When is the best time to visit Japan? Many would say that the cherry blossom season in the spring, but the viewing of autumn leaves in Japan also popular.
Beginning in mid-September and lasting until December, Japan enjoys a very long season of autumn colors – around three months total, with vibrant colors in a single location for up to five weeks. The Japanese maple leaf is known for its deep red hue, while other deciduous trees parade about in shades of yellow, orange, gold, and brown. The weather in Japan is also particularly pleasant during the fall season. Let’s go to the best spots to see Autumn Leaves!
1. Eikando Temple, Kyoto
Estimated best viewing: Mid to late November
Access：
・Kyoto Station => Keage Station on the Tozai Line：260¥
・Kyoto Station City Bus#5 => Nanzenji-Eikando-michi stop：230¥ yen
2. Arashiyama, Kyoto
Estimated best viewing: Late November to early December
Access：
Kyoto Station => Arashiyama by the JR Sagano Line
・To Saga-Arashiyama Station takes 15 minutes and costs 240¥
・5-10 minute by walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station
3. Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto
Estimated best viewing: Mid to late November
Access：
・JR Nara Line “Tofuku-ji Station” by walk 10 minutes
・City Bus #202, #207, #208 => Stop Tofuku-ji
4. Icho Namiki or Ginkgo Avenue, Meiji-jingu Gaien Park, Tokyo
Estimated best viewing: Late November to early December
Access：
・JR Chuo/Sobu Line => Shinanomachi Station Sendagaya Station
・Tokyo Metro Ginza Line => Gaienmae Station Aoyama-icchome Station
・Toei Subway Oedo Line => National Stadium Station
5. Ueno Park, Tokyo
Estimated best viewing: Mid November to early December
Access：
・JR Yamanote Line => Ueno Station about 2 minutes walk
・Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line => Ueno Station
6. Rikugi Garden, Tokyo
Estimated best viewing: Mid November to early December
Access：
・Yamanote line or the Namboku line => Komagome station
7. Oze National Park
Estimated best viewing: Late September to mid October
Access：
・Tokyo Station “Shinkansen” => Joumoukogen Station “Bus” => Oshimizu
・Tokyo Station “Railway” => Aizukogen Ozeguchi “Bus” => Numayamatoge
8. Mount Nasu-dake, Fukushima
Estimated best viewing: Late September to early October
Access：
・Tokyo Ueno station “Shinkansen” => Nasushiobara and change to a local train to Kuroiso
・From Kuroiso, take a bus bound for Nasudake-sanroku and get off there
9. Daisetsuzan National Park
Estimated best viewing: Mid September to late October
Access：
・Asahikawa Airport “Airport Shuttle ” => Asahikawa Station => Sounkyo Onsen
・Kamikawa Station “Dohoku Bus” => Sounkyo Onsen
10. Fuji Five Lakes
Estimated best viewing: Late October to mid November
Express Bus for Mt. Fuji
・Tokyo Station => Yamanakako Asaigaoka：One way 2,100¥
・Osaka Station => Mt. Fuji Station/ Kawaguchiko：One way 6,700¥
・Kyoto Station => Mt. Fuji Station/ Kawaguchiko：One way 6,200¥
Based on the weather patterns, the actual emergence of the fall colors may differ from established estimates. The autumn leaves may begin a few days to a few weeks early if the weather is cool, or they can occur late if it is unusually warm.
Source from Japan Rail Pass