It will soon be fall. The autumn season in Japan is especially busy for tourism.
Most tourists are looking for “the view of autumn leaves”.The view of the leaves turning red and yellow is very beautiful.
There are many autumn foliage spots throughout Japan, but we would like to introduce five recommended sightseeing spots under the theme of “castles and autumn foliage”.
1.Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)
Hirosaki Castle is also known for its cherry blossoms.In autumn, 2,600 cherry trees and 1,000 maple trees all turn color at once.
Particularly recommended is the view of the castle’s outer moat and pond area.
The brightly colored leaves are reflected on the surface of the water.
In fact, during this foliage season, they used to hold a chrysanthemum show by bringing in chrysanthemums they had grown in the past. As a remnant of this, the “Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival” is held from the end of October to November.
For a limited time, they are also illuminated at night. It is also very fantastic!
Hirosaki Castle
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
2.Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)
Matsumoto Castle is a jet-black colored castle, which is rare in Japan. Cool!
During the fall season, visitors can see a collaboration of the castle and the autumn leaves colored in red, yellow, and orange. The contrast between the black-painted walls and the vivid autumn leaves is very beautiful!
If you shoot from the park surrounding Matsumoto Castle, you will get a beautiful picture with the autumn leaves and the castle.
Matsumoto Castle
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
3.Gujo Hachiman Castle (Gifu)
When the season arrives, the castle’s approximately 100 maple trees turn into fiery colors.
The appearance of the encompassing chalk keep is sometimes compared to a “keep on fire”.
They also hold a festival every year from early November to mid-November. During this period, the castle is open only at night and illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the fantastic night view of the castle.
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Best time to visit: Mid-November
4.Hikone Castle (Shiga Prefecture)
I recommend Genkyu-en Garden, located on the north side of Hikone Castle. It is a circular garden with a view of a vast pond and water, as well as islands and nine bridges.
Trees dyed red and yellow are reflected on the water, making it even more vivid.
At night, it is illuminated to create a more fantastic scene.
Hikone Castle
Best time to visit: Mid-NovemberEarly December, 2020
Light-up period in 2023: November 18 (Sat.) – December 3 (Sun.)
Wakayama Castle (Wakayama Prefecture)
The highlight of autumn at Wakayama Castle is the Nishinomaru Garden.
It is also commonly known as “Momijogei Garden” and shows its most beautiful scenery during the autumn season.
The “corridor bridge” is the best place to photograph. The bridge connects the mansions across the water moat. It is said to be one of the rarest remains of its kind in all of Japan’s castles.
Wakayama Castle
Best time to visit: Late November to mid-December
