Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
10 THINGS TO DO DURING AUTUMN SEASON IN TOKYO, JAPAN
Japan transforms into a stunning display of warm colors from September to November, offering a unique blend of crisp air and vibrant foliage during the autumn season. This time of year is perfect for families with many attractions and activities.
Families can explore the historic Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, beautifully surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. Kids will enjoy interacting with the friendly deer in Nara Park, where they can learn about the area’s rich history while feeding these gentle creatures. A hike up Wakakusa Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views that will impress visitors of all ages, making it a perfect family outing. For a hands-on experience, families can pick fresh persimmons in Fukushima, introducing children to agriculture while creating lasting memories together. Tokyo Disneyland also transforms into a magical destination during autumn, adorned with festive decorations and Halloween events that delight visitors of all ages.
When planning your trip, don’t forget your travel essentials! Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the scenic landscapes and historic sites. Layered clothing will help you adapt to the varying autumn temperatures, ensuring everyone stays comfy throughout the day. With these essentials in hand, your family adventure in Japan’s stunning autumn scenery will be both enjoyable and memorable.
Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
Here are the top picks for the autumn season in Japan.
1. Autumn Color Viewing
The leaves in Japan change into different shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown. Many people visit Japan just to view the spectacular colors of the country during the autumn season. By November, the whole country is covered with autumn’s gorgeous and warm colors.
2. Winter Illuminations
If you are still in Japan by November, you can enjoy the first illuminations that light up the night. There are many attractions, including streets, parks, theme parks, resorts, and even rice paddies in Wajima City on the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture. Make sure to enjoy the night lights during your stay.
Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
3. Visiting the Japanese Gardens
The Japanese gave great thought when they made their gardens. Every element found represents a deeper meaning. Visiting these gardens with a cool and graceful ambiance will do you great. Some of these gardens are in the Showa Memorial Park, Rikugien, Ninomaru Garden, and the Imperial Palace’s East Garden.
4. The Sumo Grand Tournament
Sumo is Japan’s national sport. It is famous for its simple rules and traditional execution. The tournament occurs every odd month of the year: three times in Tokyo and one time each for Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. If you are in Japan during autumn, you can enjoy watching a tournament in Tokyo (September) or Fukuoka (November).
Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
5. Kochia Carnival
The Kochia Carnival is a favorite autumn event in Japan. It is held on Mirahashi Hill at the Hitachi Seaside Park. Kochia is red in autumn and grows as bushes. The picturesque autumn scenery can be enjoyed from mid-September to mid-October.
6. Japanese Festivals
Throughout autumn, some festivals take place in different places just to celebrate the season. One of the best autumn festivals can be found in the avenue of Meiji Jingu Gaien, where two lanes of ginkgo trees are lined up over 300 meters. Walking under those yellow trees with the sun high up in the sky or even at the illuminated night will make you feel like you are walking between golden-leaved trees. The festival occurs yearly in the middle of November and up to early December.
Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
7. Food Events
It is harvest season, and you will discover different food festivals and beer festivals around the country. Some of the well-known culinary events of the country during autumn are the Tokyo Wagyu Show, Yebisu Beer Matsuri, TV Osaka Yatai Fes, Hokkaido Food Festival, and the Tokyo Ramen Show. You can choose which food festival will best fill you up depending on your food preference.
8. Halloween
Due to Western influence and increasing popularity, Halloween can now be experienced in Japan. You can easily pick which area you can visit from Halloween-themed designs, costumes, food, and parties. You can celebrate it in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Universal Studios in Japan, Tokyo Disney Resorts, and even the famous Tokyo Tower.
Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
9. Japanese Food
Since autumn is a season for harvest, there are many foods you can try and enjoy during your autumn visit to Japan. You should try their chestnuts, Matsutake mushrooms, Kaki (Japanese persimmons), Yakiimo (Sweet Potato), grilled Sanma (Pacific saury), Oden, Kabocha Korokke (pumpkin croquette), ginkgo nuts, and don’t forget to try their sake.
Autumn in Japan ( Tokyo )
10. Autumn Hiking
Going out for a hike is one of the best activities during the season. If you are in Tokyo, check out the places you can hike, such as Mount Mitake, Mount Takao, Mount Oyama, and Hakone. The prefectures of Nagano and Hokkaido also offer great mountains where you can go hiking. And if you are just in time for the start of the season, you can hike Mount Fuji. Early July until mid-September is the official climbing season of the high mountain.
If you plan to visit Japan during the autumn season, why not try all the events mentioned above the country offers? Make sure to wear layered clothing to celebrate the season and have fun.
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Was in Tokyo a couple years ago and witnessed the Sumo Tournament. It was so much fun! If you make it back, check out Safari Park about an hour train ride from Tokyo!
Everything looks so amazing! Colors are so energizing. Thanks for sharing.
Tokyo is such a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ Interested in doing collabs? xx
So much fun! And that food, oh my gosh, that food!
The best travel guide in going to Japan during autumn. There are plenty of activities and places to visit to. Thank you for this travel info.
this is an incredible time of the year to visit this incredible country! everything about Japan is just so beautiful!
The Kochia Carnival looks out of the world! How unusual and stunning!
Hi there
Thank you for sharing all your tips Japan is on my bucket list I will get there one day.
We hit the Sumo tournament when we visited Tokyo 4 years ago. Incredible experience. Would love to make it back someday!
I’d be there for the food and the hiking! The Japanese landscape looks lovely even in Autumn.
Great Information and amazing photographs… falllen in love with the place
This list was very informative and I’ll make sure to bookmark in case I find myself in Tokyo during Autumn! Food and costumes would be my top picks of things to do!