While millions of tourists pack into Kyoto temple gardens every November, Kyushu offers something better: autumn foliage without the crowds.
When Do Leaves Change in Kyushu?
Kyushu autumn foliage runs from late October to early December, about 2-4 weeks later than Tokyo and Kyoto.
| Location | Peak Foliage | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Aso | Late October | 1,000m+ |
| Kirishima | Late Oct - Early Nov | 1,200m |
| Takachiho | Mid November | 300-500m |
| Dazaifu/Fukuoka | Late November | Sea level |
| Kagoshima | Early December | Sea level |
Best Autumn Routes by Campervan
Route 1: Volcanic Highland Route (5 days)
Fukuoka to Aso to Kurokawa Onsen to Takachiho to Kirishima to Kagoshima. Drive through the Aso caldera when the susuki turns golden, soak in Kurokawa riverside onsen surrounded by maples.
Route 2: Coastal Autumn Route (4 days)
Fukuoka to Yufuin to Beppu to Usuki to Amakusa. Combine autumn colours with hot springs. Yufuin Kinrin Lake reflects the surrounding mountains beautifully.
Top 5 Autumn Camping Spots
- Bougatsuru Campground (Oita) — Free camping in a volcanic valley with morning mist
- Ebino Kogen (Miyazaki) — 1,200m elevation, volcanic lakes with autumn colours
- Nakanoshima Park (Kagoshima) — Beachside with Sakurajima views
- Makinoto Pass — Panoramic Kuju Mountain autumn views
- Senomoto Kogen (Kumamoto) — Highland sunset over Aso
Autumn Onsen and Foliage Combos
- Kurokawa Onsen — Buy the tegata pass (1,300 yen) to hop between 3 baths
- Yufuin Onsen — Mountain views from open-air baths
- Kirishima Onsen — Volcanic hot springs with forest foliage
Autumn is our most popular season — campervans book out fast. Reserve early. All-inclusive from 16,500 yen per day.