Autumn in Japan: 10 Best Things to Do in 2024

Autumn in Japan is from September to November, and it’s one of the best seasons to visit the country. Colourful autumn leaves are the main attraction in this time of the year as the whole country turns into colourful warm colours. Also there are numbers of special events held across Japan including some of the biggest food events and Halloween parties. Here are 10 best things to do and places to visit in autumn in Japan.

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Autumn in Japan

What is the reason why you should take a trip to Japan in autumn? From September to November, it is endowed with various seasonal events and fresh foods in addition to its calm weather. The average temperatures in autumn range from 12°C (53.6°F) to 25°C (77°F).

September’s average temperatures: 22-25°C (71.6-77°F)

October’s average temperatures: 16-20°C (60.8-68°F)

November’s average temperatures: 12-15°C (53.6-59°F)

Travelers need to know it is warmer in southern areas such as Okinawa and Kyushu Region; on the other hand, it is colder in northern parts including Hokkaido and Tohoku Region than urban cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

More info: What to Wear in Japan during Autumn: September, October and November

1. Autumn Leaves

Japanese autumn is all about autumn leaves, especially during the period from October to November (or in September in Hokkaido). It’s the most beautiful time of the year when the whole country is covered by colourful red, yellow and orange foliage.

From nature spots in countrysides and national parks to cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo, there are numbers of amazing spots for autumn leaves viewing in Japan. Check the link below for the best autumn leaves spots in Japan and the best time to enjoy them!

Japan Autumn Leaves info:
▶ Autumn Leaves Forecast in Japan
▶ 10 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
▶ 10 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Tokyo
▶ 10 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Kyoto

Moreover, autumn leaves events are held at many spots across Japan. Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is Tokyo’s most popular autumn leaves event, featuring the beautiful ginkgo trees spans 300m at the Ginkgo Avenue. At the foot of Mt Fuji, Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held annually, with the magnificent scenery of Mt Fuji and red leaves of maple trees. Several light-up events are held at temples in Kyoto during autumn leave season, too. Find more autumn leaves festivals in Japan from the following link!

▶ Autumn Leaves Events in Japan

2. Mountains

Autumn is the best season for outdoor activities since the weather is pretty moderate and the temperature stays comfortable. Mountain hike is one of the most popular outdoor activities during autumn since the gorgeous autumn colours are displayed in nature earlier than cities. Japan has numbers of amazing mountainous areas for hiking including Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido, Japan Alps in central Japan. There are several spots where you can easily access from Tokyo such as Mt Takao, Mt Oyama and Hakone.

3. Halloween

Halloween is becoming a bigger thing in Japan year by year, and there are numbers of Halloween events held across the country during the season including Universal Studios Japan Halloween, Disney Halloween, Sanrio Puroland and photo-worthy Halloween themed food. Starbucks Japan also releases the Halloween theme merchandise and limited flavour frappuccino during the season. How and where would you like to spend your Halloween in Japan?

Halloween in Tokyo: Best Spots to Spend Halloween in Tokyo

4. Japanese Gardens

When it comes to autumn leaves, traditional Japanese gardens are one of the best places to enjoy colourful autumn tints. The stunning collaboration of the autumn colours and Japanese Zen gardens can be only enjoy during this season. Moreover, at many gardens, light-up events will be held and they will be open till late for this special season.

Best Gardens in Tokyo ▶ 7 Most Gorgeous Japanese Gardens in Tokyo
3 Greatest Gardens in Japan ▶ 3 Best Traditional Gardens in Japan

5. National Parks

Besides mountains, national parks are also an amazing option for nature lovers. Japan boasts 34 national parks from the northernmost Hokkaido to islands of Okinawa, with each one with different characters. Some national parks in Japan are particularly known for displaying astonishing autumn colours, such as Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, Towada-Hachimantai National Park spreading across Aomori, Akita and Iwate prefectures, Nikko National Park in Tochigi and Showa Memorial Park in Tokyo. Check the best national parks to visit in Japan from the following link!

▶ Best National Parks in Japan

6. Kochia Carnival

Kochia (bassia scoparia) is a different type of autumn leaves which bloom on the ground. The bushes of Kochia are planted on Miharashi Hill at Hitachi Seaside Park, covering the tremendous field of 350 ha in vivid red colour. Kochia Carnival is one of the most popular seasonal events in Japan in autumn.

More info: Kochia Carnival at Hitachi Seaside Park Autumn

7. Sumo Grand Tournament

Watching Sumo matches could be one of the most special and extraordinary experiences you can have in Japan. Sumo grand tournament is held 6 times a year across the country (every odd month). During autumn, the Tokyo Basho is held in September at Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium and the Fukuoka Basho is held in November at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, both for 14 days.

▶️Book your seat for Sumo Grand Tournament in Fukuoka !

More info: How to Watch Sumo in Japan

8. Join Events

There are several events and festivals held in Japan in autumn, including music festivals, food events and traditional Japanese festivals. Some of must-visit events are Hokkaido Food Festival, ULTRA Japan, Tokyo Game Show, Takayama Autumn Festival and Jidai Matsuri. With the mild and comfortable climate, autumn is a great season to enjoy events, especially outdoors.

More info: Best Autumn Festivals in Japan

9. Autumn Delights

Autumn is the new harvest season in Japan and it’s the best time of the year to enjoy many kinds of seasonal food. There is even a phrase “Autumn Appetite” to describe autumn as the best season for eating in Japan. It’s simply the great time to visit Japan for foodies 🙂 Must-have autumn foods are Matsutake Mushroom, Sanma Fish(Pacific Saury), Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Kyoho Grapes, Chestnuts, Kaki (Japanese persimmon), etc.

Also, there are several food events held during autumn including Hokkaido Food Festival, Tokyo Ramen Festa, and Oktoberfest. Food events typically features a large number of food stalls, offering local delicacies or signature dishes from shops from all over Japan. Don’t miss a chance to taste various delicious food all in one place! Many food events are held from September to November.

Moreover, many hotels in Japan serve luxury afternoon teas and all-you-can-eat dessert buffets with delicious, high-quality and photo-worthy desserts using with autumn ingredients 🙂

Related articles
▶ Best Japanese Food to Try in Autumn
▶ Best Food Events in Tokyo

Don’t know what to eat or where? Book one of byFood’s unique experiences and discover the taste of autumn in Japan!

▶ Reserve now a Experience Autumn byFood

10. Enjoy Early Winter Illuminations

Winter Illuminations are top attraction during winter in Japan, and many of them actually kick off in November. Illumination events tend to get crowded more in December and on forward, so it’s recommended to visit there before the high season starts. Also you can enjoy the outdoor illuminations in a comfortable environment in autumn as the temperature is still mild even at night.

Winter Illumination info:
▶Best Winter Illuminations in Japan : Japan Illumination Map
▶Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide 

▽Here are lists of autumn tourist attractions in popular cities!▽

▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Autumn

▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Kyoto in Autumn

▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in Autumn

▽Check out this Japan Bucket List of 30 Best Things to Do throughout the year!▽

Have you enjoyed the list?? If you are looking for travel info for different seasons in Japan, please check out listed articles, below!

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