If you ask anyone what Japan is famous for, the answer is pretty obvious.
Sushi, snow, technology and cherry blossom tress.
But that may be about to change.
Sure, cherry blossoms trees are stunning, but autumn leaves are making a comeback – particularly in Japan.
Known as ‘Koyo’, autumn leaves last for nearly three months, with the ‘Koyo front’ taking over the length of Japan from October.
Bursts of warm colour spark around Tokyo and Kyoto into early December and although typically overlooked by western travellers in favour of the pink cherry blossom, the vermillion leaves are just as impressive (and Insta-worthy), creating a blaze of colour up mountainsides and temple gardens across Japan.
Co-founder of InsideJapan Tours, Alastair Donnelly, said that the Koyo period, although lesser-known than the cherry blossom period, is still popular throughout Japan.
“The spectacle is arguably more enjoyable than the cherry blossom as although very popular with Japanese, the Koyo period is not so well known abroad and a lot less busy.”
“During the peak Koyo period, the weather is more often than not, dry, sunny and quite warm during the day making it a great time of year to travel to Japan,” he said.
In case you weren’t already convinced by that picture, here are five reasons to visit Japan during Autumn.
1. Leaves take over
The mountains, canyons and temples are already impressive and are only enhanced by the blazing Japanese Acer (maple) trees. Japan is 70 per cent mountains, but many visitors head to the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto over the mountains. Which means Autumn is perfect for venturing into the Japanese Alps for postcard views.
2. Ditch the crowd
Less people visit Japan in autumn than spring for the cherry blossom.
Although not as quiet as winter, noticeably fewer people travel in November and December to Kyoto with the leaves turning late in the year.
3. Great weather conditions
Unlike Spring, which can be unpredictable, Autumn weather is generally good in Japan – dry, sunny and quite warm during the day.
And because of the more predictable weather, you’ll get picture perfect scenery nine times out of 10.
4. Amazing food
The food often reflects the seasons in Japan.
A good bowl of hot Nabe accompanied by a special autumn beer is perfect after gazing at the leaves all day.
There are other foods that come into season during autumn such as sweet potato, Matsutake mushrooms and ‘Saba’ Mackerel is at its best.
Say it with us: YUMMMM.
5. Festival season
During Autumn, you’ll also catch major cultural festivals like Kyoto’s Jidai Matsuri (22 October), a celebration of Japan’s feudal history with processions of performers dressed in samurai costume parading through the streets.
You can also witness the beautiful Gion Geisha dances from 1-10 November in Kyoto, each telling a story to the accompaniment of the shamisen (Japanese guitar).
On 15 November, children across the country dress up in kimonos to celebrate the Shichi-go-san festival that marks a coming of age at three, five and seven-years-old.
We think we know when you’ll be visiting Japan next – cherry blossoms be damned.
