Autumn foliage viewing spots in Kansai area

Kyoto highly popular city with commercials aired every year, and has many spots to view autumn leaves.
Why not visit one of Japan's most famous autumn foliage spots, one that you will never get bored of, no matter how many times you visit?

Shiga's famous autumn foliage spot, where three ancient temples are painted in color
Each has its own history and beauty...

The shrine is known as the "Nikko of Kansai" and is dominated by approximately 3,000 maple trees!

The autumn foliage at the national treasure Hikone Castle Castle and the scenic spots Genkyuen and Rakurakuen is spectacular

The area around Hikone Castle is covered with deep evergreen forests, and the scenery changes with the seasons, matching the beauty of the castle. Genkyuen and Rakurakuen, former feudal lord gardens located northeast of Hikone Castle, are large pond-style stroll gardens, and are beautiful gardens that you should stop by if you visit Hikone Castle.

Illuminated during the autumn foliage season! Two gardens showcasing the charming beauty of wabi-sabi

Kyorinbo, founded by Prince Shotoku, is usually a closed temple and is only open to the public in spring and during the autumn foliage season. In front of the Shoin, which was built in the early Edo period, there is the Enshu Garden, a nationally designated scenic garden designed by Kobori Enshu, and the moss garden Fudaraku Garden, created during the Muromachi period. During the autumn foliage season, the gardens are lit up, creating a fantastical sight.

Three temples with national treasures: Jorakuji Temple, Chojuji Temple, and Zensuiji Temple

The three ancient Tendai temples located in Konan City - Joraku-ji, Choju-ji, and Zensui-ji - are collectively known as Konan Sanzan.
All three temples were founded in Nara period, and their quaint appearance can be enjoyed in the autumn when the leaves change color.

A magnificent view created by approximately 500 metasequoia trees and a straight road

Approximately 500 metasequoia trees are planted on both sides of the road, which stretches for about 2.4 km, and in autumn, the leaves turn beautiful red, gradually changing from yellow to brick red. The symmetrical landscape created by the cone-shaped metasequoia trees and the straight road harmonizes with the distant Nosaka Mountains, and has been selected as one of the New 100 Views of Japanese Roadside Trees.

The 3,000 maple trees are a highlight! A shrine known as the "Nikko of Kansai"

Have you ever seen a photo of fiery maple leaves decorating the magnificent vermilion-painted Thirteen-Story Pagoda?
Tanzan Shrine is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves that represents the Yamatoji region, and the sight of Japan's only wooden thirteen-story pagoda, colored with autumn leaves all over the mountain, is something you will never forget once you've seen it.
The shrine is dedicated to Fujiwara no Kamatari and is famous as the place where he and Prince Nakano Oe discussed the Taika Reforms. It is said that the shrine got its name because it is located on the mountain where they discussed their plans.
In autumn, approximately 3,000 maple trees burn in red and vermilion, competing with the vermilion of the shrine building.
A statue of Fujiwara no Kamatari is enshrined in the Sangensha Kasuga-style main hall, and the shrine is said to have been the model for Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

The silver grass in the setting sun looks like a golden carpet

Soni Highland, famous for the silver grass that grows all over the plateau, is a national park located at an altitude of about 700m on the border between Nara and Mie prefectures.
In autumn, as far as the eye can see, silver ears of silver grass sway like a sea, and the whole area is covered in silver grass, except for the wetland known as Okame Pond.
This pond, which has stories such as the "Okame Legend," is also said to be a treasure trove of wetland plants.
It is said that the time when this sea of silver grass looks most beautiful is in the autumn evenings.
Bathed in the setting sun, the sight of the entire plateau shining golden is truly fantastical.

A hidden gem on the Kii Peninsula where autumn leaves adorn the valley

This tourist spot is said to be the best in the Kii Peninsula, with its beautiful gorge, including rock faces that can be seen up close and magnificent cliffs. In autumn, the gorge is colored with autumn leaves, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by nature.

Hosshinmon Oji is said to be the entrance to the sacred area of Kumano.

The poet Fujiwara no Teika, who visited here in 1201,
He wrote that he was moved by the sight of the lush trees turning red and painting the temple grounds.
This is the best spot to see autumn leaves along the Kumano trail.

A sacred site of Japanese Buddhism registered as a World Heritage Site

Koyasan is home to many coniferous trees, but in the autumn foliage season, many areas, such as the inner sanctuary and the Serpentine Trail, turn a brilliant red, creating a stunning contrast with the temples. Enjoy viewing the autumn leaves while savoring the sacred air of Koyasan, a sacred Buddhist site.

A famous waterfall from the "Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan" and autumn leaves

Minoh Waterfall is a famous waterfall with a drop of 33m that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan."
It is said that the name comes from the fact that the way the water flows down resembles a farm tool called a winnowing basket.
The area around Minoh Waterfall, which is said to be the latest in Minoh Park to change color, is bustling with tourists who come to see the autumn leaves, as the maples turn fiery red and the air becomes refreshing.

The symbol of the Tanabata legend and the starry village! It is also one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in the country!

This wooden deck suspension bridge is 180m above sea level, 280m in total length, and 50m above ground level, making it one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan. Enjoy the thrill of an aerial stroll surrounded by autumn leaves.

"Castle in the Sky" that cannot be reached by large bus

Takeda Castle is a mountain castle located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Greatest Castles. The castle tower and other structures no longer exist, and only the stone walls remain, but the castle still attracts many visitors.
The trees take on autumn colors, creating a beautiful contrast with the remaining stone walls, pleasing to the eyes of all who stroll through the area.

Take an aerial walk to enjoy the autumn leaves that change color depending on the altitude

The Rokko-Arima Ropeway will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Jul. 2020.
The first gondola upgrade in 27 years and station building renovation work were completed, and the third-generation new gondola began operation on Mar. 20. From the large glass surface, you can enjoy a more majestic and thrilling panorama of the autumn leaves of Mt. Rokko.

It's like a painting. It's a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves that only a few people know about!

Ankokuji Temple in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves that is known only to those in the know. The temple is usually closed to the public, but it opens only during the autumn foliage season.
The Enkianthus campanulatus, which is said to be about 150 years old, is famous for its vibrant autumn leaves, and the Enkianthus campanulatus visible across the tatami room looks like a framed painting.

A famous autumn foliage spot that was also loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Zuihoji Park is located at the highest point (500m above sea level) of Arima Onsenkyo hot spring town and is one of Hyogo Prefecture's most famous autumn foliage spots.
This is the former site of the Obaku sect Zuihoji Temple, and currently all that remains is the Sanmon Gate, which is said to be a relic of Fushimi Momoyama Castle.
When Toyotomi Hideyoshi visited Arima, he saw the autumn leaves at Zuihoji Temple and praised them, saying, "I never get tired of looking at them," and so the temple was given the name "Higurashi no Niwa" (Garden of Days).

A Japanese garden with an Edo period atmosphere

This Japanese garden features a stroll-style pond and makes use of the backdrop of Himeji Castle, a registered World Heritage Site. With a site area of over 30,000 square meters, you can enjoy the charming scenery that exudes the atmosphere of the Edo period.