As much as we enjoy visiting Japan during the cherry blossom season, for us the fall is even more magical as the Koyo brings such vibrant and vivid colours to Japan’s landscapes.
During the fall many of Japan’s parks, gardens, temples and shrines become awash with the hues of vibrant reds and oranges as the Japanese Maple Trees change colour before shredding their leaves. You’ll also find the seasonal food is particularly delicious this time of year with stews and soups making an appearance, as pumpkins, sweet potatoes and even maple leaves become seasonal ingredients across the country.
Autumn in Japan is a celebration and as the trees start to change colour, the tradition of Momiji-gari (Maple Tree hunting) becomes a widespread, daily activity in Japan; something we happily took part in every day on a recent trip.
If your time is short in Japan I would recommend basing yourself in Tokyo and visiting Nikko, and Mt. Fuji, as all three of these places have some beautiful autumn scenery during the fall. If you have more time however I would suggest including Kyoto, Nara and Osaka to your itinerary.
Kyoto
Mt. Fuji
Tokyo
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11 Comments
Fantastic photos! We loved Japan, but went there in summer, so everything was green. Your photos make me want to go back.
You always take the most beautiful shots ! Love your frame and how there’s no unnecessary subjects in it ! I have been to Japan 3 times already, your photos make me want to return again soon !
Japan is such an amazing country that can look competely different depending on which part of it you visit! I think the south is amazing, but I could be biased because I lived there for a while!
Wonderful photos!!! We still haven’t visited Japan although it’s on our bucket list, and we both love the changing colors of the falling leaves in Autumn. So this post of yours is definitely giving us wanderlust!! 😉
Just gorgeous! Since I grew up in New England in the US I have a serious love of fall foliage. I haven’t been to Japan yet, but it’s on my list!
Absolutely stunning photography! I really hope to get to your level one day!
I think that because Japan is so strongly associated with sakura, Fall in Japan is very underrated. However, after seeing your photos I’d say it’s almost prettier than Japan in Spring.
Japan seems like a dream come alive during the Fall. These pictures are so stunning and bring alive the fairy tale beauty of Japan.
Yeeees! I agree with you completely on this! My favourite time in Japan is the autumn. It’s also a great time to go hiking…that way you end up out in the quieter villages and you can see beautiful rural shrines and temples, surrounded by those gorgeous leaves. I especially love the ginkgo trees like the ones in your Tokyo photo. Aaaah, you made me miss Japan again.
p.s. Is that Sarah in the Kimono in the Kyoto photos? You look beeeeautifful!
I don’t know what to say except for WOW!
These photos are incredible! Japan in the fall is so picturesque. I’d love to visit!
Lovely photos! Japan look gorgeous in the autumn. Japan is such an amazing country and has so much to experience depending where and when you are visiting.
I would love to explore this country post covid.
Your photos are GOALS! I was actually living in Kyoto during March and was able to witness the start of the cherry blossom season before having to move back to Boston due to COVID. =( This was my 4th time in Japan but first time witnessing the cherry blossoms! I like to go in the winter to ski but your pictures of Japan in the fall have convinced me that I need to time my next visit to see that gorgeous fall foliage!