Traveling to Japan in Autumn: Best Experiences, Places and Itineraries

Autumn in Japan is one of the most beautiful times of the year to travel, with romantic natural scenery, brilliant red and yellow leaves, cool and pleasant air, and countless unique festivals. From September to November, this country becomes extremely charming with the red leaf season (koyo), and this is the reason why autumn travel to Japan always attracts millions of tourists every year. Discover why Japan in autumn is so attractive!

Việt Nam•19/08/2025

1. Is autumn in Japan cold?

The ideal time to travel to Japan is autumn. (Photo: Collected)

Autumn in Japan starts in September and lasts until the end of November. However, the best time to visit is from October to November, when the leaves turn a brilliant red, creating a wonderful scene that cannot be missed. This is also the time when many special autumn festivals take place in many localities.

Autumn in Japan is quite cool, perfect for walking and visiting outdoor places. During the day, the average temperature is around 18-22°C, while at night it can drop to around 10-15°C, especially in late autumn. This is a great time to wear a light jacket and comfortable pants.

2. Outstanding tourist destinations in Japan in autumn

Famous places to see red leaves in Japan in autumn. (Photo: Collected)

2.1. Outstanding tourist attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo – the capital of Japan, stands out with its combination of modern and ancient. In autumn, parks such as Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Meiji Shrine become romantic and poetic with beautiful red leaves. These are ideal places to relax and enjoy the autumn scenery.

2.2. Outstanding tourist attractions in Kyoto

Kyoto , the city of a thousand temples, is famous for its ancient ruins and traditional neighborhoods. In autumn, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama all become must-see tourist destinations, with their impressive changing leaves.

2.3. Outstanding tourist attractions in Hakone

If you want to see Mt. Fuji and enjoy hot springs, Hakone is the ideal destination. In autumn, you will admire the red leaves reflected on the surface of Lake Ashi and feel the wonderful beauty of the surrounding nature.

2.4. Outstanding tourist attractions in Nara

Nara is one of the ancient cities in Japan, famous for Nara Park and cute deer. In autumn, the scenery here becomes more mysterious and romantic than ever, especially when the red leaves fall down to form a yellow and red carpet.

3. Suggested 7-day autumn travel itinerary to Japan

Travel to Japan in autumn 2025 with a special 7-day tour. (Photo: Collected)

Days 1-3: Explore Tokyo

Day 1: Visit Shibuya Crossing, admire the bustling picture of Tokyo. In the afternoon, visit Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen to immerse yourself in the quiet space, immersed in the autumn colors.
Day 2: Spend time visiting Asakusa and Senso-ji, admiring the blend of traditional and modern culture. In the afternoon, you can visit Tokyo Tower or enjoy sushi at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Tour Odaiba, an area known for its modern shopping malls and attractions like TeamLab Borderless.

Day 4-5: Stroll around Kyoto

Day 4: Arrive in Kyoto, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of famous red Torii gates. Then, visit Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto's largest temple.
Day 5: Continue your tour of Arashiyama with its famous bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji Temple. Stroll through the old town of Gion and enjoy a tea ceremony.

Days 6-7: Enjoy autumn in Nara and Hakone

Day 6: Arrive in Nara, visit Nara Park and ancient temples like Todai-ji. Don't forget to feed the deer and take cute photos.
Day 7: End the trip in Hakone, enjoy the hot springs and see the view of Mt. Fuji . This is a great time to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

4. Experience of traveling to Japan in autumn

Unagi - Japanese autumn dish that captivates tourists. (Photo: Collected)

Skin

In autumn, the weather in Japan is quite cool, from 15-20°C. You should bring a light jacket, long pants and comfortable walking shoes to be able to move around and visit comfortably.

Saving tips

The Japan Rail Pass is a great option if you want to travel between major cities.
You can also buy tickets to tourist attractions online in advance to save time.

What to eat in autumn in Japan?

Fall is a great time to enjoy signature dishes such as:

Unagi (grilled eel): Traditional Japanese dish, often eaten in autumn.
Kabocha (pumpkin): A popular fall food, made into soup or roasted.
Autumn Mochi: Soft mochi filled with red bean or chestnut filling.

5. Frequently asked questions when traveling to Japan in autumn

Japanese autumn hot spring. (Photo: Collected)

5.1. What special festivals are there in Japan in autumn?

Autumn is a prominent festival season in Japan, especially festivals related to red leaves. Some typical festivals include:

Momiji Festival (Red Leaves Season) in Kyoto and Nara: This festival is held in November, where visitors can admire the beautiful red leaves.
Tsukimi Festival (Moon Viewing): A festival held in September where Japanese people enjoy autumn specialties and moon viewing.

5.2. What are some attractive outdoor activities in Japan in autumn?

In addition to admiring red leaves, autumn in Japan also has many interesting activities such as:

Mountaineering: Mountainous areas like Fuji or Hakone are ideal places for trekking and autumn viewing.
Hot spring bathing: The autumn scenery in hot spring areas such as Hakone or Kusatsu will bring a wonderful experience.

Autumn in Japan is a great time to enjoy the beauty of nature, learn about traditional culture and enjoy special dishes. If you love peace, quiet space and romantic scenery, plan a trip to Japan in autumn. This will definitely be an unforgettable memory in your life!

Are you ready for your autumn trip to Japan? Book your Japan tour today to explore the most beautiful places, immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere and enjoy wonderful experiences in the land of the rising sun!

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/du-lich-nhat-ban-mua-thu-kinh-nghiem-dia-diem-lich-trinh-v17787.aspx