Why Japan in Autumn Should Be Your Next Trip

Japan's autumn foliage season, or koyo, transforms the country into a canvas of deep crimson, burnt orange and gold. From late October through November, maple forests blaze around temples, shrines and mountain passes.

Kyoto is the crown jewel of koyo, with gardens like Tofuku-ji and the paths of Arashiyama glowing in seasonal colour. Tokyo's parks, Nikko's mountain shrines and the lakes of Fuji Five come alive too.

Beyond the leaves, autumn brings seasonal food festivals, steaming bowls of ramen, and the famous momiji tempura. It's also a delightful middle ground between summer's heat and winter's chill.

Whether you're chasing the foliage north to south or soaking in the culture of Japan's great cities, autumn is arguably the most photogenic time to visit.