Discover the Magic of Japan’s Autumn Foliage at Shima Onsen!
Today, let’s talk about Japan’s autumn foliage.
Autumn foliage, or koyo as it’s known in Japan, can be seen in temperate regions around the world.
However, Japan’s autumn leaves are particularly stunning, and I’d love to share more about them with you.
Japan is home to many species of trees that change color in the fall, allowing visitors to enjoy a rich spectrum of vibrant oranges and yellows.
The combination of these colorful leaves with scenic landscapes—like mountains, lakes, rivers, or traditional shrines and temples—creates uniquely beautiful and quintessentially Japanese autumn scenes.
Since Japan stretches from north to south, and features mountains over 2,000 meters in height, you can enjoy the autumn colors from early October in some regions, all the way until late December in others.
For example, in Hokkaido or high-altitude areas, the leaves reach their peak in early October.
In places like Kyoto or Tokyo, the best time to see the autumn colors is in December.
Where I live, in Gunma Prefecture, the fall foliage starts in early October at high-altitude spots like Oze or Mt. Tanigawa, while the lower plains see their peak around the end of November.
Shima Onsen’s Autumn Fridge
At Shima Onsen, where I am based, the mountains gradually begin to change color in late October, and the vibrant display lasts until mid-November.
Shima Onsen is often regarded as a top spot for viewing autumn leaves, and you can even enjoy the scenery from your accommodation.
One of the best ways to experience the autumn leaves at Shima Onsen is by pairing them with the famous Shima Blue—the strikingly clear blue water of the local rivers and lakes.
Today, I’d like to introduce a few spots where you can enjoy both the autumn colors and Shima Blue together.
At Lake Shima (about 8 km before reaching Shima Onsen) and Oku Shima Lake, located further up in the Shima Onsen area, you can enjoy the autumn colors along the shores.
However, I highly recommend experiencing the foliage while canoeing on these lakes.
The autumn leaves reflected on the blue surface of the lake offer a breathtaking view that’s completely different from what you see from the shore.
At the entrance to Shima Onsen, the Shima Potholes, a prefectural natural monument, are also a great spot to admire the beautiful contrast between the clear blue Shima River and the autumn leaves.
If you stay overnight at Shima Onsen and take a leisurely stroll along the Shima River, I recommend visiting Shima Bridge and Asahi Bridge in the Onsen-guchi area, Kawane Footbath in the Yamaguchi area, or Ochiai Bridge in the Arayu area.
These spots offer excellent views of the autumn colors and the river.
Shima Onsen is also home to several waterfalls, and the sight of the autumn leaves surrounding these waterfalls is particularly stunning.
Some waterfalls near the town include Momotaro Falls, Koizumi Falls, and Oizumi Falls.
For a light hike, you can visit Ogura Falls, Maya Falls, or Shakunage Falls.
Autumn foliage, like the fresh greenery of spring and the snowy landscapes of winter, is one of the best times to enjoy Japan’s beautiful natural scenery.
I hope you can visit Japan in the fall to experience it for yourself.
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