Huge Roundup of Best Autumn Experiences in Japan for First-Time Visitors

Autumn is arguably one of the most magical times to visit Japan. The intense reds, oranges, and golds of koyo (autumn foliage), the crisp air, and the abundance of seasonal foods create a perfect mix of nature, culture, and culinary delight. With so much, there is truly no end to the experiences to be had in Japan in the months of Fall. But where do you begin when it’s your first visit to this incredible country? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top experiences for first-time visitors seeking an unforgettable autumn journey!

Kanto Autumn Route

Tokyo – Where City Meets Autumn Serenity

Where To Go

Meiji Jingu Gaien (Ginkgo Avenue)

A stunning golden tunnel of ginkgo trees stretches for hundreds of meters. It’s one of Tokyo’s most iconic autumn photo spots, especially around late November. Locals and tourists alike stroll here with coffee in hand, enjoying the crisp fall air, and of course, grabbing that perfect pic!

Address: 2 Chome-付近 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan

Open Hours: 24/7

Phone Number: +81334010312

Website: http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/

Rikugien Garden

This traditional Edo-period garden features a central pond surrounded by fiery maples. During autumn evenings, the garden is beautifully lit up with illuminations that reflect off the water, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a serene escape in the heart of Tokyo.

Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan

Open Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week

Phone Number: +81339412222

Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/rikugien/

Mount Takao

Located just one hour from central Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers scenic hiking trails lined with vibrant red and orange foliage during the Autumn season. From the summit, you will get a panoramic view that sometimes includes Mt. Fuji. It’s perfect for a day trip filled with nature and spirituality.

Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan

Things To Eat

Grilled Pacific Saury (Sanma)

This seasonal fish is grilled simply with salt and served with grated daikon radish and rice. Sanma is considered a symbol of autumn in Japan, known for its rich flavor and high oil content. You’ll find it at izakayas and traditional Japanese restaurants.

Chestnut Mont Blanc

A creamy dessert made from a sweetened chestnut puree, usually served on sponge cake or as a tart. It’s typically available at high-end patisseries like Sadaharu Aoki, but can also be found at local cafes. The smooth texture and earthy taste are perfect for autumn indulgence.

What To Do

Kimono Experience in Asakusa

Rent a kimono and walk around the historic streets near Sensoji Temple, which is made even more beautiful with the red maple leaves dotting the landscape during Autumn. Many rental shops offer seasonal accessories like autumn leaf hairpins. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in traditional aesthetics, whilst putting a seasonal spin on things.

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Phone Number: +81338420181

Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/

Tea Ceremony in Hamarikyu Garden

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony overlooking a pond surrounded by golden foliage. The calm, deliberate ritual contrasts beautifully with the colorful natural setting. It’s a peaceful way to experience Japanese hospitality and mindfulness, whilst also appreciating the gorgeous nature in its fullest.

Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0046, Japan

Open Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week

Phone Number: +81335410200

Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/

Hakone – Fall Colors and Hot Springs

Where To Go

Hakone Ropeway​​

Ride this ropeway for breathtaking aerial views of the golden mountains and Mt. Fuji in the distance. The trees around Owakudani and Sounzan explode in vibrant reds and oranges in mid to late October. It’s one of the best ways to take in Hakone’s autumn scenery from above, and of course grab an amazing photo!

Address: Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, Japan

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)

Take a cruise across the calm lake, framed by colorful forests and with Mt. Fuji peeking through on clear days. The famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine looks especially picturesque against the autumn foliage. It’s a peaceful, postcard-perfect setting that you simply cannot miss out on.

Address: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Things To Eat

Black eggs from Owakudani

These eggs, which are boiled in Hakone’s volcanic hot springs, turn black and are said to add 7 years to your life! They have a slightly sulfuric aroma and are best enjoyed with a view of the smoking earth and distant mountains. A must-try Hakone tradition all year round, but definitely hits a little different during Autumn.

Address: Owakudani, Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, Japan

Kamaboko

A type of fish cake made from processed fish paste. They’re a popular food in Japan, but they are especially popular in Hakone, as kamaboko is made from produce from the nearby areas of Odawara and Numazu. You can get all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors throughout Hakone, like gobo (burdock root) flavor and kamaboko with tako (octopus) inside. Whether in slices as an appetizer, or on sticks as a snack on the go, you have to eat kamaboko when in Hakone!

Wakasagi (pond smelt)

Caught in the glorious waters of central Lake Ashi, wakasagi pond smelt fish are a delicacy in Hakone, particularly at restaurants located by the water. Deep-frying these little guys in a panko-crumb coating makes for a delicious local dish, but if deep-fried food isn’t for you, they’re just as delicious boiled. Tasty and fresh, wakasagi make a good teishoku lunch set to break up the day of exploring, or after a boat ride across Lake Ashi. They’re extra tasty with a sweet soy sauce and rice on the side.

What To Do

Hakone Hot Springs

Soak in a steaming outdoor onsen surrounded by golden and crimson trees. Ryokans in areas like Gora or Yumoto offer open-air baths with nature all around. It’s the ultimate way to relax and warm up during crisp autumn evenings. And with so many onsens in Hakone, it truly is the perfect place to start your first hot spring adventure.

Kansai Autumn Route

Kyoto – Autumn in a Timeless City

Where To Go

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, Kiyomizu-dera, offers spectacular panoramic views of red and gold maple trees from its famous wooden terrace. The temple seems to float above a sea of autumn foliage during peak season in late November. At night, special illuminations cast a warm glow over the trees, creating a breathtaking scene that feels straight out of a painting.

Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

Open Hours: 6 am – 6 pm, 7 days a week

Phone Number: +81755511234

Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/

Eikando (永観堂, Eikandō)

Formally known as Zenrinji Temple, this incredible spot belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located north of Nanzenji, Eikando is very famous for its autumn colors and the evening illuminations that take place in fall. The temple has a long history, and there are a variety of buildings and a pond garden that visitors can explore, all while being bathed in the beauty of the autumnal colors.

Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan

Open Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, 7 days a week

Phone Number: +81757610007

Website: http://www.eikando.or.jp/

Things To Eat

Kaiseki Ryori

Its origin began with Japan’s tea ceremonies, but later evolved into an elaborate dining style popular among aristocratic circles. Kyoto-style kaiseki ryori (kyo kaiseki) is particularly refined, emphasizing subtle flavors and local, seasonal ingredients. A kaiseki meal has a prescribed order of courses, which is determined by the cooking method of each dish. It’s a meal and an adventure all at the same time, and of course, during Autumn, the seasonal flavors are sure to leave you wanting more.

Shojin Ryori

A common ingredient in shojin ryori is tofu, which is a local specialty of Kyoto. The preparation of tofu is so common that it has also been referred to as Tofu Ryori (“tofu cuisine”). One popular dish that is widely served at tofu restaurants in Kyoto is Yudofu, soft tofu simmered with vegetables in broth. A meal of Yudofu usually costs 1500 to 2000 yen, but the price can be higher or lower depending on the quality of the restaurant. The Nanzenji and Arashiyama districts are particularly famous for tofu cuisine.

What To Do

The Jidai Matsuri (時代祭)

The Jidai Matsuri is a festival held every year on October 22, which happens to be the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. It consists of a large parade that travels from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. Translating to the “Festival of Ages”, the participants are dressed in accurate costumes from almost every period of Japanese history, as well as famous historical figures. There are about 2000 participants, and it takes two hours to watch the entire procession pass by, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Osaka – Vibrant City with Hidden Autumn Gems

Where To Go

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

A large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world. Among the attractions, the most popular include “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”, ranked the world’s best roller coaster for five consecutive years, “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” a thrilling ride of jumps and thrills while riding a special beagle, as well as “The Flying Dinosaur”, taking flight with a Pteranodon on an adventure of 360° turns and scream-packed fun. Whilst it’s open all year round, with the weather starting to turn mild there is no better time to experience USJ at its fullest than in Autumn!

Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

Phone Number: +81570200606

Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp

Minoo Park(箕面公園, Minō Kōen, also spelled Mino or Minoh)

Minoo Park is a forested valley on the outskirts of Osaka, just north of the urban sprawl. During the fall, it is one of the best places in the Kansai Region to see the autumn colors in a natural setting, as opposed to the fall foliage found at temples and gardens. The colors are usually best in the second half of November, so if you’re hoping to see the park at its best, try to plan around this time.

Address: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan

Open Hours: 24/7

Website: http://www.mino-park.jp/

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館, Kaiyūkan)

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka‘s bay area, and is one of Japan’s most spectacular aquariums. It introduces various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well-organized and impressive way. Marine life is displayed in over a dozen tanks, each representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The central tank, representing the Pacific Ocean, is nine meters deep and home to a whale shark, the aquarium’s main attraction.

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

Open Hours: 9:30 am – 8 pm, Monday – Wednesday. 8 am – 9 pm, Thursday. 8:30 am – 8 pm, Friday – Sunday.

Phone Number: +81665765501

Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/

Things To Eat

Takoyaki (たこ焼き)

Translating to grilled octopus, Takoyaki refers to the savory dish of grilled balls of batter made with flour and eggs filled with octopus chunks and other ingredients like pickled ginger (beni shoga) and leftover fried tempura batter (tenkasu). Each takoyaki ball is approximately the size of a golf ball. It’s a joy to eat anytime of year, but during autumn, it’s even better to enjoy it underneath the fall foliage! 

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)

Okonomiyaki is a popular pan-fried dish that consists of batter and cabbage. Selected toppings and ingredients are added, which can vary greatly (anything from meat and seafood to wasabi and cheese). This variability is reflected in the dish’s name; “okonomi” literally means “to one’s liking”. The dish is available all over Japan, but is particularly beloved in the cities of Hiroshima and, of course, Osaka. And with the different seasonal ingredients available in Autumn, it’s a whole different experience that you won’t be able to try any other time of the year!

Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu are battered and deep-fried pieces of food on skewers. Meat and vegetables are the most common ingredients for kushikatsu, but some restaurants also have more exotic varieties, such as strawberries, on their menus. The ingredients also tend to be seasonal, so Autumn Kushikatsu will always be fresh, different, and truly delicious. Shinsekai is the best place to enjoy kushikatsu in a nostalgic Osaka atmosphere.

Nara – Deer, Temples, and Crimson Leaves

Where To Go

Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, “Great Eastern Temple”)

It is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple’s influence on government affairs. Underneath the Autumn Foliage, Todaiji’s grounds transform, creating a magical environment filled with history, culture, and tradition.

Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587, Japan

Open Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, 7 days a week

Phone Number: +81742225511

Website: https://www.todaiji.or.jp/

Horyuji Temple (法隆寺, Hōryūji)

It was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, who is credited with the early promotion of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country’s oldest temples and contains the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1993. Horyuji’s temple grounds are spacious and separated into two main precincts, the Western Precinct (Saiin Garan) and the Eastern Precinct (Toin Garan). Both precincts are an absolute must for travelers looking to view history and culture in all its glory, and during Autumn, the experience can be made all the more special.

Address: 1-1 Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara 636-0115, Japan

Open Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm, 7 days a week

Phone Number: +81745752555

Website: http://www.horyuji.or.jp/

Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen)

Established in 1880, the park is the location of many of Nara’s main attractions, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara’s deer, which number in the thousands, have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Nara’s deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them, so make sure not to tease them with food. During Autumn, Nara Park is a popular spot for Foliage Viewing, an important event during the season that mirrors Spring’s Hanami season.

Address: Nara, Japan

Open Hours: 24/7

Phone Number: +81742220375

Website: https://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/

Things To Eat

Okayu (Japanese Rice Porridge)

It is a simple dish made by boiling rice. Nara’s variation, known as Cha-gayu, is somewhat unique. It is made of cold rice in fragrant hojicha (roasted green tea) and was once a well-known breakfast staple in Nara. Cha-gayu is delicious on its own but exceptionally good with pickles. The aroma of the hojicha tea and the subtle flavor of the rice create a refreshing and delicious taste that is harmonious with the saltiness of the pickles. Its light texture and flavor go down so easily that the entire bowl will be gone before you notice it.

Kaki-No-Ha-Zushi

Nara has a unique type of sushi called kaki-no-ha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi). Mackerel or salmon are dipped in salt, placed on vinegared rice, and wrapped in fragrant persimmon leaves. The leaves’ subtle aroma delicately draws out the sour hints in the vinegared rice and fish, enhancing the rich flavors. Nara is an inland region far from the sea, and seafood was once very valuable. Therefore, the locals reportedly devised the idea of improving the dish’s shelf life by salting the fish and wrapping it in persimmon leaves to prevent it from drying out. Add to it the subtle seasonal touch of Autumn, and it truly makes for an amazing way to dive into the world of regional sushi.

Narazuke

It is a traditional pickle representing Nara with a history of over 1300 years. It is made from sake lees, a byproduct left after squeezing raw sake during brewing. Salted vegetables such as cucumbers, daikon radish, carrots, and ginger are soaked in sake lees, allowing the aroma of the alcohol and the flavor of the rice to permeate deeply. Recently, unique pickle flavors such as chili oil and spicy miso have also appeared. Narazuke allows you to experience the traditional taste of Nara, no matter the time of year!

Japan in autumn is a feast for the senses, filled to the brim with fiery foliage, comforting seasonal food, and a deep connection to nature and tradition. Whether you’re wandering through Kyoto’s ancient temples, riding rollercoasters in Osaka’s USJ, soaking in Hakone’s misty onsen, or sampling unique local flavors like narazuke in Nara, each experience brings you closer to the heart of Japan. For first-time visitors, autumn is the perfect season to explore. The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller than in spring, and the cultural calendar is full of local festivals and seasonal treats. So pack a light jacket, bring your camera, and come ready to walk slowly, eat warmly, and look closely, after all, autumn in Japan is unforgettable.

Featured Photo Credit: Gaijinpot

Feeling inspired to start your autumn adventure? Be sure to include our Recommended Tours for Autumn to learn more about Japan’s food and culture and enjoy the season while you’re doing it!