Reported by You Ru / Special Feature
When it comes to the best places in Japan to view autumn foliage, Kyoto or the Tohoku region might be the first to come to mind for many. However, Saga in Kyushu also boasts several key spots for leaf-peeping. The Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation recommends three “worth-paying-the-admission” locations, such as the expansive Environment Art Forest, or Daisekien Temple and Mukoyama Park, both of which offer night views of the colored leaves. These are all great destinations to visit during the autumn season.
% The most recommended scenic spots for enjoying autumn leaves. (Image: Provided by Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation)

Environment Art Forest
The largest foliage viewing area in the Saga region, this park centers around environmental protection and art, and is the brainchild of horticulturists. Covering approximately 18 hectares with over 10,000 trees of 200 varieties, visitors can enjoy seemingly endless beautiful red leaves in the fall. Although it is only open during the daytime, the park offers not only maple leaves but also a variety of garden artworks with different aesthetic appeals.
% It is located in a quiet valley in Saga. (Image: Provided by Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation)

Foliage viewing period: Early November to late November
Opening hours: 10:00–16:00
Admission fee: 500 yen (beautification cooperation fee)
Daisekien Temple
Located at the foot of Mount Kiyama in Saga Prefecture, Daisekien Temple is an ancient temple with a history of 1,300 years. It is a famous flower-viewing spot, with azaleas in spring and red leaves in autumn. The best time to view the autumn foliage is from mid-November to early December. In the evenings, there is also a night illumination show of the colored leaves, offering a unique foliage experience.
% A large temple nestled in the mountains of Saga. (Image: Provided by Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation)

Foliage viewing period: Mid-November to early December; night illumination runs from November 20 to 24, 17:00–20:00.
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Mukoyama Park
At the foot of Mount Mukoyama in the city of Takeshi in Saga Prefecture lies a western-style villa built over three years by the feudal lord of the Takeshi Domain, Nabeshima Motoshige. It is now Mukoyama Park. In the fall, the 150,000 tsubo (approx. 500,000 square meters) area is covered in red leaves, and from the tea house, visitors can enjoy reflections of the foliage, mountains, and lake — a highly popular scenic spot. Mukoyama Park offers beautiful views in all seasons, attracting a continuous stream of visitors.
% The park features 150,000 tsubo of crimson leaves. (Photo provided by Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation)

Opening hours: 8:00–17:00; during the November foliage season, extended hours are 17:30–22:00
Admission fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
700 yen for adults and 300 yen for children during the spring flower festival
More foliage viewing travel reports <<<<<<
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-19179