Autumn in Japan, known as the momiji season, bathes the landscape in brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold. While Japan’s spring cherry blossom season (sakura) has captured worldwide fame, the fall foliage or koyo season is an equally enchanting spectacle. In fact, many travellers consider autumn the best time to visit Japan. From the vibrant panorama of colours to centuries-old traditions, the momiji season in Japan is every bit as magical as the celebrated cherry blossom bloom. Here’s why Momiji, Japan’s autumn of crimson leaves, stands shoulder to shoulder with the famed cherry blossom season.
Japan is renowned for its four distinct and stunning seasons, and autumn (aki) often emerges as a favourite. As temperatures cool after the humid summer, forests and gardens transform into a panorama of crimson, amber, and golden leaves. This dramatic change, known as koyo or momiji (meaning “red leaves”), has long inspired Japanese artists and poets.
The tradition of momijigari – literally “red leaf hunting,” or leaf viewing – has been cherished in Japan for over a thousand years. Aristocrats of the Heian period would travel to scenic spots to admire autumn foliage, much as they gathered to view cherry blossoms in spring. The cultural significance of momiji runs deep: in classical literature, such as the Manyoshu poems and The Tale of Genji, autumn leaves are celebrated for their beauty and as a poignant symbol of life’s transience.
Beyond poetry and philosophy, the Japan momiji season is woven into everyday Japanese life. Maple leaves (momiji) themselves are a hallmark of autumn in Japan – the maple leaf is an emblem of the season, appearing in decorations, art, and even snacks.
In Kyoto and elsewhere, you might sample momiji tempura: real maple leaves fried in a sweet batter, a delicacy enjoyed with tea. Seasonal confections shaped like maple leaves fill shelves, and harvest foods like roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and matsutake mushrooms abound, earning autumn its reputation as a season when every meal feels like a hug. Just as Japan’s spring cherry blossom season brings sakura-themed treats (like sakura mochi rice cakes), fall brings autumn flavours to the table.
Perhaps the most incredible charm of Japan’s momiji season is the visual magic it casts over Japan’s landscapes. In parks, Buddhist temples, gardens, mountain valleys, and trees blaze in colours from bright gold to deep scarlet. Many visitors describe Japan’s autumn scenery as otherworldly, and locals, too, hold it in high esteem.
Autumn leaves are one of Japan’s most loved natural sights, just like the spring cherry blossoms. Each year, Japan even shares a fall foliage forecast—much like the sakura forecast—to help people find the best times and places to see the colours.
Cherry blossom season and the autumn leaf season are two of Japan’s brightest treasures, each shining with its own unique charm. Sakura season arrives with the gentle warmth of Japan’s spring cherry blossom season, draping the country in clouds of delicate pink and white petals. Momiji season arrives with the crisp air of fall, setting hills and cities aglow in warm, vibrant reds and golds. Both transform Japan’s scenery in uniquely beautiful ways.
Sakura blossoms create a soft, pastel dreamscape – think of Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path covered in pale pink petals. In contrast, momiji paints with bold, rich pigments – fiery maples, golden ginkgo tree tunnels, and orange cherry trees (yes, some cherry tree leaves turn orange-red in fall!). Pink cherry blossoms might frame a lake like Kawaguchiko in April, but by November, they are replaced by crimson maple leaves against the snow-capped Mt. Fuji, an equally postcard-worthy sight. Whether you prefer the blush of Japan’s spring cherry blossom season or the blaze of autumn, Japan offers picture-perfect scenes in both seasons.
One key difference is the duration and timing of peak bloom. Cherry blossoms are famously fleeting – each locale’s blooms last only about one week at their peak (perhaps two weeks total from first bloom to complete fall). Catching them can be tricky, as the timing depends on each year’s weather and can shift by days. Sakura season moves from south to north: blooms open in warm southern Okinawa as early as January, sweep through central Japan by late March or early April, and finally reach chilly Hokkaido by late April or May. This creates the phenomenon of the “cherry blossom front”, with avid viewers (and festival organisers) tracking forecasts and sometimes even travelling city to city to “hop” along with the blossoms.
By contrast, Japan momiji season unfolds in the opposite direction – starting in the north and higher elevations and moving southward. The first autumn colours appear in Hokkaido in mid-September, then sweep down through Tohoku in October, reaching Tokyo/Kyoto by mid-November, and finally the southern regions, such as Kyushu, by late November into early December.
The fact that autumn colours tend to linger longer provides yet another reason to appreciate the Momiji season more. A region’s fall foliage peak can last two weeks to over a month in some areas, since different tree species turn at various times and cooler temperatures hold the colours. In short, the window for enjoying momiji in a given region is usually a bit wider than the narrow peak of sakura. This means travellers who might miss peak cherry blossoms by a few days could have better luck timing the autumn leaves season (Koyo season).
The atmosphere of each season enhances its magic. Japan’s spring cherry blossom season feels fresh and hopeful – the chill of winter gives way to mild days, and people celebrate new beginnings (the school and fiscal year start in April alongside the sakura blossom). The ambience under the cherry trees is often festive: friends and families picnic on blue tarps, children chase petals, and lanterns light up nighttime blossom viewing (yozakura).
Autumn, on the other hand, brings crisp, clear days and cool nights. By October and November, Japan’s summer humidity and typhoon season have usually passed, yielding comfortably dry weather. Many feel autumn air carries an exceptional tranquillity – the sound of rustling leaves, a cool breeze, and the scent of wood smoke in mountain areas. Instead of the jubilant hanami parties of spring, an autumn outing might be a quiet hike through a maple forest or an evening stroll through an illuminated temple garden.
Both the sakura and koyo seasons draw huge crowds, as they are the peak tourist periods in Japan. You’ll find parks and viewpoints bustling with camera-toting visitors in April and again in November in your Japan travel package. Historically, international tourists have especially flocked to Japan’s spring cherry blossom season (partly due to global fame and school holiday schedules). Still, in recent years, Japan momiji season tourism has also surged – and the Japanese themselves often say autumn is just as popular.
Just as spring has hanami (flower-viewing) parties, autumn in Japan is celebrated through momijigari (leaf-viewing) excursions. The concept is fundamentally the same – appreciating the transient beauty of nature with friends and family – but the expression differs with the seasons.
Hanami, literally “flower viewing,” is an ancient practice that gained widespread popularity in the Edo period, although its roots date back over a thousand years. Every spring, when the sakura bloom, Japanese people flock to parks, castle grounds, and riversides to picnic under the blossoms. It’s a lively affair: you’ll see groups sprawled under the trees from morning till night, enjoying homemade bento or street food, singing songs, drinking sake or beer, and taking endless photos against the sea of pink.
Momijigari, meaning “red leaf hunting,” is the autumnal counterpart and dates back equally far. In the days of the samurai and courtiers, poems might be composed while admiring the maples; in modern times, families might take a scenic drive into the countryside, hike to a temple, or organise a cosy picnic amidst the falling leaves. Rather than big public parties, momijigari often has a more leisurely feel – think of a weekend trip to Kyoto’s Arashiyama or a walk through a quiet forest path in Nikko, with a thermos of hot green tea in hand.
Culturally, both the cherry blossom season and the autumn leaves season (known as the Koyo season) carry profound meanings in Japan. The concept of mono no aware – an awareness of the impermanence of things and a gentle sadness at their passing beauty – is often associated with Japan’s cherry blossoms’ brief bloom. Yet it is perhaps never more apparent than during autumn’s leaf fall. A gust of wind, sending a cascade of scarlet leaves swirling to the ground, evokes the same bittersweet feeling as sakura petals drifting in a spring brook. In essence, both seasons celebrate the fleeting nature of beauty – one in the burst of Japan’s spring cherry blossom season, and the other in the finale of autumn’s colours before winter.
Japan’s landscapes provide the grand stage for both the sakura and momiji seasons, with no shortage of breathtaking locations for each. Here are just a few iconic scenes that show why Japan momiji season is as magical as cherry blossom time.
Kyoto is blessed with famous spots for both seasons. In spring, Philosopher’s Path and the streets of Higashiyama come alive with cherry trees, and Maruyama Park’s giant weeping cherry draws nightly crowds. In autumn, Kyoto arguably shines even more – Eikando Temple’s garden turns into a sea of crimson maple leaves, and Kiyomizu-dera’s wooden veranda overlooks an expanse of red foliage, often illuminated at night for a truly spellbinding sight.
Even in Japan’s metropolises, nature puts on a show. Tokyo, for instance, is renowned worldwide for its spring sakura blossom spots, such as Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, where city dwellers picnic beneath pink canopies. Come autumn, Tokyo’s parks transform in different ways: Rikugien Garden becomes an evening wonderland with maple trees lit up in fiery hues, and Meiji Jingu Gaien features a long boulevard of ginkgo trees that turn brilliant gold, creating a natural cathedral of light.
Some of Japan’s most magical seasonal scenes occur in more rural settings. Picture Mount Yoshino (Nara) covered in 30,000 cherry trees – a mountain literally blanketed in pink, a legendary sakura blossom spot for centuries. In autumn, a parallel might be Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, where Japan’s earliest momiji appear. Another example: Lake Kawaguchi (one of the Fuji Five Lakes) is often visited in Japan’s spring cherry blossom season for the image of Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms – but in November, the same lake offers a Fuji framed by autumn leaves, plus a maple tree tunnel that’s lit up at night for a romantic Momiji Festival. And we can’t forget Miyajima Island (Hiroshima): it’s home to a famed maple park (Momijidani) which turns a fiery red, complementing the iconic floating torii gate – a scene just as photogenic as any cherry blossom viewing at a shrine.
Given that Japan cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are two of Japan’s most celebrated natural events, it can be challenging to choose between them. The good news is that there’s no single “best” season as each offers unique experiences, and it really depends on what you value most. If you love mild weather, spring and fall are both pleasant (avoiding the summer heat and winter cold). If you’re drawn to a particular colour scheme or mood, that might guide you: pastel pink petals dancing in the breeze, or dramatic red leaves drifting down? Some travellers even plan repeat visits to experience both seasons eventually.
Because sakura bloom periods are short and vary year to year, flexibility is key. Aim for a window (about 10-14 days) in late March to early April if targeting famous spots like Tokyo and Kyoto – and even then, be ready to adjust plans as forecasts update. Popular sakura blossom destinations book up far in advance (hotels can fill quickly for late March), and crowds will be intense, so reserve early and consider smaller towns for a more relaxed experience. Also, keep an eye on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s cherry blossom forecast each year, which predicts the first bloom and full bloom dates across regions.
Planning and flexibility are key to making the most of sakura season. First, consult the cherry blossom forecast for the year – blossoms can start as early as January in Okinawa’s subtropics and as late as May in Hokkaido, with the central Japan peak moving from south to north around late March–early April. If your dates are fixed, consider targeting a region where blooms are likely at that time (for example, head north for later blooms). Book accommodations and transport well in advance, as this is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan. Popular viewing spots can get very crowded, so consider visiting at off-peak times (early sunrise hanami can be serene) or seek out smaller, local parks for a more peaceful experience. Lastly, have a backup plan for rain – many gardens are still beautiful in light showers, and falling petals on wet ground create a lovely “pink snow” effect.
Japan momiji season offers a bit more leeway. Early to mid-November is generally a safe bet for many regions – you might catch peak colours in one area and early or late colours in another. Many travellers plan October trips in the Tohoku or alpine areas (for vibrant colours around onsens and lakes), or November trips in Kyoto/Tokyo. It’s still wise to watch the koyo forecast updates, as an unusually warm autumn can delay the colours, while an early cold snap can accelerate them. Dress in layers, as autumn days can be warm midday and chilly at night, especially in the mountains. And consider timing your visits to include some of the special autumn evening illuminations at gardens or Buddhist temples, which typically run for a couple of weeks at peak (these can get crowded on weekends, but are absolutely worth it for the ethereal atmosphere).
One of the joys of autumn in Japan is its long, gradually shifting season – if you miss peak colours in one area, you can often catch them in another. Generally, leaves begin turning in the far north (Hokkaidō)or high elevations by late September and “work their way south” over about three months. Plan your itinerary with this timing in mind, and consult the annualkōyōforecasts(usually released starting in September) for updates on peak periods. Popular spots like Kyoto’s famous temples will be crowded, especially on weekends and around public holidays.. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting major gardens on weekday mornings or exploring lesser-known locales as mentioned. Lastly, don’t rush – part of momijigari is the meditative pleasure of wandering and savouring the moment. Whether you’re walking through a quiet forest path of golden ginkgo leaves or sitting on a temple veranda gazing at a maple tree, take time to soak in Japan’s autumnal atmosphere.
This might sound impossible in a single week, but if you arrive in late April, you could catch the late Japan cherry blossoms in northern Honshu or Hokkaido. A short flight or train ride could take you to Kyushu, where early spring and late autumn overlap in certain years. However, this is rare and depends on unusual climate conditions. More realistically, avid nature-lovers plan separate trips, one in spring and one in autumn, to fully savour each season’s peak.
Spring in Japan is synonymous with sakura blossom (cherry blossoms), a national obsession that paints the country in delicate pink. The season is famously short and sweet – each location’s peak bloom lasts only about a week – making hanami (flower-viewing) all the more cherished. Here are the top experiences and places to immerse yourself in Japan’s magical cherry blossom season.
In Tokyo, cherry blossoms turn urban parks into dreamy gatherings. Ueno Park transforms into a vibrant festival zone, featuring over 1,000 sakura trees, lanterns, and bustling food stalls. Arrive early to stake out a picnic spot under the pink canopy and join the joyous picnickers feasting on bento lunches and sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes). Meanwhile, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a more tranquil experience – a vast garden with landscaped lawns and several varieties of cherry trees that bloom in stages. Late March is usually prime time in Tokyo to catch the best of the cherry blossom season. Don’t miss an evening stroll along Chidorigafuchi moat near the Imperial Palace, where you can row a boat beneath illuminated blossoms reflected in the water.
Kyoto’s historic backdrop makes the cherry blossom season in Japan feel utterly poetic. Stroll the Philosopher’s Path, a charming canal-side walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees, usually in full bloom in early April. The petal-lined path connects Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to quaint neighborhood streets, creating a serene, picture-perfect atmosphere. In the evenings, head to Maruyama Park in Gion, where the centrepiece is a massive weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) illuminated against the night sky. Here, locals gather for lively night hanami parties. You’ll also find pop-up yatai (food stalls) selling seasonal treats.
Venture off the beaten path to Mt. Yoshino (Yoshinoyama), often called Japan’s cherry blossom mountain. Approximately 30,000 cherry trees blanket this UNESCO-recognised hillside in Nara Prefecture in bloom, a sight frequently described as heaven on earth. Winding trails lead through four zones of the mountain at different elevations, meaning blossoms open in stages as you hike up – virtually guaranteeing some trees in bloom whenever you visit during the season. Visitors can ride a quaint ropeway partway up, then stroll between viewpoints, shrines, and parks as petal “clouds” envelop the slopes. At the summit’s Hanayagura lookout, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of layer upon layer of pink treetops.
Many of Japan’s castles boast spectacular cherry blossom displays. One famed example is Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori (northern Japan), home to about 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties. Blooms here peak in late April, marked by the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, when the castle’s moats fill with pink petals forming hanaikada or “flower rafts” on the water. Visitors can even rent rowboats to glide through this petal-carpeted moat for a truly enchanting view. Down in central Japan’s Alps, Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano) offers a valley of intense pink blossoms (from a special kohigan-zakura variety). With around 1,500 trees, Takato is often referred to as “the best cherry blossoms this side of heaven,” a local saying that describes its otherworldly beauty. These castle sites combine history with natural splendour – don’t forget to snap that postcard-worthy shot of ancient castle turrets framed by clouds of sakura.
As dusk falls, cherry blossoms take on a new charm under soft lighting – an experience called yozakura. Many parks and landmarks host evening illuminations during the peak bloom season. One of the most breathtaking sights is Takada Castle Park in Niigata, where over 4,000 sakura trees line the moats and are illuminated by ~3,000 lanterns during its famous night festival. The shimmering reflections of pink trees in the water and the glow of lanterns create a fairytale scene (pictured above). In Tokyo, spots like Rikugien Garden and the Meguro River also hold illuminations, drawing couples and photographers after sunset. Strolling beneath cherry trees sparkling against the night sky feels almost surreal – a must-do if your schedule allows. Just bundle up, as spring nights can be chilly, and prepare for crowds at popular light-up events (weeknights are often quieter than weekends). The magic of yozakura, however, is well worth the patience.
While Japan’s famous sakura blossom spots draw huge crowds, there are hidden gems for those seeking a quieter harmony with the blossoms. For instance, the Kawazu and Minami-Izu areas in Shizuoka offer an early cherry blossom season in Japan each year, typically around February. The Kawazu-zakura trees bloom a vibrant pink along the Kawazu River, and the local “Cherry Blossom and Canola Flower Festival” celebrates the dazzling combo of pink sakura and golden rapeseed flowers. Another lesser-known delight is Kakunodate in Akita, a preserved samurai town in Tohoku dubbed the “Little Kyoto of Michinoku.” Here, weeping cherries drape over historic samurai residence streets, usually in late April, with far fewer tourists. Or consider Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima – an ancient giant weeping cherry tree over 1,000 years old, spectacular in full bloom and illuminated at night.
As autumn arrives, Japan swaps pink petals for a tapestry of red, orange, and gold foliage that is every bit as magical as spring’s blooms. The fall colour season – known as kōyō (autumn foliage) or momiji (specifically red maple leaves) – typically stretches from late September through early December, moving from the northern mountains down to the southern lowland. During these months, the countryside and city parks alike are transformed into “a breathtaking canvas of fiery reds, brilliant scarlets and regal gold”.
Japan’s momiji season and sakura season are like two chapters of a beautiful story, each with its own palette, mood, and magic. Japan’s cherry blossoms paint the country in hopeful spring hues, bringing people together in a joyous celebration of life’s renewal. Autumn leaves drape Japan in warm, reflective tones, inviting contemplation and appreciation of life’s cycle. Though different in colour and mood, both prove that nature holds no bias and every season in Japan unveils its own kind of beauty.
So if you’ve been dreaming of cherry blossoms, consider Japan momiji season as well. It might just steal your heart with its crimson charm, and you’ll understand why the momiji season is just as magical as cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The Japan cherry blossom season typically begins in late March and lasts through early April in most regions. Blossoms appear earlier in southern areas, such as Okinawa (January–February), and later in northern regions, such as Hokkaido (late April–May).
The Japan Momiji season, or autumn leaves season, starts around mid-September in Hokkaido and gradually moves southward until early December. Kyoto and Tokyo usually reach peak colours in mid-to-late November.
The main difference between Momiji vs Sakura in Japan lies in their timing and colours. Sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom in spring, painting Japan in pink and white, while Momiji (autumn leaves) glow in red, orange, and gold during fall. Both are equally loved for their fleeting, natural beauty.
Both seasons are spectacular. The Japan spring cherry blossom season offers a festive, romantic mood, while Japan’s Momiji season brings calm, crisp weather and stunning scenery. Many travellers say each season is beautiful in its own way, making either choice perfect.
Top spots for Japan cherry blossoms (Sakura) include Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Nara’s Mount Yoshino, and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori. Each location offers breathtaking views of cherry blossoms during peak bloom.
For Japan’s autumn leaves, must-visit spots include Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tokyo’s Rikugi-en Garden, Nikkō National Park, and the Fuji Five Lakes region near Mount Fuji. These areas are especially stunning during the Japan Momiji season.
Each location’s cherry blossom season in Japan lasts about one to two weeks from the first bloom to complete fall. Weather affects timing, so locals follow the cherry blossom forecast closely each year.
Yes! Many travel companies offer Japan tour packages tailored to the cherry blossom season and Momiji (autumn foliage) season. These include guided sightseeing tours, cultural experiences, and accommodations near prime viewing locations.
For the Japan spring cherry blossom season, pack light jackets and layers for mild weather. For the Japan Momiji season, bring warmer layers and comfortable shoes for cool evenings and scenic walks through temple gardens or parks.
It’s rare but possible with extended travel. Late April in northern Japan (like Hokkaido) may still have cherry blossoms, while southern Japan (like Kyushu) might show early autumn hues in unusual years. However, most travellers plan separate Japan travel packages to fully enjoy each season.
