This article is
・What is autumn like in Japan?
・What tastes good in the autumn in Japan?
・Where can I go in the autumn in Japan?
That’s what this article is about.
Index
🍂 A Temple in Gold and Red: My First Autumn Walk in Kyoto
I remember stepping into a small mountain temple outside Kyoto in early November. The air was crisp. My footsteps crunched on fallen leaves, and above me, maple trees glowed crimson, their colors more intense than I had ever imagined.
A gentle breeze swept through the branches, sending a wave of red fluttering to the ground. A monk swept the steps in silence. That peaceful moment taught me why autumn is so beloved in Japan—it’s not just seen, it’s felt.
🍁 The Beauty of Kōyō: Japan’s Autumn Leaves
In Japan, autumn isn’t just a season—it’s an event.
The kōyō “紅葉” season, meaning “colorful leaves,” draws travelers from around the world to witness nature’s masterpiece.
Popular viewing spots include:
- Kyoto’s temples: Tōfuku-ji, Eikan-dō, and Arashiyama
- Nikko “Tochigi”: Autumn hues set against waterfalls and shrines
- Hakone: Leaves with a backdrop of Mt. Fuji
- Nara: Deer among the falling leaves
Leaves begin to change in the north “Hokkaido“as early as late September, and reach Kyoto and Tokyo around November.
kōyō
🔔 Festivals and Traditions of Autumn
As summer fades, Japanese traditions take a reflective turn:
- Tsukimi “Moon Viewing” in September: People enjoy the full moon with dango rice cakes and seasonal fruits
- Autumn Equinox Day “Shūbun no Hi”: A time for visiting family graves and expressing gratitude
- Harvest festivals: Local shrines hold ceremonies to thank the gods for a bountiful rice harvest
This is a season of gratitude, quiet celebration, and connection to nature.
Tsukimi
🍠 Autumn Flavors: Warm, Sweet, and Earthy
Japanese autumn brings a rich, comforting menu:
- Yakiimo “roasted sweet potatoes” sold from trucks with old-style songs playing
- Kuri “chestnuts” used in rice dishes and desserts
- Matsutake mushrooms: Rare and aromatic, a delicacy of the season
- Sanma “Pacific saury“: Grilled fish enjoyed best with grated daikon
- Persimmons “kaki”: Eaten fresh or dried, sweet and full of autumn flavor
🧡 Autumn in Japan isn’t just about watching leaves—it’s about tasting the season.
Matsutake mushrooms
Sanma
🦌 Where to Travel in Autumn
- Kyoto & Nara: For classic temples and leaf viewing
- Nikko “Tochigi“: A personal favorite! Nature + shrines + colors
- Kamikōchi “Nagano“: Mountain hikes surrounded by gold and red
- Fukuoka: Autumn festivals and street food
🍁 Tip: Late October to early December is the best time to visit most of Japan for autumn colors.
🧘♀️ A Season to Reflect
Autumn in Japan is quiet, nostalgic, and full of meaning.
It’s a time to slow down, appreciate beauty, and reconnect with what matters.
Whether you’re sipping green tea under maple trees or biting into a sweet roasted chestnut, you’ll feel how Japan honors the passage of time.
❄️ Coming Next: [Winter in Japan – Silence, Snow, and Soulful Moments]
P.S.
The autumn leaves are very beautiful in autumn.
In the Kanto region, Nikko in Tochigi and Kyoto in Kansai are famous for their beauty.
The sense of unity between the temple and the colored leaves is indescribable.
It is definitely worth coming to Japan to see this.
またね(Matane)!
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