Japan has a total of 8 regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa. In which, 3 most popular tourist regions are Kanto (Tokyo), Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, etc.) and Hokkaido. While the Kanto region (Tokyo) is a typical economic and political region of Japan, the Kansai region has a characteristic beauty of Japanese traditional culture. If you don’t like the bustling urban areas and want to admiring autumn leaves in an ancient places, then Kansai is for you.

Kyoto

In the previous post, we suggested the best 15 best places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto and nearby. You can see here. So, in the introduction section of the red leaves viewing spots in this Kansai region, we will introduce more about the red leaves spots beyond Kyoto.

Read more: Where to see autumn leaves in Kyoto? — 15 best autumn spots in Kyoto & best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto.

Osaka

As the youngest and most dynamic city in the Kansai region, it converges both ancient and modern beauty. When visiting Osaka in the fall, it can’t help but visiting some best places to see autumn leaves below.

Osaka autumn forecast 2023: Mid-November – early December

Osaka Castle

Not only is Osaka’s most famous historical site, this castle also has a straight line of trees at the entrance. When the fall comes, this entrance becomes a long straight welcome gate, and when you look up the sky you will see a sky of red and yellow leaves, looking down is also a sea of yellow leaves, red leaves add to the beauty of ancient castle.

Getting there

Nearest train station: Osakajōkōen
Nearest subway station: Tanimachi 4-chrome Station

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Height: 58 m
Opened: 1597
Hours: 9AM–5PM
Phone: +81 6-6941-3044
Admission: 600 yen ($5.66)
Url: https://www.osakacastle.net/english/

Hoshi no Buranko Bridge

If you want to see the most beautiful autumn scenery in Osaka (perhaps the most beautiful in Japan), then you have to go to Hoshi no Buranko Bridge of Hoshida Park. This bridge connects 2 small mountains, walking on the bridge, you will feel immersed in the beautiful red and yellow colors. Well, this place is beautiful, but if you are afraid of heights, consider before you go.

Getting there: Nearest station: Kisaichi Station
Address: 5019-1 Hoshida, Katano, Osaka 576-0011, Japan
Phone: +81 72-891-0110

Midosuji Street

One of the most famous and important streets in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Here not only concentrate many busy and bustling stores and shops but also a beautiful place when the autumn comes. This 44-meter-long road is planted with hundreds of ginkgo trees, and in the fall, their leaves will dyes yellow a whole street, very beautiful.

Getting there: Namba Station – Umeda Station on the line of Subway Midosuji

Nara

Nara was the first capital of Japan, this place is very peaceful, gentle and lovely. Especially, here you will see firsthand the bewildered deers stomping on yellow autumn leaves, a scene like the fairy tale. Nara city is not big, you can visit Nara for 1 day. Getting there: It’s easy when getting from Osaka to Nara, just use JR Pass, take the train at JR Osaka Staion to JR Nara, it takes about 45 minutes.

Nara autumn leaves forecast 2023: Early November – Early December

Nara Park

Unlike other normal parks, Nara Park has no zoo, entertainment areas, but merely plants, flowers and historical architecture. However, once you step into this park, especially in the fall, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of this place: the winding roads, the tall trees with golden foliage, stepping on the autumn leaves carpet will make you feel like you are entering a scene of a romantic movie. Come here, you remember to visit Kashuga Shrine, the temple’s path is lights up by hundreds of giant lanterns under the old trees. In general it is impossible to describe this beauty only with words, you must come and feel with your senses, it is the best way.

Address: 469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8211, Nara Prefecture
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 742-22-0375
Getting there: The nearest station: Kintetsu Nara Station, from this station, walking in 5 minutes will come.

Muroji Temple

The temple located on Mount Muro, hidden deep in a jungle is one of the places that is worth going to visit to see autumn leaves, especially for those who like photography.

Address: 78 Murou, Uda, Nara 633-0421, Japan
Hours: 8:30AM–5PM
Phone: +81 745-93-2003
Getting there: From Muroguchi-Ono station (Kintetsu line), take the bus to Muro-ji.

Tanzan-Jinja Shrine

Dubbed as the “Nikko of Kansai region”, this temple is famous for the only 13-storey tower in the world. In addition, the temple is very sacred with the sray for good chances in love for couples (actually walking together in this romantic setting, any heart will vibrate), the temple also has Stone Seat of Bonding, the stone gives prosperity for those who touch it. And of course, in addition to the sacred, the landscape of the temple when autumn comes is also a special attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Getting there: From Jr Nara, take the JR Sakurai Station (30 minutes), from there go to the south exit and take a bus to Tanzan-jinja (about 25 minutes), from the bus stop walking in 3 minutes to come.

Address: 319 Tonomine, Sakurai, Nara 633-0032, Japan
Opened: 678 AD
Phone: +81 744-49-0001

Shirakawa-go

The ancient village is not located in Kyoto but in Nagoya, but we still arrange in this Kyoto section because it is convenient to go from here to the old village. The village is recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage with the unique architecture of the wooden houses, people often visit the village in the winter to see the festival of lights beautiful as fairyland. However, autumn is also equally beautiful, peaceful and very poetic.

Address: Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5600, Japan
Phone: +81 5769-6-1311

Hokkaido Region

The Hokkaido region is one of the 4 main islands located in the northernmost part of Japan. In which Sapporo is the largest city and also the administrative center of Hokkaido. It is famous for its ski resorts and winter breaks, but not many people know that Hokkaido is also the region with the autumn of red leaves as beautiful as other regions.

Hokkaido autumn leaves forecast 2023: As forecast, Hokkaido will welcome the earliest autumn in Japan, from the end of September to the end of October, so if you are planning to travel to Japan at this time, don’t forget to make a trip to Hokkaido to see autumn leaves here.

Goryokaku Park (Hokadate)

Built in the Edo period, it was originally a fortress built in a star shaped to combat invaders. Later it became a park, a place for people to play in Hokkaido. If you want to see the whole view of Goryokaku Park, remember to climb the observation deck of the Goroyokaku Tower.

Getting there: From Hakodate Station, take the train to Goryokaku Koen Mae (about 10 minutes), then walk for 7-10 minutes.

Address: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
Hours: 5AM–6PM
Phone: +81 138-31-5505
Admission: 500 yen ($4.72)/person.
Goryokaku Tower ticket: 900 yen ($8.5)/person

Hokkaido University (Sapporo)

This school is very big, and quite similar to the style of Japan which means the school has a luxuriant tree park. Especially the ginkgo trees road when autumn comes, it will dyes yellow the whole road. In addition to watching the yellow leaves, Hokkaido University also has attractions and museums worth a visit.

Getting there: Go to Sapporo Station then walk about 7 minutes.
Address: 5 Chome Kita 8 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan

Jozankei Onsen (Sapporo)

Located in the south, about 1 hour by train from Sapporo city center, Jozankei is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places to see the autumn leaves because of the majestic mountain scenery covered with red and yellow leaves. Jozankei is also quite popular because it is a Onsen (hot spring bath), and in the fall, people in Hokkaido come together to enjoy the autumn and relax at hot springs. There are also many other activities such as trekking, boating, etc.

Getting there: From Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, take the Joetsu Bus No. 7 or 8 to Jozankei Onsen (it takes about 50 minutes, cost 660 yen ($6.24) / person)
Address: Jozankei, Minamiku, Sapporo 061-2302, Hokkaido

Lake Toya

Lake Toya is created by volcanic eruptions more than 1100 years ago, this is one of the 3 most beautiful lakes made up of volcanic eruptions and listed in the top 100 must-see sights of Japan. Coming here in the fall, you will feel the coolness of the lake water, the warm color of yellow leaves, red leaves and mingling together into a beautiful picture, very appealing to people. Do not miss the walking path here, it is ranked as one of the most beautiful walking paths in Japan. If you have time, you should stay here for one night and take a hot spring bath at Toyako Onsen.

Getting there: The nearest station is JR Toyako, the nearest bus stop is Toyako Onsen

Shirogane Blue Pond

This is a very strange and difficult to understand lake because in any season, it is always beautiful. Spring, summer, autumn, winter, snow or yellow leaves will can not make this lake ugly. Famous for its turquoise water, and the breathtaking scenery in the winter, but if you want to enjoy the charming but a bit scary scenery, you can visit here. If you have opportunity, remember to bring along tea, coffee and a few of pastries and spread the canvas to sit and contemplate this picture-like setting, it would be the best in life.

Getting there: From Sapporo, take the JR train to Asahikawa station (80 minutes), then transfer to the local train to Biei station (30 minutes), and from Biei take the bus to Blue Pond (20 minutes).

Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun 071-0235, Hokkaido
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 166-94-3355

Noboribetsu Onsen

Is the famous scene in the famous movie One day (24 Hours in Love) of Thailand. Coming here, you will admire the majestic mountains changing the color to red and yellow, not to mention witnessing the hot streams gushing up from ground. Because the area with hot springs, you always see hazy mist, it is no different from looking like a fairy scene.

Getting there: Take the Limited Express Hokuto train (75 minutes, 4.480 yen ~ $42.34) or take the Donan Bus (90 minutes, 1.750 yen ~ $16.54) to Noboribetsu Station.

Daisetsuzan National Park

This is the first place in Japan to see the red leaves every year. At the beginning of the red leaf season (from the middle to the end of September), the wonderful colors of maple leaves always attract visitors, especially visitors can walk around Mount Asahidake, Ginsendai or Kogen Onsen to enjoy this beauty. In peak season (from early to mid-October), the color of maple leaves here is at its most brilliant, like around the Sounkyo area.

Address: Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun 078-1700, Hokkaido
Area: 2,268 km²
Phone: +81 11-299-1950

Shiretoko National Park

It encompasses the Shiretoko peninsula at the northeastern tip of Hokkaido Island. “Shiretoko” in Ainu language means “The end of the Earth”. The best place to see the red leaves on the Shiretoko Peninsula is the Shiretoko Pass in early October and the Five Shiretoko Lake in mid-October.

Address: Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido
Area: 386.3 km²
Phone: +81 152-22-2125
Established: June 1, 1964

Tohoku Region

Onuma Quasi National Park

Located near the southern tip of Hokkaido Prefecture, from the Onuma Park, visitors can see the fall colors in the second half of October. Especially in the Onuma campus, we will be able to breathe fresh air when strolling around the park.

Address: 1023-1 Onumacho, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido 041-1354, Japan
Area: 90.83 km²
Phone: +81 138-67-2229

Mount Hachimantai

The most beautiful autumn leaf forests in Japan are found on Mount Hachimantai. There are highlights such as Mount Hachimantai, Goshogake Onsen with lakes such as Onuma, Tamagawa Onsen and Nyuto Onsen nearby.

Lake Towada and Oirase stream

One of Japan’s most famous red leaves spots is Lake Towadako and Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture. Here, visitors can follow the stream through the colorful forest for several kilometers along the trail around lake and stream.

Naruko Gorge

About two hours’ drive from Sendai city, Naruko gorge is one of the famous red leaf viewing spots of Tohoku Region. There are a few walking paths around here to feel the beauty of the maple leaf colors. Most of the photos we see have the famous Ofukazawa Bridge in the autumn leaves.

Address: Narukoonsen, Ōsaki, Miyagi 989-6100, Japan
Phone: +81 229-82-2102

Central Japan

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Thanks to the high altitude covered by the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route through the Northern Alps of Japan, you can enjoy the red leaf season somewhere along this route from late September to early November.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge is a high ravine, with forests in the rugged mountains of the Northern Mountains of Japan. You can see the red leaves from the sightseeing train traveling about 20 km into the canyon.

Korankei Valley

Korankei is a valley near Nagoya, famous for being one of the best places to see the red leaf season in the Chubu region from mid to late November. Hundreds of maple trees along the river and walking trails around Mount Iimori. Moreover, there are different food stalls, creating a pleasant atmosphere to welcome visitors.

Address: Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi 444-2424, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 565-62-1272

Western Japan Region (Not includes Kyoto)

Minoo Park

Minoo Park is a valley with a temple and waterfall in the mountains in the north of Osaka, about 30 minutes from the city center by train. This is one of the city’s most pleasant red leaf viewing spots by the end of October but can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

Address: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
Area: 9.63 km²
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 72-721-3014
Established: December 11, 1967

Koyasan

A moderate number of maple trees around the town of Koyasan “provide” a wide yellow and red color throughout the region from late October to mid November, making Koyasan a good destination for those who want to see the early red leaf season of Kansai region.

Mount Daisen

Mount Daisen is the highest mountain in the Chugoku region of Tottori prefecture, often in full bloom with the red leaves from late October to early November. Attractive fall colors.

Miyajima

An area of red leaves is easy to find in and around the small town on Miyajima Island, just outside Hiroshima. The most colorful season of the trees changes color here is in mid-November, colorful red-yellow maple trees are found in Momijidani Valley (Maple Valley) behind the town.

Best autumn spots in Japan: Mount Kuju

The mild climate does not make Kyushu one of Japan’s top destinations for fall colors. However, here there are some attractions to see the red leaves from the beginning to the middle of October. The most beautiful spot is the Kuju mountain range, which has the highest peak of the island and takes visitors join some spectacular hiking trips in volcanic landscape.

Are you looking for some best autumn spots in Japan? Read more: 13 best autumn spots in Tokyo and 15 best autumn spots in Kyoto & best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto and Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in autumn.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)
• Tokyo Amazing Sightseeing Bus Day Tour
• Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
• Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo
• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you finding more top things to do in Japan: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.