Japan Autumn Leaves: How to Plan A Fall Foliage Tour

Planning a Japan tour to capture the fall colors can be a delightful challenge, given the abundance of vibrant cities, delicate shrines, and vast areas of fall foliage, creating a captivating blend of natural beauty and deep culture. Utilize this guide, complete with the latest autumn leaves forecast and a sample itinerary, to select your ideal destinations and departure times for your perfect fall foliage tour planning.

2024 Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast

Compared to the cherry blossoms, Japan's autumn leaves (or Momiji in Japanese) offer a longer period of enjoyment, typically spanning nearly 4 months from mid-September to early December. It's like an orange fuzzy carpet slowly unfurling from the northern reaches of Hokkaido down to the southern shores of Okinawa. Below is the 2024 fall foliage forecast for your reference.

Japan Fall Foliage Forecast Map 2024

Best Time for Japan Fall Foliage

With sunny days and gentle breezes, coupled with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, the pleasant autumn season creates ideal weather for visiting Japan, making the best time to begin your autumn leaves journey depending on your preferred destinations.

Late October to November marks the peak fall foliage season, particularly in central Japan cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kanazawa, where maples around the temples and shrines display deep red and ginkgo trees painting the streets and buildings into bright gold.

For those seeking tranquility or planning a journey to Hokkaido in the north, mid-September to October is recommended to trace the first sight of the fall colors. You can capture lush mountains adorned in various shades of green, gold, and orange, with fewer crowds to contend with.

Beach lovers looking to incorporate seaside destinations into their autumn leaves itinerary can plan their trip from November to early December. This period offers lower prices and fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the warm beach in Okinawa.

Top Places to See the Fall Colors

Kyoto

Kyoto is renowned for the classic beauty of Japan amidst the vibrant autumn, where you'll find a wealth of shrines and temples. From forest shrines aglow in deep red to the golden temples basking in autumn sunlight, and the ancient area like Gion to feel the traditional culture. Don't miss the opportunity to savor some autumn flavors at an ancient rock garden restaurant, which is also a good way to enjoy the autumn leaves in Kyoto.

Fall Color in Kyoto

Tokyo

Experience the vibrant rhythm of Japan in this bustling city, where ancient shrines juxtapose with futuristic skyscrapers, offering a unique cyberpunk ambiance. Wander through streets and avenues covered in golden carpets of leaves leading you to a new encounter, and explore Shinjuku Gyoen, where you can spread out a blanket for a leisurely picnic amidst the fall foliage.

Mt.Fuji

An ideal day tour destination to capture the iconic snow-capped mountain, where you can marvel at the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi framed by trees ablaze with fall colors. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside path, using the branches and trees as a natural frame to enhance the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji, or opt for a relaxed boat or cable car ride to discover new vantage points for memorable photographs.

Nara

Renowned as a forest city boasting extensive green spaces, Nara offers numerous opportunities to witness the arrival of autumn. Whether overlooking the city from the mountains and hills, capturing the ancient temples and shrines nestled within primeval forests, or taking in the vibrant parks teeming with adorable deer, there's no shortage of scenic spots to enjoy the spectacle of autumn leaves.

Hokkaido

The northern location of Hokkaido renders it an optimal destination for witnessing early fall colors, typically beginning in late September. The gradually transforms landscape painting the snow-capped mountains, forests, and rivers with deep shades of red. The cooler temperatures here also provide the perfect environment for onsen (hot springs) experiences.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Best Autumn Leaves Tour of Japan 12 DAYS Explore This Tour

Ways to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Japan

Momiji-gari, a traditional event where the ancient Japanese would hunt the fall colors deep into the mountain or valley, not only for a visual feast but also to complete their pilgrimage. At this time of year, there are plenty of other ways to capture the fall foliage.

Follow the Hiking Trails

For nature lovers or those who simply want an adventure to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors of autumn, there is no shortage of lush forest and mountain trails to hike in the fresh air, rushing rivers, and tranquil mountain shrines. Lose yourself in the dense forests of Kumano Kodo or climb to the Japan Alps to encounter cascading waterfalls and tranquil azure lakes, the beauty of the season awaits.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Fall Colors of Japan with Kumano Kodo 14 DAYS Explore This Tour

Central Japan with Japanese Alps Hiking 13 DAYS Explore This Tour

Parks Hopping

A park-hopping journey from city to city is a delightful way to experience the beauty of Japanese castles, temples, and shrines adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through spacious parks perfect for a family picnic or explore meticulously designed rock gardens showcasing classic Japanese aesthetics, there's something to enchant every visitor.

Cycling Along the Path

Ideal for photographers aiming to capture the full spectrum of Japan's autumnal palette, take a cycling journey along winding paths that lead to coastal views and mountain landscapes. Pause along the way to capture your ideal scene with the gentle breeze, amid charming streets or villages to imbibe local flavor, or continue onwards to become a part of the vibrant colors painting the autumn canvas.

Sample Japan Fall Foliage Itinerary

For inspiration, below is a sample 12-day itinerary that focuses on the highlights of central Japan, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Mt. Fuji, and other enchanting destinations to capture the best fall colors in Japan.

Day 1 - 3 Tokyo

Land in Tokyo for the first glimpse of Japan's fall colors, hues of gold and red compose a vibrant melody. Join the bustling queue at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market for some fresh, autumnal ingredients and capture the Imperial Palace framed by the branches and crimson maple leaves. Take a stroll along Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue, where the golden carpet promises a dream shine like gems.

Day 4 Mt. Fuji

Take a day trip to Mt. Fuji, where you can enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi, with vibrant maple leaves adorning the reflection of the majestic peak. Before your lazy onsen (hot springs) experience in the tranquil Hakone, ascend Mount Tenjo by cable car for panoramic views; or hike to Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the iconic pagoda, one of the best photo spots to capture the stunning views of Mt. Fuji, temples and fiery fall foliage.

Mount Fuji

Day 5 - 6 Takayama

Hop aboard the convenient Shinkansen for a swift journey to Takayama, your hiking gateway to conquer the Japan Alps adorned in their autumn splendor. Awaken your senses with a visit to the vibrant morning market before crossing the iconic red Nakabashi Bridge against the backdrop of colorful mountains. Wander through the historic district of Kami-Sannomachi and Kusakabe Folk Museum, where immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Edo period.

Day 7 Shirakawa-go

Continue your journey westward to the tranquil town of Shirakawa-go. Immerse yourself in the unhurried rhythm of life as you explore the local grass-thatched farmhouses, crafted using traditional techniques. Upon reaching Kanazawa, often referred to as Little Kyoto, delve deeper into the region's heritage at the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum, enriching your fall foliage experience with a blend of culture and history.

Day 8 Kanazawa

Stroll through the pristine Kanazawa Castle, its serenity concealing a burst of vibrant hues within its exquisite garden. Marvel at the lively Kenrokuen Garden, where the harmony of water and fall foliage embodies Japanese-style elegance. Follow the meandering pathways adorned with orange leaves to the lakeside, and capture the reflection in autumnal shades.

Autumn Colors in Japan

Day 9 - 10 Kyoto

Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge over Arashiyama, a canvas of myriad colors that beckons you to the mountains for a fresh autumnal palette. Meander through the Bamboo Forest still swathed in lush greenery, and ascend the Jojakko-Ji nestled amidst descending foliage to touch the serenity of the season. For a panoramic view of autumn in Kyoto, climb the stairs flanked by countless torii until reaching the leave-decorated gate of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Day 11 Nara

After a leisurely boat ride around Osaka Castle, venture into the wooded city of Nara, where enchanting surprises await. Capture the scene as falling leaves meet lovely deer, discover ancient temples adorned with foliage and moss, or climb Mt. Wakakusa to experience the harmony of gentle winds, graceful deer, and vibrant fall colors.

Another 14-Day Fall Foliage Japan Tour

Time to Plan Your Japan Autumn Trip

For your ideal accommodation to experience Japan's stunning fall colors, it's advisable to book your autumn leaves itinerary at least 6 months in advance. Given Japan's year-round allure, early planning is essential due to its perpetual attractiveness. Alternatively, entrust all these arrangements to Odynovo for a stress-free Japan tour amidst the magnificent fall foliage.