2019 Autumn Forecast: Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan

2019 Autumn Forecast: Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan

Want to experience 'koyo' in Japan? From popular cities to far-flung destinations, find out the best places - and timings - to catch them all.

Japan is known for its cherry blossom season in spring, when sakura flowers paint all of Japan in multiple shades of pink. Besides springtime, autumn is another popular season to visit Japan, as koyo (translates to: ‘autumn leaf watching’) comes into full swing across the nation.

Much like the viewing of cherry blossoms, travelling across Japan to witness the changing of the leaves is a very popular activity among locals and tourists alike. As autumn approaches, the crowns of trees turn into fiery shades of red, yellow and orange. This provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolling, especially as the weather gets cooler too.

Unlike the cherry blossom season, autumn season lasts longer – giving you plenty more opportunity to witness the phenomenon. If you’re planning a trip to visit Japan this autumn, there are some places worth visiting for the best views. From major cities to attractions off the beaten track, here are the best times and locations to visit across the island nation, so that you can enjoy the autumn season in Japan 2019!

1. Aomori 

Best time to visit: Late October

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Aomori: Oirase Stream, Lake Towada

Oirase Stream, Aomori

Image Credit: Tak H

 

Lake Towada, Aomori

Image Credit: H.I.S

2. Nikko

Best time to visit:  Mid – Late October

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Nikko: Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls, Nikko

Image Credit: Reginald Pentinio

 

Lake Chuzenji, Nikko

Image Credit: to0mi1

3. Fuji Five Lakes

Best time to visit:  Mid November

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Fuji Five Lakes Region: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Chureito Pagoda

Kawaguchiko, Fuji

Image Credit: skyseeker

 

Chureito Pagoda, Fuji

Image Credit: Benh Lieu Song

4. Nagano

Best time to visit:  Mid – Late October

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Nagano: Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

 

 

Kamikochi, Nagano

Image Credit: Hiroaki Kaneko

 

Tateyama Alpine Route, Nagano

Image Credit: William Cho

5. Tokyo

Best time to visit:  Late November – Early December

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Tokyo: Rikugien Garden, Meiji Shrine Park

Meiji Jingu Street, Tokyo

Image Credit: Kanchi1979

 

Rikugien, Tokyo

Image Credit: Guilheim Vellut

6. Osaka

Best time to visit:  Late November – Early December

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Mino Falls, Banpaku Memorial Park, Midosuji Boulevard

Midosuji Boulevard, Osaka

Image Credit: 663highland

7. Kyoto

Best time to visit:  Late November – Early December

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Kyoto:Kodaiji, Arashiyama, Tofukuji,  Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

Image Credit: Martin Falbisoner

 

Tofukuji, Kyoto

Image Credit: Izu Navi

8. Hiroshima

Best time to visit:  Mid November

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Hiroshima: Peace Park, Miyajima

Miyajima, Hiroshima

Image Credit: Spiegel

9. Fukuoka

Best time to visit: Late November

Best Autumn Viewing Spots in Fukuoka: Maizuru Park, Dazaifu Temple

Dazaifu Temple, Fukuoka

Image Credit: STA3816

 

With so many days and places to see the autumn leaves, you will definitely be able to see this beautiful scenery as long as you travel during the autumn season. Bookmark this for your autumn escapade to Japan! 

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Lucas Neo

Lucas is always at home researching for his next travel destination. When he’s not doing that, he’s most likely heading to the airport to catch a flight to an exciting location. Lucas enjoys wandering around and exploring beautiful attractions, but he never turns down a spot of retail therapy too.

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