November marks the beginning of the autumn leaf season, known as Koyo in Japan. Autumn leaf viewing in the Chubu region is characterized by a strong local vibe, without the mass tourism you'd expect in Tokyo or Kyoto, so you can experience the local atmosphere while taking in Japanese nature and culture.

2023's Best Times to View Autumn Leaves

Below is the best time to see the autumn leaves in the Chubu area.The leaves are expected to change colors in early November. The best places to see the autumn foliage are mountain areas like Kamikochi, where the leaves typically peak in mid-October at the earliest.
*It may vary depending on weather conditions.（See Weather News for the latest information on Autumn Leaves (Japanese)).

In Japan, a short trip to see autumn leaves is called a Momijigari (Leaf peeping). Be sure to work in Momijigari on your autumn travels to Japan.

Aichi

Korankei (Aichi)
Impressive Valley Vistas

Korankei is one of the best-known spots in the Chubu area. There are 11 kinds of trees and over 4,000 leaves, that create a dynamic and wonderful tapestry of red, yellow, and orange with beautiful rivers acting in contrast to the scene. The Kourankei Momiji Festival is held from Nov. 1st to 30th. The leaves are lit until 9 pm for visitors to enjoy the scene until late in the evening. Japanese drum performances, and more events are held during this time. (At an additional fee.)

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Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo (Aichi)
Recommended for Families with Small Children

If you are looking for some family fun, head to the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, reached conveniently by the Nagoya subway. The botanical gardens are host to more than 500 Japanese Maple trees. You can enjoy Gassho-style houses, and Japanese gardens, in Autumn colors. During Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens' Momijigari, a kitchen car is available as well as nighttime light shows and concerts. Higashiyama Sky Tower is also available for views overlooking Nagoya.

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Mt. Horaiji (Aichi)
Autumn Leaves on the Holy Mountain

Credit: 愛知県の公式観光ガイドAichiNow

Mt. Horaiji is only just being discovered by tourists, here you can experience the rich nature of the area at a relaxing pace and take in the mountain's 1,300 years of history. Take some time off and disconnect from the hubbub of your busy life and relax with a stay at the nearby Yuya hot spring and warm your body. Recharge your batteries with the power of nature.

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Tokugawa Garden (Aichi)
Nagoya City Bus Tour and Viewing Autumn Leaves in Comfort

The Me-guru bus provides easy access to Tokugawa Garden from the Sakae district of Nagoya. The garden has a teahouse built in the traditional Japanese style called Sozansou, which acts as a cafe in the afternoon. Enjoy French cuisine at the Garden Restaurant Tokugawaen and Kaiseki cuisine at Hozentei. Enjoy the elegance of tea alongside views of beautiful Autumn leaves.

Tokugawa Garden Recent News

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Sobue (Aichi)
A Carpet of Golden Leaves

Sobue in Inazawa, Aichi is the top spot for producing ginkgo nuts. Over 10,000 ginkgo trees carpet the city in their yellow leaves. And you can attend the Sobue Yellow Leaf Festival and night light-up and try out some great ginko food.

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Gifu & Mie

Gero Onsen (Gifu)
Relax at a Footbath with a Superb View of Autumn Leaves

Gero Onsen is of the three most famous springs in Japan. Legend has it that a god changed himself into a wounded heron, and healed his wounds in the Hida River. This heron told the villagers the location of the hot springs. The autumn leaves are illuminated every year at Onsen-Ji Temple where the legendary Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined. During the illumination period, footbaths are available. Check out the village of Koubozan on the east side of the hot spring resort which has 10 Gassho-style houses which were relocated from the world heritage site, Hida-Shirakawa-go.

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Akame Shijuhachi Waterfalls (Mie)
Autumn Leaves and More! A Must-Visit for Mountain Climbers and Ninja Lovers

Akame Shijuhachi Waterfalls is said to have been the home of training for Iga ninja. The 4-kilometer-long Akame Keikoku Valley has various waterfalls in many sizes including Fudotaki Waterfalls, Senjudaki Waterfalls, and Biwadaki Waterfalls. The hiking course to Mount Nagasaka offers a panoramic view of the valley and the red-tinged mountain range in autumn. Also, try out the ninja training experience in Ninja no Mori. Don't miss it if you have ever been interested in being the greatest ninja ever!

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Wrap-up

Did you find any places that you want to visit in this article? There are many options to help you plan your trip. We hope you experience some amazing moments during your trip to Central Japan!

The above is the information updated on 2023/9/5