Kansai is a top destination for many autumn travelers. Those planning to visit Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama, and Kobe to see the maple leaves should definitely book their fall travel flights during the summer. In addition to maple viewing in Kansai, traveling from southern to northern Japan in the fall allows you to enjoy the diverse beauty of autumn foliage across the country. Don’t forget to savor local specialties and stock up on the latest Japanese goods. Next, we’ll introduce seven great maple-viewing spots in the Kansai region of Japan.
Predicted Best Time to View the Maple Leaves
Kansai: Early November to Early December
Last year, the autumn leaves across Japan bloomed gradually from October 17 to November 23. Mount Koya’s leaves only began changing around November 4. It is expected to be similar this year, around early November, so plan your trip accordingly.
?Hokkaido: Early October – Early November
?Tohoku: Early October – Mid-November
?Kanto: Late November – Late December
?Kansai, Tokai, and Hokuriku: Early November – Early December
?Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu: Early November – Mid-December
Osaka, Hikone, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama will gradually start seeing red leaves from early November.
Traditional Japanese Architecture in Kyoto | Arashiyama
Kyoto always exudes an old-world charm that makes you fall in love with its simplicity the moment you arrive, especially during the maple leaf season when paired with the city’s traditional architecture—it’s simply a perfect match. If you’re planning to go see the leaves, don’t miss the Sagano Romantic Train, which takes about 20–30 minutes. By the way, the train only stops at Kameoka Station, Tsutsui Station, Arashiyama Station, and Saga Station. The fare is JPY620 (adult), about $45; JPY310 (child), about $24, with both seated and standing options, though the price is the same.
Arashiyama
? Maple Viewing Season: Mid-November – Early December
? Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
? Transportation: Take the Keifuku Railway, get off at Arashiyama Station, and walk about 10–15 minutes
Over 4,000 Maple Trees | Kagamigawa (Kawazu Nanadaru)
Kagamigawa is one of the famous maple-viewing spots in the Tokai region of Japan. Therefore, every year in November, the Kagamigawa Maple Festival is held. During the festival, various weekend events such as taiko drum performances, tea ceremonies, and traditional festivals are held, attracting many locals and tourists who come specifically to see the over 4,000 maple trees lining Kagamigawa.
Kōrankei
? Maple viewing season: Early November – Late November
? Address: Imasui, Asukecho, Toyota City
? Transportation: Take the Meitetsu Toyota Line to Toyota Station, then transfer to the Meitetsu Bus Yamagi Line (bound for Asuke), get off at Kōrankei; about 45 minutes by car
Ancient temple, tea, and maple | Jakkō-in
In the Ohara area, there are two major maple-viewing spots: Jakkō-in in the west and Zuihōden in the east. Both are surrounded by natural scenery and traditional Japanese architecture. Though it’s a rural area, the natural environment is breathtaking, and there are small markets and teahouses where you can enjoy tea while admiring the maple leaves — a perfect place for meditation and spiritual reflection. Among them, Jakkō-in is also known as the “Maple Temple of Owari,” featuring about 1,000 maple trees. The trees are very large, and during the maple season, they turn the entire temple grounds red.
Jakkō-in
? Maple viewing season: Late November – Early December
? Address: 676 Kusaocho, Oharaku, Sakyo Ward
? Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from Ohara Station on the Kyoto Bus
? Hours: 9am–5pm; 9am–4:30pm from December to February; 9am–4pm on January 1–3
Admission: ¥600 for adults and high school students; ¥350 for junior high school students; ¥100 for elementary school students; free for holders of disability certificates
Millennium-old shrine | Kitano Tenmangū
Built in 947 AD, Kitano Tenmangū has a history of over a thousand years. It’s famous for both plum blossom and maple leaf viewing. Aside from flowers and foliage, shrine visits naturally involve praying. This shrine is dedicated to the God of Scholarship — perfect for those seeking academic success.
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Kitano Tenmangū
? Maple Viewing Season: Mid-November – Early December
? Address: Umegae-cho, Kamigyō Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
? Access: About a 5-minute walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station on the Randen Kitano Line
? Admission: Adults ¥700, Children ¥350
Must-Visit Spots in Osaka | Osaka Castle Park
When you first visit Osaka, Osaka Castle Park is almost always on the itinerary. It features the iconic landmark, the Tenshukaku (main keep), and offers different natural scenery throughout the four seasons — cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn. Just snap a photo, and it could be postcard-worthy.
Osaka Castle Park
? Maple Viewing Season: Early November – Early December
? Address: Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka
? Access: Get off at Osaka Castle Park Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line
Natural Waterfall Beauty | Minoo Park in Osaka
Osaka isn’t only about Osaka Castle Park for maple and ginkgo viewing. The outskirts and nature spots are also great for a relaxing maple experience. Meiji no Mori Minoo Quasi-National Park offers picturesque scenery along the way to the park, including Seijoji Temple and Taki-an Temple. Once inside, you’ll find flowing waterfalls surrounded by maple leaves — a scene straight out of a painting.
Meiji Forest Minoo Quasi-National Park
? Maple Viewing Season: Mid-November – Early December
? Address: Minoo Park, Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture
? Access: About a 5-minute walk from Minoo Station on the Hankyu Railway
Nara’s Deer Keep You Company While Viewing the Red Leaves | Nara Park
When visiting Nara, seeing the deer is a must. And during autumn and winter, Nara Park has both deer and maple leaves. You can take photos of the maple foliage while interacting with the deer. However, Nara’s deer can be quite bold — bow to them politely before feeding to ensure they behave nicely while eating.
Nara Park
? Maple Viewing Season: Mid-November – Early December
? Address: 469 Tsunashicho, Nara City
? Transportation:
1. JR Nara Station, a 20-minute walk
2. Kintetsu Nara Station, a 5–10-minute walk
After seeing these beautiful sights, aren’t the scenic spots of Japan’s Kansai region making you want to go? Gather your family or best friends and head to Kansai for some maple viewing—bring home all the autumn foliage beauty with you.
This article is republished with authorization fromHong Kong 01, originally published in01 Travel/01 Food.