When is the Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Kansai? 10 Stunning Spots in Osaka, Kyoto, and Beyond

Japan is home to some of the most beautiful autumn foliage in the world, and the Kansai region is no exception. In this article, we’ve handpicked 10 must-visit spots where you can enjoy breathtaking autumn colors, all within two hours of Osaka or Kyoto. If you’re planning to visit Kansai during the autumn season, why not use this guide to embark on a scenic leaf-viewing adventure?

* Purchases or reservations made through the links in this article may result in a portion of the proceeds being returned to FUN! JAPAN.

When is the Peak Season for Autumn Leaves in Kansai?

Japan’s autumn foliage starts in the north, with Hokkaido, and gradually moves south through Honshu and Kyushu. Because Kansai is located further south, the autumn leaves tend to reach their peak slightly later than in the northern regions.

When is the Best Season for Autumn Leaves in Kansai Area?

As mentioned earlier, the peak season varies depending on the location, but in general, the best time to see autumn foliage in the Kansai region is from November to December.

1. Osaka Castle Park|Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Castle Park, open 24 hours a day, is a beloved spot for locals to relax and unwind. The park is also home to numerous important cultural properties and historical sites. The combination of these cultural treasures with the vibrant seasonal scenery creates a unique view that can only be found here.

Starting in early November, the park’s ginkgo trees, the massive ginkgo near the castle tower, and the maple trees begin to turn vivid shades of gold and red. The park is especially popular for photography, with spots where you can capture the stunning contrast of Osaka Castle framed by the autumn colors. During the foliage season, the park bustles with tourists eager to enjoy the view.

• Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
• Hours: 24 hours
• Best time to visit: Early November to early December

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2. Daisen Park Japanese Garden|Osaka Prefecture

Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Mozu Station (Hanwa Line), the Daisen Japanese Garden is situated within Daisen Park, home to the Mozu Tombs. This garden was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city's establishment.

During autumn, the garden’s maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange, with the peak season typically occurring from mid to late November. A special event called Momiji no Utage (Autumn Leaves Banquet) takes place during this period, where the garden extends its hours for night viewings. Visitors can enjoy a magical evening stroll through the illuminated garden, surrounded by the beautiful autumn colors.

• Address: 17 Daisen Nakamachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  *Last admission 16:30  (Closed on Mondays)
• Best time to visit: Mid November to Late November

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3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple|Kyoto Prefecture

From the famous stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto’s changing seasonal landscapes. During the autumn foliage season, the temple attracts both domestic and international visitors. You can experience the stunning views both during the day and at night.

Starting in late November, the temple holds special evening illuminations, offering a magical atmosphere where you can admire the vibrant autumn leaves in a whole new light.

• Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Best time to visit: Late November to early December

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4. Hozu gorge (Hozukyo)|Kyoto Prefecture

Hozu Gorge stretches approximately 16 kilometers from Kameoka to Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. Known for its scenic river cruises along the Hozu River, the gorge is a popular spot, especially in summer. During autumn, the foliage transforms into beautiful gradients of color. The peak viewing season is from mid-November to early December, when you can witness the vibrant red leaves.

• Address: Hozu-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, as well as Shino-cho and Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Hours: 24 hours
• Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December

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5. Sagano Romantic Train|Kyoto Prefecture

The Sagano Romantic Railway runs from Arashiyama to Kameoka, offering a picturesque journey along the Hozu River. As you ride the train, you can enjoy the changing seasonal scenery of Hozu Gorge. During the autumn foliage season, the trees along the route, including maples and other deciduous species, turn vibrant colors, providing stunning views from the train. From mid-November to early December, the railway line is illuminated, allowing you to experience the autumn colors in a magical light different from the daytime views.

• Address: Sagatenryuji Shimocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Hours: 4:30 PM – Last Train (light up)
• *Typically runs from mid-October to late December; check the website for exact dates.
• Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December

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6. Myoshinji Temple Taizo-in|Kyoto Prefecture

Myoshin-ji Temple Taizo-in, located in the Ukyo Ward of Kyoto City, is about a 30-minute drive from Kyoto Station. This historic temple is known for its main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property, where the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is said to have trained. The temple also houses Japan’s oldest ink painting, “Hyōryūzu,” by the renowned painter Jakuchū.

During the autumn season, various types of maple trees start to change color, with the peak viewing period typically being from late November to early December.

• Address: 35 Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Best time to visit: Late November to early December

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7. Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) Avenue ~ Biwako Hakodateyama|Shiga Prefecture

This stunning avenue, lined with approximately 500 metasequoia trees on both sides of the road, offers a breathtaking sight for all who visit. During the autumn foliage season, the landscape transforms into a perfect photo spot, with the leaves gradually turning from yellow to red. The best time to visit is from mid to late November, when the trees harmonize beautifully with the surrounding mountains. This spot has even been selected as one of the “New 100 Views of Japanese Streets.”

• Address: Terakubo ~ Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
• Hours: 24 hours
• Best time to visit: Mid to late November

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8. Mount Gozaisho|Mie Prefecture

Mount Gozaisho is a popular destination for hikers, with various trails available throughout the year. At an elevation of around 1,200 meters, the autumn leaves offer breathtaking views. The summit starts changing color in mid-October, with the foliage gradually making its way down the mountain over the course of a month.

At the summit’s park, visitors can enjoy nature walks while admiring the autumn scenery. There’s also a restaurant next to the summit station where you can dine with a spectacular view of the autumn foliage.

• Address: Komono Town, Mie District, Mie Prefecture
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:20 PM (Ropeway)
• Best time to visit: Mid-October to mid-November

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9. Ise Jingu Naiku Shrine Garden|Mie Prefecture

The Naiku Shrine Garden of Ise Jingu is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and an ancestor of the Japanese emperor. The autumn foliage season typically runs from late November to early December, when the trees begin to change color. From Ujibashi Bridge, which spans the Isuzu River at the entrance to the Naiku Shrine, you can enjoy a vibrant view of the autumn leaves, with the red maples beautifully reflected on the water’s surface.

• Address: 1 Ujitachicho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture (Ise Jingu Naiku Shrine)
• Hours: January–April, September: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM; May–August: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM; October–December: 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Best time to visit: Late November to early December

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10. Akame 48 Waterfalls|Mie Prefecture

Akame 48 Waterfalls, located in Nabari City, is a stunning spot to view autumn foliage. The 3.3-kilometer Akame Gorge is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Five Akame Falls: Fudo, Senju, Nunobiki, Nidan, and Biwa Falls.

From early to late November, the gorge is adorned with vibrant maple and Japanese maple trees. The area is illuminated during the autumn season, allowing visitors to experience a magical, otherworldly view different from the daytime scenery.

• Address: 671-1 Nagasaka, Akamecho, Nabari City, Mie Prefecture
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Best time to visit: Early to late November

［kkday]👉Reservations for climbing Akame 48 Waterfalls and entering Akame Waterfall Aquarium (Nabari City, Mie Prefecture)

Explore the Autumn Foliage in Kansai!

We’ve introduced 10 of the best spots to view autumn leaves within a 2-hour journey from Osaka and Kyoto. Many of these locations also hold special seasonal events during the autumn foliage period, so why not plan a visit to enjoy these stunning views at their peak?