It’s autumn again, and that means it’s maple leaf season. Time for some autumn foliage delight, of course. This time, we’re specially introducing the best autumn foliage spots in Fukuoka, Japan — the 2017 edition, with the latest information.
Among them, the most famous autumn foliage hotspot in Fukuoka is arguably “Akizuki.” Akizuki is a quaint, old-fashioned town with historical records dating back to Japan’s Warring States period. Nowadays, Akizuki is the only castle town in Fukuoka Prefecture, home to shops selling traditional Japanese accessories and sweets, as well as workshops where you can try your hand at washi paper-making and indigo dyeing. Of course, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants filled with traditional Japanese charm, perfect for enjoying a relaxing moment.
If you’d rather not go through the hassle of traveling far, you might also consider various autumn foliage spots within Fukuoka City. These include Tomoizumi Tei Park, Rakusui-en Garden, and Ohori Park.
Tomoizumi Tei Park is a villa commissioned by the lord of the Kuroda Clan (Fukuoka Clan) during the mid-Edo period (18th century). Its purely Japanese-style garden pairs perfectly with the autumn leaves, creating a truly picturesque scene. Ohori Park is located next to Maizuru Park, allowing you to enjoy foliage on both sides in one go. Rakusui-en Garden, meanwhile, was historically built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for the post-war reconstruction of Hakata, using stones and tiles from buildings destroyed in fires, fixed together with clay — giving it significant historical value.
The maple leaf viewing season in Kyushu, Japan, varies by location, but it’s typically in late November. Travelers planning a trip should keep this in mind!