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Best fall foliage destinations in Asia

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Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Tofukuji Temple's valley fills with maple trees that blaze red each November in Kyoto. A wooden bridge called Tsutenkyo crosses directly above the canopy. Visitors can look down over the valley from the bridge for a full view. Arashiyama's bamboo groves nearby add contrast with their own turning maples.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
The Irohazaka Slope winds through 48 hairpin turns lined with maple trees near Nikko. Each bend takes its name from a letter of the old Japanese alphabet. Visitors can drive the switchbacks for constant views over the changing forest. Kegon Falls nearby draws crowds once the surrounding colours peak.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Korankei Gorge
Autumn maples along a Tomoe River gorge
7.2
Korankei Gorge fills with roughly 4,000 maple trees that turn deep red each November. Evening illumination lights up the canopy along the river after dark. Visitors can walk riverside paths beneath the glowing leaves during the festival period. A red arched bridge crossing the gorge becomes a popular photo spot.
Highlights:
  • 🎉 Attend the lively Korankei Maple Festival in November
  • 🌉 Photograph the iconic Taigetsukyo Bridge over Tomoe River
  • 🍁 Walk the maple tree tunnels and vibrant autumn trails
Daisetsuzan National Park
Japan's largest national park, in Hokkaido
8.3
Daisetsuzan sees Japan's earliest autumn colours, often starting in early September. Volcanic peaks rise above valleys where alpine shrubs turn deep red weeks before lowland Japan. Visitors can ride a ropeway partway up for wide views across the changing slopes. Hot spring towns nearby offer a warm stop after a day on the trails.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Asahidake Onsen
  • ⛰️ Hike to Mt. Asahi summit, Hokkaido's highest peak
  • 🚠 Ride Asahidake Ropeway to scenic Sugatami Plateau
Kamikochi
Clear river valley beneath the Hotaka Range
8.5
Taisho Pond in Kamikochi reflects golden larch trees each October beneath the Hotaka peaks. The still alpine valley sits inside the Japanese Alps at high elevation. Visitors can walk flat riverside trails without any technical hiking gear. Snow often dusts the surrounding peaks not long after the colours fade.
Highlights:
  • 🍂 Admire autumn foliage along Kamikochi’s forest trails
  • 🗻 Hike to Myojin Pond surrounded by sacred mountains
  • 🌉 Walk the scenic Kappa Bridge overlooking the Azusa River
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Jozankei Gorge fills with red and gold maple leaves each autumn outside Sapporo. Hot spring hotels line the river running through the narrow valley. Visitors can soak in an outdoor bath while looking out at the changing colours. A short cable car ride nearby offers wider views over the gorge.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Yamagata
Tohoku castle town near Yamadera and Zao
7.4
Yamadera's mountain temple sits atop a long stone staircase lined with maple trees. Autumn colour spreads across the surrounding cliffs each October and November. Visitors can climb roughly a thousand steps past small shrines along the way. Zao Onsen nearby offers hot spring baths after the hike down.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the hot springs at Ginzan Onsen
  • ⛷️ Ski or snowboard at Yamagata Zao Onsen Resort
  • ⛩️ Climb 1,015 steps to scenic Yamadera Temple
Shirakawa-go
Thatched gassho farmhouses in the Hida mountains
7.6
Steep thatched gassho zukuri farmhouses stand out against maple trees turning red each autumn. The traditional roofs were built to withstand heavy mountain snowfall each winter. Visitors can walk between the historic houses as the surrounding hillsides change colour. A hillside viewpoint above the village frames the whole scene at once.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Visit the open-air museum to explore preserved houses
  • 📸 Capture winter scenery with snow-covered village rooftops
  • 🏡 Admire the traditional gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
Blue pine and maple forests around the Paro Valley turn gold each October in Bhutan. The colour change coincides with the Thimphu Tshechu festival held nearby. Visitors can walk trails between farmhouses framed by turning leaves. Snow capped peaks rise behind the valley on clear autumn days.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
Mount Yoshino
Japan's most famous cherry blossom mountain
Mount Yoshino, famous for spring cherry blossoms, also turns deep red and gold each autumn. Maple trees fill the same terraced slopes that draw crowds months earlier for cherry season. Visitors can follow the same mountain paths past temples and old wooden shopfronts. Local vendors sell kuzu root sweets harvested from the surrounding hills.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 See thousands of cherry trees bloom across the mountainside
  • ⛩️ Explore the sacred temples of Kinpusen-ji
  • 🍂 Admire fiery autumn foliage along the mountain trails
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