How to Experience Autumn in Japan
Discover the best way to travel Japan in autumn, with suggested activities that take advantage of the season.
In this Guide:
Why autumn is great for travel in Japan
What to do in Japan in autumn
Momiji fall foliage
Autumn matsuri festivals
Hiking in autumn
Fall seasonal dishes
Outdoor onsen
Visit temples and shrines
How to experience Japan in every season
Less crowds, temperate weather, and stunning displays of vivid color.
These are just some of the reasons why fall in Japan is the perfect season for immersing in natural beauty while experiencing authentic Japanese culture.
In fact, with entire vistas swathed in reds and golds, energetic harvest festivals bustling with local energy, and an unbelievable range of cultural activities available, autumn in Japan might be even more enjoyable than sakura season.
Looking for some inspiration on how to make the most of autumn in Japan? Keep reading for some of the best fall experiences in Japan, whether you’re traveling through Tokyo, cruising through Kyoto, or hiking in Hokkaido.
Best Autumn Activities in Japan
If you’re visiting Japan in the fall, discover the best things to do in the season to optimize your travels.
Witness momiji fall foliage
Autumn in Japan is synonymous with breathtaking fall foliage. Visit iconic spots like Kyoto’s Arashiyama, Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine, or the vibrant maple trees around Lake Kawaguchi.
The fall foliage season typically peaks from mid-October to early December, offering a colorful palette of red, orange, and yellow leaves that transform Japan’s landscapes, but varies from area to area. Check the latest forecast for updated estimates.
Trek through scenic trails
With cooler temperatures and stunning scenery, autumn is the perfect time for hiking in Japan. Popular trails include the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, the Nakasendo Trail, and the Kyoto Trail in Higashiyama. These hikes not only offer breathtaking views of the fall colors but also allow you to explore Japan’s rich history and culture.
Whether exploring on your own or guided by a local nature expert, bask in Japan’s fall foliage.
Relax in an onsen with fall scenery
There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a hot spring onsen while surrounded by autumn leaves. Visit onsen towns like Hakone, Kaga, or Kinosaki, where you can unwind in outdoor baths with stunning views of the fall foliage.
Visiting an onsen is a quintessential autumn experience that combines Japan’s natural beauty with its rich tradition of wellness.
Visit traditional autumn matsuri festivals
Summer festivals, with crowds clad in cotton yukata clothing and watching grand displays of fireworks, might be more well-known, but autumn in Japan is rich with traditional festivals that celebrate the harvest season. Join the locals in otsukimi moon viewing festivals in regions all across Japan, or at a tori-no-ichi festival focused on prayers for prosperous business or raking in good luck, with ornate rakes decorated with figurines to symbolize your fortune. These festivals offer a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage and are a must-see for visitors.
Enjoy seasonal autumn delicacies
Japanese food is famed for its focus on seasonality, only using ingredients at peak freshness, and rotating menus to best suit the time of year. Wagashi, for example, have an infinite array of shapes and colors reflecting holidays, celebrations, and seasons.
Other autumn foods to enjoy when visiting Japan include matsutake mushrooms, persimmons (kaki), and sweet potatoes (satsumaimo), enjoyed both infused into dishes or own their own. Chestnut (kuri) desserts or a warm bowl of oden, a traditional Japanese stew perfect for chilly autumn evenings, are also must-have Japanese fall foods.
Visit historic temples and shrines
Japan’s temples and shrines take on a special charm in autumn, with colorful leaves providing a picturesque backdrop. Explore Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, Nara’s Todai-ji, or the cluster of religious sites on Miyajima Island.
These sacred sites offer a peaceful retreat and a deep connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage, framed in the beauty of momiji. Immerse deeper in the scenic beauty with guided zazen meditation sessions, led by the temple’s head monk, to seek inner balance while surrounded by natural beauty.
Experiencing Japan in every season
Fall in Japan is full of charm and packed with countless cultural experiences to enjoy. With comfortable weather that makes it easy to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities, plus the mesmerizing backdrop of momiji fall foliage, autumn in Japan is a great season to visit.
Looking for other seasonal inspiration for traveling in Japan? Check out our guides on winter, spring, and summer for more insight about the best cultural experiences to book each season.
