Truthfully, I could hike Japan’s scenic mountains all year round, but autumn stands out as the ideal season when everything aligns perfectly!
Autumn is a time when the wardrobe of fashion choices truly has no limits! Perhaps the only time of year when you’ll see T-shirts and shorts being worn in the same place as sweaters and trench coats. Temperatures can be a little unpredictable at times, but it never reaches extremities, making any fashion choice just work!
Fashion aside, there are a myriad of reasons why autumn is the best time of year for hiking in Japan, so I’ll be sharing the ones that stand out most to me.
Stunning Scenery
Like in many countries, autumn in Japan is synonymous with gold and red trees and falling leaves. Of course, there are also unique species of trees in Japan such as the iconic momiji leaves, or what I refer to as the Japanese version of the Canadian maple leaf. Hiking in scenic places like Kameoka or Arashiyama is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Japanese autumn while breathing in its crisp fresh air!
Optimal Temperatures
Not only is the scenery optimal in autumn, but the temperature too! Not too hot and not too cold is an understatement, because there’s more to it than that. I find that at the start of the hike, it’s warm enough to get you going, but as you start to build up a sweat and yearn for a cool breeze, it comes just in time! This is because of the nature of Japan’s hiking routes, which, more often than not, are quite mountainous, and as the altitude increases, so do the cool winds as temperatures drop.
Autumn Okashi!
Last but not least is autumn okashi (snacks)! One of the best parts about hiking in Japan is stocking up on delicious (and cheap!) combini food from 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson. During autumn, the variety of foods increases from its usual sandwiches and onigiri to seasonal goods such as maple pancakes and roasted sweet potato known as yaki-imo. I find the autumn goods to be particularly energizing for hiking, likely because of the heavy influence of sweet potato, which is nutritious and delicious!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!