What does autumn in Japan mean? Autumn in Japan is the season of harvest and spectacular autumn leaves. Experience beautiful scenery, comfortable temperatures, and charming festivals when you visit Japan in autumn.
The autumn season in Japan is distinguished by its cool, pleasant temperatures and its striking scenery of reds and golds. It is also the time of harvest, where rice is cut, baled, and distributed. Additionally, many autumn festivals take place in celebration of harvest time, autumn foliage (koyo), and historic occasions. Experience an unforgettable vacation to Japan in autumn, the most comfortable season of Japan.
Visiting Japan in September
Visiting Japan in September means less crowds and mostly clear skies. There are still occasional hot and humid days during September, but the leaves begin to change its color in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. From late September to October, the transition to autumn season begins in Hokkaido and Tohoku, where autumn leaves are first seen. The changing autumn colors then make its way southward to other parts of Japan.
Visiting Japan in October
During October, the colorful autumn foliage makes its appearance in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nikko, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and the Japanese Alps areas (Nagano, Takayama, Shirakawago). October is noted as one of the most pleasant times to visit Japan. Travelers can experience the beautiful Takayama Autumn Festival on October 9th to 10th, and remark the eye-catching kochia scoparia plant at Hitachi Seaside Park from mid to late October.
Visiting Japan in November
If you wish to see the peak of autumn leaves on the mainland of Japan, visiting Japan in November is your best bet. From November to early December, autumn foliage can be seen in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shikoku, Hiroshima, and Kyushu. November is regarded as the best time to visit Japan. The weather is mild and cool, traveling tends to be quieter, and spectacular autumn colors can be seen at the must-see sites of Japan.
Travelers on our Japan Autumn Tours can expect comfortable weather and striking autumn scenery. Enjoy the season of harvest, where many autumn festivals are held throughout Japan to give thanks or to honor their shrine's deity. Autumn in Japan is renowned for its attractive autumn foliage (koyo) found throughout the country. Book a Japan Autumn Tour to enjoy breathtaking scenery, seasonal foods, the Takayama Autumn Festival, autumn flowers, must-see cultural sites, and more.
Gain exclusive access to the best temples, gardens, and cultural landmarks on our Japan Autumn Tours. We have tours available to see world-famous attractions to even the rural parts of Japan.
