Japan Autumn Itinerary 2025/2026: Top 3 Fall Foliage Routes

Autumn in Japan is one of the best times to visit. You'll enjoy the pleasant weather, charming autumn colors, and unique seasonal festivals. Plus, it's less crowded than spring.

The fall foliage season, especially from October to late November, is the most popular time to see the best autumn scenery. Many traditional celebrations are also held during this period, making your trip about more than just the views.

Want an unforgettable autumn trip that goes beyond the usual sightseeing? Below are our top 3 well-selected itineraries for October and November, ensuring you catch the fall foliage whenever you visit.

Itinerary 1: 11-Day Classic Japan Fall Foliage

• Recommended travel date: November

If it's your first time in Japan and you're looking to see the major highlights with the best autumn scenery, this 11-day classic itinerary is perfect for you.

You'll explore Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, where the fall foliage in these cities peaks in November. This means you can enjoy the autumn colors wherever you go.

Here is the itinerary for your inspiration:

• 3 nights in Tokyo
• 1 night in Hakone
• 4 nights in Kyoto (day trip to Uji and Nara)
• 2 nights in Osaka

Tokyo: Wander Through Autumn Gardens

Start your journey in Tokyo. Of course, you won't miss must-sees like Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree. Besides these, we can also plan for you to enjoy some seasonal activities.

For example, savor Japanese sweets at a traditional open-air tea house in Rikugien Garden surrounded by maple leaves, take an easy hike through the autumn foliage at Mount Takao, or admire artworks at Nezu Museum in the middle of the fall colors.

Hakone: Soak in Hot Springs Under the Maple Trees

Continue your trip to Hakone, the home of onsens (hot springs). The biggest highlight is that you can relax in a hot spring under the maple trees at a ryokan.

Kyoto: Explore Autumn Scenery in Historic Buildings

Then, hop on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, the ancient capital. I must say, Kyoto tops my list for viewing autumn foliage. The historic temples and gardens, along with the maple leaves, provide an authentic vibe of Japan.

To experience something local and special, we'll take you to Saiho-ji Temple to admire the moss-covered dry landscape garden led by the head priest (only open in the fall), explore Rurikō-in Temple to see the charming foliage view reflected on its tables, and visit Eikando Temple to witness Kyoto's most packed autumn foliage.

Next, you'll enjoy two-day trips to Uji and Nara near Kyoto. There, you can experience the perfect mix of nature and traditional culture.

Uji is a hidden gem known for its matcha. Here, you can immerse yourself in the authentic matcha-making process, from visiting tea fields to grinding matcha and personalizing your own tea caddy.

Nara is the perfect place to get close to deer. You can feed them under the beautiful red and yellow autumn leaves and enjoy a distant view of Nara from Mount Wakakusa.

Osaka: Savor the Street Food

Osaka is your final stop. Don't miss joining a food tour at this Japanese food paradise and experiencing unique ukiyo-e printmaking.

Itinerary 2: 14-Day Japan's Hidden Autumn Gems

• Recommended travel date: October   

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path autumn experience in Japan? Choose this 14-day itinerary!  Besides exploring Japan's top cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you'll have more time to discover the country's lesser-known places.

The highlight of this itinerary is that you get to enjoy the maple leaves and experience two unique autumn festivals this month. This will make your autumn trip even more enriching and take it to the next level.

Here is a sample itinerary for your inspiration:

• 2 nights in Tokyo
• 2 nights in Nikko
• 2 nights in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
• 4 nights in Kyoto (day trip to Shiga and Okayama)
• 1 night in Seto Inland Sea
• 2 nights in Osaka

Tokyo: Perfect for Outdoor Exploration

Begin your adventure in Tokyo. The weather in October is pleasantly cool, suitable for outdoor exploration. You can wander along the wide tree-lined stone path at Meiji Shrine, enjoy a rickshaw tour around Senso-ji Temple, and experience the Shibuya Crossing.

Nikko: Enjoy Japan's Best Fall Foliage Near Tokyo

Next, head to Nikko to witness the first autumn colors near Tokyo. Nikko is a perfect mix of nature and culture, where you can enjoy the vivid maple leaves while exploring its World Heritage sites.

Lake Chūzenji is my top recommendation for autumn leaf viewing in Nikko. You can take a leisurely lakeside hike or enjoy boating on the lake. For a stunning full view, try the observation deck at Kegon Waterfall.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go: Experience Japanese Rural Life

Next, journey to Takayama and Shirakawa-go to savor the picturesque traditional Japanese countryside.

In Takayama, you can explore the local morning market, taste mouthwatering Hida beef, and try your hand at crafting with golden-leaf.

In Shirakawa-go, you can enjoy not only the traditional Japanese thatched-roof farmhouses but also take part in the unique Doburoku Festival.

At this festival, you can sample locally brewed doburoku sake, a seasonal exclusive. What makes it extra special is the fact that you can't buy it anywhere else! Plus, you can see a vibrant lion dance performance during the festivities.

Kyoto: Witness Japan's Popular Autumn Festival

Continue your adventure to Kyoto, a city steeped in history. Don't miss the Jidai Matsuri on October 22nd, one of Kyoto's top three festivals. You'll witness a parade featuring people dressed in traditional costumes from different periods of Japanese history.

To help you catch the best views of the celebration, we can reserve paid seating at Heian Shrine. This spot is less crowded, provides a close-up view of the parade, is perfect for taking photos, and has easy access to your next attraction.

Seto Inland Sea: Discover the Hidden Gems of the Art Islands

Then, you'll explore the hidden gem of the Seto Inland Sea during its annual art festival. The best way to enjoy the festival is by island-hopping, with Naoshima and Toshima as the top picks.

These two islands are home to extraordinary museums and a stronger artistic atmosphere. Want to try something unique? We can even arrange for you to spend a night at an art museum!

Osaka: Enjoy Some Free Time

End your trip in Osaka. Take pleasure in your free time to explore, shop, and eat at your own pace.

Itinerary 3: 16-Day Japan Autumn Walking Trail

• Recommended travel date: October or November

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and want to explore Japan more deeply, don't miss this 16-day Japan autumn walking itinerary.

Autumn is the perfect season for hiking in Japan. You can enjoy the vibrant fall colors in the pleasant, dry weather without sweating.

We have handpicked Japan's top 4 hiking routes for this itinerary: Hakone Hachiri, Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Each route offers unique scenery and history, making you won't get bored throughout your journey.

You can pick your favorite hiking route based on your preferences and travel dates, or you can hike all of them if you'd like.

Here is a hand-picked itinerary for your inspiration:

• Tokyo
• Hakone: Hakone Hachiri
• Nagano: Nakasendo
• Wakayama: Kumano Kodo
• Tokushima: Shikoku Pilgrimage
• Osaka

Hakone Hachiri: Hike Along Stone Paths from the Edo Period

It was an important political route during the Edo period. You'll walk along stone paths lined with tall cedar, pass by ancient checkpoints, and take a break at a historic tea house for matcha and traditional sweets. A 1-2 hour hike is ideal for this adventure.

Nakasendo: Experience Ancient People's Daily Life

Experience daily life during the Edo period by walking along the Nakasendo route. We'll plan for you to hike from Tsumago to Magome. This section allows you to explore well-preserved ancient houses, scenic views, and enjoy a mostly flat path. The entire hike takes around 3 hours.

Kumano Kodo: Walk Through Sacred Forests to Shrines

Interested in learning about Japan's Shinto culture? Try the Kumano Kodo! You'll hike through serene ancient forests and visit historic temples. It's excellent to spend 4 days here to leisurely explore the main highlights. For a special experience, we can arrange a temple stay for you.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Join a Buddhist Journey

Follow in the footsteps of a famous Buddhist monk on Japan's fourth-largest island. Opting for a two-day journey will allow you to explore the route at its best. You'll wander through rural landscapes, historic towns, picturesque valleys, and serene temples along the way.

Customize Your Japan Autumn Trip Now!

No matter what you want to experience in Japan this autumn, our expert Japan travel advisors can make it happen! We'll customize your trip to match your preferences, take care of all the details for you, and ensure you'll have a stress-free journey. Contact us to start planning your dream trip!