If you love the beauty of autumn’s colourful leaves, then a Japan autumn tour is a must on your bucket list.

Japan in autumn is an unbelievable scene. While we’re used to thinking of Japan’s natural beauty in terms of the cherry blossom season, autumn is an underrated marvel! Japan is host to plenty of deciduous maple forests, which blanket the landscape in a riot of colour.

This article will guide you through a breakdown of our Japan autumn itinerary, covering stunning gardens, Japanese culture, and natural beauty beyond comparison.

Why Visit Japan in Autumn?

So, why does autumn in Japan stand out among the four seasons?

The answer lies in the Japanese philosophy of mono no aware, which refers to the beauty of impermanence. Autumn, with its transient beauty, perfectly encapsulates this philosophy.

The weather during this season is another plus. The oppressive heat of the summer gives way to mild and comfortable temperatures – perfect for exploring the outdoors. Unlike the peak spring and summer tourist seasons, autumn sees fewer tourists, allowing you to experience the country’s beauty without battling the crowds.

Autumn foliage in Japan is said to be some of the best in the world, so you will certainly not be disappointed! And, if you’re lucky, you can try the delicacy of momiji tempura, or tempura-fried maple leaves, available only during the autumn months.With that said, let’s take a quick look at our Japan in autumn itinerary, and the highlights you can expect to enjoy!

Tokyo

The vibrant city of Tokyo, known for its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, also holds a more serene secret: its exquisite gardens and floral displays that come alive during autumn.

The Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Festival is a must-visit event for any traveller. Held annually between late October and mid-November, it is a grand spectacle of Japan’s national flower: the Chrysanthemum. 

The festival showcases over 2000 plants, each lovingly nurtured by the gardeners to reach their full potential in a vibrant display that is a feast for the eyes. Visitors can marvel at the sheer variety of chrysanthemums, from spidery kudamono to broad ichimonji (represented on Japan’s national crest.) A highlight is the ozukuri displays, which feature a mountain of carefully arranged flowers growing from a single stem.

The Rikugien Garden is one of Tokyo’s best spots to see autumn foliage. Built around 1700, the garden features 88 scenes from poems on a miniature scale. The best spots to capture the full majesty of the red, orange and yellow maples are from the Tsutsuji no Chaya teahouse, around the Togetsukyo Bridge and from the Fujishirotoge viewpoint.

Nikko

Leaving the major cities, the town of Nikko, nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. During our Japan in Autumn Tour, we will visit the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum and Toshogu Shrine.

Founded in 1925, The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is a centre that pays tribute to the intricate art of bonsai. This tranquil area is a hub for bonsai enthusiasts, with its quaint gardens housing countless bonsai trees aged between 25 and over 1000 years old. 

The bonsai artists in the village shape and nurture these miniature trees, embodying the Japanese philosophy of patience and harmony with nature. We will learn about how bonsai is grown and sculpted and what features make for a beautiful bonsai.

Our second destination is the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This opulent shrine is a testament to Japan’s rich history and religious beliefs. The shrine, dedicated to the powerful Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is intricately carved and adorned with gold leaf. 

The grounds host giant cryptomerias over 1000 years old, the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge, and giant bronze and stone lanterns. Maples are dotted between the lush greenery, and the mist shrouding the area gives them an otherworldly appeal.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is often referred to as the hidden gem of Japan’s west coast. The city’s crown jewel is the Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. This garden is a particular favourite of our founder, Graham Ross.

The majestic Kenroku-en Garden is a masterpiece of horticultural and landscape design. It encapsulates the six classical Chinese attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways, and panoramas. These attributes form contrasting pairs, which makes achieving a balance exceedingly difficult. However, at Kenroku-en, different areas provide space for each of these attributes to be achieved.

Walking along the garden’s winding paths, the kaleidoscope of colourful leaves will leave you in awe. Cherry and maple trees exhibit an impressive palette of colours, and the garden’s expansive pond reflects this fiery spectacle, doubling the visual delight.

Awazu

Tucked away in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture, the charming village of Shirakawa-go beckons with its unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a testament to Japan’s enduring architectural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the scenic Awazu region, has a timeless appeal that is enchanting during autumn.

Visiting Shirakawa-go in autumn intensifies the charm of the village. The changing foliage paints a breathtaking backdrop, contrasting beautifully with the thatched roofs. In the soft light of the setting sun, the village transforms into a stunning tableau, an unforgettable image to carry back home.

Kyoto

Visiting Kyoto during autumn is akin to stepping into a living, breathing painting. The beautiful autumn foliage provides stunning views that enhance the already impressive architectural treasures of the city. Among these historical gems are the Nijo Castle, Ginkakuji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and the Ryoanji Temple. Experience it all with our autumn tours of Japan, designed to immerse you in the vibrant beauty of the season.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, with its expansive gardens and intricate interiors, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Japan’s feudal past. The castle’s Ninomaru Garden is particularly impressive, with its beautifully sculpted ancient pine trees and ponds. As you traverse the ‘nightingale floors’ – designed to chirp like birds when walked on as a security measure against intruders – you’ll be transported back to the time of shoguns and samurais.

Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji Temples

The Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji Temples, called the Silver and Golden Pavilions respectively, are remarkable examples of Japan’s temple architecture.

Ginkakuji is a study in understated elegance. It is host to a beautiful dry sand garden,  meticulously maintained and kept in the same layout it would have had in the 15th century. The moss-filled gardens and the trees’ natural shape allow you to feel as though the garden simply exists, untouched. It is a masterful balance of natural flow with meticulous care.

Kinkakuji, on the other hand, is a grand affair. With its top two floors covered in gold leaf, it glitters and gleams among the warm autumn foliage. The traditional Japanese ‘strolling’ garden leads you on a journey around the lakes, islands, falls and small shrines on the grounds. Great care has been taken to allow the design of the garden to blend and flow into the surrounding landscape for stunning views.

Ryoanji Temple

The Ryoanji Temple is renowned for its rock garden, considered the most famous kare-sansui, or Zen garden, anywhere in the world. Using a raked plane of small white pebbles, 15 carefully arranged rocks, and a small amount of moss, the garden evokes an image that has captured viewers’ attention for over six centuries.

Nagoya

At the heart of Nagoya lies its crown jewel – Nagoya Castle. The castle’s white walls and green roofs, accented with golden shachi (mythical creatures), stand tall against the autumn sky, providing a grand sight. The Ninomaru Garden is no less exciting during autumn, with Japanese quince and crape myrtle in bloom among the falling leaves. The Chrysanthemum Festival is held on the grounds at this time, featuring chrysanthemum bonsai and dolls dressed in chrysanthemum clothing.

Nabana No Sato, a botanical garden within the Nagashima Resort, offers a different kind of spectacle. Known for its dazzling light displays, the garden takes on a magical glow during autumn evenings. The garden is divided into sections, each designed to offer a unique visual experience. 

The Begonia Garden is a must-visit, boasting over 12,000 begonias in full bloom. However, the star attraction during autumn is the famous Tunnel of Light. Walking through this tunnel, enveloped by thousands of twinkling lights, is an otherworldly experience.
Want to experience the world’s leading garden tour company? Ross Tours can take you on the Japan Cherry Blossom Tour, Chelsea Flower Show Tour, Norfolk Island Tour, and more.

Japan in Autumn Tour – Ross Garden Tours

So, now you’ve got a better idea of why an autumn itinerary is one of the best ways to explore Japan’s beautiful culture and nature. Now, it’s time to choose how you’ll take the trip of a lifetime.

At Ross Garden Tours, we’ve been offering guided garden tours for over 40 years, making us Australia’s most experienced and trusted garden tour company. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides are committed to exploring culture and horticulture in-depth, allowing you to learn and enjoy simultaneously.

We offer all-inclusive tour packages, including accommodation, travel, sightseeing, entrance fees, meals as specified, porterage and tipping. This allows you to take in the beauty of Japan while we take care of all the details for you.

Our itineraries are curated to balance must-see tourist spots with lesser-known garden and horticulture destinations. We stay in hotels specially chosen for their affordable but luxurious amenities and proximity to shopping and dining for free periods. At Ross Garden Tours, we love showing travellers the beauty of Japan in the autumn months, and we hope you’ll join us on our next Japan in Autumn tour. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your bookings, contact us at 1300 233 200 to speak with our tour consultants.