Best Fall Foliage Destinations in Japan

Autumn leaves are so beautiful in Japan. Fall Foliage is called "kouyou" in Japanese, and the kanji (Chinese characters) for "kouyou" means red leaves and also indicated Japanese maples (momiji). Kouyou can be viewed from late September to early December in various regions.
Japan Fall Foliage Map

*Please note that the best time to view fall foliage slightly changes every year.

Kyoto

Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images

Best Time: mid. November to early December
Fall Foliage Spots:

• Kiyomizudera Temple
  Trees are illuminated at night.
• Kyoto Gyoen
  There are about 10,000 ginkgo trees and the leaves turn to bright yellow.

Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations for fall foliage, and it's crowded by tourists from mid. November to early December.

Hakone

Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima

Best Time: early - late November
Fall Foliage Spots:

• Hakone Museum of Art
  The large Japanese garden has more than 200 Japanese maple trees. It's said to be the best spot for momiji in Hakone.
• Ashino Lake
  It takes about 30 minutes to across the lake by sightseeing boats. Enjoy the 360-degree view of fall foliage on the lake.

Nikko

Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima

Best Time: mid. - late October
Fall Foliage Spots:

• Iroha-zaka and Chuzenjiko Lake
  Iroha-zaka slope is known for its many sharp curves. The view from the top of the mountain and the lake is unbelievable.

Kamakura

Photo (C) Shizuko Mishima

Best Time: late November to early December
Fall Faliage Spots:

• Engaku Temple (JR Kitakamakura Station)
  Beautiful Japanese maples and ginkgo leaves can be viewed.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (JR Kamakura Station)
  This shrine is famous for its huge ginkgo trees.