of the November edition of this series, but check out the article below to catch up on the October series (and see even more stunning photos of autumn foliage in Japan!). 

Kanto

1. Meijijingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue (Tokyo)

One of the most famous and beautiful fall foliage spots in Japan is also very conveniently located right in the center of Tokyo - how lucky! With such easy access, there really is no reason not to visit here during the peak fall foliage season from late November to early December. 

2. Mt. Takao (Tokyo)

Mt. Takao (Takao-san) is an area of such scenic, natural beauty, you will be shocked to learn it's technically inside Tokyo! Be sure to devote at least a half-day to visit this spot, as there are a surprising amount of things to see and do once you get to the top of the mountain via lift or cable car. 

3. Lake Kameyama (Chiba)

This is the largest dam lake in Chiba Prefecture. There is plenty to do here - from hiking and camping to canoeing - all throughout the year, but come during the fall to enjoy the most stunning autumn foliage views in Chiba!

 

For more detailed information about each of these spots:

Kansai

4. Arashiyama (Kyoto)

The district of Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the city of Kyoto for its many temples and spots of scenic beauty. One such spot is the above Togetsu Bridge, from which you can appreciate a stunning view of foliage during the fall. 

5. Rurikoin Temple (Kyoto)

This temple is located in the opulent Yase district of Kyoto, and is known for its unique view of fall foliage reflected in a perfectly polished drawing room table. 

6. Mii-dera Temple (Shiga)

The grounds of this temple run bright orange during the fall and are beautiful enough during the day, but you have to make sure to visit at night as well, when the whole temple park is lit up in beautiful illuminations! 

 

For more detailed information about each of these spots:

Chubu

7. Iwayado Park (Aichi)

This is the place to go if you want to enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a bit of a trek, but the stunning natural views and lit-up nightscape are well worth it! 

8. Gujo Hachiman Castle (Gifu)

Not only can you see beautiful autumn foliage from the top of Gujo Hachiman Castle, but you can see a great view of the traditonal townscape below as well! Also, make sure to stick around for the night-time illuminations. 

9. Koran Gorge (Aichi)

This momiji (Japanese maple) covered hilltop is considered one of the best places in all of Japan to see fall foliage, and the picture above makes it easy to see why!

 

For more detailed information about each of these spots:

Hokkaido

10. Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue (Hokkaido)

If you're in northern Japan and can't make it all the way to Tokyo to see the Meijijingu Gaien Gingko Avenue, then this stunning gingko avenue on the campus of Hokkaido University is the next best thing! 

11. Onuma Quasi-National Park (Hokkaido)

Onuma Quasi-National Park offers up a unique autumn foliage view consisting of several tree-covered islands floating in a lake with a towering mountain in the background. 

12. Kosetsu Garden (Hokkaido)

Also known as Miharashi Park, Kosetsu Garden (Kosetsu-en) is a great place to view the fall foliage in Hokkaido without having to stray too far from the city center of Hakodate. 

 

There's more to Hokkaido than scenery! Take a look at what else you can do:

Tohoku

13. Kakunodate (Akita)

Kakunodate, located in the northern prefecture of Akita, is a unique place where you can enjoy fall foliage among a quaint, historical district of old buldings that have been collectively nicknamed the "Little Kyoto of Tohoku."

14. National Treasure Shiramizu Amidado (Fukushima)

Enjoy the views of fall foliage at the only designated National Treasure in all of Fukushima Prefecture! The momiji trees reflected in the still water of the pond are especially beautiful. 

15. Dakigaeri Gorge (Akita)

If you're in Akita, you should definitely make room in your schedule for the Dakigaeri Autumn Foliage Festival, where you can enjoy the fall foliage while chowing down on local festival food! 

 

While you're sightseeing away in Tohoku, make sure to visit the region's first World Heritage Site:

Chugoku

16. Momijidani Park (Yamaguchi)

You know this place is a good spot to view fall foliage because it has "momiji" right in its name! In addition to the fall leaves, make sure to check out the remains of old samurai houses as well as a scenic cemetary. 

17. Buttsuji Temple (Hiroshima)

This spot is known as one of the premier places in Hiroshima to see the fall foliage. Make sure to arrive in the afternoon just before sundown so that you can see both the daytime view and the view of the temple grounds all lit up at night! 

18. Taineiji Temple (Yamaguchi)

This little-known temple is actually one of the best-kept secrets of fall foliage viewing in Japan! You will really enjoy the tranquil, almost hideaway atmosphere of the temple grounds. 

 

Many of the historical spots in Kagawa, another prefecture in the Chugoku region, are also amazing fall foliage viewing spots. Take a look at some of them:

Shikoku

19. Otodoro Falls (Tokushima)

Tokushima Prefecture has many beautiful waterfalls, not least of which is Otodoro Falls (Otodoro-no-Taki). Visit in the autumn to see some bright gold foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the white of the falls and the blue of the pond underneath. 

20. Kanka Gorge (Kagawa)

Kanka Gorge (Kanka-kei) is ranked as one of the top three scenic gorges in Japan, and if you visit during fall foliage season you will really see why! Try to take a ride on a ropeway gondola to get the best overhead views of the stunning landscape. 

21. Konosekyo Gorge (Tokushima)

Konosekyo Gorge is known as the top sightseeing spot in all of Tokushima Prefecture, and everyone agrees the best time to visit is during the autumn! 

 

Shikoku is also an amazing hot spring spot. If you've ever wanted to visit some of the best hot springs in Japan, check them out:

Kyushu

22. Sennyoji Temple (Fukuoka)

This temple is located in a quiet spot just outside of central Fukuoka, and offers a great place to calmy view the fall foliage without having to spend hours on a train or bus. 

23. Lake Kinrin (Oita)

Oita Prefecture is known for its many onsen (hot springs), and actually has the highest number of onsen in all of Japan! Lake Kinrin is located in a town with many hot springs, so why not set aside some time to look at the stunning views after a hot bath? 

24. Daikozenji Temple (Saga)

Saga Prefecture's Daikozenji Temple is famous for its views in both the spring and fall, with over 10,000 azalea flowers that bloom in April as well as hundreds of momiji trees that show off stunning fall colors in the autumn. 

 

Oita may be known for its hot springs, but there are many other things to see there! If you're curious to learn more and explore outside of the metropolis of Tokyo, check this article out:

 

That wraps up the list! 

If you're in the middle of planning your Japan autumn-leaf viewing itinerary for the fall, refer to this article for some ideas on where to go. Momiji-gari is an essential activity of the season, so make sure to include it in your list of things to do while you're in Japan!

 

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