The Ultimate Autumn Foliage at Japan’s Five Great Ancient Castles

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

I’ve been to Japan many times—have you seen Japan’s beautiful autumn leaves?
As autumn arrives in Japan’s five great ancient castles, the gorgeous maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red. The elegant scenery attracts many visitors every year who come to admire this nostalgic fall ambiance. MOOK Scenic Spots has specially compiled a list of these poetic, breathtaking views that you must witness in person at least once in your life.

● Matsue Castle

The majestic and elegant Matsue Castle is a landmark of Matsue City. It’s not only a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing but also for autumn foliage. The red leaves in the surrounding parks and along the Horikawa River, paired with the castle’s wingspread-like form, captivate all who see it.

● Hikone Castle

One of Japan’s four national treasure castles, Hikone Castle boasts a harmonious and graceful keep that lacks the fierceness of war, quietly standing atop the hill by Lake Biwa. From November to December, visitors can enjoy views of Hikone Castle from the nearby garden “Enkaku-ji,” where an illumination event is also held during this period.

● Matsumoto Castle

Located in Matsumoto City, Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure designated by the Japanese government. Its keep is the oldest existing five-story donjon in Japan. Surrounded by a moat, although originally built for defense and military functions, the castle’s exterior is not stern or heavy. The surrounding area is planted with seasonal trees, and in autumn the leaves turn various colors, offering visitors a different kind of beauty, making it one of Japan’s most beloved tourist spots.

● Tsuruga Castle

The area around the castle, now known as Tsuruga Castle Park, was originally the Tokugawa residence called Higashi-Kurokawa-kan, built in 1384 by Narimasa Mizuno. In 1591, Kanetsugu Gamou expanded it by adding a seven-story keep based on the original structure and renamed it “Tsuruga Castle.” Every autumn, the maple leaves around the castle turn red, and from late October to mid-November, nighttime illuminations are held, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning view of the red leaves and the castle glowing together under the night sky.