Here are four great places in Japan where you can enjoy both the fall foliage as well as a soak in the hot springs.
leaves
These simple but clever designs are sure to enchant not only the children but the grown-ups as well.
Tourists flock to Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto during the cherry blossom-viewing days of spring, but equally stunning are the sights of brilliantly colored autumn leaves amidst ancient structures that have remained undisturbed for hundreds of years.
One particular temple, Rurikoin, stands on the edge of the city and is a paradise for photographers during the autumn months, as well as visitors who didn’t even know they had an artistic side yet spend hours playing with different lighting effects there. While Rurikoin is not always open for general admission from year to year, we’re in luck because this year the building will indeed open its doors for the span of one short month.
Regular readers of our site will no doubt be familiar with Mr. Sato, our intrepid Japanese reporter. Despite his tendency to pursue unusually zany exploits in the name of journalism, Mr. Sato also has a slightly more conventional side, and enjoys taking in the beautiful autumn scenery just like anybody else.
In fact, Mr. Sato was so impressed by his recent visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) in the heart of Tokyo that he wanted to share his photos with you. So why don’t you grab a cup of tea, relax, and enjoy the dazzling colors of the park, all from the comfort of home!
There isn’t much to dislike about fall. The weather has finally turned to a comfortable temperature and the colors of the fallen leaves fill you with awe and playfulness. People and animals alike always enjoy the autumnal weather to its fullest as we all know what is to come, the “stay-at-home-under-the-kotatsu” cold of winter.
So while it lasts, enjoy some of the creative pictures of fall collected from all over Japan. Maybe it will inspire you to get outside and frolic around too.
Even 60 years after its first appearance on the silver screen, Godzilla is still drumming up a lot of attention as the media build-up for its May (unless you live in China or Japan) release continues. Caught up in the frenzy is Li Yi-Kai and his remarkably detailed renderings of Godzilla and King Ghidorah. I say “remarkably” because all of his works are done in the medium of dead foliage that he picks up off the ground.
Autumn and spring are arguably the best seasons in Japan. Although mercilessly short, these seasons both offer visually beautiful natural treats. Springtime in Japan brings us the pink and white clouds of cherry blossoms, and autumn presents us with the rich contrasting colors of its changing leaves.
We recently showed you the best places in Kyoto to catch an eyeful of autumn tranquility, but for those who might not make it there this year we’d like to share the ten best places in all of Japan to enjoy the fall.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Starbucks Japan releases three new peach drinks, but the real star isn’t the Frappuccino
Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]
Weekly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer- Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]- Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Monthly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan- Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Starbucks Japan releases three new peach drinks, but the real star isn’t the Frappuccino
Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]
Private Shinkansen Supreme Class Cabin pricing, start date, and details announced by Japan Railways
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Nintendo’s Animal Crossing crosses over to Baskin-Robbins Japan with special ice cream and merch
Japanese merry-go-round has heartwarming backstory, is one of the best rides in Japan
Will we eat the gyoza or our words at this all-you-can-eat dumpling challenge?
7-Eleven Japan now has Seven Cafe tea machines…but can they convert a coffee drinker?
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]
-
