---
title: Japan in autumn: a Travel Partner’s guide
description: Red maples in Kyoto, quiet onsen towns and the best time to see it all. How to plan a first trip to Japan in the most colourful season.
url: https://website-v2.dev.icligo.com/en/news/japan-in-autumn
published: 2026-10-02
author: Inês Carvalho
category: Destinations
language: en
---

# Japan in autumn: a Travel Partner’s guide

Red maples in Kyoto, quiet onsen towns and the best time to see it all. How to plan a first trip to Japan in the most colourful season.

Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Japan: mild temperatures, clear skies and leaves that turn red and gold from the north of the country down to Kyoto.

### When to go

The colours move south over several weeks. Hokkaido peaks in October, Tokyo and Kyoto from mid-November to early December. Your Travel Partner can time the trip around the forecast.

### A first-time route

- Tokyo: neighbourhoods, food markets and a day trip to Nikko
- Hakone: a night in a ryokan with an onsen and views of Mount Fuji
- Kyoto: temples, gardens and the maple tunnels of Arashiyama
- Nara or Osaka: deer parks or street food, depending on your style

### Tips

- Book ryokan and popular hotels well in advance, as autumn is high season
- A rail pass is not always the cheapest option; your Travel Partner can compare
- Visit famous gardens early in the morning to avoid crowds

With an official iCliGo quotation and payment directly to iCliGo, you can focus on the leaves and leave the logistics to your Travel Partner.