I photographed this at a light-up event held at Mamada Hachimangu Shrine in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. The display of wagasa (Japanese paper umbrellas) was usually only shown on sunny weekends and was hard to see, but this time I visited for the first time. The autumn leaves were at their peak, the lighting was just right, and the wagasa stood out beautifully. It was a scene that truly evoked Japan.

In Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, local shops and private homes welcome visitors with hanachozu (flower-filled water basins). This time I went to see a light-up event themed “Light of Hope.” At Gyoda Hachiman Shrine, the illuminated hanachozu were beautiful, and the whole shrine was decorated so nicely that I could take photos combining the lights with the autumn leaves.

This photo was taken at Kandokuji Temple on the Naka River in Tochigi Prefecture. Kandokuji is a historic temple with very large, impressive maple trees. This time I photographed Avalokitasvara and the autumn leaves, and it looks as if a tear is falling from Avalokitasvara’s eye. Did the statue feel happy because the leaves turned such splendid colors again this year?

I took these photos at Kinzouin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture. Kinzouin is famous for the bright red maples lining its approach. I photographed the Thirteen Buddhas on the temple grounds along with the autumn leaves. Among them, Fudo Myoo felt particularly powerful, so I think these pictures really convey a sense of Japan.

A cluster amaryllis photographed at Onrin-ji Temple in Oramachi, Ōra District, Gunma Prefecture. It was my first visit this year, and the flowers were so beautiful that the area truly lives up to its longtime reputation as the village of cluster amaryllis. Several stone Buddhas stand there, and in one photo one seemed to be saying, “The world is content.”

The ginkgo avenue along Sakuradoori is one of Nagoya's most representative and beautiful street trees in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The entire street turns a glorious golden hue, creating a striking urban autumn scene. Sakuradoori stretches for several kilometers, but the best view is famously from the pedestrian bridge at Nisshin-mae Crossing (where Sakuradoori meets Fushimi-dori). It is widely known as the prime spot to take in the whole avenue.

The best season to visit Yōki-sō is unquestionably autumn. The maple trees in the garden turn vivid red, creating a striking contrast with the historic buildings; you can enjoy a unique autumn scene where the red of Taisho-era romantic architecture and the red of the maples come together.

Horyuin Temple is close to Higashiyama’s famous autumn foliage sites like Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Philosopher's Path, Anrakuji, and Eikando Temple, yet it sees few tourists; in the early morning you can enjoy quiet moments and even have this painterly gradation of autumn colors all to yourself.

The charm of Horyuin Temple lies in its moss and thatched gate. From the approach, the gradation of autumn colors seen beyond the thatched gate looks like a painting framed by the gate.

The highlight of autumn leaves at Daikakuji is undoubtedly the scenery around Osawa Pond. Around Osawa Pond, Japan’s oldest promenade-style garden, about 700 maple and cherry trees have been planted. At the peak of the fall colors, the pond’s surface becomes a beautiful mirror, vividly reflecting the red and yellow foliage and the vermilion Heart Sutra Pagoda floating on the water. This “water mirror” scene is Daikakuji’s most photogenic sight.

Gionji Temple is famous as a Kyoto spot for autumn leaves not because of the crimson beauty of the trees themselves, but for the way the fallen leaves form a truly red carpet across the moss as they drop.

These photos were not taken this year, but they were shot in the Tenryu-ji Temple Garden in Kyoto. I pressed the shutter because I thought the dragonfly's wings reflected on the railing looked beautiful in the sunlight. It reminds me of the lingering heat and the atmosphere as autumn truly begins to arrive.

Autumn Colors on the Mountain Pass An aerial drone view of Onyu Pass in a sweeping composition. Be moved by the vibrant fall foliage and the winding snake road! Onyu Pass, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

The autumn colors in Mizumoto park in Tokyo looks amazing during sunrise. The early morning view of the metasequoia forest with the soft sunlight looks amazing. Its a Mystic view. I had an amazing experience during my trip to the Mizumoto park.

Surrounded by mysterious autumn leaves, a tunnel-like world bathed in shafts of light 🍁 It was so beautiful that I stopped in my tracks and took a photo 📷✨ It was a scenery unique to autumn.

Because the weather was fine, everyone enjoyed the brightly colored maple leaves from early morning🍁 November 12, 2025 Mount Gaun Eugenji Temple

Vibrant red, yellow-green, and orange autumn leaves overlap like a heart-shaped symbol of love. This photo was taken at Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori (Forest of Environmental Art) in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. 🍁❤︎☺︎

Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori is located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. A breathtaking view of autumn leaves reflected on a lacquer table 🍁🍁 It’s a moving, beautiful scene. In autumn the leaves turn a vivid red. The Japanese-style garden is beautiful year-round, and the meticulously tended, picture-perfect pond makes this place one of Japan’s most delightful spots.

Candle Tokyo Skytree

Photographed on December 8, 2025. This is the flower-filled hand-washing basin (hanachozu) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It features Christmas colors. 🎄

The autumn leaves at Oidaira Park in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture The scene of bright red maples lit by the morning sun, rising into view, was breathtaking From Takamidai along the river, I used an ultra-wide lens to fill the frame with autumn.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Also it is paradise for bird watchers. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

On November 30th, while heading to Mizumoto Park in Tokyo Metropolis to photograph wild birds, I passed by Katori Shrine. When I glanced at a patch of weeds, two cats were sleeping curled up together. Autumn had deepened, and fallen leaves and a fine rain were beginning to fall. Surely these cats felt the chill of the season and shared their warmth with each other.

📍Matsushima Rikyu It was a wonderful spot where you could enjoy autumn leaves, illumination, and reflections all at once ✨🍁😍🍁✨

Autumn leaves at Naruko Gorge 🍁🤭🍁 The colors were truly beautiful this year. It would have been even better if a train had passed, but services are suspended due to last year’s heavy rain☔️🥹🚃 I hope recovery and restoration happen as soon as possible😌

The autumn leaves at Okuni Jinja Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture. The vermilion bridge blends seamlessly into the fall scenery.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

I took this photo at Ritsurin Park during the autumn foliage season. A building appears across the pond, and a maple with red leaves fills the foreground, giving a strong sense of depth, so I pressed the shutter. It was a calming scene that warmed my heart. This fall I hardly got to capture autumn because of university exams and assignments, plus driving school, so Ritsurin Park was the only place I visited. It's an incredibly fun spot, though. I’m hoping to visit many different places next year.

I visited Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamon-do in Hiraizumicho, Iwate Prefecture. The vermilion of the autumn leaves wrapped the temple grounds, and the quiet surface of the water gently reflected the season—what a lovely place☺️