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How to Travel Japan in Autumn: What to Know Before You Go

How to Travel Japan in Autumn: What to Know Before You Go

There is nothing quite like seeing those world-famous Japanese cherry blossoms in person, and Spring between March and May is especially lovely. But be warned, you will not be alone; in fact, about 4 million people will all have the same idea, so talk about being a typical tourist! If you want an equally unique and stunning Japan experience, then consider visiting in Autumn instead!

Experiencing Japan in Autumn 秋 is truly unique. Temperatures across the country are much milder, making conditions for long walks and hikes more comfortable; the foliage is beautiful, and there is no shortage of seasonal festivals, events, and specialty foods to enjoy. Oh, and Halloween is quite popular in Japan, so you can even see some ghosts in the streets late at night!

Travelling through Japan can come with its own challenges, and Autumn brings its own quirks. But with a little know-how and some preparation, you can make the most of this red-and-brown season and see a side of Shinjuku you may never have seen before!

Stay Connected While Travelling Around Japan

Japan is wonderfully easy to explore independently, with safe, easy-to-use transportation. But that doesn’t mean you should rely on luck alone when getting around or arranging activities. Google Maps, translation apps, reservation management tools, and digital banking are all important tools for international guests, especially when moving between cities.

A travel eSIM can be one of the simplest ways to sort this out before you leave. An eSIM Japan plan lets you arrange mobile data before you even board the plane, rather than hunting around an airport for a physical SIM after a long flight. It is also easy to top up, so you won’t have to worry about being stranded when you run out of gigabytes… even though being lost in the autumn streets of Kyoto actually sounds quite enticing.

Some major social hubs like airports and shopping malls may offer free Wi-Fi, but connecting may require entering a Japanese address or phone number, so it’s best to play it safe and download a Japan eSIM before you arrive!

Getting Around Japan Without Losing Your Mind

As we said, Japan is well-known for how easy it is to get around. But for first-time visitors, it can definitely be a lot to wrap your head around. Busy metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have massive populations and traffic to match!

Your best bet for getting around Japan is public transport, since travelling by car can be expensive and time-consuming. The subways and train networks are vast and can get you practically everywhere; they’re made up of multiple interconnected lines, though some are run by public entities or even private companies, so navigating the different tracks has a bit of a learning curve. Regional trains and tram lines are a bit more straightforward, and some even still use paper tickets or rail passes! 

The most impressive way to get around, of course, is the Shinkansen, literally “The Bullet Train”: these super-fast trains connect major cities and are by far the most efficient way to city-hop with the Japan Rail Pass, which covers almost 70% of Japan’s rail network. For example, the Shinkansen travels between Tokyo and Kyoto in about 2.5 hours, and between Kyoto and Osaka in just 15 minutes! Cheaper local and charter buses also offer another mode of transport and a fun experience, but they are slower than the trains. That same trip from Tokyo to Kyoto can take nearly 7 hours…

For longer distances, plan ahead based on how much time you have, what you’d like to see on your trek and how much time you’d like to spend in transit.

Where to Go in Japan for Autumn Colours

Once you’ve figured out how you want to get around Japan, the next step is to decide where to go! If you specifically want to see Autumn foliage, then bear in mind that Japan’s autumn doesn’t arrive everywhere at once. Japan’s autumn leaves, or “koyo” 紅葉, move from north to south and from the high mountains to the lower cities, so the best location depends entirely on when you visit.

Here are some of the best places to see Autumn colours in Japan, along with when to go.

Tokyo: Maple Leaves in Metropolis

Tokyo may be famous for its neon lights, skyscrapers, and Don Quijote, but in Autumn this mega-city becomes surprisingly leafy! The city’s vast gardens and parks are where “ginkgo” 銀杏 and Japanese maple trees turn “momiji” 紅葉 bright yellow, orange, and red. It’s all a nice reminder that the City of 808 Villages can do softness too, and for a day trip, Mount Takao and Okutama offer a more natural setting.

Timing: Mid-November to late November

Top Spots: Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Jingu Gaien (Icho Namiki)

Nikko and Hakone: Scenic City Escapes

For a seamless blend of traditional culture, soothing onsen, and vibrant autumn foliage, look no further than these two iconic escapes easily accessible from Tokyo. Because of their sweeping elevation drops, both destinations offer extended viewing windows as the colourful front moves down from mountaintops to valley floors. Watch vibrant maples frame roaring waterfalls in the upper highlands in late October, then head down to the lower valley in mid-November to see deep red foliage surround the historic vermilion pavilions of the town’s legendary shrines.

Timing: Early to late October

Top Spots: Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, the Irohazaka Winding Road, and the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine

Kyoto: Temples in Red and Yellow

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most iconic places to visit, and Autumn is an especially stunning season to experience the Old Imperial Capital. The city’s various temples, Zen gardens, bridges, and wooded hills provide plenty of variety to curb one’s fallish fever. Peak colour usually arrives from mid-November into early December, and some temples extend the experience late into the evening. So if you want to capture some dreamy photos without sharing them with half the planet, go very early in the morning!

Timing: Mid-November to early December

Top Spots: Tofukuji Temple and Eikando

Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps: Early Mountain Foliage

Travellers in the north or higher mountains can enjoy the season even earlier. These regions suit those who crave dramatic landscapes rather than city gardens, and are ideal for visits from mid-September to mid-October. In central Japan, Kamikochi, Tateyama, and other parts of the Japanese Alps offer rivers, alpine peaks, and forests turning gold and crimson, while Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido is among the earliest and most spectacular places to see these colours. But be sure to pack plenty of layers and sturdy shoes: this is where the scenery starts to match the temperature, and it will get cold!

Who knows, you may even see a snow monkey or two!

Timing: Mid-September to mid-October

Top Spots: Daisetsuzan National Park, Jozankei Onsen, and Lake Toya

Don’t Make These Common Japan Autumn Travel Mistakes

A little planning can go a long way when travelling around Japan in Autumn! Avoid making these common mistakes to make the most of your trip:

1. Expecting Kyoto’s autumn leaves too early: Peak foliage can vary by region, so check local forecasts before booking anything! Kyoto’s colours typically arrive later than those in northern Japan, so plan accordingly.
2. Packing for the wrong weather: Autumn temperatures can vary considerably between cities and the more mountainous regions. Some cities can still feel warm in October! Bring layers and check the forecast for each stop.
3. Booking too late: Autumn can be a busy travel season, so book accommodation in popular destinations early.
4. Rushing between destinations: Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all the scenery, especially if you’re visiting popular foliage spots. Take your time and enjoy the season’s slower pace.
5. Don’t forget about daylight hours: Days get shorter as Autumn progresses, so plan outdoor activities around the earlier sunset.

Make the Most of Japan’s Autumn Magic

Autumn in Japan is beautiful and a hidden gem for many travellers! In the spirit of the season, aim to strike the right balance between planning adventures ahead and leaving room for a little peace and quiet. Whether you’re wandering through Kyoto’s colourful temple gardens, exploring Tokyo’s leafy parks, or escaping into the Japanese Alps, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the usual cherry blossom season.

Keep an eye on foliage forecasts, pack for changing temperatures, and give yourself enough time to explore without rushing from one destination to the next. A reliable transport plan and a working internet connection will also make getting around much easier, leaving you more time to enjoy the experience. So, grab your walking shoes, sort out your Japan eSIM, and get ready to discover a different side of this amazing country. 

From golden ginkgo trees to steaming bowls of seasonal comfort food, Autumn is a wonderful excuse to see Japan in a whole new light.