Japan: Top 9 Most Beautiful Autumn Landscapes

Japan is a country with multiple parks, valleys and mountains to contemplate throughout the year. But during autumn, all nature adapts to this new season, changing its colors to finally create a fiery landscape worthy of a painting. Here are 9 places in Japan to admire Japanese autumn landscapes.

Where to go to see magnificent landscapes in Japan during autumn?

1. Lake Tsutanuma

Located in the city of Towada in Aomori Prefecture. Seven paths are connected to the lake and allow you to walk around it. You can thus admire the autumn colors reflected in it. To fully enjoy the changing season, stroll around this lake in the morning when the sun illuminates the autumn leaves. This place looks straight out of a painting.

2.Lake Ashi

Mountain,Fuji,And,Lake,Ashi,With,Hakone,Temple,And,Sightseeing

Lake Ashi is located in Hakone, not far from the capital. This lake is surrounded by magnificent red and orange forests. Its tranquility makes it a perfect place to admire the autumn colors with a bonus view of Mount Fuji. But what could be better for observation than having a panoramic view from above. It is possible to undertake the ascent of the volcanic valley of Hakone by cable car making your stay unforgettable. You can also stroll on hiking trails allowing you to see nature and the shore up close during this season.

3.The Katsura River

Arashiyama,In,Autumn,Season,Along,The,River,In,Kyoto,,Japan,

The Katsura River crosses Arashiyama located in the western part of Kyoto. On this river is installed the Togetsukyo Bridge, a picturesque place that embodies well the artistic traditions of Japan. This place is ideal for contemplating the flamboyant foliage during autumn. In Kyoto, towards the end of November, the Maple Festival, momiji matsuri, is held. This flowering period offers a real spectacle, and many tourists make the trip to see these bright colors.

4.Okochi Sanso Garden

Autumn,Leaves,At,Okochi,Sanso,Garden,,Kyoto,Prefecture

Let's stay in this same region of Kyoto, and now talk about 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 pines and maples, this walk will lead 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 colors. The entrance to this park is paid and costs about 1000 yen (7 euros) with some confectionery to enjoy as a bonus.

5.Hitachi Kaihin National Park

Kochia,With,The,Crowd,In,Kokuei,Hitachi,Seaside,Park,

It is in Ibaraki Prefecture, and more precisely in the city of Hitachinaka that Hitachi Kaihin National Park is located. In this park, you will mainly find bassia scoparia, bushes that change colors according to the seasons. At the beginning of autumn, these plants change from green to red, this phenomenon has a name: "the Kochia gradation". Walking through these dazzling plants is a breathtaking spectacle. Apart from bassia scoparia, you can find other autumn flowers such as roses or chrysanthemums.

6.Showa Memorial Park

Autumn,Ginkgo,Tree,Tunnels,In,Showa,Memorial,Park

You have probably already seen this landscape on a postcard or in a movie, because it is one of the best known for enjoying the beauty of nature. Showa Memorial Park is located in the city of Tachikawa, 30 minutes from Tokyo by train. During autumn, this park is renowned for its avenues of ginkgo trees, Middle Eastern trees with fan-shaped leaves. During this season the leaves become bright yellow, making this landscape surreal. A space is also dedicated to Japanese gardens dotted with trees where you can appreciate the reflections of these colors on a body of water.

7.Rurikoin Temple

The,World,Famous,Glass,Table,At,Rurikoin,In,Kyoto,Japan

This temple located in the north of Kyoto, in the Yase district, gives a magnificent view of the colorful foliage of maples during autumn. This Buddhist temple was opened to the public in 2013, and has since known real success thanks to its flamboyant garden. If you pass through this district, it is an unmissable site to visit that introduces you to Japanese culture under an autumnal decor.

8.Daisen-ji Temple

Daisen ji,Temple,Near,Mt.,Daisen,In,Tottori,Prefecture,,Japan.

Let us now head to the Chugoku region and more precisely to Mount Daisen also called "The little Mount Fuji" because of its plains and its 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 you and introduce you to the traditions of this country. The temple is surrounded by lush vegetation, which over the seasons gives more and more charm to this place, especially during autumn.

9.Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu dera,Temple,In,Kyoto,,Japan,,In,Beautiful,Autumn,Colors,,Evening

This Buddhist temple is a Shinto sanctuary, located in Higashiyama in the east of Kyoto. This gigantic Buddhist space is very popular with tourists, notably thanks to its platform 13 m above the ground. Since 1994, this building has been classified as UNESCO World Heritage for its beauty and its panorama. To celebrate the Momiji (maples) in autumn, the complex organizes a special event once a year. The temple provides for the occasion a "light-up", the opening of the temple in the dark by creating spots at strategic places to admire the maples adorned with red. Be careful, this event is very popular with tourists and residents of the region. You will therefore have to be patient.

Take advantage then of this autumn season when temperatures are more moderate to stroll in Japan. This time of year makes way for the bright hues of nature, and will allow you to discover traditional places under a new atmosphere.