From fiery maples to golden ginkgos, here’s where Asia puts on its best autumn show
Leaf-peeping, where people travel to see fall foliage in all its glory, has recently become popular in places like the US.
However, admiring autumn leaves has long been a tradition in parts of Asia – take Japan, which has a special term for it called momijigari.
Take it from us: Asia’s autumnal hues are less advertised but no less spectacular. If you’re keen to see what it’s all about, here are seven places to see gorgeous fall foliage across the region.
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
A short distance from Tokyo, Ibaraki prefecture is a leaf-peeper’s dream. Blood red kochia bushes paint the hillside a fiery red at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka City. The Ginkgo Festival in Mito City in November is a great time to experience the Museum of History’s avenue of ginkgo trees carpeted in yellow. Head to the Fukuroda falls and Eigenji Temple (called Momiji-dera, or Autumn Foliage Temple) in Daigo, or up to Mount Tsukuba, which celebrates a Momiji Festival when the hills are lit up at night, which can be viewed by cable car. At Ryujin Lake, you can canoe or paddleboard amidst fall foliage, or bungee jump off the Ryujin Suspension bridge with a view of the colourful gorge below.
Nami Island, South Korea
The 2002 K-drama Winter Sonata brought attention to Nami Island’s gorgeous fall foliage. The half-moon island is a short distance from Seoul, and can be accessed by ferry, speedboat or a zipline (yes, you read that right). On the island, admire the Metasequoia Lane’s towering conifers, which form a canopy of orange in fall, while the Ginkgo Tree Lane’s tunnel of gold looks spectacular both in real life and on the gram. Picnic under the trees, cycle around the island or take in the gigantic Maternal Love sculpture by sculptor Yu Qing Cheng. There is also a handicraft studio on the island that offers workshops in glassblowing, ceramics and woodworking.
Alishan Scenic Area, Taiwan
Home to gigantic red cypresses, maples and red pines, Alishan forest is stunning in autumn. Maple foliage viewing is a popular activity, with the best spots being from the observation decks of Mount Ogasawara, Mount Duigaoyue and Ciyun temple. The century-old Alishan Forest Railway, which reopened in 2024, is a steam railway that winds around the mountains and opens up the forest landscape. Hike the Eryanping trail, known for its sunset sea of clouds, or chase the train along the Manzhu cycling trail. Also sample the famous Alishan mountain oolong tea and millet donuts at Fenqihu Old Street.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Famed as the mountains that inspired Avatar’s otherworldly landscape, the column-like rocky outcrops in China’s first national park have exploded in popularity. In autumn, the forests below the towering columns are clothed in red and orange hues. Walk along the Golden Whip stream, take a boat tour of Baofeng lake or head to viewpoints at Yuanjiejie or the Tianzi mountain to witness the leaves of the maple and ginkgo trees change colour. For hungry souls, the mountain has a food court on top and an elevator (Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift) to head up.
A lesser-known city for viewing fall foliage, Hanoi’s Old Quarter brings out the colours as the temperature dips. Taking a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake is the best way to take in the reds and golds of the fall. The mid-autumn festival celebrates the end of harvest season with traditional music, lion dances and lots of mooncakes (round pastries filled with ingredients like lotus seeds, salted egg yolk and mung beans). In the evening, the streets are lit up by lanterns of all shapes and sizes, making for a truly mesmerising sight.
Kyoto, Japan
Autumn was one of the favourite topics for Kyoto’s courtly poets. The changing colour of trees around major temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Tofuku-ji and Kodaiji has attracted fall lovers for centuries. The Arashiyama Momiji festival in November hosts several events like a Heian-era cruise procession, traditional tea ceremonies and hikes. The Gion Odori festival is one of the few times to see public dance performances by geisha, while the Hitaki-sai Fire Festival is a centuries-old fire purification ritual held in Fushimi Inari to thank the deities for the harvest. Autumn is also a time to enjoy seasonal produce, such as chestnuts (steamed and paired with rice), matsutake mushrooms (grilled) and Japanese pumpkin (added to soups).
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, China
In the north of China’s Sichuan province is Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has some of the most beautiful autumn scenes in China. Jiuzhaigou is composed of three valleys arranged in a Y shape across the park. The Rize valley’s lakes – Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake, Panda Lake – offer splendid vistas of red and gold reflected in azure waters. The Shuzeng Valley is home to Nuorilang Waterfall, the area’s tallest, and the Shuzeng Lakes, whose fall foliage can be viewed from the Tibetan Shuzeng Village. The Zechawa valley is the highest part, and has both the largest lake in the region (Long Lake) and the smallest (Five Colour Lake).
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