TOP 10 locations to see the fall foliage in Japan this year that you should not miss
In Japan, along with sakura, the fall foliage has become one of the nation’s most iconic symbols of natural beauty. Every autumn, the whole of Japan is highlighted with the yellow and red colors of maple leaves.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Japan this autumn, you should not miss these 10 outstanding places to see the red leaves below!
TOP LOCATIONS TO SEE FALL FOLIAGE
Most beautiful period: November
Fujiko is the common name for Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Shoji, and Lake Sai. Among them, Lake Kawaguchi is famous for its red leaves. Its “Momiji Kaido” - red-leaf road, stretches for 1.5 kilometers with over 60 huge red-leaves trees is something you definitely should not miss.
Additionally, if you hire a boat, you will be able to witness the beauty here further as the mountain and trees will be reflected on the lake. This is such an interesting experience not to miss, right?
Mount Takao - Tokyo
Most beautiful period: Second half of November
Access: Walk 5 minutes to the cable car station from Takaosangushi Station (高尾山口駅).
At 599 meters high, visitors can reach Mount Tako after a one-hour train ride from Tokyo. This is also an ideal location for those who love trekking as they can both see the foliage and fulfill their passion.
From Mount Takao, you can see Tokyo city and even Mount Fuji. It takes roughly two hours to trek up the mountain. A cable car service is also available for those who want to leisurely enjoy the scenery while going up the mountain.
Hayakawa Bridge (Deyama Iron Bridge)
Most beautiful period: The end of October to the beginning of November.
Hayakawa Bridge (Deyama Iron Bridge) lies in the middle of Tonosawa and Ohiradai station on the Hakone Tozan line.
This is also one of the locations with the best red leaves scenery in Japan. When passing this area, the train will stop for a while so that the customers can observe the fall foliage.
Fukuroda Falls
Most beautiful period: The beginning of November to Mid November
Access: Take a 15-minute bus ride from JR Fukuroda Station on the JR Suigun Line (roughly 1 hour by train from Mito Station).
Fukuroda Falls, also known as Yondo Falls, is 120 meters high and 73 meters wide. It is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan and also one of the nation’s most well-known tourist attractions. In autumn, the contrast between the white waterfall and the red color of the maple leaves further accentuates the breathtaking beauty of the waterfall. If you visit Japan during this period, Fukuroda Falls is a destination you should definitely have in your travel itinerary.
Osaka Castle Park
Most beautiful period: Mid October to the beginning of December
Located in an urban garden, this magnificent castle covers an area of 105 hectares and is the symbol of the Toyotomi Hideyoshi Era. When fall comes, the ginko trees, the red-leaves trees, and the castle all together creates an amazing scenery.
Showa Kinen - The largest park in Japan
Most beautiful period: The beginning of November to the beginning of December
With the total area of 180 ha, Showa Kinen is the largest park in Japan, rich in varieties of flowers and plants that you can see all year round such as tulips, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, etc. The most famous attraction here is the changing of the ginkgo leaves to yellow during autumn.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Most beautiful period: Mid November to the beginning of December
Meiji Jingu Gaien is well known for its beautiful rows of yellow ginkgo trees along both sides of the road (roughly 150 trees), which is fondly referred to as the “Golden Road.”
The “Ginkgo festival” held yearly during the golden leaf season has become a tradition during autumn in the city. In recent years, its number of visitors has even exceeded 1.8 million.
Kiyomizu Shrine
Most beautiful period: The end of November to the beginning of December
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the must-see temples in Kyoto. The hills and gardens on the colorful temple grounds are ideal check-in locations for visitors.
The harmonic color combinations between the majestic temple - a national treasure, and the brilliant maple trees creates a splendid scene.
Rikugien Garden
Most beautiful period: Mid to the end of November
Rikugien Garden is always at the top of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. On the west side of the garden, you can see the breathtaking beauty of the red leaves at Suikounoe Lake. The scene of red leaves at Rikugien Garden is always so captivating, whether it is during the day or night time.
Meigetsu-in Temple
Most beautiful period: The end of November to the beginning of December
"Meigetsu-in" is well-known for its hydrangeas, as well as its red leaves during autumn. The small paths leading to the temple will make you feel as if you are surrounded by autumn leaves. The garden view from the round window of the lobby is also an extremely captivating, paint-like scenery.
Fall foliage forecast in Japan 2022
In 2022, it is expected that fall foliage season will begin in mid-October for Northern Japan, with November being the peak month for Tokyo, Kyoto, and some other popular tourist attractions.
You can refer to GoEMON’s previous Fall foliage forecast in Japan in 2022 article to determine the best time for your visit to Japan!
Above are our suggestions for the most famous locations to see the fall foliage in Japan, 2022. We hope that our suggestions were useful to those planning to visit Japan during this period! GoEMON wishes that you will have an amazing trip, with lots and lots of beautiful pictures of the red leaves!
