Autumn in Japan: Kōyō, Temples & Hiking
Travel to Japan in autumn: admire the crimson maples, explore illuminated Kyoto, go hiking, and discover seasonal flavors.
BLOG JAPAN
9/12/202511 min read
This article is part 2 of a series dedicated to the 4 seasons in Japan:
Each season has its own unique charm. Let’s begin with summer — a festive, contrasting season full of discoveries.
1. Autumn in Japan
Autumn in Japan (September to November) is considered, along with spring, one of the best seasons to travel across the archipelago. After the stifling summer heat and typhoons, the country returns to a gentler atmosphere, marked by clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and a golden light that enhances the landscapes.
It is also the season of kōyō (紅葉), the changing of the leaves, which transforms mountains, gardens, and temples into true living paintings. Fiery red maples and golden ginkgo trees create a romantic atmosphere, much loved by the Japanese and visitors from around the world.
But autumn in Japan is not just about scenery. It is also a rich time culturally and gastronomically:
Numerous traditional festivals enliven towns and villages, such as the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto or the Takayama Autumn Festival.
Cuisine highlights seasonal products, such as matsutake mushrooms, grilled sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and sanma fish.
Temples and gardens host night illuminations, offering magical moments in a hushed ambiance.
In summary, autumn is a season that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy, while offering comfortable weather and unique landscapes.
It is an ideal time for lovers of hiking, photography, and authentic discoveries.
👉 This page is part of our series “Visiting Japan by Season”, guiding you through the must-see places, top activities, and practical tips to make the most of your autumn trip.
2. Cultural and Gastronomic Atmosphere of Autumn
Many traditional festivals brighten up towns and villages, such as the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, which retraces Japan’s history through grand costumed parades, or the Takayama Autumn Festival, famous for its richly decorated floats illuminated at nightfall.
Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), Kyoto
Origins: Created in 1895 to mark the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding (formerly Heian-kyō). Designed to celebrate the city’s imperial and cultural heritage.
Date: Every year on October 22.
Route: The parade starts from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyōto-gosho) and ends at Heian-jingū Shrine.
Procession: Organized in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent era (Meiji Restoration in 1868) and going back to Kyoto’s foundation in 794.
Highlights of the parade:
Meiji Restoration: Soldiers and patriots of 1868.
Edo Period: Tokugawa shogun’s diplomatic visit, famous court ladies, artists, and historical figures such as Izumo no Okuni, founder of kabuki.
Azuchi-Momoyama and Muromachi Periods: Triumphal entries of lords and noblewomen.
Kamakura and Fujiwara Periods: Imperial archers and courtiers.
Heian Period: Literary and warrior figures such as Ono no Komachi or Tomoe Gozen in armor.
Sacred processions: carrying the spirits of Emperors Kanmu and Kōmei in mikoshi (portable shrines).
Duration & Distance: About 1.5 to 2 hours to cover 4.6 km.
Atmosphere: Historical figures in authentic costumes, drums and flutes accompanying the march, mikoshi carried under the watch of shrine archers.
Takayama Autumn Festival,
Origins: One of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals, held twice a year, in spring and autumn, in Takayama’s old town.
Date: The autumn festival is celebrated on October 9–10, dedicated to the Hachiman Shrine in the city’s northern half.
Key features:
Parade of lavishly decorated floats (yatai), carried and illuminated at nightfall, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
Each float is adorned with elaborate carvings, lanterns, and sometimes accompanied by mechanical puppets.
Floats are carefully stored year-round in warehouses scattered throughout the city.
Attractions:
The nighttime parade is especially popular, with illuminations highlighting the richness of decorations and local craftsmanship.
The festival attracts several hundred thousand visitors, making it necessary to book accommodations well in advance.
Additional activities include cultural events, traditional markets, and tours of Takayama’s historic districts.
These two festivals showcase Japan’s historical and cultural wealth through spectacular processions that reflect traditions, craftsmanship, and imperial or local memory.
Autumn Cuisine
Autumn cuisine in Japan is an experience in itself: it is the season of matsutake mushrooms, highly prized for their refined aroma, grilled sweet potatoes (yaki-imo) sold in the streets, chestnuts (kuri) used in Japanese pastries, and sanma fish, grilled and served with grated radish.
Matsutake mushrooms: Known as “pine mushrooms,” they are prized for their refined, woody fragrance reminiscent of pine resin. They are enjoyed grilled, in soup, or cooked with rice (matsutake gohan). Their harvest is rare and seasonal, making them expensive and regarded as a true culinary jewel of autumn.
Grilled sweet potatoes (yaki-imo): A beloved autumn classic, often sold by street vendors equipped with built-in stone ovens. They are slowly roasted over hot stones, resulting in a crispy skin and a sweet, tender heart. This comforting snack is cherished for its simplicity, natural sweetness, and nourishing energy.
Chestnuts (kuri): The queen of autumn flavors in Japan, chestnuts appear in countless sweet and savory preparations. Kuri gohan (chestnut rice) is a seasonal dish, while chestnut-based sweets such as kuri kinton, dorayaki, or mochi are traditional treats enjoyed across the country.
Sanma fish: This autumn “swordfish” is iconic for its rich taste and fatty flesh. Grilled with salt and served with grated daikon and a splash of soy sauce, it is a seasonal specialty on Japanese tables. It embodies the essence of a simple yet deeply flavorful meal, combining freshness and tradition.
Night Illuminations in Temples and Gardens
In autumn, many Japanese temples and gardens hold “light-up” (ライトアップ) events to highlight the beauty of autumn scenery, especially the red maples (momiji).
These events create a fairy-tale atmosphere, blending the subtle glow of lights with the spiritual serenity of sacred sites.
They offer visitors unique experiences where art, nature, and spirituality intertwine, allowing them to contemplate autumn colors in a calm, subdued, almost magical ambiance.
Thus, autumn in Japan is a season of complete sensory pleasures, where seasonal gastronomy and luminous spectacles celebrate nature, history, and culture in a profoundly Japanese way.
3. Where to Go in Autumn in Japan
🍂 Kyoto
Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto is perhaps the most emblematic place to admire autumn. Its many temples and gardens are draped in vibrant colors, creating striking contrasts with traditional architecture.
Must-sees: Kiyomizudera, Eikando, Tofuku-ji, Arashiyama.
Unique experience: night illuminations in temples, offering a magical spectacle.
🦌 Nara
Just 45 minutes from Kyoto, Nara blends heritage and nature.
Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer, is covered in red and golden leaves.
Temples like Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha look even more majestic in the autumn light.
🏯 Nikkō
Located north of Tokyo, Nikkō is a top autumn destination.
UNESCO-listed shrines such as Toshogu are surrounded by multicolored forests.
Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji offer spectacular panoramas.
🏞️ Japanese Alps (Takayama, Kamikōchi, Nagano)
For nature and hiking lovers, the Alps offer a unique mountain experience.
Takayama: traditional town with a renowned autumn festival.
Kamikōchi: a protected valley ideal for hiking amidst breathtaking scenery.
Nagano: mountains and temples surrounded by pure air and colorful forests.
🍃 Hokkaidō
Autumn begins earlier on the northern island (late September).
Daisetsuzan National Park: among the first places in Japan to display fall colors.
Shiretoko and Furano: wild, less touristy landscapes.
Crisp temperatures but often clear skies.
🌆 Tokyo
Even the capital offers beautiful spots to enjoy the kōyō.
Traditional gardens: Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, Koishikawa Kōrakuen.
Walks: Meiji Jingu Gaien and its famous ginkgo-lined avenues.
Bonus: easy to access, perfect for mixing modernity and nature.
4. Autumn Climate by City
Autumn in Japan is pleasant overall, but conditions vary significantly by region. Here’s an overview of average temperatures:
🌆 Tokyo
September: 22–29°C, humid, typhoons possible.
October: 15–22°C, dry and pleasant.
November: 10–17°C, crisp air, ideal for strolling.
🏯 Kyoto & Osaka
September: 21–29°C, still hot and humid.
October: 14–22°C, perfect for temple visits.
November: 8–16°C, chilly mornings, bring a warm jacket.
🦌 Nara
Same climate as Kyoto.
November: 7–15°C, ideal for walks in the park with the deer.
🏞️ Japanese Alps (Takayama, Kamikōchi, Nagano)
September: 15–23°C, pleasant.
October: 8–18°C, magnificent colors at high altitudes.
November: 0–10°C, cold, sometimes snowy.
🍃 Hokkaidō (Sapporo, Furano, Daisetsuzan)
September: 13–22°C, start of kōyō.
October: 5–15°C, cold evenings.
November: 0–8°C, frequent snow.
🏯 Nikkō
September: 15–23°C.
October: 8–18°C, superb period for kōyō.
November: 3–12°C, dry cold, possible snowfalls.
🌸 Hiroshima & Miyajima
September: 21–29°C, still warm.
October: 15–23°C, mild.
November: 9–17°C, perfect autumn atmosphere.
🏝️ Okinawa
September: 25–31°C, typhoon season.
October: 23–28°C, still good for swimming.
November: 20–25°C, cooler but pleasant climate.
👉 With this guide, you know where to go and what to expect depending on the period of your trip. Autumn is undoubtedly one of the best times to fully enjoy Japan’s diversity: festivals, nature, cuisine, and unforgettable landscapes.
5. What to Do in Autumn in Japan?
Autumn in Japan is a season rich in activities, combining cultural discoveries, vibrant nature, and gourmet experiences. Here are the essentials:
🍁 Admire the Kōyō (紅葉)
The spectacle of fiery red maples and golden ginkgo trees attracts millions of visitors each year.
Famous spots: Arashiyama and Eikando in Kyoto, the mountains of Nikkō, Mount Takao near Tokyo, Kamikōchi in the Japanese Alps.
Unique experience: night illuminations (light-ups) in temples and gardens, creating a magical atmosphere.
🎎 Take Part in Autumn Festivals
Autumn is marked by matsuri (traditional festivals) featuring parades, lanterns, and historical costumes.
Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto, October): a grand parade retracing more than a millennium of Japanese history.
Takayama Autumn Festival (October): richly decorated floats illuminated at night.
Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto, October): an impressive parade of giant torches in the mountains.
Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto, October)
The Jidai Matsuri, or “Festival of the Ages,” is a great historical parade held every October 22 in Kyoto. It commemorates over a thousand years of Japanese history, from the Heian era (794–1185) to the Meiji Restoration (1868).
The procession, with more than 2,000 participants, runs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian-jingū Shrine, covering 4.6 km in about 2–3 hours.
The parade is reverse chronological: beginning with the modern era (late Edo, Meiji Restoration) and moving backward to the Heian period.
It features major historical figures such as the three unifiers of Japan (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu), as well as nobles, warriors, artists, and monks.
Portable shrines (mikoshi) carry the spirits of Emperors Kanmu and Kōmei.
The atmosphere is solemn, accompanied by traditional music and meticulously crafted costumes, perfect for fans of Japanese history.
Takayama Autumn Festival (October)
Held on October 9–10 in the city of Takayama, this festival is renowned for its lavishly decorated and illuminated floats (yatai).
Each float is adorned with delicate carvings, lanterns, and often mechanical puppets.
The highlight is the night parade, when the floats are illuminated, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere in Takayama’s old town.
The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to admire these mobile works of art and their sophisticated mechanisms.
It beautifully showcases the harmony of local craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and live performance.
Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto, October)
The Kurama no Hi-matsuri, or Kurama Fire Festival, is held every October 22 in the mountain village of Kurama, north of Kyoto.
Dozens of participants carry giant torches through the narrow streets, lighting fires in a spectacular nighttime procession.
The atmosphere is intense and mystical, combining dancing flames, mountain darkness, and ritual chants.
The festival celebrates purification and the arrival of winter, blending Shinto spirituality with ancient traditions.
It is a favorite among Japanese and tourists alike, offering a powerful and authentic cultural experience off the beaten urban path.
🏞️ Go Hiking
With mild temperatures and colorful landscapes, autumn is perfect for outdoor activities.
Mount Fuji: closed for climbing, but stunning when viewed from Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka.
Mount Takao (Tokyo): accessible and popular for autumn leaves.
Kamikōchi (Nagano): a protected valley with easy trails and breathtaking views.
Mount Kōya: a spiritual walk through forests of red and golden leaves.
🍲 Taste Autumn Cuisine
Autumn is considered the season of abundance in Japan.
Matsutake (rare mushroom): highly sought after for its intense aroma.
Sanma (Pacific saury): grilled over charcoal, a true autumn classic.
Kuri (chestnuts): used in pastries such as wagashi or Japanese mont-blanc.
Grilled sweet potato (yaki-imo): a comforting street snack.
Kaki (persimmon): an emblematic seasonal fruit, sweet and rich in vitamins.
👘 Enjoy Cultural Experiences
Autumn is also a season for traditions and cultural immersion:
Wear a kimono or autumn yukata in temple and garden settings.
Attend a tea ceremony surrounded by autumn foliage.
Relax in an outdoor onsen (hot spring) with mountains blazing in fall colors as a backdrop.
👉 Autumn in Japan is not just a transitional season: it is a true festival of colors, flavors, and traditions.
6. Practical Tips for Traveling in Japan in Autumn
📅 Best Periods
Hokkaidō: late September – mid-October.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara: mid-October – late November.
Japanese Alps: early October – early November.
👉 With careful planning, you can “follow” the autumn leaves from north to south and enjoy the kōyō over several weeks.
💰 Budget
Autumn is a peak travel season, just like spring.
Hotel and transport prices are higher, especially in November.
Book at least 3 to 6 months in advance for Kyoto and Tokyo.
Hotels 🏨
In Kyoto, prices can easily double in November, the peak of the autumn foliage season.
In Tokyo and Osaka, the increase is less dramatic but still noticeable in central districts.
Traditional inns (ryokan) in tourist areas such as Hakone, Nikkō, or Takayama sell out quickly.
Transport 🚅
The Japan Rail Pass is a good investment if you plan several long-distance trips (Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima, for example).
7 days: ~50,000 ¥ (≈ €310)
14 days: ~80,000 ¥ (≈ €500)
21 days: ~100,000 ¥ (≈ €620)
Shinkansen (bullet train) prices do not rise in autumn, but it’s wise to reserve seats in advance, as weekends can be very busy.
Activities 🎎
Temples and gardens may charge a small fee (500–1,000 ¥, €3–6) for night illuminations.
Festivals are generally free, but budget for street food and traditional stalls.
Estimated Daily Budget (excluding flights)
Budget travel: 8,000–10,000 ¥ → €50–65/day (hostels, simple meals, local transport passes).
Comfortable travel: 15,000–20,000 ¥ → €95–125/day (3★ hotels, varied restaurants, JR Pass).
High-end travel: 25,000 ¥+ → €155+/day (ryokan with onsen, kaiseki meals, 4–5★ hotels).
👉 To avoid stress and secure the best options, book accommodation 3–6 months ahead, especially in Kyoto, Tokyo, and regions famous for autumn foliage.
🎒 Practical Tips
Bring layered clothing (mild days, chilly evenings).
Pack an umbrella or rain jacket in September (end of typhoon season).
For hikes: sturdy shoes and a warm jacket, especially in the mountains.
Be mindful of crowds in popular destinations (Kyoto, Nikkō).
Why Choose Autumn to Visit Japan?
Autumn in Japan is an exceptional season where dazzling nature, vibrant culture, and seasonal cuisine come together. From Kyoto’s red maples to traditional festivals, mountain hikes, and temple night illuminations, every traveler finds an unforgettable experience.
👉 If you are looking for the best time to discover Japan at its most beautiful, autumn is without a doubt the ideal season.
❓ FAQ – Traveling in Japan and Discovering Its Culture
🏯 What are the must-see temples in Japan?
Japan is home to thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Among the most famous are Senso-ji in Tokyo (Asakusa), Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, and Todai-ji in Nara. These sites blend spirituality, traditional architecture, and Japanese history.
🌍 Which Japanese sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage?
Japan has over 20 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the temples and shrines of Kyoto, Himeji Castle, the traditional villages of Shirakawa-go, and the sacred islands of Okinoshima.
🍣 Where to taste the best sushi during a trip to Japan?
Sushi is emblematic of Japanese cuisine. Fish markets such as Tsukiji (Tokyo) or Nijo (Kyoto) are ideal for sampling it. For a high-end experience, head to the neighborhoods of Gion (Kyoto) or Shibuya (Tokyo).
🗼 What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, a futuristic metropolis that coexists with traditional districts. It is also an ideal starting point for excursions to Mount Fuji, Nikkō, or Kamakura.
🗾 Which regions should you visit in Japan?
Kansai: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara – the land of temples and traditions.
Kyushu: volcanoes, hot springs, and port cities like Fukuoka.
Nagoya: a major industrial city with a historic castle.
Shibuya District (Tokyo): famous for its bustling crossing and nightlife.
Coastal areas: Okinawa’s islands offer paradise beaches and rich marine life.
🌸 When can you see cherry blossoms in the Land of the Rising Sun?
Cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom between late March and mid-April, depending on the region. This is the hanami season, when Japanese people gather under the trees to celebrate the fleeting beauty of nature.
🧘♂️ What is Zen, and why is it important in Japanese culture?
Zen is a branch of Buddhism imported from China, highly influential in Japanese art: dry gardens, meditation, and minimalist architecture. You can experience it in temples in Kyoto or by staying in a Buddhist monastery.
💴 What is JPY?
JPY is the currency code for the Japanese yen (¥), the country’s official currency.
👉 Tip: always carry some cash, as certain temples, small restaurants, and ryokan do not accept credit cards.
🏞️ Where can you discover Japan’s wildlife and natural landscapes?
Japan offers unique diversity: the Kushiro marshes in Hokkaidō, the snow monkeys in Nagano, the deer of Nara, and hikes in the Japanese Alps. In the south, Kyushu and Okinawa showcase tropical wildlife and coastal landscapes.
Travel
Asia Blog – Practical tips about Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Cambodia... visas, eSIMs, banking, travel budget, and more.
© 2025. All rights reserved.