Most travelers usually wait for sakura season to head to Japan, but did you know that autumn is an equally stunning season to visit the land of the rising sun? The air is crisp, and the changing colors of the autumn leaves across the landscape can take your breath away.
It's so beautiful that Japan even has a tradition of visiting scenic spots to look at the changing colors of autumn leaves called momijigari (もみじがり).
Planning to visit Japan during fall and you aren't quite sure where the best places are to see autumn leaves? Don't worry, that's what we're here for. Put on your cutest coat; we're going on a momijigari!
Kyoto
If you're visiting Japan during fall, then the best place to visit is Kyoto. That's because it's considered the "Autumn Capital of Japan." Kyoto has hundreds of temples and shrines surrounded by mountains. During autumn, the city transforms into a stunning painting of gold, orange, and red.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto is a great place for momojigari because its wooden terrace sits right beside a hillside blanketed in fiery autumn trees. Next up is Nanze-ji Temple with photogenic gardens bursting in color. Daigo-ji Temple is also a great place to visit since it's a UNESCO World Heritage site with bridges, pagodas, and mirror-like ponds that reflect the beautiful colors of autumn.
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Mt Fuji
Imagine seeing Mt. Fuji surrounded by a blazing trail of red maple trees! That's definitely an iconic sight to see. If you head to Lake Kawaguchi to view Mt. Fuji during autumn, you'll get the chance to take breathtaking photographs with Japan's sacred mountain surrounded by red trees being reflected on still water.
Another great place to capture Mt. Fuji with red autumn trees is at the Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi. The five-story pagoda is one of Japan's most photographed autumn views. If you're looking for something different to take pictures of, then you can also head to Momiji Tunnel at Lake Kawaguchiko since it offers the perfect frame for Fuji.
Have a taste of Japanese autumn with this box of special Kit Kat chocolates! They taste just like Purple Sweet Potato, a popular autumn favorite in Japan.
Tokyo
Thinking of staying around Tokyo during autumn? Don't worry, Japan's bustling metropolis has a lot of green spaces that burst into bleeding colors during fall. You don't have to spend too much to be able to enjoy autumn if you're stuck in Tokyo.
If you're looking for a variety of colors, then head to Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo. It has crimson maples and golden ginkgo groves for you to pass through. Rikugien Garden is also a great option since it has evening lights that showcase glowing leaves reflecting on the pond.
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo's oldest gardens, and it's a great place to have momijigari since the bridges and ponds showcase the perfect autumn reflections. If you're around Shibuya, you can also visit Yoyogi Park in Tokyo since it's home to a lot of ginkgo trees.
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Kamakura
If you do have time to travel outside of Tokyo, another great option for autumn viewings is Kamakura since it mixes temples, gardens, and ocean views with beautiful autumn foliage. This particular mix makes Kamakura one of the most unique places to visit if you want to bask in a different kind of momijigari.
At the Hokokuji Temple in Kamakura yuo can experience autumn surrounded by peaceful bamboo groves with glowing maple trees. If you head to Kotoku-in, you can stand in awe of the Great Buddha of Kamakura framed by autumn trees. Then, if you want sweeping autumn views of the town and ocean, then head to the hillside of Hasedera Temple.
Nara
If you love interacting with nature, then Nara is definitely one of the best places to visit during autumn. There's just something enchanting about golden ginkgo trees lighting up on open lawns and seeing the city's famous free-roaming deer wandering about a lush autumn landscape.
Head to Nara Park if you're looking for a photogenic place to hand-feed deer while taking photos among the auburn colored leves. Mount Yoshino is also a great spot to visit. Though it's mostly famous for its cherry blossoms during spring, the dramatic leaves of autumn set the hills on fire with deep reds and oranges.
Take this box of special Kit Kats with you when you head off to your autumn picnic with friends. It's the perfect mix of strawberries and red beans that give you a warm and cozy feeling!
Wakayama
Looking for some dramatic scenery during fall? Then head over to Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama to take in a spectacular autumn sight. Set right next to a bright red pagoda
framed by an autumn forest, Nachi Waterfall is a powerful sight to behold. It's super dramatic in pictures, but when you get there in real life, you'll feel the power of the waterfall.
So, did you enjoy our online momijigari? Japan is a beautiful country that definitely has so much to offer even during autumn. If you’re heading to Japan during the fall, bookmark this blog so you can remember which places to visit to see the brilliant autumn leaves! Until next time, ja ne!
Craving some autumn food from Japan to enjoy with your friends? We’ve got you covered with our upcoming box, Golden Harvest Picnic!
