Looking for the best places in Japan to visit during the autumn? These three autumn destinations have all the beautiful autumn colors and local charm you’ve been searching for!

Japan’s Autumn Leaves

After the exhausting heat and humidity of the Japanese summer, the arrival of autumn’s crisp breezes and bountiful harvest make it feel like a blessing. Of course, while many people come to enjoy the comfortable walking weather and savor the warm, cozy flavors of the new season, the most obvious reason to come to Japan during autumn is the spectacular showing of autumn colors around the country, referred to as “koyo” in Japan. Visit these three spots to see for yourself why Japan is so famous for its colorful landscapes of red and yellow leaves!

Nikko, Tochigi (栃木県日光市)

Nikko is most famous for its collection of beautiful and eye-catching Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, gathered in one place, and for many years the city has been a popular resort destination for Japanese locals – especially those based in Tokyo. (It’s easily accessible by train!) It’s most beautiful during the autumn, when the colorful leaves provide an unmatched backdrop for 150-year-old historic hotels, luxurious onsen hot springs, and sightseeing spots like Irohazaka Road – a winding road popular among fans of both autumn colors and also the Initial D manga/anime.

➡︎ More on Nikko, Tochigi

Hitachinaka, Ibaraki (茨城県ひたちなか市)

A hugely popular day trip for those staying in the Tokyo area, Hitachi Seaside Park is a broad swath of open parkland on the eastern coast of Japan, a couple hours north of the big city. In the first few months of the year, nearby parks offer gorgeous plum blossoms and peach blossoms, and not long after Hitachi Seaside Park turns blue with nemophila (baby blue eyes) blooms. But when the weather starts to cool at the very end of summer, the kochia bushes at Hitachi Seaside Park turn a deep crimson red, making this spot an absolute must-see destination for the autumn!

➡︎ More on Ibaraki Prefecture

Tendo, Yamagata (山形県天童市)

One of the six prefectures of Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region, Yamagata is an ideal autumn getaway, with cool weather quickly taking over from the summer heat and beautiful frosts crystalizing on the mountainsides each evening. The city of Tendo is famous for producing shogi (Japanese chess) pieces, and the mountainous area is sprinkled with onsen, but the best way to enjoy autumn in the area is to hike up to mountaintop temples like Yamadera (officially named Hojuzan Risshaku Temple) and Jakushoji (more than 1,300 years old), and enjoy the spectacular views.

➡︎ More on Yamagata Prefecture

Plan the Perfect Autumn Trip to Japan

Whether your next trip to Japan is all about the country’s autumn delights, or your travel dates just happened to line up with the autumn season, you won’t want to miss out on the beauty of Japan’s autumn colors during your visit! The country is full of gorgeous natural features, and many of Japan’s forests, parks, and gardens are at their most beautiful during the cooler months of the year, but if you choose one of these three spots for the autumn foliage, you won’t be disappointed!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!