Planning a fall trip to Japan? Autumn is a great time to visit this special country—colorful trees flourish everywhere, festive events are happening across the country, and special foods are offered to celebrate the season. The temperature is also moderate and comfortable across almost every prefecture, which makes for easier packing.
While there’s a country full of activities to explore during this transitionary season, you’re likely to find yourself gravitating to the Western regions of Japan. With summers that linger longer and milder winters, this side of the country comes alive during fall. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Eastern region goes into hibernation early! You’ll find plenty of serenity in the changing foliage and subtle majesty of the Eastern regions of Japan.
If you visit Japan in autumn, be sure to check out the ideas below to enrich your travel experience. Here are the top things to do in Japan during fall.
1. View spectacular autumn leaves
Autumn is a great time of year to visit Japan because the scenery is especially beautiful throughout the entire country. As the weather cools down and the leaves change colors, tourists flock to the country to take in its distinctive natural beauty.
From nature spots to historical cities like Kyoto (see also ‘Does It Get Cold In Kyoto), there are several great areas to enjoy the autumn leaves in Japan. Some of the best places include Mt. Asahi in Hokkaido, Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture and Nikko in Tochigi. Remember that when exploring the bounty of nature, the goal is to leave behind no trace you were ever there. Tread lightly and disturb as little as possible, and focus simply on taking in the awe-inspiring change happening around you.
2. Attend the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival
Japan’s beautiful autumn leaves are so breathtaking that there are even festivals celebrating them. The most popular autumn leaves event is held annually in Tokyo: the Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival. This event is centered around a magnificent avenue of Ginkgo trees, featuring a market with delicious street food vendors and local products. The event attracts both local and international visitors alike, lasting for two whole weeks.
You can spend a whole day walking around the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival, and it’s recommended to bring your camera to snap a few photos. There are also park benches where you can stop to sit and admire the trees in their full color shift.
3. Go hiking
Get up close and personal with Japan’s autumn leaves with a fall hike during your visit. Temperatures are moderate and comfortable in the fall throughout Japan, especially in the mountainous regions that are packed with gorgeous fall foliage. If you’re staying in Tokyo, check out nearby Nikko, Mt. Takao or Mt. Mitake—they’re an easy one-day trip from the city and offer hiking trails for all skill levels.
Always wear proper footwear if you plan to hike while you’re in Japan. As trees begin to drop their leaves on trails, you’ll want to make sure you have good traction. And remember, leave no trace while hiking through these trails—always take trash with you, even if it’s not yours.
4. Visit Japanese gardens
Any time of year is a great time to visit a Japanese garden, but autumn is especially beautiful with all the fall foliage. If you’re traveling in Tokyo, the Rikugien traditional Japanese garden is a must-see, particularly this time of year. Featuring a lush landscape with man-made hills, a huge pond, and plenty of rest spots to enjoy the scenery, this exceptional garden is lit up from sundown to 21:00 every night from mid-November to early December.
The lights and leaves create a mystical atmosphere—you’ll forget you’re in one of the world’s largest cities! Many couples also find Japanese gardens in fall to be a romantic spot for an evening stroll. There’s something tranquil and serene that allows you to get lost in the moment, surrounded by beauty.
5. Take a day trip to Nikko
If you’re staying in Tokyo, Nikko is a quick trip away and well worth the journey. It’s just two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours away by train, depending on the line you take. You can visit for a day or for a weekend and see tons of World Heritage sites, including Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine—all of which look spectacular against the backdrop of autumn leaves.
There’s tons of natural beauty to enjoy in the region, and you can even soak in the hot springs of Kinugawa or Yumoto onsens. These traditional Japanese onsens have been enjoyed for centuries—it’s a truly relaxing, beautiful experience you won’t find anywhere else (see also ‘Bessho Onsen: Travel Guide‘). This is an especially nice treat if you’ve spent the day hiking or out exploring a mountain.
6. Visit Hakone
Another quick day trip from Tokyo—just a two-hour train ride from Shinjuku—Hakone is full of natural beauty and impressive scenery. You’ll find high-quality hot springs nestled within unique mountain geography. Take the ropeway as soon as you arrive for a scenic ride of the rugged landscape, which is especially beautiful in the fall.
Hakone’s Sengokuhara area is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike in the fall, as the region’s pampas grass is on full display during this time of year. As temperatures cool between late September and early November, you’ll witness the fields of wild grass turning a beautiful silvery-golden shade that sparkles in the sun. It’s a one-of-a-kind sight you’ll never forget.
7. Attend a food festival
Japan is home to some of the world’s most distinctive cuisine, and it’s on full display in the fall months of the year. The country hosts several food events in autumn, known by many as “Autumn’s Appetite.” There are opportunities for anyone, regardless of your dietary preferences or restrictions. Best of all, the food is extremely affordable!
Just a few of the incredible fall food events include the Hokkaido Food Festival, the Tokyo Wagyu Show and the biggest of them all—the Tokyo Ramen Show. This festival is a 10-day event running from late November to early December, and it’s a great opportunity to taste the many flavors of ramen all in one spot.
8. Take part in a Halloween like no other
If you’re planning to visit Japan near the end of October, make sure to take part in the country’s many Halloween celebrations. This holiday has recently become popular in Japan, with Tokyo Disneyland hosting exciting events and galas. One Halloween party not to be missed is the giant Shibuya Halloween. This unofficial outdoor event features crowds of people who gather in unique Halloween costumes in Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district. Dress in costume to make the most of your experience!
If you do decide to celebrate All Hallows Eve in Japan, it’s worth remembering that Japanese custom leans heavily on respect. Don’t get too revealing with your costume or go over-the-top when it comes to shock value. Instead, stick to the more traditional costumes and remember that simple is often better.
9. Take part in moon-viewing
Moon-viewing, or tsukimi parties, have a long, continuous tradition in Japan. During the Heian period, aristocrats gathered to enjoy music and compose poetry by moonlight during the autumn months.
Today, the Japanese people celebrate tsukimi on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunisolar month, which falls in either September or October. You’ll find tsukumi parties throughout the country, where celebrators enjoy traditional food called tsukimi dango—tiny white rice dumplings. It’s a unique tradition that you’ll find everywhere throughout Japan, from individual homes to shops.
10. Sumo Grand Tournament
There are six Grand Sumo Tournaments throughout the year in Japan, including one in Tokyo in September and one in November, held in Fukuoka. Called honbasho, each tournament runs for 15 days, giving you plenty of opportunity to catch a match while you’re in the country. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, though—especially for the final tournament in November.
Sumo is incredibly popular, and the end of the year tends to be peoples’ last opportunity to catch a match before the season ends. While each bout may only last a few seconds, it’s a sight to behold!
Enjoy everything Japan has to offer in the fall!
Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Japan. The country’s unique beauty is on full display as the temperatures cool and the leaves change color. No matter where your travels take you in Japan, you’ll witness gorgeous scenery and experience rich traditions you won’t find anywhere else. Try to make time to soak in a hot spring, gaze at the moon or indulge in seasonal foods.
Whether you choose to partake in one of the country’s many fall food festivals or you want to get up close and personal with the changing foliage of the season, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Japan during this season of transformation. Best of all, travel to Japan often becomes more affordable as the seasons start to change!
