Famous for its beautiful 'momiji' trees, Japan is at its most spectacular each autumn as the mountains, forests, parks and temple gardens transform in colour and the first snow falls.
While Japan is perhaps best-known for the beautiful cherry blossom of spring, the coloured leaves of autumn play an equally important role in local culture and in the eyes of many, rival the beauty of the blossoms. Known as ‘koyo’, the leaves are cherished across country with millions traveling for ‘momijigari’ (hunting for autumn leaves) to the best spots. The leaves turn in colour at different times of year, with ‘koyo’ season starting as early as mid-September in areas of higher elevation and lastly as late as mid-December in low-lying and more southernly locations. As such, huge importance is placed on the autumn leaves forecast as friends and families plan their ‘momijigari’ for the coming season.
Turning sometime between late-September and early December, the exact timing of the autumn leaves depends on where you're headed in Japan.
Everything you need to know about when the leaves turn in colour and the reasons they are so loved in Japan.
Discover the best spots to enjoy the leaves - from the very famous to the very local and everything inbetween.
Each autumn, we offer both group and private tours to some of Nagano's best destinations.
