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Autumn in Japan feels like pure magic. While spring pulls in crowds chasing cherry blossoms, fall draws in travelers on a different kind of quest – momijigari, or the “hunt for maples.” Even the word sounds pretty poetic: momi means red maple, and gari means hunt. But don’t picture people chopping down trees to take them home. It’s really about wandering around, taking trips, and soaking in the sight of Japanese maple leaves as they burst into bright reds, glowing golds, and fiery oranges.
Why You Should See It
Many call momijigari “the most beautiful marathon of the year.” That’s because autumn doesn’t arrive in Japan all at once. The first crimson leaves appear in Hokkaido, the northern island, as early as September. Then, like a wave, the colors roll down the country’s map: Tohoku, Kanto, Kansai, Chugoku, and finally Kyushu. This is a true natural marathon – the season of maple hunting can last two to three months.
Tourists and locals often plan trips specifically to “chase” autumn. Some head to the mountains of Nagano or Nara to see golden valleys. Others go to Kyoto – perhaps the most famous city for momijigari – where ancient temples and gardens turn into picture-perfect postcards painted in red and orange hues.
Where to Find the Best Views
Every region of Japan has its autumn treasures. For example:
- Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture) – here you can combine colorful maple alleys with visits to historic shrines.
- Kyoto – arguably the capital of momijigari. In November, Eikando Temple and its famous maple path become a theater of light and color.
- Tokyo – even the metropolis has autumn corners: Rikugien Garden, Yoyogi Park, Koishikawa Korakuen.
- Arashiyama – a scenic district at the foot of the mountains near Kyoto, famous for its bamboo grove. In autumn, every corner here feels like a painted postcard.
If spring belongs to cherry blossoms, autumn belongs to maples. The atmosphere is special: evening garden illuminations, cozy walks along mountain trails, hot tea, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts.
For an autumn trip to Japan, it’s best to pack comfortable layered clothing, as the weather can shift from warm sunny days to cool evenings. A light jacket or windbreaker, as well as a sweater or cardigan, will definitely come in handy. For walks through parks and temple gardens, bring comfortable shoes since the routes can be quite long. An umbrella or a foldable raincoat will also be useful, as autumn often brings rain. And to capture beautiful photos of maples and festivals, don’t forget your camera or smartphone, along with a charger and an extra battery.
Other Autumn Treasures
But momijigari isn’t the only highlight of Japan’s fall. This season is also famous for spectacular festivals worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Takayama Autumn Festival
In Takayama (Gifu Prefecture), the streets come alive every October for the Takayama Autumn Festival. Imagine enormous festival floats – yatai – decorated with carvings, lanterns, and automaton dolls that move to the sound of drums and flutes. The floats are slowly pulled through the streets, and at night they glow with hundreds of paper lanterns. The atmosphere is both cozy and deeply traditional.
Jidai Matsuri – The Festival of the Ages
Kyoto has another autumn gift: Jidai Matsuri, or the Festival of the Ages, held every year on October 22. This grand procession brings history to life, with over two thousand participants dressed to represent different periods of Japanese history. Before your eyes, samurai, court ladies, emperors, monks, and even humble farmers come alive. It’s more than a parade – it’s a walk through time.
Kawagoe Festival – Floats and Musical Battles
Another unforgettable autumn celebration takes place in Kawagoe, a historic town often called “Little Edo” because of its preserved merchant streets. The Kawagoe Festival features towering floats adorned with exquisite carvings, bright fabrics, and golden details. The highlight comes when floats meet at intersections: musicians on each float engage in lively hayashi (festival music) battles with drums, flutes, and chants. The atmosphere is festive and competitive, with the crowd cheering as the music fills the night air. The event combines spectacle, tradition, and community spirit, making it one of the most energetic festivals of fall.
Why Travel in Autumn
Autumn in Japan offers balance. Summer can be too hot, winter too cold, and spring overcrowded with cherry-blossom tourists. But in autumn, the weather is mild, the air crisp, and the crowds smaller than during sakura season. The cuisine is also at its peak: fresh matsutake mushrooms, sweet Japanese pears, roasted chestnuts, and traditional seasonal sweets.
A fall trip to Japan lets you combine nature, culture, and gastronomy in one journey. In the morning you can stroll through Kyoto’s temples, in the afternoon admire maple landscapes, and in the evening join a festival filled with drums and lanterns.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a travel idea, Japan in autumn is an excellent choice. Momijigari turns the country into a vast open-air museum, where nature itself paints masterpieces. Festivals, historical parades, and seasonal delicacies add depth to this special time of year.
So, pack comfortable shoes, charge your camera, and set out on the “hunt for maples.” I promise, it will be one of the most beautiful marathons of your life.