The best itinerary for seeing the autumn leaves in Japan
- Published on : 15/10/2025
- by : Phoebe
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Autumn in Japan
@JNTO
This year, the koyo (changing of the autumn leaves) season will be short! Where to go to make sure you don't miss the momiji? How to make the most of your time? Japan Experience suggests an easy-to-follow itinerary to make the most of autumn in Japan.
A very short autumn in 2025
According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA), autumn will be shortened by an early winter. After an October marked by temperatures well above seasonal norms, cold air is expected to settle over the Japanese archipelago from late November, further disrupting the koyo calendar.
While global warming delays the reddening of leaves each year, the cold could prematurely interrupt any color they may have taken on. The period for observing momiji (red maple leaves) will therefore be short. And you'll need to prepare well in advance to make the most of it!
Our recommended itinerary
To make sure you don't miss out on any of Japan's autumn colors, the editors of Japan Experience have put together this short itinerary, to be followed from November 27th to December 10th, from the north to the south of the country. It is based both on weather forecasts for each region and on our own observations in mid-October.
For a trip perfectly adapted to your desires, we recommend that you contact our travel consultants in Europe directly.
Tohoku - November 27th to 30th
Peak for fall foliage: November 27th
Please note that at this time of year, it will still be possible to see some ginkgo trees in the region
Day 1: Sendai and Naruko River Gorge
Start your day with a stroll along Jozenji-dori, Sendai 's emblematic avenue. Lined with ginkgo trees and cozy cafés, this street will immerse you in a relaxed atmosphere.
In the afternoon, head for the Naruko River Gorge, an hour's train ride from Sendai. Hike along the gorge, where the river below offers a striking autumn backdrop.
Back in Sendai, head for the Kokubuncho district, renowned for its izakaya. Our recommendation: gyutan, grilled beef tongue, the city's specialty.
Naruko Gorge
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Day 2: Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate
Just a two-hour train ride from Sendai, Lake Tazawa offers the chance to admire the momiji from the water. Take a boat trip or explore the surrounding trails for a breath of fresh air. For lunch, we recommend kiritanpo , a local freshwater fish.
In the afternoon, head for Kakunodate, an hour's bus ride from the lake. Nicknamed the "little Kyoto of Tohoku," this charming town is well worth a visit in autumn. Visit the samurai quarter and its ancient residences, surrounded by maple trees. Before spending the night in a ryokan (traditional inn), discover Kakunodate Park.
Day 3: Tsutanuma Pond, Lake Towada and Hirosaki
Early in the morning, take the car from Kakunodate to Tsutanuma Pond, famous for its autumn colors. After an invigorating walk along the water's edge, head for Towada (a 30-minute drive away), one of Tohoku's most beautiful lakes. Finish the day in Hirosaki, whose castle will enchant you at the end of the day.
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If you don't have a car, take the train from Kakunodate to Morioka. Near the old castle, Iwate Park offers a superb view of the city and surrounding mountains.
For lunch, try one of Morioka's "three noodles": reimen, Korean-inspired cold noodles served in a meat and vegetable broth; jajamen, thick noodles served in a miso broth; or wanko soba, small bowls of soba served one after the other until you're full. The latter is a real challenge! Stroll through the city before taking the train to Hirosaki.
Tokyo region—November 30th to December 4th
Peak for fall foliage: December 2nd
It will still be possible to see the ginkgo trees until early December.
Day 4: Tokyo
After the four-hour train ride to the Japanese capital, take a break at the Hama-Rikyu garden. Enjoy a bowl of matcha and enjoy the contrast between the red trees and the surrounding buildings before heading for Jimbocho, the district of booksellers and cozy cafés, voted "coolest district in the world" by Time Out magazine in 2025.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Koishikawa Korakuen garden, one of the city's oldest, where the autumn colors are most photogenic. Then on to Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo's Central Park, to admire the seasonal colors and discover autumn specialties at the park's Starbucks.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city, dining in one of the izakaya of Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho, clusters of small alleys known for their retro establishments. End the day at Rikugien Park to admire the nighttime illuminations (November 28-December 9) that sublimate the momiji.
Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)
@Pexels, royalty-free
Day 5: Nikko
Two hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a must-see destination in the Kanto region. The Toshogu Shrine, in the heart of Nikko National Park, offers a magnificent autumn landscape, where temples are lost in the surrounding vegetation.
For lunch, sample local specialties such as soba (buckwheat noodles) and yuba, a thin film of tofu eaten both grilled and fresh, as an accompaniment to certain meats and fish.
Weather permitting, head for Lake Chuzenji for an outdoor stroll before returning to Tokyo for the night.
Day 6: Hakone
An hour's drive from Tokyo, Lake Ashi offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Take the cable car up to Owakudani to admire the volcanic landscapes and seasonal colors below.
For lunch, stop off at Hakone-Yumoto before exploring Gora Park and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Return to Tokyo or spend the night in one of the region's many ryokan.
Day 7: Kamakura
Just an hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is a destination not to be missed in autumn. The Hasedera temple, built in the 8th century, is particularly appreciated for its terraced garden. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, lined with maple and ginkgo trees, is also an ideal place to admire the seasonal colors.
A stone's throw away, Kencho-ji is the city's largest Zen temple. Surrounded by vegetation, it's the ideal place to take a breath of fresh air.
Before returning to Tokyo, take a stroll along the Komachi-dori shopping street, where you can sample some of the city's delicacies.
Mount Fuji in autumn
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Nagoya—December 4th to 5th
Peak for fall foliage: December 4th
Day 8: Nagoya
Nagoya Castle, surrounded by maple and ginkgo trees, is very popular in autumn. After a stroll through the castle grounds, head to the lively Sakae district to discover regional specialties: grilled eel and miso katsu (a breaded pork chop served in a miso-based sauce).
In the afternoon, stroll around the Osu Kannon temple. Shirakawa Park is popular for its fiery red colors. End the day at the Tokugawaen Garden, which hosts autumn illuminations until mid-December.
Kansai—December 5th to 8th
Peak for fall foliage: December 6th
Day 9: Kyoto
First stop of the day, the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, prized for its exceptional panoramic view of the city. Stroll through the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka alleys, lined with stores and traditional houses.
For lunch, head for the Higashiyama district. Discover some local specialties, such as tempura, and take a gourmet break in one of the many tea houses at Kyoto.
In the afternoon, visit Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, one of Kyoto's most popular temples, to admire the momiji. Then continue your stroll along the Philosopher's Path to Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), whose gardens are a breathtaking sight at this time of year.
In the evening, return to Gion for dinner in one of Kyoto's many traditional restaurants. End the day on a magical note, with the nighttime illuminations at Kodaiji Temple (October 24th to December 14th).
Kiyomizu dera (Kyoto)
@Pexels, royalty-free
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Day 10: Arashiyama and Osaka
Kyoto's bamboo grove is one of Japan's most emblematic. Take a stroll to Togetsukyo Bridge. Nearby, Tenryu-ji temple offers a superb view of the surrounding hills.
After lunch, head for Osaka and its castle, whose park is famous for its many momiji. Before returning to Kyoto for the night, stroll the streets of Dotondori and Namba. Their street food is renowned throughout Japan.
Day 11: Takayama
The Japanese Alps are a prime destination when the leaves turn red. In Takayama, the historic district of Sanmachi Suji will immerse you in a bucolic atmosphere. Admire its wooden houses and craftsmen's stores.
For lunch, try Hida beef, one of Japan's finest varieties of wagyu.
In the afternoon, the Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) will seduce you with its flamboyant maple trees. In this open-air museum, you'll discover local handicrafts in an enchanting setting. In the evening, stay in one of the region's many ryokan.
Day 12: Shirakawago
Less than an hour by bus from Takayama, Shirakawago will enchant you with its picturesque aesthetics. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the village is renowned for its houses with gassho-zukuri roofs—incredibly steep roofs designed to withstand the heavy snow that falls in the region. Among the red maples, they offer a striking sight.
Shirakawa-go (Gifu)
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The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a single pass giving unlimited access to the JR (Japan Railways) network in Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days. It's the most economical and by far the most practical option for those wishing to travel by train in Japan.
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Fukuoka—December 8th to 10th
Peak for fall foliage: December 9th
Day 13: Fukuoka
Upon arrival in Fukuoka, head for Maizuru Park and Fukuoka Castle, just 10 minutes by metro from Hakata station. The castle ruins, surrounded by moats and ancient walls, are adorned with momiji in autumn. A few steps away, cross Ōhori Park, with its large lake lined with maple trees.
In the evening, head to the Tenjin or Nakasu districts for a dinner of seasonal flavors. Don't miss a stop at the yatai, the street stalls that line the Nakagawa River, to enjoy Japanese street food.
Autumn in Fukuoka Prefecture
@jonesing1on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Discover Japan in a different way with our outdoor activities, ideal for autumn!
Day 14: Fukuoka
Nanzo-in temple is home to one of the world's largest bronze Buddhas. Although little visited by tourists, it's a remarkable place in autumn, as its access path runs through a maple forest. Enjoy a moment of serenity, before setting off for new horizons.
Autumn in Kansai (Mount Rokko, Nagoya)
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