The 10 Best Places to see Autumn Leaves in the Kansai Region!

When it comes to sightseeing in autumn, you might think of a superb view of the autumn leaves. Today, I will feature the autumn leaves in the Kansai region – including Kyoto, Kobe, and Wakayama etc. Either in mountain or in city, types of the autumn leaves vary. However, all those spots below are renowned both for locals and tourists. How about going out for seeing a superb view in the Kansai region?

Midousuji（Osaka）

One of the major streets in Osaka and could be the symbol too – “Midousuji”. There are surprisingly 900 ginkgo trees as well as the buildings and the shopping malls. In autumn of course, the trees colour the city red and yellow!

The best season here for the autumn leaves is mid-November, and around that time, they will be illuminated too. You will see those beautiful trees with yellow leaves during the day and that makes you think of the views in another country, and the illumination at night makes a path of light with a dream like atmosphere. It is worth seeing this scenery here. Many people imagine red leaves when it comes to the autumn leaves, but the yellow leaves you can see here are great too!

Arashiyama（Kyoto）

Speaking of the autumn leaves in the Kansai region, this place is something you cannot forget. “Arashiyama” is one of the most popular destinations within Kyoto and is also well-known for its beautiful autumn leaves as it is designated as Top 100 Autumn Leaves. Togetsu Bridge over Katsura River and rich nature in Arashiyama make a beautiful contrast. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

There are a wide variety of ways to enjoy the autumn leaves here – either you can ride on a houseboat or raft on Hotsu River which is so thrilling! The best season here is from late November until the beginning of December. Why not try the autumn leaves in the historical atmosphere?

Koyasan (Wakayama)

If you are looking to feel the historical atmosphere in Japan, just visit Wakayama which is situated in the south of Osaka. “Koyasan” is believed to be a sacred place in the sky. Koyasan is a sacred place for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism which was launched approximately 1,200 years ago by Kobo Daishi and is an accredited world heritage site as Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

Then it becomes the season of the autumn leaves, the views are dyed burning red. Going for hiking is the best part of enjoying nature in the season! Visit here anytime in between late October and the beginning of November – Tunnel Jabara Road of the autumn leaves is the best part!

Nara Park (Nara)

If you are to enjoy the autumn leaves in Nara prefecture, one of the old parks, “Nara Park”, is strongly recommended. There are so many historical temples and shrines around this area; including Todaiji Temple, Shosoin, Kohfukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha etc. They are proudly world famous! Also, wild deers are to be seen and you can go so close, or can even touch them if you like!

When it becomes autumn, Mt.Wakakusa shows you the beautiful autumn leaves and the views that deers are relaxed in the mountain surrounded by red leaves are so nice. The leaves start turning red in late October, and the best season would be between the beginning of November to December. This is a must-go place!

Hieizan Drive Way / Oku Hiei Drive Way

“Hieizan Drive Way/Oku Hiei Drive Way” is a toll road that links Otsu city in Shiga and the top of Hieizan for 20km. This is one of the popular driving spots in the Kansai region. There are a lot of sightseeing spots such as Hieizan Enryakuji Temple (world heritage site) and some look-outs.

Not only the leaves are to be dyed red and yellow in autumn, but “Yumemigaoka” will also be illuminated at night. “Autumn Leaves Festival” is to be hosted in Hieizan, so visit this place to enjoy a superb view! The best time is said to be in between late October and mid November.

Rokkozan (Hyogo)

“Rokkozan”, known as one of 3 major night views of Japan, is renowned for a superb night view. Situated in Kobe City of Hyogo, Rokkozan has a lot of fans within the Kansai region! So many people visit here every day.

Rokkozan is also known for the beautiful autumn leaves and trying Rokko Arima Ropeway is strongly recommended. You will enjoy 12 minutes of walking in the air on a ropeway that links Arima hot springs and the top of Rokkozan. The views under your eyes would surprise and amaze you for sure. The best season is between the beginning of November and late December – why not go for a ropeway ride and enjoy 12 minutes of an ariel walk?

Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)

One of the major parks in Osaka has a superb view of the autumn leaves as well. All the trees including ginkgo trees are to be dyed red and yellow, and a collaboration of red leaves and the castle makes you think of the good old days Japan.

With an easy access, it is situated in the centre of Osaka. One of the attractions to visit here is that you don’t have to drive for hours to see the autumn leaves. The best season would be sometime between November and the beginning of December. Why not go for the autumn leaves with “Osaka Castle” at the back?

Lake Biwa Valley (Shiga)

If you are keen on seeing a superb, but also a dynamic view of the autumn leaves, “Lake Biwa Valley” in Shiga would be the best. Go on a ropeway, and then you will witness the fantastically beautiful views of the trees under your eyes.

Not only seeing the autumn leaves, you can also find the fun activities including Skywalker on the top of the mountain. Kids will love it as there’s an athletic too. It is the great spot for refreshing while looking at the biggest lake in Japan – Lake Biwa. The best time is slightly earlier than the other places as it is sometime around the beginning of October to November.

Tofukuji (Kyoto)

Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in the Kansai region for sightseeing. If you are interested in experiencing the real autumn leaves in Kyoto, “Tofukuji”, the head temple of Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, is the best! With a vast site of 24,000 square metres in the precinct, Tofukuji has a lot of features such as the main gate which was built in the Muromachi era, National Treasures, and important cultural properties etc.

“Tsuten Bridge” in the precinct is well-known for the autumn leaves. A number of visitors come and see the views from the bridge. The best season would be between sometime around mid November and the beginning of December, and for other seasons, you will still enjoy just to look at the gardens. Good old days Japan in Kyoto – here it is!

Koukoen (Hyogo)

People love to visit “Koukoen” when going on a trip in Hyogo. Although you can enjoy this place all year round, the autumn is special – with a superb view of the red and yellow leaves. Water falls and the autumn leaves make a beautiful contrast that you will never forget! There will be a party to enjoy the autumn leaves between the mid-November and the beginning of December.

On Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holiday during the season of the party, the views are totally different as they are illuminated at night. How about getting chilled at the historical spot like this? This is definitely the best place for the autumn leaves in Hyogo!

Let’s Explore The World of The Autumn Leaves In The Kansai Region!

How was it? Today, I have introduced the best 10 spots for the autumn leaves in the Kansai region. As can be seen, there are a wide variety of places to enjoy the autumn leaves – some are in city, and some are in rich nature. Each area has a different view of the autumn leaves. Which one did you find interesting the most?