The 10 best gardens in Japan to visit this fall

Forget pink cherry blossoms, we’re falling for autumn in Japan

Source: jrailpass.com

Everyone’s always raving about Japan’s cherry blossom season, but here’s a little secret: fall might just be the country’s best-kept secret. Instead of pink petals, picture landscapes bursting with deep reds, oranges, and golds—colors that turn gardens and temple grounds into nature’s own art galleries. 

Not only that, you’ve got crisp, comfortable weather and far fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to stroll through some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. And sometimes, even the most enthusiastic city explorers just need a break from the sensory overload of the cities.

So, if you’re thinking of swapping out spring for fall, these gardens in Japan should be on your radar.

The 10 best gardens in Japan to visit this fall 

When the temperature dips and the leaves start to turn, Japan’s gardens come alive with a fiery display of fall shades. From meticulously manicured landscapes to hidden temple retreats, each garden offers a unique way to experience Japan’s rich culture and natural beauty. 

Botanical gardens

In Japan, botanical gardens are living museums with a twist. Meticulously manicured landscapes showcase fiery maple varieties blazing alongside ancient trees, each with its history rooted in Japanese culture. These gardens preserve the incredible diversity of the natural world, from native species like the fiery momiji (Japanese maple) and the graceful gingko biloba, to exotic flora from across the globe. It's a chance to learn about Japan's botanical heritage and maybe even discover a new favorite plant.

Kyoto Botanical Garden (Kyoto)

Located just a short walk from Kitayama Station, Kyoto Botanical Garden is a lesser-known gem in a city filled with historical sites. This expansive garden is home to over 12,000 plant species, making it a perfect spot to see a range of seasonal flowers and foliage. One highlight in autumn is the avenue lined with Japanese maple trees, their crimson leaves creating a stunning natural canopy. 

Don’t miss the iconic greenhouse, which houses tropical plants, and the bamboo grove that feels like stepping into another world. Best of all, it’s a quieter escape compared to Kyoto’s more crowded spots, offering a tranquil atmosphere to soak in fall’s splendor.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Tokyo)

Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the busy Tokyo Dome, Koishikawa Korakuen is a hidden sanctuary in the heart of the city. Dating back to the early Edo period, this garden was originally designed with Chinese and Japanese elements, giving it a distinctive character. In the fall, the garden transforms into an explosion of reds and golds, thanks to its stunning collection of maple and ginkgo trees. 

The circular walking paths take you past a central pond and over quaint bridges, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn. One highlight is the Tsutenkyo Bridge, where the crimson leaves of the momiji reflect on the water below, creating a breathtaking scene. It’s easily accessible by subway—just hop off at Iidabashi or Korakuen stations. Be sure to visit during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and truly savor the tranquility.

Nagai Botanical Garden (Osaka)

Source: Inside Osaka

Source: Inside Osaka

Osaka's Nagai Botanical Garden breaks the mold. Don’t go there expecting greenhouses and Latin labels—this place weaves in urban excitement into the natural beauty. 

Wander through a sprawling landscape of fiery maples and golden gingko trees, the air filled with the crisp scent of autumn. Stumble upon a hidden rose garden, still bursting with late blooms. Or get lost in the ‘Forest of History’, where ancient plant species transport you back to prehistoric Osaka.

But Nagai is more than just plants. Explore the Osaka Museum of Natural History and delve deeper into the region's ecological wonders. As dusk falls, experience the magic of the ‘teamLab Botanical Garden’, an immersive light show that bathes the garden in an ethereal glow, blurring the lines between nature and art.

Wisteria gardens

Wisteria gardens are typically associated with spring in Japan, when the cascading purple, pink, and white flowers create dreamy tunnels of color. But come fall, these same gardens take on a whole new character. While the wisteria vines may no longer be in bloom, their twisted branches and intricate lattice structures create a striking contrast against the vibrant reds and yellows of autumn foliage. Visiting these gardens in fall offers a quieter, less crowded experience with a completely different palette of colors.

Kawachi Fuji Garden (Fukuoka)

Best known for its stunning wisteria tunnels that look like something out of a fairytale in spring, Kawachi Fuji Garden takes on a different kind of beauty in autumn. The garden’s framework of intertwined wisteria branches becomes a dramatic backdrop for the seasonal hues of maple and gingko trees, which light up the grounds in shades of red and yellow. Visitors can wander through the tunnels and appreciate the artistry of the structures in a new way, as the vines reveal their natural, gnarled beauty. 

Kawachi Fuji Garden is located about a 30-minute drive from central Kitakyushu City. Alternatively, you can take a train to Yahata Station and catch a taxi or local bus. Fall may not be its peak season, but for those looking to escape the springtime crowds, this is the perfect time to enjoy a quieter, more reflective visit.

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)

While Ashikaga Flower Park is famous for its stunning wisteria displays in spring, the park transforms into a vibrant showcase of autumn colors as the year progresses. The park’s central Great Wisteria Tree may be bare, but its massive canopy structure still makes an impressive sight against the backdrop of red maples and golden gingkos. In the evenings, the park also offers illumination events, where thousands of twinkling lights bring the gardens to life in a mesmerizing display. 

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga Flower Park is about a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo, making it a convenient day trip. Be sure to check the park’s event schedule ahead of time to catch the full splendor of its fall transformation.

Zen gardens

Zen gardens, or karesansui, are carefully arranged landscapes of rocks, gravel, and sand designed to symbolize the essence of nature in a minimalist form. Often found in temple grounds, they’re intended for meditation, inviting visitors to reflect on the beauty of simplicity and the balance of elements. In Japan, these gardens capture the stillness of the changing seasons, offering a space to pause and contemplate.

Ryoan-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Ryoan-ji is home to Japan’s most iconic zen garden—a rectangular plot of meticulously raked white gravel interspersed with 15 moss-covered rocks of varying sizes. The arrangement is meant to evoke mountains emerging from a sea of clouds, inspiring endless interpretations. While the garden itself doesn’t change colors with the seasons, the surrounding maple trees create a stunning frame in fall, making the view from the temple’s veranda truly captivating. 

Located a short bus ride from Kyoto Station, Ryoan-ji is best visited early in the morning to avoid the midday crowds. Take your time absorbing the serenity here; the garden’s design is said to offer a different experience depending on where you stand.

Tenryu-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Source: ZekkeiJapan

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains, Tenryu-ji’s garden is a harmonious blend of water and earth elements. Designed in the 14th century, its central Sogen Pond reflects the show-stopping display of Japanese maples, offering an almost mirror-like display of fall colors. Stone arrangements and delicate plantings line the water’s edge, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites quiet reflection. Just a short walk from the famous Bamboo Grove, this garden is ideal for a leisurely visit. 

Plan to spend some time wandering the surrounding paths that offer glimpses of the garden from different angles. You can reach Tenryu-ji easily by taking the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station or the Keifuku Randen Tram Line.

Daitoku-ji Temple (Kyoto)

Daitoku-ji is a sprawling complex of sub-temples, each with its own unique take on the zen garden tradition. From carefully raked gravel that resembles rippling water to sparse stone arrangements set amidst mossy grounds, every corner of Daitoku-ji offers a fresh perspective on zen aesthetics. 

One standout is the Daisen-in sub-temple, known for its intricate dry landscape garden symbolizing a river journey. In autumn, the contrast between the stillness of the stone and the bursts of seasonal foliage around the complex is striking. 

Located in northern Kyoto, Daitoku-ji can be accessed by bus from Kyoto Station. Because it’s less frequented by tourists, the temple complex provides a more intimate experience, allowing for quiet contemplation.

Bonsai gardens

Bonsai gardens are living showcases of one of Japan’s most beloved art forms—growing and shaping miniature trees that reflect the grandeur of full-sized landscapes. Far from being just small potted plants, bonsai represent a deep connection between nature, craftsmanship, and patience. In Japan, these gardens are places where centuries-old trees are tended with meticulous care, allowing visitors to experience the profound beauty of nature in miniature form.

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum (Tokyo)

Shunkaken Bonsai Museum

Located in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo’s Edogawa district, Shunkaen Bonsai Museum is a hidden gem for bonsai enthusiasts. Founded by Kunio Kobayashi, a world-renowned bonsai master, the museum features a stunning collection of meticulously shaped bonsai trees, some of which are over 800 years old. 

Visitors can observe different styles of bonsai, from the dramatic cascade forms to the upright, wind-swept trees that look as if they’ve been plucked from a mountain cliff. The museum also offers hands-on workshops where you can try your hand at creating your own bonsai. It’s a little off the beaten path—about a 20-minute taxi ride from Funabori Station—but worth the journey if you’re seeking an authentic, up-close look at this delicate art form.

Omiya Bonsai Village (Saitama)

Bonsai with autumn foliage Source: Omiya Bonsai Art Museum 

Just outside Tokyo in Saitama, Omiya Bonsai Village is a unique destination dedicated entirely to the art of bonsai. This small community of nurseries, gardens, and museums has been cultivating bonsai for nearly a century. Each nursery is like stepping into a living gallery, showcasing trees of various shapes, sizes, and styles. 

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum offers an excellent introduction to the history and techniques of bonsai, while local growers are happy to share their expertise. It’s best explored on foot, as each nursery has its own distinct atmosphere and collection. 

To get there, take the JR Utsunomiya Line to Toro Station, followed by a 10-minute walk. Plan to spend at least half a day to fully appreciate the quiet beauty and craftsmanship of these miniature masterpieces.

Explore the best gardens in Japan—in the most serene way possible 

Discovering the beautiful gardens in Japan is a must—but why deal with crowded trains or complex bus routes when you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace? 

A private tour with a local driver offers a more relaxed way to take in each garden’s unique atmosphere, letting you focus on soaking up the beauty instead of deciphering timetables. From Kyoto’s historic zen gardens to hidden hillside retreats in Hiroshima, a personalized tour guarantees that you see the best spots without a hitch. 

Forget those selfie-stick wielding hordes; a private tour with TokudAw is your ticket to experiencing Japan's autumnal magic in peace and quiet.