Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin
The lunar Start of Autumn has passed, and as summer fades into early autumn, temperatures gradually drop. Starting from mid-September every 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 gradually makes its way southward to the southern tip of the Japanese archipelago, and by early December, the mountain forests in the low-altitude areas of central and southern Japan have turned a brilliant shade of red. Since the era of Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Man’yōshū, there has been a tradition of enjoying maple leaves and going out to view them. By the time of The Tale of Genji in the Heian period, the splendid scenes of maple viewing were also depicted. Even today, whether at Lake Akan, Mount Zao, the Akame 48 Waterfalls, Kenroku-en Garden, or the Tekisui Gorge, autumn maple viewing has become a major seasonal attraction, rivaling the popularity of spring cherry blossoms or summer fireworks festivals.
As autumn approaches, the spectacular crimson foliage of Japan will soon begin in Hokkaido. (Image provided by the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association, Japan)
Hokkaido: Lake Akan — Late September to Early October
Lake Akan is a volcanic lake with a circumference of 26 kilometers and a depth of 44.8 meters, situated at an elevation of 420 meters. The small islands scattered across it add to its picturesque beauty, especially during the maple leaf season in mid-October, when the fiery red autumn leaves surrounding the lake create an even more stunning view.
When the fiery red maple leaves encircle Lake Akan, they present a vibrant scene that differs from summer. (Image provided by the Moleskine Editorial Department)
Tohoku Region: Mount Zao — Mid-October to Late October
Mount Zao, located on the Zao Plateau, offers refreshing and pleasant autumn scenery. The Zao Onsen hot springs, as renowned as the maple leaves, are also not to be missed. If you’re looking for a simple hot spring and maple viewing trip, just gazing at the scenery from the hot spring town and the ropeway station can be a fulfilling experience.
Visiting Mount Zao in autumn allows you to enjoy a traditional Japanese scene where maple leaves and hot springs intertwine. (Image provided by the Moleskine Editorial Department)
Kanto Region: Lake Ashi in Hakone — Early November
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 is known for its mirror-like surface throughout the year, complemented by the surrounding mountain scenery, making it one of the representative views of Hakone. 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.
When the maple leaves dye Lake Ashi in a fiery red, they present yet another facet of Hakone’s most iconic view. (Image provided by the Moleskine Editorial Department)
Hokuriku Region: Special Historic Site Kenroku-en Garden — Late November to Early December
Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, along with Korakuen Garden in Okayama and Kairaku-en Garden in Mito, is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Constructed in 1676 by the 5th lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda Tsunanori, Kenroku-en was originally a lotus pond pavilion and garden built as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. As a strolling garden in the Edo period style, it features a landscape of forests and ponds. Visually, whether in spring with cherry blossoms, summer with fresh greenery, autumn with fiery red maples, or winter with snowscapes, Kenroku-en offers a unique aesthetic of traditional Japanese gardens in every season.
In the Hokuriku region, Kenroku-en Garden captivates visitors not only with its autumn foliage but also with its spring cherry blossoms, lush summer greens, and snowy winter landscapes. (Image provided by the Moleskine Editorial Department)