🍂 Get Ready for Autumn Foliage! What Do ‘Kōyō Migoro’ and ‘Momijigari’ Mean?
In Japanese, “紅葉” (kōyō) refers to maple leaves, while “紅葉見頃” (kōyō migoro) indicates the period when the leaves are at their most vibrant and ideal for viewing.
“紅葉狩り” (momijigari) is a traditional Japanese autumn activity, meaning to visit mountains, gardens, and other scenic spots to enjoy the autumn leaves—literally “hunting” for beautiful foliage.
Your Guide to the Best Time for Autumn Foliage!
Check out the estimated autumn foliage months across Japan:
| Region | Estimated Autumn Foliage Months | Recommended Spots |
| Hokkaido | Late October to Early November | Daisetsuzan National Park, Jozankei Onsen |
| Tōhoku | Mid-October to Early November | Oirase Stream, Naruko Gorge |
| Kanto | Mid-October to Early December | Kegon Falls, Mount Takao |
| Chubu
Region |
Early October to Early December | Kamikōchi, Korankei |
| Kansai | Mid-November to Early December | Arashiyama, Nanzen-ji Temple |
| Chūgoku | Late October to Late November | Kakuyama Park, Momijidani Park |
| Shikoku | Mid-November to Early December | Kankakei, Ritsurin Garden |
| Kyushu | Mid-November to Late December | Mount Sarakura, Kawachi Fuji Garden |
To accurately catch the peak autumn foliage and best viewing spots, we recommend checking the following websites before your trip. This will help you plan your autumn leaf viewing itinerary more smoothly!
🍁Hokkaido Region
Daisetsuzan National Park
Image Source:大雪山 層雲峡・黒岳ロープウェイ
Want to be among the first to see autumn leaves? Head to Daisetsuzan National Park! It’s one of the earliest spots in Japan to enjoy the fall foliage. We recommend taking the Kurodake Ropeway up the mountain in the late afternoon. The entire mountaintop is bathed in the glow of the setting sun—a truly spectacular sight.
- Peak Foliage Time：Late September to Early October
- Access：From JR Sekihoku Line Kamikawa Station, take the Dohoku Bus on the Sōunkyō–Kamikawa Line. It’s about a 30-minute ride to the final stop, Sōunkyō Station, followed by a 5-minute walk to the Kurodake Ropeway.
Jozankei Onsen
Image Source:一般社團法人 定山溪觀光協會
Located in the Minami Ward of Sapporo, Hokkaido, this is one of the most famous hot spring towns near the city. In autumn, the entire valley is surrounded by vibrant maple leaves, creating a picturesque scene. We recommend visiting Futami Jōzan Trail, where you can enjoy the stunning sight of maple leaves reflected on the river’s surface.
We recommend purchasing a Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass, which allows you to redeem a Jozankei Onsen 1 Day Tour (Departing from Sapporo / Bus Ticket Included)～
- Peak Foliage Time： Early October to Mid-October
- Access：Take the direct Teitetsu Bus Kappa Liner from Sapporo Station to reach your destination.
🍁Tōhoku Region
Oirase Stream
Image Source:青森県観光情報サイト
This forested valley trail stretches approximately 14 kilometers, lined with lush greenery and rich natural scenery along the way. Among its highlights, the famous Ashura Stream is a hidden gem for autumn foliage in the Tohoku region, where vibrant maple leaves beautifully reflect on the cascading waters—a sight that is truly unforgettable.
- Peak Foliage Time： Mid-October to Early November
- Access： From Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR Bus Tohoku Oirase-go
Naruko Gorge
Image Source:photoAC
Naruko Gorge is a magnificent canyon carved over time by the Ōtani River, best known for its autumn foliage. When the maple leaves turn red, they beautifully complement the railway running through the valley. We especially recommend visiting Ōfukasawa Bridge, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the gorge and take in the layered beauty of the colorful leaves and the river below.
- Peak Foliage Time： Mid-October to Early November
- Access： From Naruko Onsen Station, take the direct bus to Naruko Gorge Nakayamadaira Entrance (seasonal shuttle service available only during the autumn foliage period)
🍁Kanto Region
Kegon Falls
Image Source:華厳滝エレベーター
Located at a high elevation, Nikko offers breathtaking views of autumn foliage from above. In autumn, the majestic Kegon Falls becomes even more spectacular, as you can enjoy the stunning sight of cascading water framed by vibrant red and golden leaves from the nearby observation deck—a view that is both powerful and romantic.
- Peak Foliage Time： Early October to Late October
- Access：From Shinjuku Station, take the direct JR Utsunomiya / Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu Nikko Station, then transfer to a Tobu Bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen
Mount Takao
Image Source:photoAC
Every autumn, Mount Takao is blanketed in brilliant shades of red and gold. Whether you take the cable car or hike along the trails, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery at every turn. On clear days, you can even catch a distant view of Mount Fuji from the summit, making it one of the top autumn foliage spots near Tokyo.
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Early December
- Access： From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Station
🍁Chubu Region
Kamikōchi
Image Source:tenki.jp
Designated as a Japanese National Cultural Property, Kamikochi enchants visitors with a tapestry of golden birch and vibrant autumn leaves, set against clear streams and majestic mountains. A must-visit for hiking and photography enthusiasts, strolling through the area allows you to fully experience the tranquility and grandeur of nature.
- 賞楓時間：10月上旬〜11月上旬
- Peak Foliage Time：Early October to Early November
- Access：From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then transfer to a high-speed bus bound for Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Korankei
Image Source:TOURISM TOYOTA
About 4,000 maple trees line the valley, painting the banks in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, creating a picturesque scene along the 巴川 River. During the Kōrankei Autumn Leaves Festival, visitors can stroll along attractions like the Kōjaku-ji Temple approach and Taigetsu Bridge during the day, while at night, the illuminated trees create a magical and dreamlike atmosphere.
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Late November
- Access：From Meitetsu Mikawa Line / Toyota Line – Toyota-shi Station, transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yanami Line (bound for Asuke) and get off at the Kōrankei Bus Stop
🍁Kansai Region
Arashiyama
Image Source:photoAC
This is one of Kansai’s most famous autumn foliage spots. Every fall, the forests of Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo Bridge are dyed in vibrant shades of red and orange. Visitors can stroll along the bamboo paths and the Katsura River, enjoying the stunning reflection of layered autumn leaves in the water. In addition to the natural scenery, you can also visit cultural landmarks such as Tenryu-ji Temple and Nonomiya Shrine.
We recommend purchasing a Have Fun in Kansai Pass, which allows you to redeem a coupon for Arashiyama Gourmet Coupon + Randen 1 Day Free Ticket~
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Early December
- Access：From JR Kyoto Station, take the train to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple, located in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, becomes a vibrant autumn spectacle as the maple leaves complement the historic architecture. Stroll through the dry landscape gardens and ancient trees, and immerse yourself in the gradual transformation of red, yellow, and green foliage, experiencing the charm of both history and nature. In addition, the gardens of Tenju-an become even more enchanting with the autumn colors.
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Early December
- Access：From Kyoto Station, take the subway to Keage Station, then walk about 12 minutes
🍁Chūgoku Region
Kakuyama Park
Image Source:岡山県観光WEB
This is one of Okayama Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn foliage. During the fall, a Momiji Festival is held, featuring night-time illumination that showcases the leaves in a different light. The stone walls of the castle ruins interwoven with the colorful maples create a magnificent scene, made even more enchanting under the setting sun.
We recommend purchasing a Have Fun in Okayama Pass, which allows you to redeem a admission ticket to Tsuyama Castle（Kakuzan Park）& Tsuyama Tourist Center Entrance Fee & Souvenir Coupon~
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Late November
- Access：About a 10-minute walk from JR Tsuyama Station
Momijidani Park
Image Source:photoAC
Momijidani Park, located on Miyajima in Hiroshima, is home to over 700 maple trees of various varieties. Every autumn, the forest is ablaze with color, beautifully reflected in the streams, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery. After enjoying the foliage, you can also visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike Mount Misen for more stunning views.
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Late November
- Access：From Hiroshima Station, take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi Station, then take a ferry to Miyajima, followed by about a 10-minute walk
🍁Shikoku Region
Ritsurin Garden
Image Source:PR TIMES
Ritsurin Garden, hailed as one of Japan’s finest gardens, is a 400-year-old strolling garden. In autumn, the foliage decorates the ponds, teahouses, and pine groves, creating a picturesque scene. The morning reflections and night-time illuminations are especially captivating, so be sure not to miss the seasonal light-up events!
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Early Decmber
- Access：Take the Kotohira Electric Railway to Ritsurin-Koen Station, then walk about 10 minutes
Kankakei
Image Source:photoAC
Kankakei Gorge, located on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gorges and is a key site within the Seto Inland Sea National Park. In autumn, riding the ropeway across the gorge offers stunning views of both the colorful foliage and the distant sea, while the interplay of autumn leaves and unique rock formations creates a breathtaking three-dimensional landscape.
- Peak Foliage Time：Early November to Late November
- Access：From Takamatsu Port, take a ferry to Tonosho Port, then transfer to the Shodoshima Olive Bus to Kusakabe Port. From there, take the free shuttle to Kountei Station
🍁Kyushu Region
Mount Sarakura
Image Source:皿倉登山鉄道株式会社
Located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, riding the mountain cable car in autumn allows you to enjoy layers of red and yellow foliage along the way. From the summit, you can take in both the vibrant autumn leaves and the city lights, creating a magnificent and captivating view!
We recommend purchasing a Have Fun in Kitakyushu & Shimonoseki Pass, which allows you to redeem a Round-trip Ticket for Sarakurayama Cable Car and Slope Car~
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to mid-December
- Access：Take the train to JR Yahata Station, then transfer to the free shuttle bus to the Sarakura Mountain Cable Car Base Station
Kawachi Fuji Garden
Image Source:VISIT FUKUOKA
Kawachi Fuji Garden, located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, is famous in spring for its spectacular wisteria tunnels. In autumn, about 700 maple trees paint the garden in golden and red hues, creating another enchanting foliage scene. Visitors can walk up the slope from the entrance, enjoying a tunnel of autumn leaves along the way, as if strolling through a natural mosaic of colors.
- Peak Foliage Time：Mid-November to Early December
- Access：Self-driving is better
🚨Facilities includes in Have Fun Pass will update from time to time, please refer to the official website for the latest information.
Autumn is Japan’s most colorful and captivating season. From the maple tunnels of Hokkaido, to the historic temple foliage in Kansai, and the scenic valleys of Kyushu, each region offers its own unique charm. With practical ticketing options and information on the best viewing periods, you can easily plan a memorable autumn foliage trip. Take advantage of this brief season to visit Japan’s top autumn spots and create unforgettable memories!
