Autumn Foliage Season

A shrine in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate. Constructed in 1617, it exemplifies elaborate Japanese architectural design. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it features famous structures including a five-story pagoda, the ornate Yomeimon Gate, and the sleeping cat carving.

Spectacular autumn foliage viewable around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi. The significant elevation differences result in a prolonged color change lasting approximately one month. Famous viewing locations include Senjogahara and Ryuzu Falls. Attracts millions of visitors during October and November peak season.

Autumn foliage viewing spots throughout Kyoto including Nanzen-ji, Eikando, Kiyomizu-dera, and Arashiyama. Peak viewing season runs from late October through November with illumination events. The sight of maple leaves turning crimson in temple gardens symbolizes Japanese seasonal culture. Over 4 million visitors experience autumn Kyoto annually.

Lighting-up events held throughout Japan from November to January. Street trees, buildings, gardens, and various locations are decorated with electric lights. Winter illuminations in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are particularly famous. Attracting tens of millions of visitors annually, it is a seasonal symbol of winter. It draws numerous tourists during Christmas season and New Year holidays.

A cherished autumn tradition (September-November) celebrating colorful tree foliage throughout Japan. Viewing maples, ginkgos, and other trees represents autumn's aesthetic equivalent to spring cherry blossoms. Famous locations include Nara Park, Kyoto's Arashiyama, and Lake Chuzenji near Nikko. With approximately 1,000 celebrated spots nationwide and tens of millions of annual visitors, autumn foliage viewing epitomizes Japan's seasonal beauty and cultural refinement.

Irohazaka's autumn drive, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Senjogahara offer Kanto's finest foliage. World Heritage shrines amid autumn colors condense Japan's autumn beauty.

Autumn foliage along the 14km Oirase stream from Lake Towada is among Japan's finest. The natural beauty of mossy rocks, clear water, and colored trees is called 'Tohoku's jewel.'