Japan’s Autumn Charm: A Maple Viewing Journey in Tohoku and Hokkaido
Text by Chi Binghui
As summer draws to a close, the mountains and fields of Japan are gradually taking on hues of color. Autumn is quietly approaching, ready to paint the end of the year with stunning shades, making the maple leaves of Tohoku and Hokkaido the most anticipated sight for travelers.
Maple leaves at Kamizono Castle in Tohoku, Japan. Photo provided / Japan National Tourism Organization
The conditions for Japan’s red maple foliage require three key elements: temperature, sunlight, and humidity. This year’s climate, with higher temperatures and intense sunshine, will create an exceptional maple season, showcasing layers of diverse beauty that weave together into a breathtaking autumn landscape. Japan’s geography, stretching long from north to south, means the earliest areas to see red foliage are in Hokkaido, which then gradually move southward. Higher elevations typically turn red two weeks earlier than lower plains, so viewing the foliage from above is the best way to appreciate it. And what could be a more blissful winter experience than soaking in a hot spring while quietly admiring the sweeping views of crimson leaves?
Zao Onsen is known for its “beauty hot spring,” with picturesque scenery all around.
Japan’s famous hot springs are spread across the country from south to north, each region offering unique features—such as Zao’s “beauty hot spring,” Tamagawa and Kusatsu’s “healing hot springs,” and “fitness hot springs.” Every winter, they attract travelers from all over the world to experience Japan’s distinctive hot spring culture.
Maple leaves in Jozankei, Hokkaido.
Visiting Japan in autumn and winter offers not just beautiful scenery and hot springs, but also delicious cuisine. Must-try dishes include the top three crabs, oyster hot pot, Wagyu beef, and sashimi—culinary experiences you shouldn’t miss. Come year-end, treat yourself to a refined maple viewing trip to soothe the fatigue of the past year.
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