Top 20 Recommended Scenic Spots in Japan
Trip101
Autumn is the perfect season to take a trip to Japan. On your holiday here, you will definitely enjoy the nature–red and yellow leaves, cosmos flowers, red spider lilies, pampas grass, and rice fields scattered throughout the land. Of course, there are also the striking red sunsets, a balance of cool and warm weather, and a sea of delicate clouds.
20. Kokonoe “Yume” Otsurihashi Bridge (Oita)
The Kokonoe “Yume” Otsurihashi Bridge is located at 777 meters (about 2,549 feet) above sea level, and measures 390 meters (about 1,279 feet) in length, 173 meters (567 feet) in height, and 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in width. It is considered one of Japan’s most famous tourist spots. From the bridge, you can see where the water of one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls originates, and in the fall autumn leaves spread throughout the whole valley. If you typically get a thrill from heights, then you can enjoy a walk here.
19. Bicchu Matsuyama Castle Observatory (Okayama)
Bicchu Matsuyama Castle, in Takahashi in Okayama Prefecture, is considered to be one of Japan’s Top 3 Mountain Castles. It is known as the “Mountain Castle in the Sky,” and can be seen above a sea of clouds as if floating on it. The best time to visit is from the start of September to the end of April, but it is generally agreed that it is at its most beautiful at the beginning of autumn. You can view the sea of clouds from sunrise around 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., so be sure to get there early if you want to see this incredible sight!
18. Kankakei (Kagawa)
The scenery of Kankakei National Park in Shodoshima Island is famous for being featured in the movie, “Twenty-Four Eyes.” The amazing valley has been recognized as one of Japan’s top three valleys, Japan’s top three sceneries and Japan’s top 100 famous views. One of the biggest thrills for visitors is the non-stop ropeway ride to the station at the summit of the mountain. On this five-minute ride, you can get a spectacular view of its beautiful valleys combined with the autumn leaves.
17. Shikoku Karst (Ehime/Kochi)
On the border of Ehime and Kochi prefectures is a plateau, which is where Shikoku Karst can be found. Thanks to its limestones and low-lying trees, it is considered one of the best places to go stargazing in Japan, and it is also famous for its beautiful sea of clouds during the spring and autumn seasons. It's once-in-a-lifetime scenery that nature lovers absolutely should not miss!
16. Enkoji Temple (Nara)
There are numerous famous places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto. In recent years, Enkoji Temple went from being relatively unknown to being jam packed with tourist!. Many people come to see the overwhelming beauty of its scattered autumn leaves. It is known for Jyu-gyu no Niwa, the Kyoto Pond Garden, and Seiryuuchi, which is said to be one of the oldest ponds in Kyoto.
15. Inabuchi (Nara)
The rice fields of Inabuchi in the village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture is a trendy spot for photographers to gather. While its green summers are stunning, Inabuchi’s rice paddies turn an overwhelmingly vibrant yellow between the middle of September and October. One nice place to go sightseeing is Scarecrow Road, where striking birds often grace the rice paddies, despite efforts to keep them away.
14. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Nagano/Mount Fuji)
Many attractions of the Alpine Route include snow-covered valleys in the early spring, the falls of the Kurobe Dam and beautiful autumn leaves. From Ogizawa Station in Omachi in Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy the scenery by taking a trolley bus, a cable car, the ropeway or a tunnel trolley bus.
13. Yokotanikyo (Nagano)
Yokotanikyo Lake is a wonderful site for autumn scenery, with green knotweeds, the surrounding autumn leaves at Oshaga Pond and the Oshidori Kakushi falls. The spot is so beautiful, it served as an inspiration for a painting and a TV commercial. If you wish to see its autumn leaves and waterfalls together, then you cannot miss the Yokotanikyo Kannon Observation Deck.
12. Korankei (Aichi)
Korankei is an incredible place for autumn leaves in Aichi Prefecture. Since viewing season is only two weeks of the year, tens of thousands of people from across the country come here. It is so sought-after that its crowded conditions will not allow you to walk freely during the weekends. Mount Iimori in Korankei has the perfect hiking course. This is a good chance to exercise as you enjoy the autumn leaves.
11. Otago Beach (Shizuoka)
The locals of Nishiizu are proud to say that the wonderful sunsets of Otago Beach are the best in Japan. The best time to see them are shortly before or after the spring and autumn equinoxes, and there are volunteers on-site who can guide you on the best ways to see the sunsets.
10. Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge (Shizuoka)
The Yume no Tsuribashi Bridge has been rising in popularity as a once-in-a-lifetime bridge to visit in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a beautiful bridge that spans across the cobalt blue reservoir. Many people come to see the scenery when it is the season for autumn leaves. While there are many ways to get there, we recommend the Oigawa Railway steam engine train, which is a fun, retro way to ride the rails.
For the rest of the list, check out the full story from Trip101 via the link below!
