Don't miss out on a trip to Japan during the upcoming holiday season. September is the perfect time to witness the autumn of cherry blossoms. The trees are changing their leaves to a brilliant red, covering the ancient houses, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.
Mytour will introduce some of the best places to admire Japan's autumn in the following article.
Where to go to admire Japan's most beautiful red leaf season?
Hozu River (Kyoto)
The Hozugawa River is a small river located in the western valley of Kyoto. In September, the surrounding mountains will be covered in a vibrant red and yellow color of changing maple leaves. This is a famous Japanese tourist destination known for its seasonal changing leaves and is the best place to admire autumn. It would be amazing if you experience “Kawakudari” - boat ride. You will sit on slow-moving boats running from Kameoka to Arashiyama for about 90 minutes. Enjoy the romantic scenery on both sides of the river, sometimes feeling a bit excited as the boat enters the strong water area and then back to the calm feeling as the boat slowly floats on the calm water.
In addition, you can also take the speed of a bicycle-only train through the Hozo Valley, admiring the majestic natural scenery.
Rikugi-en Park (Tokyo)
Rikugi-en Park is located in the center of Tokyo, built by a shogun in 1702. The park has over 400 maple trees forming a forest interspersed with lakes and small bridges. During the autumn season, the scenery here is vibrant with red and yellow colors.
What's more, the rows of trees are adorned with sparkling lights, making the forest shine and stand out at night, creating a magical space.
Hida Takayama Town (Gifu Prefecture)
Hida Takayama, located in Gifu Prefecture, Chubu, is a town around the ancient castle. The old houses, ancient streets are still preserved to this day. So when you come here, you will feel like you are turning back time to the Edo or Meiji period.
The ancient temples hidden among the streets create a stunning and breathtaking scenery. In Hida Takayama, you can visit old shops selling various traditional candies or some small fabric products. The ancient Higashiyama temple, Shiroyama garden which used to be a castle.
Kamakura City (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kamakura is located in the southeast of Kanagawa Prefecture, next to the capital Tokyo. It is known as the “land of temples and shrines” with many famous temples such as Tsuruoka Hachimangu, Zeniarai-Benten Ugafuku-jinja, Kotoku-in Temple, Hase-dera Temple, etc. The temples are located on paths with red leaves.
Strolling in autumn here, you will step on crunchy leaf paths under the golden foliage, peaceful and serene
Nyuto-onsenkyo Hot Spring (Akita Prefecture)
Nyuto-onsenkyo is a hot spring area located at the foot of Mount Nyuto in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. Nyuto-onsenkyo consists of 7 scattered hot springs, each with a different structure and color.
As the autumn chill sets in, soaking in the hot water amidst nature, admiring the red or golden hues of the landscape will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Matsumoto City (Nagano Prefecture)
Matsumoto Castle is Japan's oldest castle. The castle was built between 1593 and 1594 with a unique black and white contrasting architecture style called “Gobugyō Rokuyō” (Five Layers, Six Floors). During the autumn season, the castle stands out against the red hues of the leaves, creating a picturesque scene like a painting.
Cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season are always the two most famous seasons, bringing the most beautiful scenery to Japan. So don't miss a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun for your September travel.