Most people picture Japan in spring with parks full of pink petals, picnic blankets, and camera flashes. But what if you swapped cherry blossoms for fiery autumn leaves instead? The autumn season, known locally as kōyō, brings a slower, more atmospheric kind of beauty. It stretches across months rather than weeks and gives you a deeper sense of Japan’s rhythm, if you plan ahead, that is. Because once the colours start turning, hotels and viewing spots fill up fast.
A season that gives you time to breathe
Unlike cherry blossom season, which can vanish in the space of ten days, the autumn leaf season unfolds gradually from north to south. The transformation begins in Hokkaido in late September and reaches Kyoto and Tokyo by mid-November. This staggered timing means you have a wider travel window, but it’s still wise to book early. Locals and visitors alike plan trips around peak colour forecasts, and once those predictions come out, rooms in the best areas go quickly.
Where and when to go
If you’re heading north, Hokkaido’s mountains are first to turn, usually around late September to October. By November, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are at their best, with gardens, shrines, and riverside walks lined with red maples and golden ginkgo trees. Many temples hold evening ‘illumination’ events, lighting the trees from below; it’s a quieter, more intimate experience than spring’s hanami parties, but every bit as special. Speaking to your Travel Counsellor and checking online kōyō trackers before you travel can help you time your visit perfectly.
Autumn festivals that are worth the trip
Beyond the scenery, autumn in Japan is full of local celebrations that give the season real personality. In Kyoto, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) on 22nd October sees hundreds of participants dressed in period costumes parading through the streets. The Takayama Autumn Festival in the Japanese Alps features ornate wooden floats lit by paper lanterns at night, while Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine hosts the Shuki Taisai festival, re-enacting the procession of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. These events are big on tradition and draw both locals and visitors, so accommodation in nearby towns fills up fast.
The taste of the season and why to plan now
Autumn is also Japan’s harvest season, when food takes centre stage. Markets overflow with matsutake mushrooms, persimmons, and chestnuts, while cafés serve seasonal wagashi (sweets) shaped like maple leaves. In Hokkaido, seafood lovers time their trips around the Sapporo Autumn Fest, a city-wide food celebration featuring local produce and craft beer. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a hidden secret; autumn travel has become a serious rival to the cherry blossom season. Trains, ryokan, and guided tours all book up fast. So, if you’re thinking about going, get in touch with your Travel Counsellor so they can start planning now and secure your dates before the best spots disappear.
To book your autumnal Japanese trip, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.
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