Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is littered with countless leafy spots to enjoy the autumn colours. Here's a list of must-visit, little-known good spots in the city that enjoy all the visual treats of the seasonal, all of which are carrying out proper social distancing and anti-COVID-19 measures.  

Forgot about the time and enjoy the scenery with few people around

 

Soak up autumn with a boat ride | Hozugawa River in Kameoka

Ride the Hozugawa River along the 16km valley from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The autumn spectacle in this area is a grand sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy two hours along the valley stretch with the colours of the maple trees reflected off the water's surface, allowing them to fall into nature and forget their stresses for a while.   Hozugawa River Peak Autumn Time: Mid November - Early December Address: Shimonakajima-2 Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto Boat Times: 09:00-15:00 (Changes depending on season) Price: Adults ¥4,100 / Children ¥2,700 TEL: 0771-22-5846 (Hozukawa River Boat Service) Official Website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/  

Shrouded amongst it all | Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka

Planed on the grounds of Kuwayama Shrine are around 1,000 individual trees which give rise to vivid colours during autumn. Since the shrine is located among the mountains, the site enjoys an earlier bloom than other parts of Kyoto, with trees blossoming from early to mid November.   Kuwayama Shrine Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November Address: Kamigaichi-22-2 Kamiyadacho, Kameoka, Kyoto Viewing Times: Any time Price: ¥300 TEL: 0771-22-1023 Official Website: http://www.kuwayama-jinjya.jp/  

Walk the autumn carpet | Komyo-ji in Nagaokakyo

Komyo-ji Temple, also known as Autumn Colour Temple (Momiji-ji), is famous for being the head temple of Seizan Pure Land Buddhism. Easily accessible from the city proper, the temple site is home to hundreds of towering trees which dye the area vibrant reds and yellows around this time. One of the main paths at the temple in particular has been nicknamed Autumn Colour Road (Momiji Sando) as the overhead trees and fallen leaves on the ground create a tunnel and carpet of brilliant colour.   Komyo-ji Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Address: 26-1 Aosaijonai, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Viewing Times: 9:00-16:00 Price: ¥500 (Free outside autumn season) TEL: 075-955-0002 Official Website: http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/  

Thousands of fiery trees burn red and yellow | Kongoin in Maizuru

Kongoin is famous for its autumn scenery and is nicknamed Autumn Temple of Tango. The temple is home to thousands of maple trees all of various ages from decades to hundreds of years old. It faces Kahara Park which itself boasts incredible autumnal sights and is also home to a 3-storied pagoda which makes for a picturesque snapshot together with the trees.   Kongoin Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Address: 595 Kawara, Maizuru, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00 Price: ¥300 TEL: 0773-62-1180 Official Website: http://www.maizuru-kanko.net/spot/sightseeing/kongoin.php  

Contrasting beauty of red maples and ordinary greens | Omoto Shinen in Ayabe

Omoto Shinen is a popular sightseeing spot in Ayabe, home to several must-sees including a wooden structure called "The Palace of Eternal Life," the Konohana-an building which is listed as an Important Cultural Property, and more. Its expansive grounds are also home to a garden where the autumn colours collide with the greens of ordinary trees, creating a beautiful contrast.   Omoto Shinen Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Address: 1-1 Hongucho, Ayabe, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:30-16:30 Price: Free TEL: 0773-42-0187 Official Website: https://www.ayabe-kankou.net/spot/omotoshinen/  

A magical scene at an Important Cultural Property | Gansen-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Gansen-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in 729. It's home to a three-storied pagoda which is is a registered Important Cultural Property which nestles amongst the trees. If you visit the temple this year by November 30, you will be treated to a very rare look at one of its treasures which is normally closed to the public.   Gasen-ji Peak Autumn Time: Mid November - Early December Address: Kaminomon-43 Kamocho Iwafune, Kizugawa, Kyoto Viewing Times: 08:30-17:00 (09:00-16:00 from December to February) Price: Adults ¥500 / Junior High School Students ¥400 / Elementary School Students ¥200 TEL: 0774-76-3390 Official Website: http://gansenji.or.jp/  

The garden of special scenic beauty | Joruri-ji Temple in Kizugawa

Joruri-ji is a temple of the Shingo Ritsu school of Buddism. It's also home to a famous garden which is listed as a Place of Special Scenic Beauty. The vibrancy of the reds trees is truly an overwhelming delight to the eyes which is enhanced by the bright-red three-storied pagoda.   Joruri-ji Temple Peak Viewing Time: Mid to Late November Address: Futaba-40 Kamocho Nishio, Kizugawa, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:00-17:00 (Last Entries 16:00) Price: Adults ¥400 / Children - Free TEL: 0774-76-2390 Official Website: http://0774.or.jp/temple/jyoruriji.html  

Red and yellow hue fusion | Choanji in Fukuchiyama

Choanji's autumn colours make for a truly staggering experience as the dazzling reds and yellows complement each other. There's a 600-year-old tree in near the temple which throws in another huge chunk of yellow to the red dye of the temple grounds.   Choanji Peak Autumn Time: Early to Mid November Address: 577 Okunobe, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Viewing Times: 09:00-16:30 Price: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥100 TEL: 0773-22-8768 Official Website: http://www.chouanji.jp  

Evening illuminations for a late-night autumn experience

 

Breathtaking in the day or night | Nariaji Temple in Miyazu

Nariaji is an ancient temple huddle among mountains that overlook Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views. The five-storied pagoda there is an example of Kamakura Period architecture and offers an unmissable view together with the hundreds of trees during autumn. On November 14 and 15, the area will be lit up in the evenings.   Nariaji Peak Autumn Time: Early to Late November Light Up Times: 17:20-21:00 (Regular viewing times are 08:00-16:30) Address: 339 Nariaji, Miyazu, Kyoto Price: Adults ¥500 TEL: 0772-27-0018 Official Website: http://www.nariaiji.jp/  

Autumn reflected on the water | Keihanna Commemorative Park in Soraku

Keihanna Commemorative Park is split into several areas such as the Suikei-en (Japanese garden) and Mebuki-no-Mori (Budding Tree Forest). There's also the Momijiya, a garden designed in a valley where maple trees grow. Talking a stroll along the bridge and looking down at the 80 trees in their autumnal garbs reflecting off the water surface is a sight to not be missed. especially at night when the lights are turned on.   Keihanna Commemorative Park  Peak Autumn Time: Mid to Late November Light-Up Period: Fridays, weekends, and holidays from November 3, 2020 - November 29, 2020 Light-Up Time: Sunset to 21:00 (Last Entries 20:30) Address: 6-1 Seikadai, Seika, Soraku District, Kyoto Price: Adults ¥200 / Children ¥100 TEL: 0774-93-1200 Official Website: https://keihanna-park.net/

Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is set to host an autumn illumination event from November 14 to 29 where around 500 individual trees of 20 species will be lit up with beautiful lights. The best time to see the park's autumn colours is dated at November 20. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park opened as Japan's first national government park in 1974. This enormous park spans 5km between its north and south entrances. It's home to many fun family activities including trampolines, an athletic course, and more. It also offers gorgeous natural scenery throughout the year.  

500 maple trees lit up at night

The park will be open in the evenings for this event when red, yellow, and orange maple trees will be illuminated in breathtaking lights. There will also be art installation illuminations for visitors to enjoy too.

There's no better way to embrace autumn in Japan than to take a relaxing stroll in the autumn leaves. There are so many spots around Tokyo where the autumn leaves make for a breathtaking sight you just can't miss. Today we'll be introducing you to six spots around Chiyoda Ward which would make for the perfect autumn stroll.  

Hibiya Park

The 160,000㎡ park is home to maidenhair trees, Japanese maple trees and flowering dogwood. When autumn arrives, the park turns a yellow and red tinge. There is a spectacular row of maidenhair trees in the shape of an "S" which extends from the side of the tennis court near Kasumigaseki. Make sure to also visit Kumogata Pond where the red and yellow leaves reflect off the water's surface with a relaxing effect.   Address: Hibiya Park 1-6, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo  

Yasukuni Shrine

Enter through the shrine's main gate known as Ōtorii and continue down the path to the main shrine. The 240 metre-long path is lined with beautiful maidenhair trees and stone lanterns, creating a gentle amber path for you to follow. Make sure to visit Kamiike Garden located at the back of the main shrine for a breathtaking scenery of autumn leaves.   Address: 3-1-1, Kudankita, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo  

National Diet Building

The eight-lane road facing the National Diet Building is lined with graceful maidenhair trees in perfect symmetry. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the garden joined to the National Diet Building which is filled with a variety of species of trees. The park changes colour from season to season.   Address: Nagatachō 1 Chōme, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo  

Gyōkō-dōri Avenue

This road connects the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. It represents the gateway to Japan and its rich history and culture. The road is pedestrian-friendly and is lined with an abundance of trees. As autumn falls, the trees turn to yellow and amber, brightening the streets with warm colours.   Address: Kokyogaien, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo  

Kitanomaru Park

This park is located among the Edo Castle ruins. The west side of the garden is home to a large area of Japanese Maple trees of different varieties. The autumn leaves pile so high that it was nicknamed the "Momiji-yama" (mountain of autumn leaves). At the peak of autumn, the scenery makes for one of the most beautiful spots in Tokyo.   Address: Kitanomaru Park 1-1, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo  

Shimizudani Park

Shimizudani Park is a breath of fresh air hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of busy Tokyo life. You can reach it in just a three-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station or a five-minute walk from Nagatachō station. The bright red maidenhair leaves create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The park is also home to Ōkubo Toshimichi Memorial which celebrates the life of Ōkubo Toshimichi - a great samurai from the 1800s who is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan.   Address: Kioicho 2-1, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo   If you’re in Tokyo and need a break from busy city life, head to one of these spots to put your mind at ease.

The marvel that is the 375m-long Ryujinotsuri Bridge in Ibaraki, is a must-see this autumn season as maple trees, sawtooth oaks, and other autumnal spectacles dye the area in breathtaking reds from mid to late November.  

Ryujinotsuri Bridge: Japan's biggest suspension bridge

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is located in Okukujichanosato Park in Ibaraki Prefecture's city of Hitachiota. From atop the towering bridge one can overlook at the expansive gorge 100m down below where the misty Ryujin Lake flows. Trees stretch to a horizon in this incredible breathtaking environment, offering beautiful vistas throughout all four seasons.  

Bungee jump over Ryujin Lake

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is the biggest suspension bridge in Japan, and so of course it has to offer something special to visitors. And that would be bungee jumping which is sure to excite thrill-seekers travelling to Japan.  

Outdoor activities galore

Visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature by taking a canoe or boat on top of Ryujin Lake.  

BBQ and camping facilities

There are also BBQ and camping facilities in the area for people to enjoy the outdoors and see the stars at night.  

A full hiking autumn experience at Ryujinotsuri

There are several hiking courses on offer that cater to both beginners and pros. Get close with nature and see the autumn colours, hear the birds sing, and breathe in that fresh air.

The Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Association will host this year's Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, which will be the 22nd run, to help support the tourism industry in the northern region of Fuji which has seen a great impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.   With much less people travelling to Japan during the pandemic, and the virus having continued for a long time, the Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Association is instead focusing on travellers within the country by hosting various events that can be enjoyed at Fujikawaguchiko.   All the necessary precautions will be taken at this year's festival, including taking people's temperature upon arrival, the mandatory wearing of face masks, alcohol gel being available at the site, and more. This will protects not only the locals but sightseers too, and so cooperation is being asked of everyone visiting. At this year's festival, visitors can look forward to the popular Momiji Tunnel of maple trees which will be lit up at sunset until 10:00pm. The beautiful autumn colours can be enjoyed with Mount Fuji in the background. There will also be food, souvenirs, and a variety of activities to be enjoyed. The Momiji Tunnel is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Yamanashi during autumn and is nothing less than Instagram-worthy.

Autumn illuminations are set to shine on Konkai-Komyoji Temple in Kyoto from November 13. Konkai-Komyoji Temple is a Buddhist temple that was founded in 1175. It is one of the eight temples of the Jodo sect of Buddhism and his home to numerous treasures including a painting by Edo period painter Itō Jakuchū, folding screen paintings by Tomioka Tessai, and more. There are many wonders to behold at the temple, such as the Tora-no-ma which has sliding doors that depending on how they are open or closed display a different number of tigers, or the Shiun Gardens which have a stream that reflects the beautiful autumnal colours of the overhead trees. The temple is also home to the Goko Shuyui Amida Butsu statue, which has been picked up by the Japanese media on many occasions and referred to as the "Afro Buddha" due to its afro hairstyle.   There will be Japanese music performances with traditional instruments like the koto and shinobue three times an evening for the illumination event. If you're in Kyoto this autumn, this is one event to not miss.