Autumn (‘Aki’) in Japan usually begins in early September, and it is also the time for the storm to land in Japan. The weather at this time is similar to the rainy season because there are usually autumn rains. Everything will be more beautiful in mid-October when the winter winds blow. Autumn in Japan is like a season of relaxing and ẹnjoying the tranquil nature. It will last from September to November when the forest moves from green to red. There are some festivals, fun activities and the interesting things to visit and enjoy in this time of the year such as: Akimatsuri (autumn festival), Kouyou (red leaf season) and especially the natural scene extremely impressive.
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Most Japanese say that autumn is the most beautiful season of the year. They like these times because of the stable weather and ideal for traveling. The whole family can go up the mountain to pick up chestnuts or pick fresh autumn fruits like pear and persimmon in the garden. Autumn temperatures in Japan are slightly colder with average temperatures much higher than early September. That is the reason why there are some occasional storms, strong winds and rain because of seasonal and changed temperature. It will be cold from mid-October and November, the temperature can drop sharply because it is near to East. The average fall temperature is around 12 ° C in the northern part and 20 ° C in the central region and 26 ° C around southern Japan.
The waterfall is one of the most captivating natural scenes, especially under the romantic flavor of autumn. Let’s discover top 10 beautiful waterfalls of Japan in autumn below.
Japan fall foliage forecast of 2023
Fukuroda Falls (Ibaraki)
Fukuroda Falls is one of the three most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Japan, along with Kegon Falls and Nachi Falls.The waterfall is in rural Daigo in Ibaraki Province. Driving through the streets of Daigo brings to you a wonderful experience. You can see the beautiful mountain forests and romantic rice fields on the way to Fukuroda.
The waterfall is 120 meters height and has an observatory where we can see the autumn colors and beautiful waterfalls. The ideal season to see the leaves here from early November to mid-November.
How to get there: Take the bus from JR Fukuroda Station to Takimoto Station.
Kegon Falls (Tochigi)
A trip to Kegon Fall in the fall can change your life. It does not mean that you win the lottery jackpot but what you get is the imagination of a true nature lover. This place can inspire you to visit other famous waterfalls in the world. Great scenery in red with the romantic yellow of the leaves and the waterfall down from the top would make you want to come back here again
Kegon Falls takes the water from Chuzenji Lake, forming a cascade.The visitors can admire the beautiful landscape of this 100m high waterfall from two observatories, a free observatory, and a paid observation deck. The pay observation deck is located in a beautiful location, admiring the beautiful beauty of autumn along with the falls. Mid-October is the best time to look at the leaves here.
How to get there: Take the bus from Nikko Station (JR, Tobu) to Chuzenjiko-Onsen.
Ryuzu Falls (Tochigi)
Another waterfall is in Nikk and not far away from Kegon waterfall, a day tour around Lake Chuzenji will help you explore both these beautiful waterfalls. Ryuzu Falls is a small waterfall located upstream of the Yugawa River. “Ryuzu” in Japanese means “Dragon Head”.Does it sound interesting? Actually, the name comes from the shape that looks like the dragon’s head of the waterfall.
Autumn beauty here reached its peak in early October. According to local people, this is one of the first spots of autumn colors in Nikko. Even if visiting this place in mid-October will not disappoint you. You can enjoy the beauty of the falls and leaves from the observatory. If you also want to explore more, you can hike about 300m along the river upstream.
How to get there: Take the bus from Nikko Station (JR, Tobu) towards Yumoto-Onsen and get off at Ryuzu no taki
Ryusei and Ginga Falls (Hokkaido)
If you are looking for inspiration from the shades of autumn in Hokkaido, there is an interesting place where there is a double waterfall – Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls. This double waterfall is located in the Sounkyo hot spring resort. Sounkyo is the real treasure of the Daisetsuzan National Park and is a popular spot for hiking in Hokkaido. To reach the double waterfall, you have to hike along the Ishikari River. The autumn landscape is so attractive that you want to stay here for a few more hours.
How to get there: Take a 30-minute bus ride from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen and then walk for 30 minutes.
Naena Falls (Niigata)
Naema Falls with 55m height is undoubtedly the most beautiful waterfall in Niigata Province. This is the waterfall with the most Cascades and autumn scene here is also very interesting. The atmosphere here is soothing and peaceful. People often call this waterfall “Waterfall earthquake.” Actually, there is nothing fancy, but because of a lot of cascades that make up the big sound even from the distance. Early November is the best time to enjoy the autumn colors here. Naena Tower is on the list of 100 beautiful waterfalls of Japan.
How to get there: From Myokokogen Station take the Suginosawa line to Imori ike. At Imori ike take the Myoko Sanroku line to Naena taki bus stop.
Mino Falls (Osaka)
One of Osaka’s iconic attractions in autumn is Mino Falls, located in the northern suburbs of Osaka. The great combination of the collection and the falling waterfall is always fascinated by visitors and will definitely fascinate you.You should come here in early November!
How to get there: A 30-minute walk from Hankyu Mino Station
Komadome Falls (Tochigi)
Komadome Falls is a mysterious collection of sightings in Japan. The name Komadome means simply “waterfall stop horse” (Legend has it that around 1740, there were many people stopped by the horse to see the waterfall when riding here). In the fall, the wild nature scene glows with romantic colors. Anyone who comes to Nasu this fall should explore this mysterious jewel. This waterfall is located in a quite place, and the most impressive are the beautiful blue water. Nasu is one of the best places to experience the autumn colors by taking a walk in Japan.
How to get there: Take the bus from JR Kuroiso Station to Kyukamura Station and walk 2 km.
Akame 48 Falls (Nabari, Mie)
Akame Waterfall 48 is different from the waterfalls described in this article from the beginning. You will not be able to find 48 waterfalls here, so do not think of its name, but think about the natural beauty it brings in the fall. In fact, this is the common name for beautiful waterfalls in Akame-cho.
There are 5 big waterfalls: Fudo, Ninai, Senju, Biwwa and Numobiki. The best way to explore all of the waterfalls is to walk through primeval forest roads. Walking along the trail, you will encounter beautiful natural scenery. This is also a historical place where the Ninja practiced before. At that time, waterfalls were the place for their spiritual training. You can also experience Is a Ninja at the Akame Waterfall Ecotourism Center 48. The best time to watch the show is between mid-November.
How to get there: Take the Miekotsu Bus for 10 minutes from Akintoki Kintetsu Station to Akamedaki
Shiraito Falls (Fuijinomiya, Shizuoka)
The area around Mount Fuji has so many things to explore. If you have been here in the fall, you will experience the bright sunshine. Everyone knows that the Fuji Mountain is a great place to explore, even if there is a beautiful waterfall that they may not know yet. It is Shiraito Waterfall, located in the southeast corner of Mount Fuji, 150m wide. Summer is the best time to come here, but coming here in the fall is also a reward for you. There is another great waterfall nearby that is named Otodome Falls, just about 5 minutes walk away. If you want to visit these two waterfalls, you should come here in mid-November.
How to get there: From JR Fujinomiya Station, you have to take a 30-minute bus ride to Shiraitonotaki Station for a 5-minute walk.
Nanataki Falls (Akita)
This will be the last waterfall on the list of fallen fall foliage. It is a 60m high waterfall which is divided into 7 floors. The scenery here varies seasonally and all visitors admire its beauty in every season. Autumn in Akita is very attractive. Visiting this beautiful waterfall in autumn will be a great decision for you
How to get there: It takes you 25 minutes to drive from Towada Minami Station
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.