Japan Autumn Leaves Best Spots

Kyoto

Tofukuji Temple: Japan’s most famous koyo spot. Tsutenkyo Bridge over a valley of maple trees. Evening illumination in November. ¥600 entry.
Eikando (Zenrinji) Temple: Beautiful gardens with orange and red maples. Famous evening illuminations. ¥1,000. Book advance tickets during peak koyo.
Arashiyama: Hillsides turn brilliant colors in November. Jojakko-ji and Joruji temples are quieter than the main sites.

Nikko

Dramatic autumn scenery — vibrant maples against ornate Toshogu Shrine decorations. The Irohazaka switchback road through the mountains is spectacular. Mid-October to early November.

Hokkaido

Japan’s earliest autumn colors. Daisetsuzan National Park starts in mid-September. Sounkyo Gorge is particularly dramatic.

Lesser-Known Gems

Korankei (Aichi): 4,000 maple trees in a river valley — one of central Japan’s great koyo spots, relatively unknown to foreign tourists.
Miyajima island (Hiroshima): Floating torii gate framed by autumn maples — as dramatic as any Kyoto site.
Karuizawa (Nagano): Alpine village 1.5 hours from Tokyo. Elegant autumn colors around the old church district.