Shimin no Mori (or the Citizens' Forest) lies on the eastern face of Mount Abura (or Aburayama), Fukuoka City’s tallest mountain. Mount Abura is a popular destination for people seeking respite from the city, as well as for anyone visiting the area who's into nature. It has trails and hiking routes, a wild bird forest, a campground and even a grass ski hill. Events are held here throughout the year, but the fall is especially popular because of the striking foliage of the zelkovas, wax trees and American Sweetgums.

Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple was founded in 178 A.D. by an Indian Buddhist monk. On its premises stands a Kannon Buddha statue made of camellia wood that's 600 years old, and there are many other statues to see there as well. The 400-year-old maple tree featured in the photo above is a Municipally Designated Natural Monument, and its koyo foliage is fantastic. The tree and its limb span are so great that poles are needed to prop them up.

This beautiful ravine is located in Yame, a small city about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Fukuoka City. Yamanaka Keikoku has many momiji, or maple trees that make for fantastic viewing in autumn.

Located southwest of Mount Hiko, the beautiful landscape of autumn leaves at the foot of Mount Shoji-ga-Take spreads out into Fukakura Gorge—also referred to as the hidden tatami room of Mount Hiko. The leaves of Fukakura Gorge are colored in red and yellow as if to decorate the fantastically shaped rocks that are arranged in a natural line. Fukakura Gorge is designated as one of the top 100 autumn leaves spots in Japan.