Stunning scenery isn't the only draw of autumn in Japan. There are also colorful festivals, delicious food, and tons of other fun experiences!
Famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring, the stunning yellow of the autumn foliage is another reason why many people choose to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun. However, the charming scenery is not the only attraction of autumn in Japan. From picnicking, admiring the beauty of the changing leaves to slurping a hot pot of shabu-shabu in the chilly weather, here are the things to do and places to visit in Japan in autumn.
Traveling to Japan in the fall, you will definitely have beautiful check-in photos.
The ideal time to enjoy autumn in Japan
The autumn foliage season in Japan in 2023 will start a little later than usual. For the best experience when traveling to Japan in the fall, plan your trip between early November and mid-December. This is also the time when the temperature starts to drop to around 11°C - 20°C. Remember to prepare autumn and winter clothes to keep yourself warm!
Check in beautiful photos at the most famous autumn scenery viewing spots in Japan.
Visit the 5 most famous autumn foliage viewing spots in Japan
Jozankei Hot Springs, Hokkaido
Jozankei Onsen in Hokkaido is one of the most visited places in Japan during autumn. Nestled in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this resort is famous for its hot springs and spa services in a stunning natural setting surrounded by mountains and the Toyohira River. This is where you can enjoy the picturesque Japanese autumn scenery of red, orange, yellow, brown and green interspersed with clear blue water.
Does the beautiful autumn and yellow leaves scenery in the Jozankei Hot Springs area in Hokkaido captivate you?
Visitors can also stroll around Futami-Jozan Road and Futami Park, crossing the Futamituribashi Bridge to admire the steep cliffs and colorful wild plants.
Naruko Gorge, Miyagi
Naruko Gorge, Miyagi is one of the best places to see autumn in Japan.
Located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku Region, Naruko Gorge is a famous autumn travel destination in Japan with its vibrant colors. The gorge stretches for about 2 km, where visitors can admire the colorful autumn foliage while walking to Ofukazawa Bridge via the Ofukazawa Hiking Trail and taking photos with nature.
Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo
The avenue with more than 100 ginkgo trees turning yellow leaves makes Meiji Jingu Gaien an ideal place to take autumn photos in Japan.
The most popular destination in Tokyo every autumn in Japan is Meiji Jingu Gaien with a wide avenue of more than 150 ginkgo trees changing color. In November, the leaves turn yellow, creating a brilliant natural picture that automatically takes beautiful photos. This is also the place where the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is held every year from mid-November to early December. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and drinks, admire the beauty of ginkgo trees and magical art and light performances.
Osaka Castle Park, Osaka
Osaka Castle Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Japan with its ginkgo trees turning yellow.
Osaka Castle Park is always famous as the most beautiful autumn tourist destination in Japan, loved by both locals and tourists. Nishinomaru Garden in the west with crimson cherry trees and the majestic Osaka Castle behind, or the east of the garden with rows of deep yellow ginkgo trees, ... All create a beautiful landscape painting that you just want to immerse yourself in forever.
Eikando Temple, Kyoto
The bridge leading to Eikando Temple, Kyoto is surrounded by trees with brilliant red and yellow leaves.
Considered the top destination for autumn foliage viewing in Japan in general and Kyoto in particular, Eikando Temple is surrounded by thousands of trees with vibrant red, yellow and orange leaves. The two most famous attractions here are Tahoto Shrine and the peaceful Hojo Pond. You can go to the top of the temple to see the whole view of Kyoto, or admire the pond reflecting the sparkling lights in the evening.
Top 4 interesting experiences when welcoming autumn in Japan
Besides spending time at places to see the autumn leaves, there are many activities that you can experience when traveling to Japan in the fall.
There are many places to have a picnic to see the autumn leaves in Japan, also known as the momijigari tradition.
Picnic in the park: In Japan, there is a tradition called momijigari or “autumn leaf hunting”. When autumn comes, friends and family gather for picnics in the park, admiring the red maple trees or the brilliant yellow ginkgo trees, the falling leaves turning the ground into a golden carpet, and enjoying a cute bento lunch together.
People enjoy rice cakes together during the Tsukimi festival.
Take part in an autumn festival: There are many local festivals to participate in during the autumn in Japan, the most famous of which is Tsukimi (or Otsukimi), which means “moon viewing”. This festival is held on the day of the full moon similar to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam and is meant to pray for a good harvest. Families gather together and enjoy foods such as white rice cakes and chestnuts. Tsukimi is celebrated all over Japan and famous landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower and Ise Shrine often have outdoor events.
Lanterns light up the streets during the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival.
Besides, another equally famous Japanese autumn festival is the annual Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival in Fukushima, which lights up the streets, people eat delicious food, drink wine and take beautiful pictures together.
Slurping beef and mushroom shabu-shabu hotpot in the chilly autumn weather in Japan is so perfect.
Enjoy autumn food: Mentioning autumn in Japan means thinking of hot pots, warming the body on cold days. No gourmet wants to miss the famous sukiyaki and shabu-shabu beef hot pot, hot yakiniku (grilled meat) and grilled Japanese sweet potatoes.
Experience an onsen bath amidst the brilliant Japanese autumn scenery.
Soaking in an onsen: No matter the season, a relaxing hot spring bath in Japan is a must-try experience. In November, temperatures drop to over 10 degrees Celsius, perfect for soaking in a natural hot spring surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Who wouldn’t love to just lie back and relax while admiring the breathtaking autumn scenery in Japan?
(According to Vietnam Tourism, October 2, 2023)
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