Autumn Koyou Guide

From late September to late November Japan’s diverse landscape is highlighted in vibrant crimson and gold, while autumn’s dry, mild weather make it the perfect time for momiji-gari – hiking trips aimed at savoring the colorful season.

Late September—Early October

• Mt. Nasu, Tochigi
  Take the cablecar to the top then walk and enjoy the colorful patterns and great views. Finish off the day with a soak at Nasu-Yumoto Onsen.
• Togakushi Heights, Nagano
  Make your own soba noodles at the Soba Museum or practice your ninja skills at the Ninja Museum, then head to Togakushi Shrine, lined with giant cedar trees.
• Shiga Heights, Nagano
  There are more than twenty hiking trails in the Shiga highlands where you can enjoy some early fall colors and daydream about riding these same mountains in winter.
• Hachimantai Plateau, Iwate
  Hiking trails near the summit of Hachimantai offer lakeside views ablaze with autumn colors.
• Niseko, Hokkaido
  Japan’s powder Mecca is also comes alive in fall with lakes, hiking trails and hot springs. Spend the day golfing, canoeing, or paragliding and finish it off with a local microbrew.

Early October—Mid October

• Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi
  The Subaru Line near Lake Kawaguchi and the foothills surrounding Mount Fuji makes a nice autumn drive with the mountain above and the lakes below.
• Yatsugatake, Nagano
  Autumn is a great time to view the rugged landscape of the Yatsugatake Heights, offset by the surrounding peaceful forests where you can enjoy walking trails and relaxing hot springs.
• Mt. Zao, Yamagata
  The scenic drive along the Zao and Zao Echo Line toll roads is worth the trip alone. Take the cablecar to the summit for panoramic autumn views, then chill out in a bath at Zao Onsen.
• Lake O-numa, Hokkaido
  Enjoy cycling or walking around O-numa and Ko-numa lakes. The view of Mt. Komagadake draped in autumn hues across Lake O-numa is stunning.

Mid October—Late October

• Kinugawa River, Tochigi
  The Kinugawa River area’s popular hot springs are a great place to admire the autumn colors. You’re also close to Nikko, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.
• Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami, Gunma
  Take a soak in Japan’s largest rotenburo while also soaking in the colorful trees surrounding the baths as the Takara River flows by.
• Karuizawa, Nagano
  Japan’s imperial mountain playground is a great place to enjoy some golf or autumn hiking then check out the museums and the outlet mall.
• Lake Towada, Aomori
  Enjoy the view from a sightseeing boat, stroll along the bank from Katsura-ga-hama, or visit nearby Okuirise. A three-hour hike through the spectacular gorge features fourteen waterfalls.

Late October—Early November

• Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki
  Take a breathtaking train ride across Asia’s highest railway bridge or enjoy a boat ride through the gorge down the Gokase River with its red cliffs and take in the koyou.
• Mt. Koya, Osaka
  Koya-san is a peaceful place to enjoy the koyo. This sacred mountain and active Buddhist monastery hosts an autumn festival (Oct. 16).
• Hakone, Kanagawa
  View the reflection of Mt. Fuji in Lake Ashino, stroll through Gora Park or the Hakone Art Museum, soak in one of the many onsen or walk the colorful foothills in this popular area.
• Lake Inawashiro, Fukushima
  Mt. Bandai and Mt. Azuma are popular autumn destinations, and a bit further north Lake Hibara and Lake Goshiki-numa also offer incredible views.
• Risshaku-ji Temple, Yamagata
  Enjoy the unforgettable view of Risshaku-ji Temple, built in 860, perched atop a rock, then climb on up for great views.

Early November—Mid November

• Momiji-dani Park, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
  As its name suggests, Momiji-dani (literally Maple Valley) turns bright red each fall. Walk or take the cable car up Mt. Misen for more view.
• Okutama, Tokyo
  Tokyo’s outdoor playground has countless trails where you can enjoy colorful hikes along the Tama River or around Mt. Mitake.
• Nagatoro Valley, Saitama
  Enjoy the koyou with a relaxing float on a boat down the Arakawa River. Then take the cable car up nearby Mt. Hodo for a bird’s eye view.
• Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
  One of Japan’s most famous gardens and a great place to relax with a cup of green tea while taking in the fall foliage.
• Aoba-dori Avenue, Sendai, Miyagi
  This well known street in Sendai come alive in color each fall.

Mid November—Late November

• Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto
  Stroll the castle grounds filled with the golden yellow leaves of gingko trees.
• Arashiyama, Kyoto
  Enjoy the fall colors by boat on the Hotsu River or by toy train, then walk through the nearby temples.
• Eikando Temple, Kyoto
  The temple gardens are beautiful anytime, but a visit is at night in November when the trees are flooded with lights is unforgettable.
• Yoro Valley, Chiba
  There are eight hiking trails, ranging from 4 to 8 hours that offer great autumn viewing including some stunning waterfalls.
• Imperial Palace, Tokyo
  Enjoy a brisk autumn stroll and the gingko trees around the Imperial Palace grounds.

Approximate peak viewing dates are based on national averages but actual viewing dates vary depending on weather and location.

Fall Favorites

OJ people share their favorite places enjoy the koyou.

LEE DOBSON: Tokufuji, Kyoto

I have a soft spot for Tofukuji in Kyoto. It is in a residential part of the city, so there are no tall buildings to spoil the view. In autumn the exquisite gardens come alive with color, and if you get there early on a weekday, it is surprisingly peaceful. I like the combination of an ancient shrine and natural-looking gardens.

MATT LINDSAY: Mt. Takamaru, Tokushima

While the symmetry and bold colors of the momiji (maple leaves) is undeniably attractive, the beech trees (buna) have enchanted me most here in Shikoku. Virgin buna forests can be found deep in Tokushima’s mountains near Mt. Takamaru. The large yellow leaves blanketing the lower slopes create a bright, uplifting atmosphere – sure to rejuvenate you after the long drive up the winding road past Kamikatsu. An enjoyable hike to the summit of this gentle peak also offers great views.

RACER X (AKA BRAD BENNETT): Okutama, Tokyo

Of course Okutama is where you want to be to enjoy the changing seasons! Walking on the Mukashi-michi, through the Tama River valley from Okutama Station to Lake Okutama is my choice for a wabisabi autumn experience. You can see traditional farmhouses, walk over suspension bridges and soak in the reflection of fall colors near the tranquil banks of Lake Okutama.

GARDNER ROBINSON: Tateshina, Nagano

Between the Yatsugatake mountain range and Kirigamine Plateau is a popular resort area called Tateshina. There are a lot of hot spring hotels in the vicinity and one of my favorite places to go when I lived in Nagano was the rotenburo at Taki-no-yu Onsen. It’s not the largest, or the most popular onsen around, but the simple stonework, smooth wood baths surrounded by momiji and an icy stream rolling by make it a perfect place soak in the warmth, feel the crisp fall air and spend a lazy day – getting psyched for winter!

TARO MURAISHI: Tanzawa, Kanagawa

Personally, I love the beechnut forests with their green and white trunks and “refreshing” leaves. In autumn they turn a beautiful yellow and when a few bright red maple trees are interspersed, the scene is like a homecoming. Tanzawa was the first mountain I climbed as a child, and although it doesn’t boast a magnificent forest, my relationship with the area makes it a personal favorite.