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Top fall foliage destinations and autumn colors

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Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Maple trees throughout this city's temple gardens turn brilliant red each November, drawing some of Japan's largest autumn crowds. Tofukuji and Eikando temples rank among the most visited spots for viewing the seasonal color. Arashiyama's bamboo groves take on a different kind of seasonal beauty alongside the changing maples nearby.
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
Maple trees throughout this city turn brilliant red each November, framing historic shrines and temples with seasonal color. Kegon Falls, a nearby waterfall, becomes especially popular once the surrounding forest changes. Lake Chuzenji reflects the changing maples on calm autumn days. Crowds increase significantly during peak weeks, particularly on weekends near the end of October.
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
Maple trees throughout this Japanese gorge turn brilliant red each November, drawing some of the region's largest autumn crowds. A historic bridge crossing the gorge frames one of the most photographed views during peak color season. Evening illuminations light up the maples after dark during a dedicated festival each year.
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
This Japanese park sees some of the earliest fall color anywhere in the country, changing as early as September. Volcanic peaks rise above forests of dwarf pine and alpine shrubs that turn deep red. Hiking trails climb through several elevation zones, each changing color at a slightly different time.
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
This alpine valley in the Japanese Alps turns shades of red and gold each October. The Hotaka mountain range frames the display from above. The Azusa River running through the valley reflects the surrounding color on calm days. A red suspension bridge near the entrance marks one of the most photographed points along the trail.
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
Fall color arrives earlier here than almost anywhere else in Japan, often starting in September at higher elevations. Daisetsuzan National Park sees the season's first changes, while lower areas like Sapporo follow weeks later. Maple and birch forests turn shades of red and gold across the mountainous terrain.
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
Maple and beech forests across this Japanese prefecture turn brilliant red each November, especially dense in the Zao mountain range. Hot springs scattered throughout the region offer a warm stop after hiking through cold autumn air. Cable cars up Mount Zao carry visitors above the tree line for sweeping views over the color below.
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
Maple trees throughout this Japanese mountain village turn red each November, framing its distinctive steep-roofed farmhouses. UNESCO recognized the village's traditional thatched-roof architecture as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Rice paddies surrounding the village take on golden tones as harvest season concludes, adding another layer of color.
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
Black Forest
Dark woods, lakes and hilltop villages
9.3
Dense stands of beech and oak turn gold and copper here each October, mixed among the region's namesake dark conifers. Hilltop viewpoints throughout the forest offer sweeping views over valleys filled with seasonal color. Traditional villages scattered across the region make convenient bases for driving or hiking through the display.
Highlights:
  • 🍰 Taste Black Forest cake at a local bakery
  • 💦 Stroll through Triberg waterfalls, Europe's highest falls
  • 🏞️ Hike the Schwarzwald Panorama Trail to summit views
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
Forests across this Himalayan kingdom turn shades of red and gold each October and November, framed by snow-capped peaks. Rhododendron and maple trees provide much of the color across the country's mountainous terrain. Monasteries perched on cliffsides offer elevated viewpoints over the surrounding autumn forest.
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
This mountain is best known for its spring cherry blossoms. Maple trees across its lower slopes also turn red and gold each November. Temples scattered along the hiking paths offer quiet viewpoints away from the busier spring crowds. Autumn visitors often have trails largely to themselves compared to the packed cherry blossom season.
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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