Best National Parks for Autumn Leaves Viewing
Must-Visit National Parks in Japan for Fall Colors
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Autumn in Japan is a visual feast, and nowhere is that more evident than in the country’s stunning national parks. As the temperature drops, forests across Japan explode into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, attracting both locals and travelers eager to witness this seasonal transformation. Unlike urban spots, national parks offer a front-row seat to nature’s spectacular show, often paired with scenic mountain trails, serene lakes, and natural hot springs.
Regardless of seeking a peaceful retreat or an invigorating hike, Japan’s parks provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn experience. This time of year not only highlights the beauty of the changing leaves but also allows visitors to appreciate Japan’s diverse landscapes, ranging from volcanic highlands to tranquil coastal views. Autumn is, without a doubt, one of the most magical times to explore the parks, making it hard to choose just one destination to enjoy the foliage.
See also: Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast
1. Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) has one of the most stunning autumn experiences in Japan. The park, which spans Aomori and Akita prefectures, is famous for its expansive forests, picturesque lakes, and volcanic landscapes. One of the highlights during autumn is the area around Lake Towada (十和田湖), where the vibrant foliage reflects off the water, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
The Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流), with its waterfalls surrounded by fiery red and golden leaves, is another must-see during the season. For hikers, Mount Hachimantai (八幡平) provides trails with panoramic views of the autumn-colored mountains and valleys. The mix of wetlands, forests, and volcanic terrain makes this park a prime destination for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature.
2. Setonaikai National Park
Setonaikai National Park (瀬戸内海国立公園), spanning several prefectures and covering the vast Seto Inland Sea, is remarkable for its mix of gorgeous coastal scenery with colorful autumn foliage; so while the park is mainly known for its picturesque islands and peaceful waters, autumn brings a surprising splash of color to its hills and mountains. The park’s many hiking trails offer viewpoints where visitors can see the contrast of autumn leaves against the sparkling blue sea.
For instance, the cooler weather makes Autumn a great season to take on the cycling route of the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道). Miyajima (宮島), home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, is also one of the top spots to visit in the fall, with maple trees light up the island’s forests in fiery hues that enhance the already breathtaking views of the sea and the iconic torii gate.
3. Oze National Park
Oze National Park (尾瀬国立公園) is a hidden gem for autumn leaf viewing. Known for its wetlands and alpine meadows, Oze transforms into a sea of striking colors in autumn, with the golden grasses complementing the fiery red leaves of the surrounding forests.
And within its confines, Mt. Tashiro (田代山) is a popular hiking spot that is particularly stunning in late September to early October, when its trails offer sweeping views of the changing foliage against the backdrop of the park’s iconic marshlands, with the crisp Autumn air. And a small perk for botanical enthusiasts: this season is a good chance to spot the rare Komakusa (Dicentra peregrina), a delicate wildflower that grows in the area.
4. Joshinetsu Kogen National Park
Joshinetsu Kogen National Park (上信越高原国立公園) is a prime destination for autumn foliage, particularly Shiga Kogen (志賀高原), a highland area which is famous for its ski resorts in winter, becomes a spectacular display of colors during the fall season. The expansive plateau, dotted with lakes and ponds, reflects the vivid reds, oranges, and yellows of the surrounding trees, creating stunning mirror-like images.
Its many hiking trails, including the popular Shibu Pass route, offer panoramic views of the colorful landscape below, and the area is also home to several natural hot springs where you can relax after a day of leaf viewing. Joshinetsu’s refreshing atmosphere is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Japan’s natural beauty during this vibrant season.
5. Daisetsuzan National Park
Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園), located in the heart of Hokkaido, is Japan’s largest national park and one of the first places in the country to witness the changing autumn colors each year. Known for its rugged mountains and vast wilderness, the early autumn foliage experience usually starts in mid-September.
As you ascend the park’s volcanic peaks, like Mt. Asahidake (旭岳), the highest in Hokkaido, you’ll encounter vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange sweeping across the alpine landscape. Daisetsuzan is also home to numerous hiking trails that weave through forests, wetlands, and volcanic terrain, providing a variety of scenic viewpoints. The park’s untouched nature and vast size make it ideal for those seeking a more remote and tranquil autumn adventure.
6. Bandai Asahi National Park
Bandai Asahi National Park (磐梯朝日国立公園) is a vast and diverse park that stretches across multiple prefectures, including Fukushima, Yamagata, and Niigata. It’s home to Mt. Bandai (磐梯山), an active volcano that becomes the centerpiece of a spectacular autumn landscape. The park’s forests come alive with rich hues of red and gold, particularly in the areas surrounding Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖) and the Urabandai region (裏磐梯), both of which offer stunning reflections of the foliage on their clear waters.
The park is a paradise for hikers, with numerous trails leading through forests, past lakes, and up to mountain viewpoints that showcase the vibrant autumn colors. If you’re eager to experience a diverse range of landscapes, you’ll definitely love the contrast between the volcanic terrain and the peaceful, colorful woodlands.
7. Chubusangaku National Park
Chubusangaku National Park (中部山岳国立公園), often referred to as the “Northern Japanese Alps,” is a spectacular destination for autumn leaf viewing. Located across Nagano, Toyama, and Gifu prefectures, the park features dramatic alpine landscapes, including towering peaks like Mt. Hotaka (穂高岳) and Mt. Tateyama (立山). During autumn, the mountainsides burst into vibrant hues, with golden larches and fiery maples lining the trails.
The Kamikochi (上高地) area is particularly popular in the fall, offering stunning views of the Azusa River (梓川) reflecting the surrounding colors. Chubusangaku is perfect for those seeking an active leaf-viewing experience, as the park offers numerous hiking routes, from gentle walks through valleys to challenging ascents up the jagged peaks. The combination of crisp autumn air, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant foliage makes Chubusangaku a bucket-list destination for any nature enthusiast during Japan’s autumn season.
8. Aso-Kuju National Park
Aso-Kuju National Park (阿蘇くじゅう国立公園), located in the Kyushu region, is home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas and an impressive display of autumn foliage. The park’s main attractions are Mt. Aso (阿蘇山), an active volcano, and the Kuju Mountain Range (くじゅう連山), both of which become a festival of golden hues during the autumn months.
The rolling grasslands and volcanic landscapes are transformed by yellow and red leaves, offering a unique contrast to the park’s rugged terrain. The Kuju Highlands (くじゅう高原) are particularly famous for their autumn beauty, with wide vistas that allow visitors to take in the expansive views of the surrounding mountains. Thanks to its volcanic activity, Aso-Kuju is also one of the best spots for natural hot springs, make sure to stop by to unwind after a hiking day!
9. Minami Alps National Park
Minami Alps National Park (南アルプス国立公園), located across Yamanashi, Naga no, and Shizuoka prefectures, is a prized haven for both mountain enthusiasts and autumn leaf seekers. Known for its rugged terrain and towering peaks, including Mt. Kita (北岳), Japan’s second-highest mountain, the park’s stunning views of autumn foliage against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps is a sight to behold.
The high elevation means the autumn colors start early, typically peaking in late September to early October. The park’s deep valleys, clear streams, and dense forests are transformed into a vivid stream of reds, oranges, and yellows, especially around the Nishizawa Gorge (西沢渓谷) and Narada Falls (奈良田の滝). Although a bit more of a challenge, Minami Alps is less crowded compared to other parks, so it can be tremendously rewarding to enjoy these breathtaking autumn views in peace.
10. Yoshino-Kumano National Park
Yoshino-Kumano National Park (吉野熊野国立公園), located in the Kii Peninsula, is famous for its ancient pilgrimage routes and sacred mountains, but it also offers some of Japan’s most beautiful autumn landscapes. The Yoshino area (吉野山) is particularly famous for its autumn leaves, with the slopes of Mt. Yoshino (吉野山) covered in a dense forest that turns into a stunning palette of red, gold, and orange during the season.
The Kumano region (熊野), known for its mystical shrines and lush forests, also comes alive with color in the fall, offering a peaceful yet awe-inspiring environment for leaf viewing. Hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails (熊野古道) in autumn adds an extra layer of beauty and spirituality to the experience.
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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