Autumn is a time for love, so go and meet some of the most romantic fall colors in Japan!

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🤗 Hokkaido Area

Recommended time: Late September to late October

Shizumo Gorge: As one of the first places in Japan to see maple blossoms, Shizumo Gorge is known as “Hokkaido's No. 1” for its autumn foliage. When you walk through the area, you will feel like you are in the midst of the “Ten Mile Red” scenery.

Sapporo: The yellow ginkgo biloba leaves against the vibrant red foliage make up one of the highlights of Hokkaido's fall season. Why not take a stroll through the streets of Sapporo and experience this unique romance?

🤗 Kansai Area

Recommended time: Mid-November to early December

Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera is the perfect place to enjoy the maples in Kyoto. Standing on the overhanging Kiyomizu Stage and looking out over the streets of Kyoto, surrounded by flaming red maples, you feel like you are in a fairy tale world.

Nara: Nara Park is not only a great place to interact with the deer, but also an excellent place for maple viewing. The maple leaves intertwine with the ginkgoes to create a peaceful and cozy atmosphere.

Osaka: The red maples of Osaka Castle Park and the Tenshoukaku Pavilion set each other off, adding a touch of classical beauty to this bustling city.

🤗 Honshu Area

Recommended time: mid-October to early November

Hakone: Enjoy the relaxation of both body and mind in the dense atmosphere of Hakone Onsen, with views of Mt.

Nagano: Nagano's magnificent mountains and rivers are even more enchanting in the fall, with the red leaves and streams dancing together to form a moving autumn picture.

🤗 Kanto Area

Recommended time: Late October to early December

Tokyo: Although Tokyo is a bustling city, the major parks and gardens are also great places for maple viewing in the fall. Asakusa Temple has a unique blend of red leaves and the historical feel of the temple.

Kamakura: The autumn foliage in Kamakura is beautiful from a variety of perspectives, including the gardens of temples and shrines, as well as the natural colors that surround the city on three sides.

Daigoji Temple: This lesser-mentioned temple is a unique place to enjoy the red leaves in a Zen-like setting.

🤗 Kyushu Area

Recommended time: Early November to early December

Fukuoka: Fukuoka's laid-back atmosphere is matched by the warmth of the red foliage, making it an unforgettable experience.

Kagoshima: Kagoshima not only has a mysterious volcanic landscape, but the autumn foliage also adds a touch of tenderness.

📎 Tips for Enjoying Autumn

Plan your trip in advance.

Pay attention to the forecast: The Japan Meteorological Agency issues several forecasts for the best leaf-viewing period between September and November, so travelers are advised to pay attention and plan their trips in advance.

Book your accommodation: Accommodation in popular fall viewing spots is often in short supply, especially during the peak of the foliage season, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance to ensure a trouble-free stay.

Dressing and Preparation

Warm Clothing: Japan has a large temperature difference in the fall, and mornings and evenings are cooler, so it is recommended to bring enough warm clothing, such as a jacket, scarf, and gloves.

Comfortable shoes: You may need to walk or hike for long periods of time while enjoying the fall, so a pair of comfortable shoes is essential.

Sun protection: Although the sun is not as strong in the fall as it is in the summer, sun protection should not be overlooked, especially on sunny days.

Respect for nature and culture

Protect the environment: Please keep the environment tidy and do not pick or damage the red leaves and other natural plants during the autumn viewing process.

Respect customs: When visiting temples, shrines and other cultural sites, please observe local customs and regulations, such as taking off your shoes and keeping quiet.

🤗 Culinary Exploration - Autumn Taste Buds Feast

Matsutake mushroom delicacies--Matsutake mushroom dishes

（Matsutake mushroom cuisine)

When it comes to Japanese autumn cuisine, how can we not mention matsutake mushrooms? Known as the “King of Mushrooms,” this ingredient is at its best in the fall. Whether it's matsutake soup, matsutake rice, or matsutake sashimi, you can experience its unique flavor and tenderness. You can enjoy this luxurious seasonal delicacy in Tokyo's haute cuisine restaurants or Kyoto's traditional teahouses.

Chestnut Cuisine: Sweetness under the Red Leaves

(Kuri Cuisine)

Autumn is also the season when chestnuts are ripe. In the streets of Japan, you can always find a variety of chestnut dishes: chestnut rice, chestnut cake, chestnut desserts ...... Every bite is full of happiness. Especially in Arashiyama in Kyoto, enjoying the beauty of the red leaves while savoring a hot chestnut dish is a treat for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

The Freshness of Swordfish - Sanma no Yaki

(Sakaima no yaki)

In Japan, okonomiyaki is an ingredient closely associated with fall. A simple grilling method inspires the purest freshness of okonomiyaki. Grilled to a golden crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, a squeeze of lemon juice with a little soy sauce and mashed daikon radish make it an indispensable delicacy on the Japanese dinner table. An authentic okonomiyaki experience in a seaside town such as Kamakura or Nagasaki is sure to bring back memories.

Autumn Sake Making with Red Leaves and Sake

(Autumn Brewing)

The freshness and sweetness of new autumn sake complement the beauty of the red leaves. Next to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto or in Furano, Hokkaido, you can find a sake house with a special flavor, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed autumn sake, and let the warmth of a slight drink flow into your heart with the autumn breeze.

💡

From the red maples of Kyoto's ancient temples to the colorful forests of Hokkaido.

From Nara's deer singing in the late fall to Tokyo's ginkgoes falling in the rain.

Every landscape tells a story about autumn.

Each falling leaf carries the love of the season.

If you are also touched by the romance of autumn

Why don't you plan a trip

to experience the unique beauty of autumn colors that only belongs to Japan!