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9 Top places for fall foliage Japan 2024

9 Top Places for Fall Foliage in Japan 2024: A Guide to the Rare Leafy Beauty

Japan in the fall could be compared to an explosion of a colourful kaleidoscope. Colors ranging from red, orange and yellow are so amazing that even the most indifferent traveler would be captivated by them. Certainly, everyone has heard about the sights of Nara and Kyoto, but what if you would like to take a break from the noisy tourists and see the autumn leaves in some place else? No worries, I have a few of such places up my sleeves and you are bound to turn into the best autumn-leaf- collector that you can ever imagine.

1. Tottori Sand Dunes – Because Even Sand Looks Good in Fall

Who would have thought that the worst place to see the foliage would be a barren land, for that is where one would expect the last remnants of fall colors? You’re dead wrong. Tottori Sand Dunes transforms ‘fall foliage’ into something unrecognizable. Picture this: the bright orange and red of fall trees looks as if it tried to get a grip on the sharp rise of a golden tumulus. It is as if the forces of Mother Nature were unable to decide if they should frame a picture of the tummy of the warm sandy beach or a picture of a tall-tree forest and thus concluded, “Eh, let’s do both.” After walking the dunes (or pretending to be an action hero as you sprint through the sands) you are treated to great views of the more than stunning coastline and a foliage that seems to belong to two different countries. Pro tip: bring along a sledge. Sand and fall leaves combined and posing on Instagram, it’s a billion dollar quote picture.

2. Shodoshima Island-Kimono-clad Tourist Whirling in Scenes of Olive Trees and Maple Leaves

You also probably never thought olives would be found in that setting. Shodoshima Island, which is located in the Seto Inland Sea, is a Japanese version of a Mediterranean dreamland. It is famous for its olive reserves, as well as the shores of the island adorned with red and yellow maple trees, which offset the silvery green olive trees very well. It’s like Japan merged with Greece because they produced foliage. While you walk around the island, you might be wondering to yourself, “What are olives doing in Japan while there, and am I here for the olives or the leaves?” The answer is both. You can even get a scoop of soft-serve ice cream almond-flavored with olive oil. Yes, that’s a thing. And yes, it is good.

3. Mount Mitake – A Thrill to the Vista for Autumn Leaves with Bear Repellent (How Nice)

Would you like to fuse chasing autumn leaves and adventure? Mount Mitake, which is only an hour or two away from Tokyo, provides an exhilarating hike that is both gorgeous and ‘let’s not get carried away in example extremes.’ The mountain has a lot more than just red and orange leaves, gorgeous history and adventure because if you are favorable for wild animals, you can spot a bear. But do not worry – you can find decorative bear bells in the local gift shops as souvenirs for all those mischievous beasts. When visiting the mountain, there is always the option of going for a hike as well as play make-believe that one is an explorer for a day and look at the fall colors. Just bear in mind: if you hear any suspicious sound, beat it and start ringing the bell.

4. Kamikochi – “Hold On, Is This Place Really Japan?”

Let me blow your mind by stating that there is also an altered definition of the Swiss Alps in Japan. Located in the Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is a place where autumn colors amidst snow capped mountains are reflected in clear waters of the rivers. To put it differently, the village is so beautiful that you are bound to start wondering why you ever left your hard SLR camera back home. A warm jacket. Or you won’t need it to enjoy this autumn landscape, just your best expression ‘I cannot believe this is real’.

5. Kurobe Gorge – Train Rides and Leaves? Signed Me Up!

Would you love to appreciate fall colors without moving around? Say hello to Kurobe Gorge, from where you can picture autumn foliage while sitting in a cool train. Yes, you read that correctly: sit back, and leave aside the logistics of getting to see some of the best fall colors Japan has to offer. High cliffs and the fiery foliage of orange, red, and yellow woodlands which dominate a narrow gorge will make you believe that you have entered a surreal leaf paradise. Just don't doze off because you don't want to be the person who misses out all the fun and wakes up only quando it is over.

6. Gokayama – The Thatched Roofs and Nothing But Fall

Fall, they say, is oftentimes a mellow season. The frosty mornings, the contrasting colored leaves of the trees and biting loss of sunlight, especially if you work everyday in an office, all these factors combined make one dream of escaping one’s periphery as frequently as they can. That is when Gokayama comes in as your next query. If you would like to add some rustic elements in your leaf peeping, head to Gokayama, which is home to the Gondola style villages. Out of the fairy tale and into the bright fall foliage, these words will describe what nig itself becomes like. And to be honest, if one does not say to oneself, “Oh, how wonderful it would be to be inside such a beautiful house on the edge of fall sipping hot tea and writing down my memories, poems of childhood, and what-nots”, well you need to check your soul for autumn spirit since some are lacking. Bonus: this place being less visited by other tourists means you can practice your zen without being disturbed.

7. Minoo Park – Where it is All Blazing in Autumn but Deep-Fried in Metallic Foliage Also Rocks

Yes, you can enjoy the fall’s clement residential zoning conditions in Minoo Park, which is a suburb of Osaka, but the best part? Fried. Maple. Leaves. In Japan, they discovered a new way of consuming autumn: by depht frying the leaves you were actually there to look at. Hike the picturesque trails of the park and appreciate the cascade decked with red and yellow leaves and then munch on some edible leaves because consider yourself a foliage gourmet. It is a lovely place to relish the bounties of mother nature and savor the pleasure of having some food at the same time. After all why only stare at the trees when you can have fancy salads instead?

8. Aogashima Island – For Fall Colors and a Volcano That’s Alive, a Little Show From The Active Volcano is In Order

Seriously I want you to sit down and listen to me. Aogashima Island is literally a very large volcano, but don’t let that put you off! The island is perhaps one of the places that provides some of the most interesting and quite a lofty view of autumn so much and yes, not many people would care to go on a trip close to an active volcano. But those who have the guts to come here will be delighted with absolutely gorgeous yellow leaves of the trees that also flourish on the volcanic rocky slopes.

On top of that, the island is such that even her foliage (and the excitement of ‘what if?’) would be yours alone.

9. Uzen, Japan - The Hell Valley You’ll Actually Want to Visit

Looking at it, one would expect that a place with such a screeching name – Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture is a hot spring resort area with ‘Hell Valley’ – an area with abundant hot bubbling sulphuric springs – But wait! One step outside and you feel as if you are transported to this surreal environment, filled with the colors and fragrances of autumn. The scenery: you are temple hopping around steaming hot spring valleys, and instead of what you would expect to find in an oppressive economic depression-era sci-fi film, there are golden brown tree surroundings. This in nature would be equivalent to saying, “Okay, fine! It’s hell! But it’s the loveliest hell you have ever witnessed all your life.” Head to cap off the tour by taking solace in an onsen spa and allow all worries and fatigue to evaporate into the air.

There you have it: a list of the most unusual autumn leaf viewing places in Japan in 2024. Forget about the regular tourist destinations particularly the best-known ones — these relatively new ones are designed for visitors who wish to enjoy the splendour of Japan’s fall season differently. Just make sure you bring a camera with you, comfortable shoes, and a huge appetite for deep-fried leaves (yes it’s a thing now because why wouldn’t it be).

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Image: Japan’s automn framed