Discover New Hotspots for Autumn Foliage in Japan – 5 Emerging Popular Destinations to See Red Leaves

By / Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported 
 
With autumn in full swing, it's the perfect time to plan a trip to Japan for maple viewing and hot spring relaxation. Enjoy the cozy, crisp atmosphere of the season. A well-known online hotel booking platform has released the “Top 5 Emerging Popular Japanese Destinations for Autumn.”

The “Top 5 Emerging Popular Japanese Destinations for Autumn” saw Kagawa Prefecture’s Shōdoshima Island, famous for the Setouchi Triennale, take the top spot. The second to fifth places were awarded to Kōchi Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, Ōita Prefecture, and Ibaraki Prefecture respectively, with each destination offering its own unique appeal.

Kagawa Prefecture, which won the title of emerging popular Japanese autumn destination this year, is famed for the Setouchi Triennale. Its annual autumn event “Autumn Expansion” has garnered significant attention from domestic and international media. This autumn, the local hotel occupancy rate increased by 45.9% compared to the same period last year, with the biggest rise seen in the Shōdoshima area. Nearby attractions such as the Kankakei Gorge and Ritsurin Garden are must-visit hot spots for maple viewing. Additionally, the widely loved “Sanuki udon” is one of the region’s signature dishes, making it a well-deserved top autumn destination.

Runner-up Kōchi Prefecture is the hometown of Sakamoto Ryōma, a prominent figure in Japan’s Meiji Restoration, and has become a popular destination for solo travelers in recent years. The prefecture’s iconic attraction, “Kōchi Castle,” is one of only 12 remaining wooden donjon castles in Japan, and its rich historical charm is highly appealing to visitors. The JR Shikoku sightseeing train “Shikoku Ryūmei Kōchi Bakumatsu Ishin-go,” which will stop selling tickets at the end of November, is also a must-do experience.