Fukuoka, Kyushu: Unlocking the same stunning foliage as Kyoto

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🍁 Urayama Senryuji Daibeiwangin Temple

626 Raizan, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka

🍂Expected date: November 15

The most famous foliage in Fukuoka is the Raiyama Senju-ji Temple Daibeiwangen. There is a 400-year-old tree in Raiyama Senju-ji Temple Daibeiwangen, which turns red in the foliage season, and the whole canopy of the tree becomes a spectacular shade.

In addition to this “King of Trees,” the temple also has a “Shinki Garden” that was built in the Muromachi period, and more than 200 maple trees have been planted in the garden, and in the fall, the entire garden presents a stunning scene of brilliant red leaves. You can take a photo under the trees in a yukata with the temple, and you won't be able to keep your mouth shut.

The best time of the year to enjoy the red leaves is from early to mid-November, and the whole temple looks like a paradise. The temple also offers red leaf gomoku, which is a great souvenir of your trip.

🍁 Akizuki Castle Ruins

Akizuki no Tori, Asakura-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 🍂Expected time of sightseeing: November 22nd

Asakura, known as “Chikuzen's Little Kyoto,” is located next to Chikuzen, not far from Fukuoka City. Although the city is not large, it has a vast forest and the Chikugo River runs through it, and the fact that Emperor Saito used to live in the city makes it rich in humanistic landscapes and beautiful natural scenery.

In the northern part of Asakura, there is an area called “Akizuki”, which is a castle town that was developed as Akizuki Castle, the residence of the lord of the Kuroda clan, during the Warring States period (1467-1615). Because of this place, it is called “Chikuzen Little Kyoto”, but today only the remains of the castle gate are left.

This is a famous place for maple viewing in Fukuoka. You can enjoy the remains of the old castle, the stone wall, the moat and the Nagaya gate, and the red maple leaves and ginkgoes that make the black gate stand out, and you can enjoy the scenery with a lot of fun.

🍁 Tunzan Kannon Temple

227-4 Hagio, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture

🍂 Estimated date of arrival: November 2

Tunzan Kannonji Temple, located in Sasaguri-machi, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a Buddhist temple with a long history.

Every year in November, more than 1,000 maple trees and 1,000 azaleas inside the temple begin to turn red, complementing the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, and making it a great place to visit as not only the temple but also the entire mountain is dyed in flaming red. Tennoin's leafy boulevard is especially recommended.

Strolling through Kuan Yin Tang, you can feel the beauty of nature in the changing seasons, as if you have entered a paradise, giving you a sense of comfort and peace. For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a “healing journey”, this is a great place to visit!

🍁 Katsuyama Park

2-1, Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka-ken

🍂 Expected date of visit: November 22nd

Katsuyama Park is a park centered on Kokura Castle, a castle built by Hosokawa Tadakatsuki for 7 years starting from 1602. After that, it became the residence castle of the Ogasawara clan. However, like many of Japan's temples. Kokura Castle was burned down in the Great Fire of 1866, leaving only the stone walls, and the current one was rebuilt according to previous records.

Many cherry trees, ginkgoes, and maple trees are planted around Katsuyama Park, making it a great place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and maple chasing in Kitakyushu every spring and fall.

🍁 Hikiko Mountain

Oaza Hidenoyama, Tamata-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture

🍂 Expected date: November 8

Eihiko Mountain, located in Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures, has long been believed in as a spiritual mountain known for its spiritual practice, and there are still places where monks used to practice in the mountains.

From the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the majestic mountains, and on the Fukuoka Prefecture side of the mountain, there is a shrine of Mount Eihiko, which is said to have been built in 740, in the town of Tamata. Every year in autumn, maple trees and ferns gradually cover the slopes from the top of the mountain with beautiful colors. You can experience the unique experience of the monks who practiced on the mountain path as they walked along the path towards Hidenoyama Jingu Shrine in Hidenoyama.

🍁 Hinata Shinkyo Gorge

Yabe-mura, Hachinohe-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

🍂 Expected date of sighting: November 9

Hinokami Gorge is located on the shore of Hinokami Reservoir on the upper reaches of the Yabe River. The gorge was formed in 1962 due to the erosion of volcanic rocks, and the scenery is as beautiful as an ink painting with a variety of strange rocks and cliffs.

There is a special heart-shaped rock in the gorge, and its beautiful symbolism has made it a popular photo spot for young people in Japan.

In addition, the foliage around the “Secret Woodcutting (Soma) Country Stream Park”, which is 10 kilometers deep, is also very beautiful, and you can enjoy the foliage of Sakuradake and Gomae-dake, which are the highest in Fukuoka Prefecture, while hiking up the mountain.

You can also enjoy Somali curry and soba noodles with steamed buns at the Yabe Region Tourism Products Exchange Facility, Kokoro no Sato.

🍁 Chikushi-Yema-kei

Ichinose, Nakagawa-shi, Fukuoka-ken ~ Gozan

🍂 Expected date: November 20

The Chikushi Ema Stream is located in the upper reaches of the Seiryu-Naka River, around the Minamihata Power Station and along the Minamihata Reservoir. It is a sightseeing spot famous for its beautiful canyon scenery and autumn leaves. During the autumn foliage season, the colorful trees create a magnificent view that is truly breathtaking! It's super healing.

It is highly recommended to enjoy the red leaves while hiking here. If you are tired of walking, you can rest your feet at the gazebo or rest area in Minamihata Park.

🍁 Zoumen Shrine

883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

🍂 Expected date: November 10th

Zaomen Shrine is built at the foot of Mt. Homan, and is famous for its ties. In autumn, about 300 maple trees around the shrine are tinted with various colors, and there is beautiful nature in all seasons. During the leaf-viewing period, about 300 trees, including ginkgo and maple trees, are covered with beautiful colors.

The passageway to the shrine becomes a tunnel of red leaves and is filled with layers of red leaves as far as the eye can see. The pathway to the shrine is covered with red leaves that have fallen from the trees, making it a unique place to visit. In conjunction with the viewing of the red leaves, a lantern lighting is held at night. The period of illumination varies according to the condition of the leaves.

In addition, it is also a mecca for the tour of the anime Ghostbusters, so if you like Ghostbusters, don't miss it.