With Japan’s famous yellow and red autumn leaves not expected to peak until November and December, koyo (‘colourful leaves’) lovers this year have been blessed with more time to book that last-minute escape from the concrete jungle to Japan’s colourful mountainsides.
Unusually high temperatures across Japan this summer have seen meteorologists at the Osaka-based Japan Meteorological Corp.[1] push back the expected arrival of the autumn foliage season to later than usual across almost all regions, from Kyoto in the west to Hokkaido in the north.
Join us as Agoda highlights some of the best destinations to get back in touch with nature and experience the changing seasons in their full, technicolour glory.
Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido)
The perfect option if you want to avoid the crowds, Daisetsuzan (“big snowy mountains”) is the largest national park in Japan and one of the first places to experience koyo autumn leaves across its rugged terrain that is seldom frequented by tourists. Five kilometres from the park is the quirky spa and resort La Vista Daisetsuzan hotel, complete with rustic lodge architecture, spacious rooms and within easy reach of lakes, mountains, hot springs and a leisurely cable car ride from which to enjoy the fall foliage.
Mount Nasu (Tochigi / Fukushima)
Mount Nasu comprises a group of five volcanoes on the border of Tochigi and Fukushima prefectures. If travelling to Japan in the early fall, this mountainous region is one of the best places to spy nascent fall colours. Take a cable car up the mountain, after which it’s only an hour-long hike to the peak. For the perfect respite after a long day of hiking, relax at the nearby Hotel Mori no Kaze Nasu which offers garden views to enjoy the autumn colours and outdoor onsen hot spring for soaking up the starry night sky.
Oze National Park (Katashina)
Located north of Tokyo and 70km west of Nikko, the hiking trails that wind through this park make it a prime location for leisurely koyo viewing. Its terrain is varied, ranging from mountains to grassland and marshes. The nearby Oze Iwakura Resort Hotel is a great base from which to explore Oze’s unique kusamomiji autumn grass colours. As you hike its trails, you will find yourself traversing raised wooden walkways amid a sea of golden red swaying leaves.
Lake Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi)
Viewing Japan’s fall leaves in the shadows of the famed Mount Fuji is a spectacular sight. Book yourself in to one of the beautifully designed rooms at the Mizno Hotel for a balance of modern luxury and nature’s charm on your doorstep. From there, you can rent a boat to tour Lake Kawaguchiko and enjoy the beautiful reflection of surrounding mountains and trees on the surface of the lake. From November 1st to 23rd, the nearby Maple Corridor area will be illuminated with LED lights at night, making for an incredible photo spot once the sun has set.
Arashiyama (Kyoto)
If you’re heading further west to Kyoto, why not try something different by staying in a luxury capsule hotel? First Cabin Kyoto Arashiyama offers business and economy class capsule rooms in a stunning modern building. Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers views of forested mountains blanketed by a patchwork of multicoloured trees. Take in the sights when touring the historic temples the district has to offer, or enjoy them from a romantic ride in the Sagano Scenic train.
For more accommodation options visit Agoda.com or download the mobile app.
