Japan's autumn foliage season is one of the world's great natural spectacles. Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect autumn trip to Japan.
Book japan
Best prices across our trusted partners — no markup, no hidden fees.
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you · Prices shown by partners are live and independent of TheTripsites
- ·**Hokkaido (north)**: Late September to mid-October — the first and most dramatic foliage in Japan.
- ·**Nikko & Japanese Alps**: Mid to late October — stunning mountain scenery with vivid colour.
- ·**Tokyo**: Late October to mid-November — parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien are beautiful.
- ·**Kyoto**: Mid to late November — the most famous koyo destination, with hundreds of temples and gardens.
- ·**Osaka & Hiroshima**: Late November to early December — slightly later than Kyoto.
- ·**Kyoto**: Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tofuku-ji temple, Eikan-do — the undisputed capital of koyo.
- ·**Nikko**: UNESCO World Heritage shrines surrounded by mountains ablaze with colour.
- ·**Hakone**: Views of Mount Fuji framed by autumn foliage — one of Japan's most photographed scenes.
- ·**Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido)**: Japan's largest national park, with the earliest and most dramatic foliage.
- ·**Korankei (Aichi)**: A gorge lined with 4,000 maple trees — one of Japan's most famous koyo spots.
- ·**Nara**: Ancient temples and deer park surrounded by autumn colour.
- ·**September**: Early autumn begins, but foliage is minimal. Crowds are lower, making it an ideal time for cheaper accommodation (average €70/night) and less touristy attractions like the gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa.
- ·**October**: The koyo season kicks off in Hokkaido, with crisp temperatures averaging 14°C. Expect a slight uptick in crowds, especially on weekends. Hotels in the north range from €80-120/night.
- ·**November**: Peak koyo season in Kyoto and Tokyo. Expect chilly weather (about 10°C) and vibrant colours. Prices surge, especially in Kyoto, where mid-range hotels can reach €200/night.
- ·**December**: Late koyo in southern Japan, with lingering autumn colours in places like Hiroshima. Prices drop, and temperatures hover around 8°C. Expect accommodations around €60-100/night.
Free PDF: Top 10 Hidden Gems of the World
10 breathtaking destinations most travellers never discover. Yours free.
- ·**Budget (€50-100/night)**:
- ·**K's House Tokyo** – A cozy hostel in Asakusa with dormitory-style rooms starting at €50.
- ·**Guesthouse K's House Kyoto** – A simple yet charming guesthouse from €70.
- ·**Mid-Range (€100-250/night)**:
- ·**Hotel Gracery Shinjuku** – A modern hotel with a Godzilla theme, prices around €150.
- ·**Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo** – Stylish apartments with kitchenettes priced at €180.
- ·**Luxury (€250+)**:
- ·**The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto** – A riverside hotel with stunning city views, starting at €600.
- ·**Hoshinoya Kyoto** – A luxurious ryokan experience nestled along the river, around €800.
Book japan
Best prices across our trusted partners — no markup, no hidden fees.
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you · Prices shown by partners are live and independent of TheTripsites
- ·**From Amsterdam**: Return flights to Tokyo typically cost €600-900, with KLM and ANA offering direct routes.
- ·**From London**: Expect to pay around €700-1,000. British Airways and Japan Airlines frequently operate non-stop flights.
- ·**From NYC**: Direct flights to Tokyo average €800-1,200, with carriers like Delta and All Nippon Airways providing excellent service.
- ·**Tokyo**: Within the city, a single subway ride costs about €2.
- ·**Kyoto**: Use buses and trains; a day pass is around €5.
- ·**Shinkansen**: Bullet train travel is a must for longer journeys. Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours and costs around €120 one way.
View All Travel Deals
Limited-time deal · Book before it expires
Related reading
Founder & Lead Travel Editor · TheTripsites
This guide was researched and written by the TheTripsites editorial team. Every article on this platform is based on genuine destination research, cross-referenced travel data, and an editorial commitment to honest, independent advice — no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
