Autumn is often said to be one of the best seasons to visit Japan. During autumn, the colours of maple leaves change from green to yellow, then red. With the comfortable weather, travelling also becomes easier and more comfortable.
In this article, we introduce the types of Japanese autumn leaves that are particularly famous - Momiji and Ichou, as well as where to see them. And more importantly, when is the best time to go see autumn leaves in Japan this year.
Table of Contents
- Japan Autumn Leaves - What leaves are there?
- Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
- Where to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
Japan Autumn Leaves - What leaves are there?
The Japanese terminology for autumn leaves can be quite confusing. There are words with the same Kanji but different readings, and different Kanji with the same reading.
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黄葉 (Kouyou) : When leaves turn yellow during autumn. (refers to “ginkgo leaves”)
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紅葉 (Kouyou) : When leaves turn red during autumn. (also means “autumn leaves”)
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紅葉 (Momiji) : Japanese nickname for maple tree, also refers to red maple leaves in autumn. (commonly written in Hiragana : もみじ)
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紅葉狩り (Momiji-gari) : The activity of viewing autumn leaves. (not specific to Momiji maple leaves)
The activity of admiring autumn leaves is long-stemmed in Japanese history. Started during the Nara period, it grew in popularity from the Heian period as the work of Genji Monogatari described the beauty of autumn leaf viewing in a way that captivated readers.
Though the stark redness of momiji (maple leaves) are the iconic image of autumn leaves, we shouldn’t forget its yellow just as strikingly beautiful counterpart ichou (ginkgo leaves). These two are the basis of autumn-leaf viewing, the ultimate autumn activity in Japan.
Momiji (紅葉) / Maple Leaves in Japan
Momiji is the Japanese nickname for maple trees, it is also known as カエデ (kaede). Maple trees are characteristic of autumn because of their beautiful colour changes. During autumn, the leaves will gradually change from green to yellow, then red to brown before falling due to lack of sunlight and low temperatures. The time the leaves change colour depends on species, temperature and altitude.
Ichou (イチョウ) / Ginkgo Leaves in Japan
One of our WeXpats members lives near Hikarigaoka, and so took the opportunity to check out ginkgo leaves in Japan for the first time. She was not disappointed, and was instead very surprised by how beautiful it was. There are many hidden spots in Japan that are so incredibly beautiful, one can’t help but wonder how they aren’t famous.
Ichou, also written 銀杏 in Kanji, is the Japanese name for ginkgo trees. Ginkgo trees are also a classic autumn leaf in Japan. During autumn, the leaves will change from green to yellow before falling off. One thing to note about ginkgo leaves is their distinct odour that can only be described as smelly, and stinky. But the beauty of the bright yellow leaves more than makes up for that. Similarly, the timing of leaves changing colour depends on the location and temperature. Ginkgo leaves in Japan change colours at slightly higher temperatures than maple leaves. As such, they generally change colours a little earlier than maple leaves.
Writer's Pick
Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
Autumn leaves season in Japan is from late October to early December. However, the exact timing for each area in Japan differs, so you’ll need to check the forecast for the place you plan to visit. Furthermore, the timing for autumn leaves can be unpredictable, so for the best view you may need to “chase” them.
Based on my experience living in Japan, autumn leaves do not last long. It can be peak (the reddest) early in the week, then when you’re free to go see them during the weekend, they’ve started browning. Gotta act fast!
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) releases cherry blossom and autumn foliage forecasts every year when the respective season approaches. Starting with a first forecast, the JMC will release latest forecast updates as the forecasted date approaches for the most accurate predictions. It is the best source for the latest and most accurate forecasts. Link here.
Another great tip for checking if it’s a good time to visit a place for autumn leaves is to check their official social media accounts (if any) or do a search on Instagram for photos by people who have visitied recently.
Where to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
Want to admire the beauty of Momiji in Japan? Here are some of the best autumn leaves spots to visit.
1. [Tokyo] Showa Memorial Park (国営昭和記念公園)
Location : Google Map
Showa Memorial Park has both ginkgo leaves and momiji! If you’re lucky like one of our WeXpats members, their change of colours will coincide at the same time so you can enjoy both!
Showa Kinen Koen, or Showa Memorial Park, is one of the most famous parks in Tokyo, and Japan. This park is the biggest in Tokyo, measuring 408 hectares, or 1.653 km². The park is frequently visited year round as its vast grounds means flowers and plants of all seasons are planted, each with their own 見頃 (migoro) - best time to see.
At Showa Memorial Park, autumn flowers like Higanbana and splendid fields of cosmos can also be enjoyed. When it comes to autumn leaves, they have both ginkgo leaves and momiji, which start to change colour in November.
2. [Yokohama] Sankeien Garden (三渓園)
Location : Google Map
Of the many beautiful gardens in Japan, try enjoying the beauty of Momiji at Sankeien Garden. This garden, located in the city of Yokohama, also presents replicas of historical buildings. You can enjoy nature, while also learning a little about Japanese history.
For those living in Yokohama City, take Bus No. 8 or No. 148 until you arrive at the Sankeien-Iriguchi Bus Stop (三渓園入口), and continue walking for 10 minutes until you reach the park. Alternatively, you can also take Buses No. 58, 99 and 101 to the Honmoku Bus Stop (本牧).
3. [Yamanashi] Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖もみじ回廊)
Location: Google Map
Want to enjoy the beauty of Momiji in Japan which frames the view of Mount Fuji? Then, come here. Every year, the Autumn Leaves Festival is held at Lake Kawaguchi. According to the official social media account, this year the festival will be held from October 28 to November 23, 2023.
If you come here, don’t forget to stop by the Momiji Corridor (もみじ回廊), or Momiji Kairou. It is a 2KM long street lined with maple trees.
4. [Tochigi] Mount Nasu (那須連山)
Location: Google Map
Mount Nasu in Tochigi is a popular autumn foliage spot. Mt. Jeans Nasu Ski Resort in particular operates a ski resort during winter and early spring, but in autumn becomes popular for autumn leaves. Take a ride on the gondola and enjoy the carpet of autumn spread out beneath you. Many hikers also enjoy hiking across Mount Nasu, working up a sweat while enjoying nature’s beauty.
Tochigi’s Nikko is also a popular destination during autumn with beautiful autumn leaves viewing spots, like Ryuzu Waterfall, Kinugawa Onsen, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. Stay a night, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy the autumn leaves. It can get crowded with tourists though with heavy traffic congestion.
5. [Kyoto] Tofukuji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Rurikoin Temple, and more.
Location: Google Map
Kyoto is one of the best spots to catch Momiji in Japan. The vast landscape of red leaves combined with the historical sites and traditional buildings makes for a picturesque sight. There are many, many brilliant spots to do Momijigari in Kyoto, so we recommend taking your time in Kyoto. There’s Kiyomizudera Temple, Enrian Temple (boasted to have the reddest of leaves during fall), Tofukuji Temple, and out-of-reach places you can go by train (check below).
🍁 Kyoto is the first destination to come to mind when speaking about autumn leaves in Japan. And so, we prepared this...
Posted by WeXpats on Friday, September 22, 2023
To Close
Autumn is truly one of the most beautiful seasons to experience in Japan. Not just the beautiful change of nature, the food and fashion also adds to the splendour. It’s my (the writer’s) favourite season after living for a few years in Japan, and surely it is favoured by many others as well.
