Autumn in Japan: How to Plan Around Foliage, Festivals, and Fall Flavors

Why Autumn is Special in Japan

Autumn in Japan is a season of contrasts — blazing red maple leaves (momiji), golden ginkgo trees, crisp mountain air, and cozy evenings warmed by hotpot and sake. It’s also one of the most culturally rich times of the year, with harvest festivals, moon-viewing traditions, and vibrant temple illuminations. For travelers, it combines comfortable weather, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable food — but knowing when and where to go makes all the difference.

Autumn Temperatures by Region

Unlike spring, autumn doesn’t arrive all at once. The season flows from north to south, with temperatures and foliage peaking at different times.

Northern Japan (Hokkaido & Tohoku)

• September: Crisp mornings, ~15–20°C; foliage begins early in mountain areas like Daisetsuzan (Hokkaido).

• October: Peak koyo (autumn leaves) across Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori, Nikko). Expect 10–17°C daytime temps.

• November: Early snow possible in Hokkaido; temps dip to single digits.

  
  

Best spots: Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Daisetsuzan National Park.

Central Japan (Kanto, Chubu, Japanese Alps)

• September: Still warm (22–28°C in Tokyo); high humidity lingers.

• October: Comfortable 15–23°C, perfect for outdoor sightseeing.

• November: Brilliant foliage in Kyoto, Nara, Nikko; temps 10–18°C, chilly at night.

  
  

Best spots: Nikko (Kanto), Kamikochi (Nagano), Takayama (Gifu), Kyoto temples.

Western Japan (Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku)

• September: 23–29°C with occasional typhoons.

• October: 17–24°C; skies clear, colors spread across temple gardens.

• November: 12–20°C; stunning foliage in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Shikoku valleys.

  
  

Best spots: Arashiyama (Kyoto), Ritsurin Garden (Shikoku), Miyajima’s maple park.

Southern Japan (Kyushu & Okinawa)

• September: Okinawa remains subtropical (28–31°C); Kyushu slightly cooler. Typhoons possible until late September.

• October: Comfortable 20–26°C; Kyushu’s mountains (Aso, Takachiho Gorge) begin to show colors.

• November: 17–23°C in Kyushu; Okinawa rarely has foliage but enjoys clear skies and cultural festivals.

  
  

Best spots: Mount Aso (Kyushu), Takachiho Gorge, Kumamoto Castle gardens.

What to Wear in Autumn

Japan’s autumn weather shifts quickly — a warm afternoon can give way to a chilly evening, especially in the mountains. Smart layering is essential.

• Base Layers: Light cotton in September → HeatTech/thermal innerwear by late November.

• Outerwear: A light jacket or cardigan early on; fleece or down vest for late autumn.

• Colors: Deep reds, mustard, and earthy greens match the season and blend beautifully in photos.

• Footwear: Sneakers or ankle boots with grip — perfect for temple paths and leaf-covered trails.

• Accessories: Scarf or shawl for chilly mornings; foldable umbrella for sudden drizzle.

• Extra: Lip balm & moisturizer — autumn air grows dry, especially in Tokyo and north.

  
  

Indoor heating tip: Japanese buildings often use localized heating (like kerosene stoves or individual AC/heaters) rather than central systems. Layers help you adjust when moving between chilly outdoors and warm interiors.

Autumn Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss

Japan’s autumn festivals are steeped in history and atmosphere, often celebrated with lanterns, fire rituals, or harvest parades.

• Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto, Oct 22): Villagers carry massive flaming torches through narrow streets — unforgettable but crowded.

• Takayama Autumn Festival (Gifu, early Oct): Ornate floats, mechanical puppets, and a backdrop of mountain colors.

• Tsukimi (Moon-Viewing Festivals, Sept): Families gather to admire the harvest moon with offerings of rice dumplings (tsukimi dango).

• Kawagoe Festival (Saitama, mid-Oct): Edo-period floats parade through a historic town near Tokyo.

💡 Pro Tip: Trains to festival towns often fill fast — arrive early, wear good shoes, and expect smoke, lantern light, and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

Transportation Tips for Autumn

• Holiday Crowds: Silver Week (late Sept) and three-day weekends in Oct/Nov = busy trains, sold-out hotels. Book ahead.

• Scenic Rail: Use the JR Pass to follow foliage as it “moves south.” For example: Tohoku in October → Kyoto in November.

• Mountain Roads: Fog, frost, and weekend traffic affect driving in the Alps. Plan early departures.

• Special Trains/Buses: Seasonal “leaf-viewing” trains run in Nikko, Kyoto, and Nagano — advance reservations needed.

Autumn Flavors: What to Eat

Japanese autumn cuisine celebrates harvest season:

• Kabocha (Japanese pumpkin): Sweet soups, tempura, stews.

• Sanma (Pacific saury): Grilled with salt, symbol of autumn dining.

• Chestnuts (kuri): Used in rice, wagashi sweets, and mont blanc cakes.

• Matsutake mushrooms: Highly prized, often served grilled or in broth.

• Persimmons (kaki): Eaten fresh, dried (hoshigaki), or in desserts.

• Seasonal sake: Breweries release fresh-pressed hiyaoroshi sake.

Key Takeaways

• Foliage runs north → south, September to November. Start early in Hokkaido and chase colors down to Kyushu.

• Book transport & hotels ahead during peak weekends and festivals.

• Pack layers, not heavy coats, unless you’re in Hokkaido in November.

• Embrace the flavors — chestnuts, mushrooms, persimmons, and seasonal sake define the season.