Where are the great spots for viewing fall foliages in Japan? Autumn leaves (kouyou) can be viewed from late September in Hokkaido to early December in Tokyo, Kyoto, and so on. Catching peak fall foliage is easier than catching cherry blossoms at their peak. Plan your autumn trips to the fall foliage spots listed below.
Japanese Fall Foliage Destinations
Japanese Maple Pictures
Kyoto Arashiyama Seiryoji Temple Tea House Photo (c) Kaz Chiba / Getty Images

Jidai Matsuri is known as one of the three greatest festivals in Kyoto alongside Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. It takes place on October 22nd every year. The main attraction of this festival is a large procession of about 2,000 people which leaves from Kyoto Imperial Palace and goes to Heian Jingu Shrine. It's early for viewing fall foliage in Kyoto, but it's rather nice to visit Kyoto when there are fewer tourists.
Jidai Matsuri
Japanese Fall Festivals
Heian Jingu Photo Courtesy of UNESCO Photobank

Where do you think is the best area to stay in Tokyo for first-time travelers? Here is a post from a member of Japan Travel forum. "We are planning on visiting Tokyo Japan in the spring of 2009. What area would you recommend first time visitors to stay? We would like to visit the Fish Market, Disneyland, the shopping malls, and an onsen when we go. We are traveling with children ages 5 and 2..."
Any Suggestions?
Cheap Tokyo Hotels
Cheap Japanese Inns in Tokyo

Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a site inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The shrine's fall festival takes place on October 16th and 17th. Popular yabusame events which are mounted archery performed while riding horses are held on 16th. Also, the procession of about 800 citizens known as the procession of one thousand warriors takes place on 17th. Portable shrines and people dressed in historical costumes travels about 1 km. Nikko is one of the most popular fall foliage destinations in Japan, don't miss the best time for viewing fall foliage in Nikko.
Nikko Guide
Nikko Pictures
Nikko Toshogu Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com