Best places to visit in Japan in autumn

Japan is one of the best places to visit in the autumn, so we’re taking a look at some of the top destinations in the country for a pre-winter break

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan. The fact that autumn is not peak season means prices are lower, there are less crowds, and you can still expect pleasant weather.

Aside from the fact that there are many autumn festivals in Japan to enjoy during this season, this time of year is also a great period to visit because of the incredible fall foliage viewing opportunities all over the country.

Japan has tons of beautiful spots to visit during autumn, including Hokkaido (the northernmost island), Nara (home to a beloved national park) and Kyoto (a historic city with plenty of attractions).

Now that Japan is open for tourist travel once again for the first time in over 2 years, there is no better time to enjoy an autumn holiday in the country. With that in mind, we’re looking at some of the most spectacular places to enjoy autumn in Japan!

Arashiyama

Arashiyama, located in Japan’s Kyoto, is best known for its extensive Bamboo Groves which are a popular attraction year-round, and Monkey park, where you can get up close and personal with local primates.

However, it is especially beautiful in the autumn, when the slopes of Mount Arashiyama are full of autumn colors. One of the best places to see the fall foliage is from the famous "Moon Crossing Bridge" or in the gardens of the Matsuo Taisha shrine.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a city in the Kansai region of Japan. It's known as the former imperial capital of Japan, and the center of Japanese culture. Kyoto is famous for its historic temples and shrines, including many World Heritage Sites.

These sacred buildings are found all over the city and a fantastic place for viewing the autumn leaves. Some of the most impressive shrines include Kinkaku-ji Temple, which houses an important gold-leaf covered pavilion, and Fushimi Inari, known for its distinctive orange gates.

Lake Kawaguchi

If you're looking for an ideal place to visit during the autumn season in Japan, Lake Kawaguchi is a great choice. Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this lake was formed by the eruption of Mt. Fuji. The lake itself is famous for its scenery and hot springs. However, the area around Lake Kawaguchiko is also heavily forested with deciduous trees that change colors during autumn, making it an ideal fall foliage spot.

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a caldera lake located on the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures, in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. The 12th-largest lake in Japan, it’s a popular tourist destination year-round.

The lake itself is surrounded by beautiful nature that makes for great hiking and camping. You can also take a boat trip around the lake - something which is particularly special in the autumn!

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is one of the most famous mountains in the world, and the surrounding area is a hotspot for tourists wanting to snap the perfect picture of its iconic peak. It’s also a popular destination for hikers looking to scale its summit.

The best time to visit Mt. Fuji is at the start of autumn, in early September before it gets too cold and snow starts falling at higher elevations in November or December. The surrounding countryside is full of a sea of reds and golds, and at its most beautiful at this time of year.

Minoo Falls

Minoo Falls is a waterfall in Minoo, just outside of the city of Osaka. It stands at 33m tall and is widely considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.

The Falls are located within Minoo Park, which offers a wide range of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s especially beautiful in the autumn when surrounded by the changing leaves, particularly during the second half of November.

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous in Japan for its vast population of wild deer, which are actually quite friendly and often come close to visitors looking to be fed! The beautiful park is also full of historic temples and shrines.

It’s a good place to visit during autumn because it is heavily forested, and the nearby Mount Wakakusa is perfect for an autumn hike. From the summit you can see incredible views over all of Nara and even Kyoto on a clear day!

Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located on Hokkaido and covers an area of 993.02 square kilometers. The park is full of plenty of waterfalls, lakes, and forests which turn gorgeous colors in the autumn.

Be especially sure to check out Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu for their many beautiful views. The popular village of Noboribetsu, famous for its onsen hot springs, is also located within the park.

We hope this list inspires you to visit Japan during autumn. Everything from the weather conditions to the changing leaves will make it an unforgettable experience, guaranteed!

(Telegraf.rs/PR)