Experiencing Autumn in Japan: A Journey into Momijigari
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of flying to Osaka to reunite with my dear friend from college and to immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty of Autumn in Japan. We had made the same trip the previous year, meeting halfway—she flew from Los Angeles while I journeyed from Singapore, and we rendezvoused in Osaka. It seems we have a talent for inadvertently choosing the best times to visit Japan. This time, we arrived during the prime season for viewing the stunning Autumn leaves, a tradition known in Japanese as Momijigari. At that time, neither of us was even aware that Momijigari was an established custom!
What is Momijigari?
As it turns out, Autumn in Japan is a truly enchanting season. Momijigari (紅葉狩り) refers to the Japanese tradition of visiting locations where the leaves have transformed into vibrant hues of red and orange during the autumn months. The word “Momiji” translates to red leaves, while “Gari” means hunting—so, quite literally, it means hunting autumn leaves. Walking through the streets of Osaka, I marveled at the stunning yellow Ginkgo trees that lined Shinsaibashi station.
This tradition has its roots in the Edo period, when the nobility began visiting specific areas of Japan solely to relish the beauty of the autumn foliage. I can completely understand why; the leaves have taken on their spectacular fall colors—Ginkgo trees shine in brilliant yellow, Maple trees burst forth in vibrant red, and various other trees display a beautiful range of browns, with some still holding onto their green. The resulting blend of colors is an artistic feast for the eyes.
In my opinion, Japan is the most beautiful country in the world. They have something to offer for every season—Sakura blossoms in the spring, stunning snowy mountains in Hokkaido (which I am yet to explore), incredible diving experiences in Okinawa (still on my bucket list), and of course, Momijigari in the fall.
When is the Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves?
The optimal time for experiencing Momijigari is, naturally, during the Autumn season, which can begin as early as September but generally peaks around late October to early December. Similar to the Sakura season, the peak timing for autumn leaves varies depending on the region of Japan you are visiting. A general guideline is that the leaves will begin to change color when temperatures drop below 8 degrees Celsius.
In northern regions or high-elevation areas like the mountains, the Autumn leaves usually reach their peak earlier, typically by October or early November. Conversely, if you head down south to Fukuoka, the peak tends to occur from late November to mid-December. However, in particularly warm years, you might even catch the autumn leaves lingering later into the season. In 2023, I found myself in Tokyo in December and was fortunate enough to witness beautiful foliage until mid-December.
To get a sense of the peak Autumn colors for this year, you can read the Autumn Color 2024 Report, which is updated throughout the season with forecasts for different areas in Japan.
For context, the photos in this article were taken in Kyoto and Osaka from November 26-28, when the daily temperatures hovered around 8-10°C, making it perfect for Momijigari! We were incredibly lucky with our timing, arriving during the peak of the Momijigari season. Had we come a week earlier, the leaves wouldn’t have been as vibrant, and if we had arrived a week later, most of the beautiful red maple leaves would have already fallen.
Where is the Best Place for Momijigari in Japan?
No matter where you are in Japan, there are countless beautiful locations to appreciate the autumn leaves. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
1. Akame 48 Waterfalls (赤目四十八滝) in Mie
Located about an hour outside of Osaka, Akame 48 Waterfalls (pronounced Akame Shijuhachi Taki) is a stunning waterfall trail. The path is easy to navigate, following the main river that forms numerous small and large waterfalls. This area is also famous as the birthplace of Ninjas and is home to the giant Salamander, which you might spot before entering the waterfall area.
Dive Deeper: Interested in visiting? You can read my guide to visiting Akame 48 Waterfalls.
2. Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most significant temples and a popular destination for Momijigari. However, in my experience, it wasn’t my favorite due to the overwhelming number of tourists. When we visited in late November, the temple was packed with visitors, making it challenging to capture a good photo without being nudged or pushed around. Still, I can see why it’s so popular; the temple grounds are adorned with a remarkable concentration of maple trees, creating a stunning display of vibrant red leaves.
If you’re planning to visit Kyoto, check out my Kyoto Travel Guide for more insights!
3. Osaka Castle Park
While places like Kyoto and Akame 48 undoubtedly provide some of the best views of autumn leaves, if you’re in a major city, you don’t have to venture far to enjoy Momijigari. Simply head to the largest park in the city—every major Japanese city typically has at least one. In Osaka, we explored the castle park near Osaka Castle. It’s easy to access; just disembark at Morinomiya station on the Chuo line, and you’ll be greeted with a stunning array of colorful leaves.
Further reading: Check out my post on Osaka and explore what to do in the city!
4. Kamikochi in Nagano
Kamikochi (上高地) is literally translated as “the place where gods descended.” This area serves as a popular starting point for those looking to hike the Japanese Alps, as well as for day-trippers simply wanting to take in the beauty of Kamikochi. Due to its higher elevation, the peak time for Autumn foliage here is a bit earlier, typically from mid to late October.
For more information on how to visit Kamikochi, please refer to my Kamikochi Travel Guide.
5. Nikko
Nikko is easily accessible from Tokyo and is a well-known spot for autumn leaf viewing. Although I haven’t visited during Autumn, Nikko’s mountainous terrain and lush greenery make it an ideal location for Momijigari. One of the most popular sites is Ryuzu Falls.
For more details about Nikko, you can check out my Nikko Travel Guide.
6. Kamakura
Just an hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is a fantastic choice for a day trip. The Hasedera Temple in Kamakura is a beautiful site where you can enjoy the autumn leaves. If you’re curious about what you can do in Kamakura, check out my Kamakura Travel Guide.
7. Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen is especially beloved during both the Sakura season in spring and the Momiji season in the fall. There is a small entry fee of 500 yen for adults, but children under 15 can enter for free, making it a worthwhile investment! You can use your IC card for entry or purchase a ticket at the entrance.
The park boasts excellent amenities, including clean restrooms, vending machines offering hot and cold drinks, a variety of food options, snacks, and even a Starbucks within the park.
8. Atago Shrine in Tokyo
Atago Shrine is famous for its Stairway of Success, which consists of 86 steps symbolizing the journey to success. Many people visit to pray for professional achievements at Atago Shrine. At the base of the shrine, several Ginkgo trees turn a brilliant yellow during the fall, creating a striking contrast against the vibrant red torii gate marking the shrine’s entrance.
And that concludes my experience of visiting Japan during the magical Autumn season! If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to leave a comment below. Until next time, happy travels! 🍁
Are you planning a trip to Japan? I’ve written extensively about this beautiful country. Be sure to check out the ‘Japan’ category of this blog for more travel inspiration.