Kyushu fall colors peak from mid-November to early December — 2-4 weeks later than mainland Japan. This means you can enjoy autumn foliage when the rest of Japan is already past peak, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Best Fall Foliage Spots in Kyushu
- Takachiho Gorge — Fiery maples reflected in the gorge water (mid-November)
- Kikuchi Valley, Kumamoto — Stunning valley with cascading waterfalls and red maples (late November)
- Yufuin — Kinrin Lake surrounded by golden ginkgo and red maple (late November)
- Yamanami Highway — Mountain road between Aso and Beppu, a tunnel of color (early November)
- Mifuneyama Rakuen, Saga — 500,000 square meter garden with spectacular night illumination (November)
- Dazaifu Tenmangu — Historic shrine near Fukuoka with 6,000 maple trees (late November)
- Kirishima — Volcanic landscape with fiery autumn colors at high elevation (early November)
Suggested 5-Day Autumn Route
- Day 1: Fukuoka — Dazaifu Tenmangu for autumn colors near the city
- Day 2: Drive to Yufuin via scenic mountain roads, enjoy lakeside autumn views
- Day 3: Yamanami Highway to Mount Aso — peak color at elevation
- Day 4: Takachiho Gorge — the most photogenic autumn spot in Kyushu
- Day 5: Kikuchi Valley, return to Fukuoka via Kumamoto
Autumn Camping Tips
- Temperatures: 8-18C in November — bring warm bedding (included with VanTripJapan)
- Book popular campsites early — autumn weekends fill up fast
- Onsen are even better in cool weather — nothing beats a hot spring after a chilly autumn hike