No need to jostle with crowds—new hotspots for autumn foliage viewing in Japan and Korea

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
As the weather gradually turns cooler and you’re eager to chase autumn leaves abroad, but feel discouraged by the crowds at popular foliage spots, here’s some good news. According to booking data, besides Kyoto, Tokyo, and other classic foliage destinations, South Korea—with its recently launched new flight routes—is also emerging as a great new option. Daegu, located in central South Korea, has seen an astonishing 1300% increase in search volume, far outpacing Jeju, Seoul, and Busan, making it this year’s hottest spot for Korean autumn foliage. Below are the monthly top-searched foliage destinations:

•Top foliage-viewing recommendations for October:
 
Japan — Hakodate
Famous for its star-shaped Goryokaku Fort Park and spectacular night views, Hakodate has become even more accessible to travelers heading to Hokkaido for autumn scenery thanks to the arrival of low-cost carriers. Not far north of Hakodate lies Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma National Park, a renowned foliage spot in Hokkaido made up of 126 islands of various sizes. It's perfect for hiking or cycling while enjoying the reflection of crimson leaves on the water.
Lotte City Hotel Hakodate Ekimae — 4-star, starting from 4,880 yen per night.

Korea — Daegu
With actor Song Joong-ki, star of “Descendants of the Sun,” serving as tourism ambassador and low-cost flights now operating to the city, Daegu has quickly become a new highlight in Korea. The most iconic foliage spot is undeniably Mount Biseulsan Provincial Park, where visitors can take a cable car up the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the red-covered landscape from above. As Korea’s fourth-largest city, don’t miss the artsy Geumgangseok Street or try the region’s unique dish: steamed beef.
Novotel Ambassador Daegu — 4-star, starting from 4,218 yen per night.

•Top foliage-viewing recommendations for November:
 
Japan — Okayama
In Okayama, be sure to visit Korakuen Garden, a site honored with the highest three-star rating in the French Michelin Travel Guide. With over 300 years of history, this expansive and meticulously planned garden features vast expanses of crimson maple trees that create a stunning contrast against the greenery—making it a favorite spot for Japanese wedding photos.
Okayama Korakuen Hotel — 3.5-star, starting from 2,316 yen per night.

Japan — Nagoya
Located in the suburbs of Nagoya, Kisogawa is ranked as the sixth-best foliage spot in the Tokai region of Japan. Every November, the area hosts a Maple Leaf Festival where the beautiful stream is surrounded by fiery red leaves, and the festival’s night illumination casts a golden glow over the foliage. Over four thousand maple trees line both riverbanks, forming a crimson tunnel that frames the vivid red Arashiyama Tatsumi Bridge—a sight not to be missed.
Nagoya Sakae Natural Hot Spring Dormy Inn Premium — 3-star, starting from 2,978 yen per night.