T R A V E L
Five reasons to visit Japan in Autumn
While spring’s cherry blossoms during Sakura season attract the biggest crowds, Japan’s autumn has its own magic – crisp air, vibrant foliage, and fewer tourists.
Here’s why you should consider visiting one of the most sought-after destinations in a season that is often an afterthought.
Spectacular foliage
Autumn foliage in Japan is unique, thanks to the mix of trees and diverse landscapes. The most iconic of them all is, undoubtedly, the maple trees. The rich tapestry of colour varies from deep crimson red, scarlet and warm orange. Trees like ginkgo are famous for their dazzling golden-yellow, fan-shaped leaves, and when you mix these vibrant colours with breathtaking mountainside settings, temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens, the result is like walking inside a painting.
Seasonal festivals & traditions
Moon-viewing
Tsukimi is known as moon-viewing. Many will gather to honour the autumn moon, savour the seasonal harvest and share offerings made towards wishes for good health and a bountiful future.
The Kurama Fire Festival
An annual torch-lit festival, held in Kurama, near Kyoto. The ancient custom welcomes kami spirits to the village, which are believed to influence nature, protect and guide, and maintain balance.
The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival
This vibrant centuries-old festival is held over three days in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima. Parades of enormous taikodai floats become the centrepiece of the festival, decorated with over 300 red paper lanterns, lit from a sacred flame from the Nihonmatsu Shrine.
Seasonal food & drink
Autumn brings a bountiful harvest of Pacific saury (sanma), chestnuts (kuri), persimmons (kaki), and sweet potatoes (imo). Seasonal menus and delicacies appear across street food vendors, izakaya menus, restaurants, and big-name chains.
Savour Tsukimi Dango, a dumpling to be eaten during moon-viewing, swig on Hiyaoroshi, a seasonal sake, and satisfy your sweet tooth with a maple leaf-shaped Wagashi.
Wonderful weather
Typically known as one of the most comfortable seasons of the year, visitors can expect a cooler temperature, perfectly complemented by clear blue skies and fall foliage. Each month can vary, and it depends on the region you’re visiting. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
September
- Temperature: 20 – 30°C (68 – 86°F), feeling like the end of summer, with cooler evenings
- Weather: Humid at the start before eventually becoming drier
October
- Temperature: 15 – 25°C (59 – 77°F), much more comfortable and popular for leaf viewing and hiking
- Weather: Crisp and clear, with less rain than September and blue skies
November
- Temperature: 10 – 20°C (50 – 68°F), on the cooler side and feels like early winter in the north, but mild in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, making it popular for onsen visits
- Weather: Dry, crisp days with lots of sunshine, and chilly mornings and evenings
Tourism
Though still a popular time to visit Japan, international tourists typically prioritise the sakura season and catching a sight of the cherry blossoms over viewing autumn foliage. Domestic travellers find this season appealing, but overall, visiting during this time is more manageable, just as beautiful, and with fantastic weather.
So, now you’re in the know, what are you waiting for?
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