Autumn Exclusive: A Comprehensive Guide to Japan’s Best Maple Viewing Spots

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network

 

After the Start of Autumn in the lunar calendar, temperatures gradually drop as summer fades into early autumn. Starting from mid-September each year, Japan’s “maple viewing line” begins to turn red, starting from Hokkaido. Over the course of about 50 days, the wave of crimson leaves moves progressively southward across the Japanese archipelago, reaching the southernmost tip of the islands by early December. By then, the low-altitude mountainous areas in central and southern regions have turned into a vibrant red. Since the era of Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Man’yōshū, people have enjoyed the custom of appreciating maple leaves and going on leaf-viewing outings. By the time of The Tale of Genji in the Heian period, luxurious scenes of maple viewing were depicted. Today, whether at Lake Akan, Mount Zao, the Akame 48 Waterfalls, Kenrokuen Garden, or Tekisui Gorge, autumn maple viewing has become a major seasonal attraction, rivaling the spring cherry blossoms or summer fireworks festivals in popularity.

Lake Akan, with a circumference of 26 kilometers and a depth of 44.8 meters, is a volcanic crater lake situated at an elevation of 420 meters. The small islands dotting the lake add to its scenic beauty, especially during the peak foliage season in mid-October when fiery red autumn leaves frame the lakeside, creating an even more stunning view.

The Mount Zao area, located on the Zao Plateau, offers refreshing autumn scenery, and the Zao Onsen hot springs—equally famous as the maple leaves—are not to be missed. If you’re looking for a simple hot spring and maple viewing trip to enjoy the experience of soaking while admiring the foliage, simply taking in the views from the hot spring town and the ropeway station can make for a fulfilling getaway.

Lake Ashi is a long, narrow crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption 400,000 years ago, covering an area of approximately 7 square kilometers. The lake’s surface remains calm year-round, complemented by the surrounding mountain scenery, making it one of Hakone’s iconic views. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance, and its reflection in the lake is considered the most beautiful sight in Hakone.

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is ranked among Japan’s Three Great Gardens, alongside Korakuen Garden in Okayama and Kairakuen Garden in Mito. Established in 1676 by the 5th lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Tsunanori, Kenrokuen originally started as a lotus pond pavilion and garden built as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, serving as a strolling-style landscape garden in the Edo period. Visually, whether it’s the cherry blossoms of spring, the fresh greenery of summer, the crimson maples of autumn, or the snowy landscapes of winter, Kenrokuen offers a unique aesthetic of traditional Japanese gardens in every season.