The Best Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Japan
Fall is one of the best times to be in Japan, and it's no secret why. The hot and humid summer is finally over, the leaves are changing from green to beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows, and though the days grow shorter, there's still so much to do as the weather cools down.
If you're planning to visit Japan this fall, and especially if you're planning to check out Japan's amazing fall foliage, then this article is for you. We'll cover everything you need to know about the fall weather in Japan, some of the seasonal food to try, and give you a list of some of the best spots in Japan to check out the fall colors.
Japan's Autumn Weather
Fall in Japan usually starts in late September or early October and lasts until the end of November or early December, depending on what part of the country you are in. Unlike the summer, where the weather stays consistently hot and humid, the weather in the fall can vary greatly day by day and depending on the time of day. One day may be cooler while the next day is a good five to ten degrees warmer.
Generally, especially in the early days of fall, mornings and evenings tend to be cool while it can still get quite warm in the middle of the day. Rainy days are not uncommon, but you can expect a lot of warm sunlight in the fall in Japan. Late fall tends to start feeling consistently cool, though the sunlight during the day can still warm you up.
Since the temperature can vary so much throughout the day, be sure to pack clothes for various weather conditions if you're planning to visit Japan in the fall. Wearing layers is a good idea so that you can stay warm in the morning but avoid overheating around lunchtime. It's entirely possible for there to be a 10-degree difference between morning or evening and daytime, so be sure to check the weather forecast so that you aren't freezing once the sun goes down!
Fall's Seasonal Food
Fall is a great time for foodies in Japan, and there are many seasonal foods to try. Pears, chestnuts, persimmons, and sweet potatoes are just some of the seasonal foods you will see everywhere in the fall. You can enjoy them as they are or find some desserts or dishes that include them as ingredients.
Fall is also when you'll be able to see matsutake mushrooms, which are incredibly prized for their flavor and aroma in Japan and as such are very expensive. If you have the chance to have a traditional kaiseki (full course) meal at a fine dining restaurant in Japan in the fall, they'll likely serve a dish featuring matsutake mushrooms along with seasonal fish and other dishes.
When & Where to Check Out Autumn Leaves
The changing leaves make fall arguably the most beautiful season in Japan, and so going out to see the fall leaves is very popular this time of year. In Japan, viewing fall leaves is known as momijigari and means "autumn leaves hunting," and it's important to note that the timing of the changing leaves throughout much of Japan is later than in other countries with changing leaves, like the US or Canada. If you come to Tokyo in early October expecting to see beautiful red and yellow leaves, you'll leave disappointed, so be careful!
The Best Times to See Autumn Leaves Across Japan
The best time to see fall leaves varies depending on the region of Japan and whether you are in the mountains or lowlands. Here are the best times to see autumn leaves in each part of the country so that you can plan your trip accordingly and make sure you get to see the leaves!
・Northern Japan:
Mountainous Areas: Early October to mid-November
Lowland Areas: Late October to late November
・Eastern Japan:
Mountainous Areas: Late October to Early December
Lowland Areas: Late November to mid-December
・Western Japan:
Mountainous Areas: Late October to Early December
Lowland Areas: Late November to mid-December.
Keep in mind that most major cities are located in lowland areas, so if you're mainly going to be in big cities expect the leaves to change color later in the fall, save for northern cities like Sapporo in Hokkaido.
In recent years Japan's summer has been getting longer and warmer, meaning that in many places fall doesn't truly start until October. This in turn has pushed back when the leaves start changing color, so it is difficult to completely predict when the best time to go see the leaves will be.
Luckily, the Japan Meteorological Agency releases an "Autumn Foliage Forecast" every year that estimates when the best time to see red and yellow leaves in each part of Japan will be. While it isn't 100% accurate, it can help you with your planning and is worth checking!
Amazing Fall Leaves Viewing Locations in Japan
While there are countless amazing places to go see autumn leaves in Japan, here are four famous locations across Japan where, as long as you time your trip right, you are guaranteed to see some absolutely breathtaking views.
・Zao Onsen (Northern Japan)
Located on Mt. Zao in Yamagata, this onsen town and ski resort is surrounded by amazing spots to see fall leaves, including two mountain sightseeing roads: the Zao Echo Line and Highline. If you can rent a car, driving along these roads will offer an amazing chance to see Japan's fall leaves. And for a truly spectacular view of the fall foliage, be sure to take the Zao Ropeway up the mountain!
The peak time for fall foliage here is mid-late October.
Learn more about Zao Onsen here.
・Rikugien Garden (Eastern Japan)
This garden is located in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward and was created during the Edo period hundreds of years ago. It is considered one of the two great daimyo (feudal lords who used to rule Japan) gardens in the country. The government has designated it as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and it is particularly beautiful during the fall.
The best time to visit to see the fall leaves is from late November to early December.
・Nara Park (Western Japan)
This park in the city of Nara is most famous for the countless peaceful deer roaming around, as well as the giant Buddha statue housed in Todaiji Temple. Nara Park is massive, covering 660 hectares, and is a fantastic place to see red and yellow leaves in the fall. Plus, where else in the world can you enjoy seeing fall leaves while feeding rice crackers to cute deer?
The best time for fall leaves here is from late November to early December.
Learn more about Nara Park here.
・Sakurayama Cable Car (Kyushu)
Located in Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, this glass-enclosed cable car is one of the longest in Western Japan, and the fall foliage that can be seen from both sides of the cable car is a very popular attraction in this region. And while you should go see the fall leaves during the daytime, the night view from the top was selected as one of the three best night views in all of Japan. You might need to spend all day at the top!
Peak fall foliage season here is from late November to early December.
What to Be Aware of About Fall in Japan
While fall may be Japan's best season, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind if you're planning to visit Japan this time of year.
September and early October are still part of typhoon season in Japan, so there is always a chance that your travel plans within the country may be interrupted or ruined because of a typhoon. You can learn more about typhoons in Japan and how to stay safe during one by checking our article on the subject here.
After the summer humidity goes away, and as winter draws closer, the air in Japan gets very dry during the fall. You might end up having to deal with dry skin if you're in Japan for an extended period of time in the fall or winter, which can be annoying. And like in many other countries, late fall and winter are flu season in Japan, so be sure to wash your hands and keep yourself protected.
Last, keep in mind that "fall leaves hunting" is very popular not just for international tourists but for Japanese people as well, so most famous places to see fall foliage will be very crowded, especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. If you don't want to fight crowds constantly, getting to these places as early as possible, before people arrive is a smart idea.
The Best Season to Visit Japan?
Fall is an amazing time of year to visit Japan, and many people would say it is their favorite, even beating out cherry blossom season in the spring. With tons of good food to eat, great weather, and the leaves changing color, there is a lot to love about fall in Japan.
Fall is a very popular time for tourism in Japan for both domestic and international tourists, so while you may have to deal with some crowds, it is absolutely worth it to be able to enjoy this season.
Make sure to plan your trip carefully so you don't come too early or too late for the autumn leaves, and have an amazing time exploring Japan in the fall!
