What months are autumn in Japan?

Autumn in Japan runs from September to November. A slow unfolding of cooler days, longer nights, and leaves that shift from green to deep crimson. It’s a season that feels like slipping into a different rhythm, slower, softer, almost cinematic.

What makes autumn here so special is its texture: the crunch of gingko leaves underfoot, the faint scent of roasted chestnuts on a city street, and that gentle chill that makes you reach for a cardigan in the morning. It’s also a season of contrast, light fading earlier in the day, giving evenings a slightly spooky charm, while afternoons invite nothing more than a walk, a hot drink, and maybe a cozy book.

What to wear in autumn in Japan? Layers are essential. A light jacket or a chunky knit in shades of brown, cinnamon, or chocolate feels both seasonal and practical. Comfortable boots will carry you through temple paths or bustling city avenues. And don’t forget a scarf, in Japan, autumn breezes have a way of sneaking in just when you least expect them!

Where can I see fall colors in Japan?

The phenomenon of koyo (or autumn leaves) is one of Japan’s most loved seasonal rituals. In Tokyo, the colors peak around mid to late November, painting places like Rikugien Garden, Ueno Park, and Meiji Jingu Gaien in fiery tones. For early color, head to Nikko, Nagano, or Kyoto, where October brings the first blaze of reds and golds.

If you’re in Tokyo, one of the most atmospheric spots is Mount Takao, only an hour from the city. Hike up and watch the mountains roll into an ocean of amber and scarlet, then warm up with a sweet treat from the stalls at the foot of the mountain.

In the cities, the autumn leaves offer a different magic: tree-lined avenues that feel designed for strolling, with sunlight filtering through orange branches like the glow of stained glass.

Places to enjoy autumn in Japan

Autumn isn’t only about what you see but also where you pause to savor it.

In Tokyo, look beyond the big parks and step into the city’s neighborhood cafés. A little coffee set in chocolate brown ceramic, paired with some japanese sweets, feels like the season in miniature. In Shimokitazawa, tiny cafés hide between vintage shops, where you can sip and read quietly, the outside world blurred into warm hues.

In Fukuoka, spots like Como es Coffee embody the autumn aesthetic. The interiors are simple, often wood-toned, with the kind of atmosphere that feels like a warm hug after a day of wandering. Order something spiced -maybe with a hint of cinnamon !- and you’ll understand why autumn in Japan is less about rushing and more about lingering.

Temples and shrines also offer their own kind of seasonal café: teahouses serving wagashi (traditional sweets) with a bowl of frothy green tea. Imagine the smoke of chocolate incense curling in the background, the flavors of the season: chestnut, sweet potato, cinnamon... pairing perfectly with the view outside.

Autumn vibes, in one word: cozy!

So, what is an autumn vibe? It’s the hush of the season, the way a city street suddenly feels cinematic, or the comfort of a café where brown and amber tones match the leaves outside. It’s the balance of cozy and spooky, where evenings invite reflection, books, and conversation.

Whether you’re wandering through maple gardens, flipping the page of your next book to read in autumn, or savoring taiyakis with a hot drink in hand, autumn in Japan offers an aesthetic that feels timeless.