Late September—Early October

Mt. Nasu, Tochigi
Take the cablecar to the top then walk and enjoy the colorful patterns and great views. Finish off the day with a soak at Nasu-Yumoto Onsen.

Togakushi Heights, Nagano
Make your own soba noodles at the Soba Museum or practice your ninja skills at the Ninja Museum, then head to Togakushi Shrine, lined with giant cedar trees.

Shiga Heights, Nagano
There are more than twenty hiking trails in the Shiga highlands where you can enjoy some early fall colors and daydream about riding these same mountains in winter.
   
Hachimantai Plateau, Iwate
Hiking trails near the summit of Hachimantai offer lakeside views ablaze with autumn colors.

Niseko, Hokkaido
Japan’s powder Mecca is also comes alive in fall with lakes, hiking trails and hot springs. Spend the day golfing, canoeing, or paragliding and finish it off with a local microbrew.

Early October—Mid October

Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi
The Subaru Line near Lake Kawaguchi and the foothills surrounding Mount Fuji makes a nice autumn drive with the mountain above and the lakes below.

Yatsugatake, Nagano
Autumn is a great time to view the rugged landscape of the Yatsugatake Heights, offset by the surrounding peaceful forests where you can enjoy walking trails and relaxing hot springs.

Mt. Zao, Yamagata
The scenic drive along the Zao and Zao Echo Line toll roads is worth the trip alone. Take the cablecar to the summit for panoramic autumn views, then chill out in a bath at Zao Onsen.

Lake O-numa, Hokkaido
Enjoy cycling or walking around O-numa and Ko-numa lakes. The view of Mt. Komagadake draped in autumn hues across Lake O-numa is stunning.

Mid October—Late October

Kinugawa River, Tochigi
The Kinugawa River area’s popular hot springs are a great place to admire the autumn colors. You’re also close to Nikko, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.

Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami, Gunma
Take a soak in Japan’s largest rotenburo while also soaking in the colorful trees surrounding the baths as the Takara River flows by.

Karuizawa, Nagano
Japan's imperial mountain playground is a great place to enjoy some golf or autumn hiking then check out the museums and the outlet mall.

Lake Towada, Aomori
Enjoy the view from a sightseeing boat, stroll along the bank from Katsura-ga-hama, or visit nearby Okuirise. A three-hour hike through the spectacular gorge features fourteen waterfalls.

Late October—Early November

Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki
Take a breathtaking train ride across Asia’s highest railway bridge or enjoy a boat ride through the gorge down the Gokase River with its red cliffs and take in the koyou.

Mt. Koya, Osaka
Koya-san is a peaceful place to enjoy the koyo. This sacred mountain and active Buddhist monastery hosts an autumn festival (Oct. 16).

Hakone, Kanagawa
View the reflection of Mt. Fuji in Lake Ashino, stroll through Gora Park or the Hakone Art Museum, soak in one of the many onsen or walk the colorful foothills in this popular area.

Lake Inawashiro, Fukushima
Mt. Bandai and Mt. Azuma are popular autumn destinations, and a bit further north Lake Hibara and Lake Goshiki-numa also offer incredible views.

Risshaku-ji Temple, Yamagata
Enjoy the unforgettable view of Risshaku-ji Temple, built in 860, perched atop a rock, then climb on up for great views.

Early November—Mid November

Momiji-dani Park, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
As its name suggests, Momiji-dani (literally Maple Valley) turns bright red each fall. Walk or take the cable car up Mt. Misen for more view.

Okutama, Tokyo
Tokyo’s outdoor playground has countless trails where you can enjoy colorful hikes along the Tama River or around Mt. Mitake.

Nagatoro Valley, Saitama
Enjoy the koyou with a relaxing float on a boat down the Arakawa River. Then take the cable car up nearby Mt. Hodo for a bird’s eye view.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
One of Japan’s most famous gardens and a great place to relax with a cup of green tea while taking in the fall foliage.

Aoba-dori Avenue, Sendai, Miyagi
This well known street in Sendai come alive in color each fall.

Mid November—Late November

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto
Stroll the castle grounds filled with the golden yellow leaves of gingko trees.

Arashiyama, Kyoto
Enjoy the fall colors by boat on the Hotsu River or by toy train, then walk through the nearby temples.

Eikando Temple, Kyoto
The temple gardens are beautiful anytime, but a visit is at night in November when the trees are flooded with lights is unforgettable.

Yoro Valley, Chiba
There are eight hiking trails, ranging from 4 to 8 hours that offer great autumn viewing including some stunning waterfalls.

Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Enjoy a brisk autumn stroll and the gingko trees around the Imperial Palace grounds.

Note: Approximate peak viewing dates are based on national averages but actual viewing dates vary depending on weather and location.


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FALL FAVORITES
OJ people share their favorite places enjoy the koyou.

LEE DOBSON
Tokufuji, Kyoto
京都府東福寺

I have a soft spot for Tofukuji in Kyoto. It is in a residential part of the city, so there are no tall buildings to spoil the view. In autumn the exquisite gardens come alive with color, and if you get there early on a weekday, it is surprisingly peaceful. I like the combination of an ancient shrine and natural-looking gardens.

僕のお気に入りは京都の東福寺。高いビルが景色をじゃますることがない住宅街にあり、秋の色づいた庭はまあみごと。平日は、驚くほど込み合っていなくてゆっくり観賞できる。古い寺と自然の庭の組み合わせがぼくは最高だと思う。–LD

MATT LINDSAY
Mt. Takamaru, Tokushima
徳島県高丸山

While the symmetry and bold colors of the momiji (maple leaves) is undeniably attractive, the beech trees (buna) have enchanted me most here in Shikoku. Virgin buna forests can be found deep in Tokushima’s mountains near Mt. Takamaru. The large yellow leaves blanketing the lower slopes create a bright, uplifting atmosphere - sure to rejuvenate you after the long drive up the winding road past Kamikatsu. An enjoyable hike to the summit of this gentle peak also offers great views.

均整美の取れた、もみじも素晴らしいが、ここ四国で僕の心を捉えるのはブナの木。徳島県の高丸山の山深いところに、ブナの原生林がある。長く、くねくねと曲がった道を運転した後目に入る、黄色のブナが山すそに広がる景色は本当に素晴らしく疲れも取り去る。頂上からみる紅葉もいいものだ。. –ML

RACER X (AKA BRAD BENNETT)
Okutama, Tokyo
東京都奥多摩

Of course Okutama is where you want to be to enjoy the changing seasons! Walking on the Mukashi-michi, through the Tama River valley from Okutama Station to Lake Okutama is my choice for a wabi sabi autumn experience. You can see traditional farmhouses, walk over suspension bridges and soak in the reflection of fall colors near the tranquil banks of Lake Okutama. I’ll see you there!

紅葉をみるならもちろん奥多摩！奥多摩駅から奥多摩湖まで、むかし道を歩くのは僕のお気に入りの「侘び、寂び」体験。古民家やつり橋も楽しいし、静けさあふれる奥多摩湖、湖面に写る紅葉を心ゆくまで堪能できる。ぜひ、行ってみて！–X

GARDNER ROBINSON
Tateshina, Nagano
長野県蓼科

Between the Yatsugatake mountain range and Kirigamine Plateau is a popular resort area called Tateshina. There are a lot of hot spring hotels in the vicinity and one of my favorite places to go when I lived in Nagano was the rotenburo at Taki-no-yu Onsen. It’s not the largest, or the most popular onsen around, but the simple stonework, smooth wood baths surrounded by momiji and an icy stream rolling by make it a perfect place soak in the warmth, feel the crisp fall air and spend a lazy day – getting psyched for winter!

八ヶ岳と霧が峰平の中間にある蓼科高原は人気の紅葉スポットで、温泉ホテルも多くある、その中でも僕のお気に入りは、滝の湯温泉の露天風呂で紅葉を楽しむ事。有名とか人気ではないが、秋の冷っとした空気のなか、もみじに囲まれた、岩と木の湯船のシンプルな露天風呂につかってのんびりするのは格別―冬が待ちどうしくなってくる！–GR

THE HOKKAIDO BUSH PIG
Ashibetsu-dake Hut, Hokkaido
北海道、芦別岳

This is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the colors of this magical season. It’s a three-hour hike to the old stone hut sitting at the foot of Mt. Ashibetsu-dake, nestled between the bank of the Yuufure River with the surrounding forest showing off its spectacular wears. There is nothing at the hut so you have to take everything with you, but its well worth it and the hike to the peak will reward you with wonderful autumn colors all the way to the top where you can enjoy some great views.

芦別岳はすべてから逃れて、秋の紅葉マジックを楽しむのに最高の行き先。古い石小屋は、ハイクで３時間の芦別岳のふもと、ユウウフレ川と見事な紅葉の森の間にある。小屋には何もないから、すべての物を用意していかなければならないものの、頂上で上から下まで色づいた山の景色は素晴らしく、その価値大いにある。–HBP


TARO MURAISHI
Tanzawa, Kanagawa
長野県蓼科

Personally, I love the beechnut forests with their green and white trunks and “refreshing” leaves. In autumn they turn a beautiful yellow and when a few bright red maple trees are interspersed, the scene is like a homecoming. Tanzawa was the first mountain I climbed as a child, and although it doesn’t boast a magnificent forest, my relationship with the area makes it a personal favorite. This fall I’ll bring my family for the first time in a long while.

ぼくの好きな森はブナの森。ミドリやシロイロの模様の入った太い幹と、 “爽快な”という形容詞が見事にあう幹の広がり、葉っぱ。紅葉もやはりブナの森が美しい。ブナの葉は赤くはならず黄色い黄葉だが、そこに真っ赤に燃えるようなカエデが少し混ざった様を見ると自分の住み処がそこにあることを感じるのだ。丹沢は、ぼくが少年の頃、始めて自分で目的をつくって登った山である。決して壮大な森ではないが、だからこそぼくは、あの森が好きなのだ。今年の秋、久しぶりに家族を連れて、秋の丹沢を訪れてみようと思う。–TM

TROLL
Karasawa, North Alps, Nagano
長野県蓼科

I highly recommend the Karasawa area of Nagano’s Northern Alps for autumn views. The leaves along the tree line are lightly colored and dance beautifully among the rocks creating an unforgettable view.

ウチのおすすめ紅葉スポットは、北アルプスの涸沢だと思います。森林限界にある紅葉が、薄くなっていき、岩の間に生えて、たまらなく、いとおしく感じるのです。–T

What is your favorite place to enjoy the koyo? Send in your comments (and photos if you have some). If your is chosen we’ll send you a free subscription to Outdoor Japan Magazine or an OJ hat. E-mail editor@outdoorjapan.com.