The first autumn foliage forecast in Japan has just been released, and before we know it — it feels like we just finished enjoying the cherry blossoms, and now the fall colors are here so soon!! (Time really flies!) Are you planning to visit any spots this year to heal your soul with some maple viewing?This year’s fall foliage season in Kansai is expected to be around the same time as previous years. In higher altitude areas, the leaves will start to turn red around10
Breathtaking Night Views at Rokko Mountain & Mount Maya
Selected as one of Japan’s New Three Great Night Views, Rokko Mountain and Mount Maya offer stunning night vistas. In autumn, a variety of maple viewing events take place. Hop on the cable car for an unforgettable mini trip this season.
Point: Breathtaking night foliage view, best enjoyed via cable car.
Foliage Season: Approximately early November to late November
#1 Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
From mid-October, the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden gradually turns red. During the day, enjoy the red leaves, but the real highlight comes at night with the illuminations. The red, yellow, and orange hues glow even more romantically under the lights, offering a completely different sensory experience from the daytime.
*Dates: October 19 – November 11, 2018
#2 Kobe Municipal Forest Botanical Garden
Next, at the forest botanical garden, you can admire a spectacular display of 38 varieties and 3,000 trees of Japanese maple, sumac, metasequoia… and more. Additionally, starting November 3, there will be evening illuminations. Just check out these gorgeous photos — aren’t you already mesmerized? (laughs)
*Dates: October 20 – December 2, 2018
#3 Rokko Cable Car
The Rokko Cable Car, with its long history, takes you to Rokko Mountain in just 10 minutes. Some of its cars have open designs, allowing visitors to feel the cool breeze while admiring the crimson foliage along the way.
Japan’s Three Ancient Hot Springs: Arima Onsen
Even Toyotomi Hideyoshi loved Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s three ancient hot springs. It’s famous for its iron- and salt-rich brown gold springs and colorless, transparent carbonated silver springs — a rare place where you can enjoy two different types of hot spring water in one visit. What could be better than soaking in the baths while enjoying the autumn leaves in the crisp fall air?
Point: Soaking in the hot springs while viewing the fall foliage — truly one of life’s great pleasures.
Foliage Season: Approximately early November to late November
#1 Zuihoji Park
Located east of Arima Onsen town, Zuihoji Park is said to have been especially beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for its red leaves, making it a renowned maple viewing spot in Kansai. The park features attractions such as the stone chessboard favored by Taikō Hideyoshi and the former mountain gate of Zuihoji Temple, which you can also explore.
#2 Zenpukuji Temple
Zenpukuji Temple, established during the Nara period, becomes surrounded by vibrant red leaves every autumn, creating a truly enchanting scene. In addition, the temple also holds the tea offering ceremony for the Arima Grand Tea Gathering.
#3 NENE Bridge (ねね桥)
If there’s one iconic landmark or must-visit spot in Arima Onsen, it has to be the red bridge located at its center — NENE Bridge. (There’s also a statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife nearby.) The large maple tree next to this striking red bridge also turns crimson during the autumn foliage season, creating a perfect color match with the bridge.
Seeing these top-tier maple-viewing spots gives us yet another great reason to visit Kobe in the fall. (So exciting!) Moreover, according to Weather News, this year’s autumn leaves are expected to be particularly vibrant, so if you’re looking to catch the foliage at its best, don’t miss out this year?!
source: Kobe City Taiwan Office