Top Maple Leaf Spots in Taiwan, Japan & Korea: A Big Hunt for 24 Scenic Routes!

Asian maple leaf viewing spots - Wuling Farm in Taichung, Taiwan. (Photo provided by Tripbaa Funbaa!, Expert-Led Tours)

With the arrival of autumn, the most eye-catching scenery is none other than the interplay of red and yellow maple leaves. The scenic spot booking travel website “Tripbaa Funbaa!, Expert-Led Tours” has specially searched out 24 maple leaf viewing routes across Asia, listing the hottest maple leaf spots in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Let’s see which autumn “maple” view everyone is planning to collect this year?

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Korean Seoul Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Naejangsan Mountain

Autumn is approaching, making it the perfect season for maple leaf viewing again!“What lies within the mountain is boundless,” precisely describes the essence of Naejangsan. When autumn arrives, the mountains are covered in red leaves, turning every corner into a sea of fiery red. Walking through the maple leaf tunnel and passing by Deokdong Waterfall, you can take in the unique red hues of the maple leaves. It’s no exaggeration to call Naejangsan a hidden gem for maple leaf viewing.

Korean Seoul Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Samcheong-dong

Full of artistic charm, Samcheong-dong is a must-visit spot when traveling to Korea. When autumn comes, the ginkgo trees along the road turn into a blend of gold and red, adding an indescribable dreaminess to Samcheong-dong. Aside from its beautiful street scenery, Samcheong-dong also has a lovely legend: if lovers hold hands and stroll through Samcheong-dong together, they will be blessed with everlasting love!

Korean Seoul Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - N Seoul Tower

Want to enjoy the sea of red leaves from a different perspective? Head to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain. Not only can you take a cable car to admire the autumn foliage-covered mountains, but you can also ascend the tower for a 360-degree view of the golden ridges below and the cityscape in the distance.

Asian maple leaf viewing spots - Hallasan Mountain in South Korea. (Photo provided by Tripbaa Funbaa!, Expert-Led Tours)

Korean Jeju Island Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Hallasan Mountain

Hallasan, the highest peak in South Korea, is located on Jeju Island, the southernmost point of the country. Every autumn, Hallasan dons a new coat, with golden and red maple leaves covering the entire mountain, attracting many hikers who come to conquer this beautiful mountain listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Korean Seoul Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Nami Island

Nami Island is famous for the Korean drama “Winter Sonata.” In autumn, the forests that turn completely red create breathtaking scenery, drawing many visitors to Korea. Nearby, there’s also the “Little France Village,” which was a filming location for the drama “Goblin,” as well as the most authentic Chuncheon spicy fried chicken. If you have enough time, you can plan a full-day trip for an adventure in Gangwon Province.

Korean Seoul Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Seoul Grand Park

Covering a vast area, Seoul Grand Park also houses a zoo, botanical garden, and more. Along the way, there are many vendors selling traditional Korean snacks, making it perfect for family maple leaf outings. Walking along the maple leaf avenue, every photo looks like a postcard. You can also take the park’s cable car to overlook the maple and ginkgo leaves along the route from above—truly delightful!

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Japanese Tokyo Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Okutama

Okutama Lake, located at the border between Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture, is an artificial lake formed by damming the Tama River and serves as a distribution hub for half of Tokyo’s rice production—you can imagine how expansive it is. Compared to other popular spots in Tokyo, Okutama may be less famous, but it offers a more serene and ethereal scenery, making it a great place for maple leaf viewing in the Tokyo suburbs.

Japanese Tokyo Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Kamikochi

Located in Nagano Prefecture and situated at an altitude of about 1,500 feet, Kamikochi is surrounded by pristine forests of birch and larch, along with towering mountain ranges that create a stunning landscape. From Kappabashi Bridge, the view resembles a painting. Especially in autumn, Kamikochi gradually turns red, with the lake reflecting the red leaves, marking the end of the golden season.

Japanese Hokkaido Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Lake Toya

Located in Hokkaido, Lake Toya is a volcanic crater lake where you can take a sightseeing boat to the island. The southern shore of the lake features attractions such as Lake Toya Onsen, Usu Volcano, and Showa Shinzan. The lakeside area is particularly rich in maple leaves, especially along the walking trail at the Volcanic Memorial Park, where you can enjoy both open-air sculptures and the colorful foliage—a very relaxing experience.

Japanese Hokkaido Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Mount Asahi

Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido is one of the first places in Japan to show autumn colors. Starting from early September, the forests on the highest peak—Mount Asahi—and Mount Kuro—begin to change color. The fresh snow on the peaks contrasts beautifully with the red leaves. Take the Kurodake Ropeway up to the 1,300-meter fifth station, where you can admire the picturesque snowy mountain ridges and the vibrant red leaves in the valleys from the cable car—an absolutely stunning view.

Japanese Kyoto Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s top maple leaf viewing spots. Late November is the best time to admire the red leaves here. From the Kiyomizu Stage, a wooden terrace extending out from the main hall, you can gaze at layers of maple trees. The bright red leaves contrast elegantly with the solemn main hall, creating a scene as splendid as sunset clouds. When sunlight shines on the leaves, their delicate translucence reminds one of the luster and sheen of agate.

Japanese Kyoto Maple Leaf Viewing Spot - Arashiyama

When visiting the Arashiyama area in Kyoto, you absolutely must not miss the region’s most famous railway line — the Sagano Romantic Train. Departing from Saga Station, the train travels along the picturesque Hozugawa Valley toward Kameoka in Tanba. As the small train journeys through scenic spots, the conductor slows down to allow passengers to capture beautiful memories. In autumn, when the mountains are ablaze with red foliage, the views from the train are especially breathtaking.

Asian maple leaf viewing spot — Smangus in Hsinchu. (Photo/Tripbaa, provided by Fun Bar Travel Experts)

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Maple leaf viewing spot in Taipei, Taiwan — Taipei Aowanda

This European-style garden nestled on Yangmingshan in Taipei features vibrant red leaves hanging high, making you forget that it’s actually spring, when flowers are usually in full bloom.

Sitting by the stream, listening to the flowing water, with rocks beneath your feet, and enjoying an afternoon tea — such a moment of tranquility is unforgettable.

Maple leaf viewing spot in Taoyuan, Taiwan — Shimen Reservoir

With the arrival of cold fronts, maple foliage begins to appear across the regions. Among all the maple viewing spots, Shimen Reservoir is likely the one with the lowest elevation. Along the way, enjoy golden maple leaves passing overhead.

The approximately 8-kilometer-long Shimen Bicycle Path allows you to take in the majestic scenery of Shimen Reservoir as well as the beautiful, expansive fields along the way.

Maple leaf viewing spot in Hsinchu, Taiwan — Smangus

Located deep in the high mountains of Jianshi, Smangus sees rolling hills dyed in shades of red and yellow. Besides the rustic and fresh village adorned with red leaves, the winding mountain roads outside the village are lined with maple trees welcoming visitors. At an altitude of about 1,600 meters, Smangus, once the last tribal settlement in Taiwan to receive electricity, was nicknamed the “Black Tribe.” Before entering the village, tall sweet gums and maple trees stand along the road, while the nearby valley showcases a colorful mix of green, yellow, and red maple foliage along the stream.

Asian maple leaf viewing spot — beech trees in Taipingshan. (Photo/Tripbaa, provided by Fun Bar Travel Experts)

Maple leaf viewing spot in Hsinchu, Taiwan — Guanwu Park

In autumn, strolling through Guanwu Forest, the vast maple tree forests along the Dalu Forest Road and Hinoki Trail are enveloped in mist, resembling a young lady adorned with enchanting makeup yet veiled in white gauze. The higher the altitude, the more vivid the colors of the maple trees become before their leaves fall. It is also said that “Guanwu’s maple scenery is captivating, and the surrounding white mist adds a sense of mystery.”

Maple leaf viewing spot in Taichung, Taiwan — Daxue Mountain

Meandering wooden horse trails are covered with crimson maple leaves, distant mountains are hidden in thin mist, birds sing from the treetops, and the sunset against the sea of clouds creates a perfect ending.

Deep within Daxue Mountain lies a lesser-known century-old “Wooden Horse Ancient Trail,” which preserves natural landscapes and is covered with crimson maple leaves as the altitude increases.

Be sure to arrive before the sunset to admire the floating sea of clouds, set against the golden light of the setting sun that glistens in everyone’s eyes.

Maple leaf viewing spot in Taichung, Taiwan — Wuling Farm

Wuling National Forest Recreation Area quietly begins to reveal its “red charm” in November. Amid the lush green mountains, red and golden maple leaves are interwoven like a realistic European landscape painting.

Mid-November is the best time for maple leaf viewing. With the gentle breeze, the maple leaves sway gracefully, and their elegant branches offer a poetic and picturesque beauty.

Maple leaf viewing spot in Taichung, Taiwan — Fushoushan

Fushoushan is a stunning hidden gem for maple leaf viewing in Taiwan. Through the mountain mist, besides spotting splashes of red maples adorning the farm, you can also see vast fields of cosmos flowers dancing in harmony with the distant mountains, resembling a northern landscape painting.

Surrounded by mountains and offering a vast view, Fushoushan Farm features red foliage scattered around the “Songlu” guesthouse. Songlu is famous not only for its red-tiled wooden houses and winding pathways but also for its uniquely classic chimney design. Against the backdrop of the brilliant red maple leaves, it presents a distinctive exotic charm, standing up to comparison with Japan’s renowned maple viewing spots.

Maple leaf viewing spot in Nantou, Taiwan — Aowanda

The name Aowanda comes from the Atayal language, meaning “deep into Wan Da.” It is also known as the “Hometown of Maple Leaves” and is the most famous maple viewing destination in Taiwan.

This place also boasts the largest natural sweet gum pure forest in Taiwan. During this season, another equally popular attraction is the bald cypress trees, whose beauty almost rivals that of the red maple leaves.

Maple leaf viewing spot in Nantou, Taiwan — Shanlinxi

Fiery red maple leaves shine brightly against the green backdrop, and are even more dazzling in the sunlight. The first hints of red maple foliage in Taiwan appear in Shanlinxi, Nantou.

At mid-to-high altitudes, Shanlinxi experiences large day-night temperature variations and ample moisture. The maple leaves in the park turn red overnight, covering the ground with vibrant hues, creating a scene as beautiful as a painting. When the breeze blows, the leaves sway, producing a dreamlike effect.

Besides the high-altitude Shanlinxi, the slightly lower Xitou is also one of the hidden gems for maple leaf viewing. The park’s fiery red maple leaves paired with golden ginkgo trees create a uniquely charming atmosphere.

Maple Leaf Viewing Spots in Chiayi, Taiwan – Alishan

The name of the Leye Tribe on Alishan in the Tsou language is Lala’uya, which translates to “a place with many maple trees.” It earned this name due to the abundance of maple trees in the past. When autumn and winter arrive and the maple leaves turn red, the falling leaves create an exotic, romantic ambiance.

The red foliage on Alishan is mainly comprised of the Taiwanese red maple. From November to mid-December each year, it’s the most beautiful season for both the green maple and the Taiwanese red maple in Alishan. These can be found scattered across the Swallow Gorge Park in the park area, along the Mianyue Line, and in the Shihhou area. Additionally, the new Central Cross-Island Highway from Alishan to Tatokakuan also features large areas of Taiwanese red maple that amaze visitors.

Maple Leaf Viewing Spots in Yilan, Taiwan – Taiping Mountain

You don’t have to wait until late autumn to enjoy the red leaves. Known as a “heaven on earth,” Taiping Mountain sits at an altitude of 1,950 meters, offering a changing scenery of red-leaf plants throughout the four seasons. The most unique feature is the red foliage that hangs year-round.

In fact, the red leaves here in spring and summer refer to the purple-leaf Acer. From April to October each year, you can admire the beauty of the purple-leaf Acer’s red foliage. Following that, the maple leaves take the stage. So if you can’t wait to see the red leaves, Taiping Mountain is a super hidden gem for red foliage enthusiasts.

Maple Leaf Viewing Spots in Yilan, Taiwan – Mingchi

In early winter when most leaves have withered, the vibrant red hues of maple and maple-like trees adorn Mingchi, making it exceptionally enchanting. Its unique charm, rich colors, and the sky filled with swirling mist enhance the splendor of the golden-red foliage. The continuous maple forests, during the frost season, resemble waves of a red sea, as if nothing else could rival the richly varied and captivating beauty of the red leaves.

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