Best places to see Autumn leaves in Japan

Witnessing the spectacular autumn leaves in Japan is an unforgettable experience. Trees lining the streets burst into brilliant shades of red and yellow, and for the Singaporean tourist, it’s a world’s difference from the green canopies back home.

Compared to the sakura season, Autumn unfolds at a much more leisurely pace, typically between September to December. But even then, carefully planned timings and itineraries are crucial if you’re to catch the foliage at its most vibrant peak. To help you out, here’s a guide for some of the best places to see Autumn foliage in Japan and the ideal months to visit.

When is the best time to see Autumn leaves in Japan?

While the peak timings to see Autumn leaves at their brightest differ depending on which prefecture you’re visiting, the Autumn season in Japan typically ranges from late September to early December.

That being said, places like Hokkaido and Aomori experience Autumn first, while cities like Tokyo only begin changing colours towards the latter half of November.

What’s the best time of day to see Autumn leaves in Japan?

Securing that IG-worthy shot underneath canopies of Autumn foliage is almost a rite of passage when visiting leaf-viewing spots in Japan. For the best lighting and minimal crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning after sunrise.

Where to view Autumn leaves in Japan

From Hokkaido to Tokyo, here are some of the best places to see the stunning autumn leaves in Japan.

1. Hokkaido

Late September to late October

With Hokkaido being the northernmost prefecture in Japan, Autumn will make landfall the earliest out of every prefecture in Japan.