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As one of the two most beautiful seasons of the year, autumn in Japan always entices foreign travelers and holds special significance for the locals. If you're planning a trip to Japan during the 2018 red leaf season, here are 4 essential tips to make your journey truly unforgettable!
Oshio Hakkai Village in Japan during autumn. Source: Internet
1. Best Places to Admire Red Leaves in Japan's Autumn:
Every year, around the end of September, the forests begin to transition from green to shades of yellow and red. It's truly a romantic sight that everyone dreams of witnessing at least once in their lifetime. Across Japan, there are hundreds of spots to admire the red leaves of autumn. Mytour is here to introduce you to some locations near the city center or popular tourist areas to make your journey more convenient.
The ancient capital of Kyoto. Source: Internet
Capital Region Tokyo:
+ Traditional gardens at Rikugien: Rikugien in autumn, as the maple trees don their new attire, becomes one of the best spots to admire autumn foliage in Tokyo. Notable locations to admire red leaves at Rikigien include the streamside teahouse Tsutsuji no Chaya, the vicinity of Togetsukyo Bridge, and from the Fujishirotoge viewpoint. The foliage season typically lasts from late November to early December. Please note that Rikugien has an entrance fee.
Rikugien Traditional Japanese Garden. Source: Internet
+ Ginkgo Avenue (Icho Namiki): Icho Namiki (Ginkgo Avenue) is located in the Meiji Jingu Gaien Park area. The trees along the avenue are uniquely trimmed and turn into vibrant yellow hues at the end of November, attracting tourists and locals alike to stroll under the canopy of leaves or relax in the sidewalk cafes along the street. Icho Namiki is about a block away from Aoyama-Itchome subway station, making it very convenient to reach.
Ginkgo Avenue in autumn. Source: Internet
Walking under the tree-lined streets within the Meiji Jingu Gaien compound. Source: Internet
+ Showa Memorial Park: Also a renowned spot to admire the autumn colors of Japan, the trees in the park usually change their leaves around mid-November, earlier than in central Tokyo. The most beautiful spots in this park are the rows of ginkgo trees near the canal in the southeast corner and the Japanese traditional garden with the red hues of maple trees.
A corner of Showa Park. Source: Internet
+ Imperial East Garden: The eastern garden of the Tokyo Imperial Palace (Edo Castle) is a splendid destination to admire the red autumn foliage. In this garden, you will be delighted by the dazzling autumn colors of Quercus serrata, oak, maple, and Japanese wax trees. Moreover, in the Ninomaru garden, you may encounter the colorful leaves reflecting on the clear water of the pond, creating a tranquil and romantic scene.
Eastern Garden of the Imperial Palace. Source: Internet
+ Fuji Five Lakes: The scenery around Mount Fuji is beautiful throughout all four seasons, but it's the autumn foliage that truly captivates visitors' hearts. You can fully enjoy the beauty of Japanese autumn by strolling along the traditional Koyo canal, admiring the rows of trees on both sides ablaze with red and golden hues.
Fuji Five Lakes, a distinctive landmark of Japan. Source: Internet
Kyoto's Historic District: Unlike the modern and bustling vibe of other cities in Japan, Kyoto's historic district exudes a tranquil and ancient charm. Therefore, autumn here is much gentler and more romantic.
+ Arashiyama Outskirts: Renowned for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage viewing. As autumn arrives, Arashiyama is blanketed in shades of red and gold. The autumnal forested mountains casting their reflection onto the emerald green river truly constitute a masterpiece of nature. There are numerous ancient sites in Arashiyama to admire the red autumn leaves, with the most impressive being the Togetstu Bridge.
The picturesque scenery of Arashiyama. Source: Internet
+ Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Kiyomizu-dera is one of the must-visit temples in Kyoto, and it's also the best spot to admire autumn foliage in this ancient capital.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Source: Internet
+ Kinkaku-ji Temple: Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this golden temple is one of Kyoto's iconic landmarks. Its dazzling golden hue stands out amidst the red hues of autumn leaves, defining the characteristic charm of Kyoto's autumn.
Autumn at Kinkaku-ji Temple. Source: Internet
Let me whisper to you a little secret that during autumn, you can easily catch the red and gold hues of leaves on the streets of Japan or even in the gardens of traditional-style hotels where you stay.
When is the best time to admire autumn leaves in Japan?
Typically, when the leaves turn red or yellow, they start falling within just a week, so if you want to admire them, you need to plan accurately to not miss the Japanese autumn beauty. Every year, autumn in Japan usually starts in mid-September (in Hokkaido) and ends at the end of November (in Kyoto). Since the timing of leaf color change varies in different regions, it's advisable to check the forecast in advance.
Map forecasting the timing of autumn foliage in various regions of Japan. Source: Internet
What delicious dishes does Japan offer in autumn?
When visiting the Land of the Rising Sun in autumn, indulge in the flavors of Japanese autumn with these dishes:
+ Matsutake Mushrooms: These mushrooms grow on pine trees, giving them a distinctive flavor. Autumn is when Matsutake mushrooms are most abundant, although they come with a hefty price tag. Japanese people often prepare these mushrooms as soup or grill them over a fire and serve them with rice. Enjoying Matsutake mushrooms is one of the ways Japanese people welcome autumn.
Matsutake mushroom dish served with grilled fish. Source: Internet
+ Swordfish: Around September and October every year is the season for swordfish. Japanese people often grill, salt, or make sushi with swordfish. The soft, white, richly flavored meat is a favorite dish among the people of the Land of the Rising Sun in autumn.
Swordfish can be prepared in various dishes. Source: Internet
+ Chestnuts: There are two activities that Japanese people love to do when autumn arrives: mushroom hunting and chestnut picking. With their characteristic aroma and nutty flavor, chestnuts are present in many Japanese dishes.
Steamed chestnut rice with Matsutake mushrooms. Source: Internet
+ Tempura Momiji Cake: Perhaps this is truly the cake of Japanese autumn, prepared throughout the year. Japanese people select yellow maple leaves, soak them in salt, and ferment them for a year before coating them in batter and frying.
Special maple leaf cake. Source: Internet
+ Persimmons: Like in other East Asian countries, persimmons are also a characteristic fruit of autumn. In Japan, persimmons are divided into two types: sweet and sour persimmons, both with a light, sweet, crispy texture.
Fruits of the fall season. Source: Internet
Japanese Cultural Events in Autumn:
Japan is also a land of festivals. While not as lively as summer festivals, autumn brings about many unique festivals, including:
+ Fire Festival: Held to express gratitude to ancestors, the Fire Festival brings warmth to comfort and commemorate the departed.
Japanese Fire Festival. Source: Internet
+ Meguro Sanma Festival: At this festival, people can enjoy free samples of sanma fish, as autumn is the best and most abundant season for sanma fishing. The festival, held near central Tokyo, attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Meguro Sanma Matsuri. Source: Internet
Important note: Japan can be quite chilly in late autumn, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, dropping even lower at night. If you visit the Land of the Rising Sun during this time, make sure to prepare warm clothing!
Prepare warm clothes, scarves... when visiting Japan in late autumn. Source: Internet
Start planning your Japan autumn trip now for the fullest experience. You can check out Cheap Airfares and book hotels as well as Japan tour packages at Mytour. Call hotline 1900 636 167 for free consultation!
