Nature Autumn foliage 2025

[thomas]

Hokkaido is at the peak of its autumn foliage season, with its vast scenery dotted with countless spots showcasing vivid colours unique to each area. Visitors can see everything from long avenues of golden ginkgo trees stretching nearly 380 metres to red maple leaves mirrored on deep blue lakes, offering a full range of autumn shades across the region.

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Among this year's top 20 foliage spots in Hokkaido is Noboribetsu Onsen, ranked 20th, where the contrast between the white volcanic rock of "Hell Valley" and the fiery autumn leaves creates a breathtaking landscape. Electric sightseeing buses connect popular spots such as the natural footbath and hot springs until October 26th. At 19th place is Temiya Park in Otaru, known for its cherry blossoms in spring and bright red hydrangeas in autumn, which remain in full color until early November. In 18th place is Sapporo's Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, surrounded by 360-degree views of the colorful forest, recognized as one of Sapporo's five major autumn foliage sites. Visitors can stroll leisurely through the expansive grounds filled with vivid seasonal colors. The historic Hakodate Park, ranked 17th, offers views of stone bridges, old Western-style buildings, and vibrant leaves blending into one harmonious autumn scene. Ranked 16th is Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak at 2,291 meters, which welcomes Japan's earliest autumn colors. The reflection of the leaves around Sugatami Pond is a fleeting natural spectacle. Sounkyo Gorge took the top spot this year. Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, it captivates visitors with its dynamic cliffs, flowing rivers, and colorful gradations extending from the valley floor to the mountain peaks. Visitors can enjoy both hot springs and stunning scenery within a single day trip from Sapporo.

Top Autumn Foliage Spots in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is now in the peak of autumn foliage season, with its vast landscape dotted by countless scenic spots displaying vibrant colors unique to each location. From golden ginkgo-lined avenues stretching nearly 380 meters to crimson leaves reflecting off blue lakes, visitors can experience the...

newsonjapan.com

And Karuizawa:

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[thomas]

Mishaka Pond in Chino, Nagano Prefecture

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Autumn hues in Japan's Nagano Pref. delight visitors to popular pond - The Mainichi

CHINO, Nagano -- As autumn deepens, fall foliage is coming into its best viewing season across the country, and the seasonal colors around Mishaka Pon

mainichi.jp

 

[thomas]

Autumn leaves have now reached their peak along the Hida-Mino Seseragi Highway, which winds through the mountains between Takayama and Gujō in Gifu Prefecture. This 65-kilometre scenic route links the towns of Kiyomi and Hachiman , and although the unusually hot summer had raised fears that the colours might arrive late, recent cold nights have brought the foliage to full brilliance.

At elevations of roughly 800 to 1,000 metres, the roadside trees have turned vivid shades of red and yellow. The autumn hues are expected to move down to lower areas over the coming weeks gradually and should remain visible until the end of November.

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Autumn Leaves Light Up Gifu Highway

Autumn foliage has reached its peak along the Hida-Mino Seseragi Highway, which connects Takayama City and Gujo City in Gifu Prefecture.

newsonjapan.com

 

[thomas]

Kyoto reported the peak of its kōyō season:

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Moving across the sky toward Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's most popular sightseeing destinations, the view opens onto the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Looking beyond the bridge, the slopes behind it are covered in a sweeping gradient of red and gold. From the river to the mountains, the autumn foliage is clearly visible and beautifully layered. Although the sun is currently shining from the opposite direction, a closer look reveals leaves sharply defined in bright shades of red. Many visitors have come to witness the scenery, and the streets below are filled with people capturing the moment on their cameras. The colors in Kyoto appear deeper and more vivid by the day, enhancing the area's traditional atmosphere. Even though it is a weekday, large crowds were seen around Togetsukyo Bridge earlier, and the surrounding area—known as a popular spot for strolling and sampling street foods—is bustling with tourists.

Kyoto’s Autumn Leaves Hit Peak

From high above Kyoto, the city’s autumn colors can be seen spreading vividly across the landscape, with trees throughout the area turning a deep, striking red that stands out even from the air.

newsonjapan.com

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

The 30 Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Kyushu

From Yabakei and the Kirishima Mountain Range to Kyusuikei Gorge, Kumamoto Castle, and Akizuki Castle, Kyushu—located in the southwestern part of the Japanese archipelago—is characterized by its abundant volcanoes and mountainous terrain.
Because of this unique geography, Kyushu is home to countless famous autumn foliage destinations set against mountains, valleys, gardens, and historic castles.
With the Kyushu Mountains running north to south and a landscape where volcanoes, mountain ranges, plains, and coastlines coexist, the region offers a rich variety of breathtaking autumn scenery.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

紅葉の絶景！（絶景九州 2025年11月放送）