As the sweaty humidity of summer makes way for the golden breeze of autumn, Japan braces itself for everybody’s favorite season!
Autumn is a time to enjoy the ideal temperatures and natural beauty of the outdoors. In a country like Japan that has a very distinct aesthetic during this season, it can be particularly rewarding to do more outdoor activities and really get in touch with Mother Nature. Here are my 5 most recommended activities to make the most of autumn in Japan in 2026!
1. Take a Hike!
If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know how much I advocate for hiking! While I urge you to hike as much as possible regardless of the season in Japan, I will say that autumn is the best time for hiking in Japan! From ideal temperatures to stunning scenery, you’ll find some of the most awe-inspiring hiking trails in the likes of Kyoto’s Mt. Hiei, Sapporo’s Mt. Moiwa, or Kitakyushu’s Mt. Komonji!
2. Parks, Parks, and more Parks!
The best places to see stunning autumn leaves in Japan are in the many parks that you’ll find in and around major cities. For example, the beautiful Maruyama Park is located just around the corner from Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine in Gion. Jaw-dropping scenes feature overhanging branches with momiji leaves reflecting brilliantly against the crystal-clear ponds. Parks like this remind you that life is good and the best experiences really are free!
3. Explore Kameoka!
Kameoka is one of the most scenic cities not just in Kyoto, but in all of Japan! In particular, the Kameoka Fog Terrace is highly recommended during autumn as it is home to stunning gold and red trees and, of course, Japan’s famous “momiji” species. Even if you miss out on the morning fog that gave the area its significance, I believe the real beauty is in the surrounding playgrounds such as the Asobi no Oka and the Nakayama Pond, both offering blissful nature escapes.
4. Find Golden Tree Hotspots!
Even a random street in Kyoto can be a memorable experience during autumn. During my trip to Kameoka’s Nango Park, I quite literally had to stop and smell the flowers (or in this case, the autumn leaves!) as I walked through an alley of magnificent, bright golden trees. It’s actually not uncommon to see trees like this everywhere in Japan, from the suburbs to the big cities and quiet neighborhoods; every street is an experience in the golden season of autumn!
5. Enjoy the Weather!
Beautiful golden leaves aside, autumn in Japan is also a time when the temperature is perfect! Particularly in the middle of the season, you will be greeted with clear, sunny days, a slight cool breeze, and zero humidity (so no nasty summer sweats!). You can dress however you like as the conditions work for jacket wearers and T-shirt enthusiasts alike (you could even get away with shorts!). With summer being a hot humid mess and winter being an ice-cold killer, autumn is the time to make the most of the outdoors and breathe in the free air!
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!