Just when we thought the pleasant weather would continue, the chill of the past few days has brought a swift and deep autumn to Japan. The trees are now dyed in vibrant reds and yellows, and the mountains are painted in beautiful gradients, marking the most colorful season of the year.
The peak viewing time for this autumn foliage (kōyō) season is typically from mid-November to early December every year.
This time, we will introduce the Japanese autumn tradition of viewing colored leaves (kōyō) and three must-see scenic spots in the Kansai region before the true arrival of winter!
What Is Momiji-gari? Japan’s Way to Enjoy Autumn
Momiji-gari (紅葉狩り) is a traditional Japanese autumn excursion.
Although the word gari (狩り) means “hunting,” it does not involve actually picking the colored leaves. It refers to the act of going out to mountains, gardens, or parks specifically to admire the beautiful autumn foliage.
This custom, which has been cherished by aristocrats since the Heian period (about 1,200 years ago), is a profound part of Japanese culture that is still carefully preserved. It sees the vividly colored trees as a “catch” to be appreciated.
This is a temporary, once-a-year artistic spectacle of color. We highly recommend enjoying it at various spots across Japan.
3 Recommended Kansai Autumn Foliage Spots Full of Atmosphere
The Kansai region (including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara) is home to many ancient temples and shrines. The charm lies deeply in the Japanese scenery created by the combination of historical structures and the brightly colored autumn leaves.
Here are three recommended spots easily accessible from the ZenGroup Osaka Head Office.
Kyoto | Arashiyama
- Best time to go? Typically from mid-November to early December. This year: Mid-November to now!
Arashiyama is Kyoto’s quintessential scenic spot. While the Bamboo Grove is famous, the sight of the majestic Arashiyama mountains, which turn fiery red and yellow when viewed from the Togetsukyo Bridge, is truly picturesque. What you should definitely experience is the Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko Train). This tourist train runs along the Hozugawa River gorge between Arashiyama and Kameoka, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful autumn colors of the gorge up close and at a relaxed pace.
Nara | Hasedera Temple
- Best time to go? Typically from mid-November to early December. This year: Already at its peak!
Hasedera Temple, also called the “Temple of Flowers” (Hana no Mitera), is famous for its blossoms throughout the four seasons, but the autumn foliage is exceptional. Especially stunning is the view of the long staircase known as the Noborirō (登廊), which leads to the main hall, enveloped in a striking contrast of vermilion and red from the surrounding colored leaves. From the temple, built on a hill, you can look down upon the rural landscape dyed in autumn colors. This spot is recommended for those who wish to calmly enjoy the foliage in a quiet and solemn atmosphere.
Osaka | Osaka Castle Park
- Best time to go? Typically and this year: Early November to early December!
Vibrant autumn leaves grace the symbolic Osaka Castle, creating an oasis in the city. The contrast between the blue-green tiles of the main keep and the red and yellow foliage is beautiful. Most beautiful of all is the avenue of ginkgo trees (Ichō namiki) that gleam golden. They shine even brighter when illuminated by the sun, and the scattered leaves spreading like a carpet on the ground add another layer of charm.
Seek Your Own Unique Scenic View This Autumn
We have introduced historical and atmospheric autumn foliage spots that represent the Kansai region.
This most colorful season of the year grants us time to pause and fully appreciate the artistry of nature. The majestic view from the Sagano Scenic Railway, the solemn Noborirō at Hasedera Temple, and the golden ginkgo avenue at Osaka Castle—all are “once-in-a-lifetime” (ichigo ichie) sights that can only be seen now.
Why don’t you take a break from your busy daily life this autumn and refresh your mind with some Momiji-gari?
