Japan: Top 9 most beautiful autumn landscapes

2.lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is located in Hakone, not far from the capital. The lake is surrounded by magnificent red and orange forests. Its tranquillity makes it the perfect place to admire the autumn colours, with the added bonus of a view of Mount Fuji. But what better way to observe than from a high vantage point. You can take a gondola ride up the volcanic valley of Hakone to make your stay unforgettable. You can also take a stroll along the hiking trails, which give you a close-up view of nature and the shoreline at this time of year.

3 The Katsura River

The Katsura River flows through Arashiyama in the western part of Kyoto. Togetsukyo Bridge stands on this river, a picturesque spot that epitomises Japan’s artistic traditions. It’s an ideal place to admire the flamboyant autumn foliage. In Kyoto, towards the end of November, the Maple Festival, momiji matsuri, is held. This period of blossoming is a real spectacle, and many tourists make the trip to see the brilliant colours.

4.Garden Okochi Sanso

Staying in the same Kyoto region, let’s talk about the Okochi Sanso Garden in the heights of Arashiyama. To get there, you have to cross the bamboo forest, famous in the region. A stone path has been built to lead to the top of the hill. Between pine and maple trees, this walk will take you to a splendid view of Kyoto above a golden forest. On the other side is another spot to contemplate the valley and its autumn colours. Entrance to this park costs around 1,000 yen (€7), with the added bonus of a few sweets to sink your teeth into.

5.Hitachi Kaihin National Park

Hitachi Kaihin National Park is located in the prefecture of Ibaraki, in the town of Hitachinaka to be precise. In this park, you’ll find mainly bassia scoparia, bushes that change colour with the seasons. In early autumn, these plants change colour from green to red, a phenomenon known as “Kochia gradation”. Walking through these dazzling plants is a breathtaking spectacle. As well as bassia scoparia, you can find other autumn flowers such as roses and chrysanthemums.

6 Showa Memorial Park

You’ve probably seen this landscape on a postcard or in a film, as it’s one of the best-known places to enjoy the beauty of nature. Showa Memorial Park is located in the town of Tachikawa, 30 minutes from Tokyo by train. In autumn, this park is famous for its avenues of ginkgo trees, Middle Eastern trees with fan-shaped leaves. During this season, the leaves turn a bright yellow, making the landscape unreal. There is also an area devoted to Japanese gardens dotted with trees, where you can enjoy the reflections of their colours on a body of water.

7.Temple Rurikoin

Located in the north of Kyoto, in the Yase district, this temple offers a magnificent view of the colourful foliage of the maple trees in autumn. This Buddhist temple was opened to the public in 2013, and has since become a real success thanks to its flamboyant garden. If you’re passing through this district, it’s a must-visit site that introduces you to Japanese culture in an autumnal setting.

8.Daisen-ji Temple

Let’s move on to the Chugoku region and, more specifically, Mount Daisen, also known as ‘Little Mount Fuji’ because of its plains and shape. It is on this hill that Daisen-ji temple was built. In this temple you can experience zazen meditation accompanied by a local monk to relax and learn about the traditions of this country. The temple is surrounded by lush vegetation, which adds to the charm of the place as the seasons change, especially in autumn.

9.Kiyomizu Temple

This Buddhist temple is a Shinto shrine located in Higashiyama, east of Kyoto. This gigantic Buddhist space is very popular with tourists, thanks in particular to its platform 13 m above the ground. Since 1994, the building has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and panorama. To celebrate the Momiji (maple trees) in autumn, the complex organises a special event once a year. To mark the occasion, the temple organises a ‘light-up’, opening up the temple in the dark by creating spotlights in strategic places so that you can admire the maple trees adorned in red. Be careful, this event is very popular with tourists and locals alike. So be patient.

Make the most of the autumn season, when temperatures are more moderate, to take a stroll around Japan. This time of year gives way to the bright hues of nature, and allows you to discover traditional places in a new atmosphere.