Planning to experience fall in Japan and wondering what are the unmissable autumn things to do?
Well, you are on the right site.
Hello there! Sam here, a Japanophile who is all about making my trip easy, fun, and affordable.
I have helped thousands of first-timers uncover unforgettable experiences in Japan, and I am here to help you do the same too!
You are probably seeing photos of red maple trees, golden ginkgo tunnels, and tranquil old temples but figuring out which spots are actually worth your time (and yen) can feel overwhelming.
This Japan fall bucket list is curated for travellers like you, so you can ditch all the endless research and jump straight into the best autumn experiences in Japan!
So let’s dive right in.
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TLDR: Japan Bucket List Fall Edition
- Explore the Golden Ginkgo Trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien
- Chase Fall Colours at Tsutanuma Lake
- Attend the Takayama Autumn Festival
- Take a Scenic Train Ride on the Sagano Romantic Train
- Enjoy the Autumn Leaves Scenery at Eikando Temple
- See the Illuminated Autumn Leaves at Rikugien Garden
- Go Apple Picking in Nagano’s Countryside
- Visit the Thatched-Roof Village of Shirakawa-go in Fall Colours
- Sample Seasonal Street Food at the Kurama Fire Festival
- Cruise Lake Kawaguchi for Mount Fuji Fall Views
- Witness the Autumn Colors at Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge
- Capture Autumn Views at Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
- Ride the Hakone Ropeway Over a Volcano and Autumn Canopy
- Stroll Through the Maple Tunnel at Minoo Park
- Cross the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in Iya Valley
Best Things to Do in Japan in Autumn
1. Explore the Golden Ginkgo Trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien
If you are visiting Tokyo during autumn, make sure to make your way to Meiji Jingu Gaien.
Lined with perfectly shaped ginkgo trees, you can see some of the city’s most vibrant colours here!
The gingko leaves turn striking golden yellow in November and early December, offering a magical spot for seasonal walks and stunning Instagrammable photos.
You can also attend its annual ginkgo festival during this period and try out the locals’ seasonal food from the food stalls while immersing in Tokyo’s mesmerising fall atmosphere.
Travel tip: Need more inspo for your Tokyo itinerary? Do not miss my Tokyo bucket list article; it is packed with epic ideas to level up your trip!
2. Chase Fall Colours at Tsutanuma Lake
One of the unmissable things to do in the fall in Japan for nature lovers is to chase fall colours at Tsutanuma Lake!
A lesser-known Japan hidden gem, this Aomori Prefecture’s tranquil spot is famous among the locals for its stunning autumn scenery.
The trees around the lake turn bright red, orange, and yellow, creating a beautiful view that is mirrored on the water’s surface.
The 1-kilometre walk around the lake is easy for most people, with clear paths that let you stroll at your own pace while admiring the breathtaking autumn scenery.
Travel tip: The best views of Tsutanama Lake usually happen in late October when the fall foliage reaches its peak.
And that means it is going to be super crowded with photographers and autumn foliage enthusiasists.
So to overcome overtourism, visitors need to pay the entrance fee (cash) during this period to keep things under control.
3. Attend the Takayama Autumn Festival
Another Japan fall bucket list idea you can add to your Japan trip is to attend the vibrant Takayama Autumn Festival!
Also known as Hachiman Matsuri, Takayama Autumn Festival takes place on 9th and 10th October annually.
It is one of Japan’s most celebrated autumn festivals, with elaborate floats, traditional costumes, and thousands of visitors filling the streets.
The festival takes place near Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, featuring a lively parade of 11 beautifully decorated ornate yatai floats with lanterns.
You can also watch the karakuri doll performances on top of some floats, showcasing a unique touch of Japanese artistry and entertainment.
I did not manage to attend the Takayama Autumn Festival but I got to see the real-life paraded floats at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan!
Aside from the cultural exposure, Takayama is famous for its stunning autumn colours too, especially in the Higashiyama walking area (the quieter side of Takayama).
Travel tips: Looking for an unforgettable stay in Takayama for your Japan fall trip? Then book any of these highly rated ryokan with private onsen before they are booked out!
4. Take a Scenic Train Ride on the Sagano Romantic Train
If you are looking for a laid-back but breathtaking way to enjoy the fall colours, the Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train is your best bet.
This charming old-fashioned train passes along the Hozugawa River, giving you front-row seats to some of the most stunning autumn views in Japan.
Travel tip: The train tickets can sell out fast during peak periods so best to book and pay your ticket online to reserve your spot!
You will thank yourself for following this: Choose the right seats from Saga-Arashiyama to Kameoka. If possible, get Car No. 5 which is also an open-air carriage so you can feel the breeze and take unobstructed beautiful photos!
5. Enjoy the Autumn Leaves Scenery at Eikando Temple
Just like hanami (cherry blossom watching) in spring, locals also practice the art of going out to view and appreciate the vibrant fall colours (momijigari).
A renowned temple with a history of over 1000 years, Eikando Temple is one of Kyoto’s most famous spots for seeing the fiery autumn foliage.
Eikando Temple often sets up special illuminations at night during autumn, attracting thousands of visitors with its glowing maple trees and magical garden views!
Travel tip: Planning your Kyoto main character era? My Kyoto bucket list has all the epic spots you will want to hit! ✨
6. See the Illuminated Fall Leaves at Rikugien Garden
If you are looking for another top autumn spot in Tokyo, be sure to add Rikugien Garden to your itinerary!
Also one of Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens, Rikugien Garden offers stunning fall foliage scenery that typically starts from late November to early December.
The lovely garden hosts a special nighttime illumination event too, where the leaves are lit up with soft, warm lights, offering a completely different yet mesmerising view of the autumn colors.
Travel tip: Visit Rikugien Garden just after sunset for the best lighting and smaller crowds!
7. Go Apple Picking in Nagano’s Countryside
Apart from soaking in the vibrant fall foliage, autumn in Japan also means one sweet thing.
And that is apple picking in Nagano!
A classic autumn activity, you can pick the crisp, juicy apples straight from the trees at the many orchards in Nagano during this season.
Orchards like Shiozaki Noen and NTA Farm often provide all-you-can-eat apple picking too, where visitors can savour as many apples as they can without a time limit!
Most farms also offer English-speaking guides, especially during peak season weekends.
You will get advice on choosing the best apples and discover more about Nagano’s farming traditions.
Looking for more fun things to do in Nagano? I recommend these activities:
Nagano Sake Tasting Tour 🍶
Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano 🍣
8. Visit the Thatched-Roof Village of Shirakawa-go in Fall Colours
Another stunning autumn colours spotting site you can visit is Shirakawa-go.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Japanese Alps, this historic village is known for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses, which look stunning when surrounded by red and gold leaves.
As you discover local culture and traditional crafts, take time to wander the village paths and get lost in the dreamy autumn colors.
Alternatively, head over to Shiroyama Viewpoint for the best fall views.
From here, you can look down at the village and see the thatched roofs framed by vibrant autumn trees and huge mountains.
Travel tip: If you cannot get enough of that gorgeous autumn scenery, stay overnight in one of the guest farmhouses and soak up the peaceful countryside vibes.
9. Sample Seasonal Street Food at the Kurama Fire Festival
If you visit Kyoto during late October, make time to attend the fun Kurama Fire Festival!
Held in the small mountain village of Kurama, this fiery spectacle is famous for locals carrying massive flaming torches through the streets, offering a majestic sight.
The hidden gem of Kyoto comes alive with lively crowds and busy festive food stalls too, where you can try:
- yakisoba,
- taiyaki,
- karaage,
- and traditional Japanese snacks like dango!
Travel tip: It can get super crowded, so arrive early and reserve the best spot to spectate the autumn parade.
10. Cruise Lake Kawaguchi for Mount Fuji Fall Views
The next best thing to do in fall in Japan is to hop on a cruise and glide over Lake Kawaguchi for the captivating Mount Fuji fall scenery by booking this seriously cool tour!
Instead of climbing the iconic mountain, you can sit back and relax on the 20-minute cruise ride and take in the stunning, vibrant foliage leaves scenery along the shore with Mount Fuji as the backdrop.
The fall colours reach their peak beauty from early to late November, with the maple trees turning into a dazzling mix of bright red, orange, and yellow.
The highly raved-about tour also includes the Kachi Ropeway ride, where you can enjoy equally mesmerising views of Mount Fuji and the fiery fall foliage from a whole new angle!
Travel tip: Want those fall views without leaving your room?
Book a night at one of these handpicked ryokan near Mount Fuji and soak in the dazzling autumn vibes right from your private onsen bath.
11. Witness the Autumn Colours at Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge
If you are planning to check out some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Japan in autumn, make sure to add Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge.
These two scenic spots are particularly popular among nature lovers and photographers from late October to early November, when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, creating gorgeous autumn vibes at every turn.
You can stroll along the walking trails of Lake Towada and immerse yourself in the peaceful, lovely fall views and its magical reflection.
At the equally scenic Oirase Gorge, you will find clear streams and winding trails covered with fallen leaves and golden-hued maple trees.
12. Capture Autumn Views at Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are beautiful all year round, and one of the best times to visit for extra lovely scenery is during autumn.
The rice plants turn deep golden as they ripen, and the trees around the terraces show off dazzling shades of red and orange.
The paddies are often filled with water during this time too, creating vibrant autumn reflections that enhance the beauty of the landscape!
Travel tip: The best time to visit the rice terraces is in early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the views are at their best.
13. Ride the Hakone Ropeway Over a Volcano and Autumn Canopy
Want to ride a ropeway and admire the breathtaking fall colours from above?
Then you can’t miss out on Hakone Ropeway.
This cable car lifts you over vividly coloured forests and an active volcanic area, offering mesmerising wide views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi on clear days.
The journey includes stops at scenic stations like Owakudani, a volcanic crater famous for its steam vents and sulphur springs.
In autumn, Hakone’s broadleaf trees like maples and oaks turn striking shades of red and yellow, painting the landscape with vibrant colours.
The Ropeway runs year-round and gondolas depart every minute, making it easy to catch a ride and enjoy the best of the season!
Travel tip: Planning to soak in the fall views a little longer? Check out my Hakone onsen ryokan guide for the cosiest hot spring stays with Mount Fuji views.
14. Stroll Through the Maple Tunnel at Minoo Park
If you are visiting Osaka in autumn, then you need to add Minoo Park to your Osaka bucket list.
Located just a short train away from central Osaka, you can enjoy the breathtaking fiery autumn foliage and seasonal flower scenery as you stroll along the path from mid‑November to early December.
Travel tip: Don’t miss out trying the seasonal snacks like momiji tempura (deep-fried maple leaves) from the food stalls in Minoo Park!
15. Cross the Kazurabashi Vine Bridge in Iya Valley
For adrenaline junkies, crossing Iya Valley’s Kazurabashi Vine Bridge needs to be on your Japan fall bucket list!
A swaying suspension bridge that hangs 14 metres above the Iya River, it offers a thrilling walk that made even more unforgettable by the breathtaking autumn colours that surround you in fall.
BONUS: 4 Japan Fall Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers
1. Time Your Trip for Peak Foliage
Fall colours in Japan do not hit the whole country at once.
Northern areas like Hokkaido peak in late September to early October, while Kyoto and Tokyo usually hit their prime from mid to late November.
To avoid missing out on the autumn foliage and wasting your trip, I recommend using the foliage forecast to plan your route accordingly.
2. Pack Layers
Fall weather in Japan can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings.
A light jacket, thin knits, and thermal layers will go a long way, especially if you are traveling across different regions.
3. Visit Popular Spots Early or Late in the Day
Temples and parks like Arashiyama or Meiji Shrine can get packed during foliage season.
For a peaceful experience (and less photobombed photos), I recommend visiting the popular sites right at opening time or around sunset on weekdays.
4. Book Trains and Stays Early
Autumn is one of Japan’s busiest seasons for domestic and international tourism.
If you are eyeing scenic trains like the Sagano Romantic Train or ryokans with foliage views, book at least a month ahead to avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts: Time to Rock Japan’s Fall
If you have ever wanted to see Japan at its most breathtaking and dazzling, autumn is the season to go.
From fiery foliage leaves in Kyoto to fun apple plucking activity in Nagano, these 15 experiences are just the start of what fall in Japan has to offer.
So have fun and remember to try the momiji tempura while you are there! 🍂
Make Your Fall Trip Even Better With These Guides 🍁🍂
You have your Japan fall bucket list ready, but do not stop there.
These guides will help you look chic, pack smart, and plan the details that make your Japan trip unforgettable!
- Miss This Japan Fall Packing List? You’ll Seriously Regret It
- 9 Best Japan Fall Travel Outfits Ideas
- 9 Super Cute Tokyo Fall Outfit Ideas You Can’t Miss
- 9 Crazy Cute Osaka Fall Outfit Ideas You Will Love
- 10 Super Chic Kyoto Fall Outfit Ideas You Can’t Miss
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring Asia. Growing up in multiracial Malaysia and later living in Singapore, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a love for outdoor adventures and water sports, Sam helps over 25K readers each month plan Asia trips, including off the beaten path destinations and sharing practical travel tips and real, unfiltered experiences!