35 Best Fall Foliage Spots in Kyushu for Spectacular Natural Scenery

The table below summarizes the predicted peak foliage dates for the Kyushu region announced by the Japan Weather Association on October 1, 2026. The timing is expected to be close to average overall, although Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto are forecast to peak later than usual.
However, the timing may shift depending on the location and future temperatures, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Located near the center of Fukuoka Prefecture, Akizuki has a long history as a castle town. Development slowed during the Meiji period as the samurai class declined and the town remained removed from major transportation routes. As a result, its historic castle-town appearance has survived to the present day.
Japan has 130 nationally designated Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Only four are castle towns, and the entirety of Akizuki is included in the designation. Its atmospheric streets have earned it the nickname “Little Kyoto of Chikuzen.”
Akizuki is also known for its fall foliage. The colorful leaves surrounding the prefecturally designated Akizuki Castle Ruins and the Kuromon and Nagayamon gates, both designated Important Cultural Properties by Fukuoka Prefecture, are particularly striking and attract many visitors.
Food stalls line Suginobaba-dori Street, which leads to the castle ruins, allowing visitors to enjoy tea and sweets while taking in the castle town framed by fall colors.

Located at the foot of Mount Hokotate, Nomiyama Kannonji is a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon school, a status immediately below that of its principal temple.
Known for its spiritual blessings, the temple receives more than 1 million worshippers each year.
It also serves as a center of study and training where many Buddhist monks gather.
Highlights include more than 3,000 statues dedicated to deceased children, the Daishido Hall enshrining Kobo Daishi, and an Inari shrine dedicated to Inari Daimyojin.
The temple grounds and approach contain over 1,000 maple trees and more than 1,000 azaleas, which add vivid fall colors to the solemn setting.
There are several impressive foliage spots, but one of the finest is behind Hyaku Kannon-do Hall, where approximately 600 enkianthus shrubs turn the entire area bright red.

Spread across a low hill, this botanical garden has a history spanning nearly 80 years and is a popular place for local residents to relax amid seasonal natural scenery throughout the year.
In fall, approximately 800 Japanese maple trees and other trees change color, creating an atmospheric landscape.
Because the Japanese maples grow throughout the garden, visitors can admire trees covered in yellow and red leaves while strolling around the grounds.
One recommended spot is the Sunlight Filtering Path. Lined with large Japanese maple trees, this quiet area captures the atmosphere of fall.
A foliage festival is held during the peak season, featuring a botanical market, concerts, tea ceremonies, and other activities amid the colorful leaves.

This park is one of the symbols of Kitakyushu, located in northeastern Fukuoka Prefecture.
Its grounds contain a number of tourist and cultural facilities, including Kokura Castle, Kokura Castle Garden, and the Central Library.
Recreational areas such as the Great Lawn and Murasaki River Waterfront Plaza also make it a popular destination among local residents.
Katsuyama Park is also known for its fall foliage. With many wax trees and ginkgo trees planted throughout the grounds, it is one of the city's destinations worth visiting in fall.
The zelkova trees around the keep of Kokura Castle are particularly stately and impressive.
During the foliage season, illuminations and the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lights event are held, creating an atmospheric sight as 30,000 bamboo lanterns glow across the castle keep plaza.

Mount Hiko is a three-peaked mountain standing approximately 3,937 feet high on the border between Fukuoka and Oita prefectures.
The mountain itself is regarded as sacred and has been revered since ancient times.
It is also known for its fall foliage. During the peak season, many hikers visit to take in the expansive views of the colorful landscape below from the summit.
At the heart of the mountain stands Hoheiden Hall of Hikosan Jingu Shrine, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
The Hikosan Slope Car runs beside the approach through the shrine grounds.
It offers a seven-minute ride through the air with views of the colorful leaves.
Because the foliage begins near the summit and gradually moves down toward the foot of the mountain, visitors can experience the colors over an extended period.

Located in Kanzaki City, Saga Prefecture, Kunenan is designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty.
It was named after the nine years a Saga businessman spent creating the property.
It is generally opened to the public twice a year, during the fresh green season and the fall foliage season.
The harmony between the atmospheric thatched-roof residence and a garden filled with approximately 130 colorful maple trees evokes the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi.
Because this special display is only available for a limited time, it is likely to leave a lasting impression.

Daikozenji Temple in Kiyama, Miyaki District, Saga Prefecture, is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple with a history spanning more than 1,300 years.
Although it is known for its azaleas in spring, its fall foliage is equally impressive.
Daikozenji Keien, the expansive garden behind the main hall, contains approximately 500 maple trees that cover the grounds in deep crimson.
The tunnel of colorful leaves arching over the stone steps along the temple approach is particularly picturesque.

At Higata Yoka Park on the Higashiyoka Coast in Saga City, a rare sight known as the “fall colors of the sea” appears each fall.
The main attraction is shichimenso, a salt-tolerant plant that grows naturally on the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea.
As fall progresses, its formerly green leaves turn reddish purple and spread across the ground, creating a scene resembling a red carpet.
This distinctive foliage destination also offers views of migratory birds and tidal flats registered as a Ramsar wetland.

Seikei Park in Taku City, Saga Prefecture, was landscaped by a local businessman and donated to the city as a place for residents to relax.
It offers seasonal scenery throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring, colorful leaves in fall, and plum blossoms in winter.
Approximately 400 maple trees grow in and around the park. The area known as Maple Valley is particularly striking when covered in fiery red foliage.
The park also contains Kanotei, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, and a local history museum housing materials related to Taku Seibyo.
As the park adjoins Taku Seibyo, visitors can also admire scenes combining historic architecture and fall foliage.

Using the cliffs of Mount Mifune, a symbol of Takeo, as borrowed scenery, this garden was created in 1845 by Nabeshima Shigeyoshi, the 28th lord of the Takeo domain, after three years of construction. This expansive strolling garden centered on a large pond covers approximately 1.24 million square feet, equivalent to about 10 Tokyo Domes.
In fall, Japanese maples and other maple varieties change color, covering the extensive grounds in a rich tapestry of hues.
The evening illumination event, Tamayura no Yube, is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. The reflected foliage mirrored on the pond creates an impressive sight that captivates visitors. This grand foliage destination is worth experiencing both by day and at night.

This approximately 1,640-foot ropeway connects Nita Pass Station on Mount Unzen with Myokendake Station. It covers an elevation difference of approximately 571 feet in about three minutes and operates at 12-minute intervals. The gondolas use a three-cable circulating system.
Myokendake Station at the top has a rooftop observation deck offering views of Mount Fugen, Heisei Shinzan, the Shimabara Peninsula, and the Amakusa Islands. Myokendake Observation Deck, at an elevation of 4,265 feet, is another five- to six-minute walk uphill from the station.
In fall, Japanese rowans, maples, and other trees turn red and yellow, and the gondolas provide a sweeping view of the carpet of foliage below.
Seeing the magnificent Fugen-dake Broadleaf Forest, designated a national Natural Monument, from the air is an exceptional way to experience the fall colors.

Todoroki Gorge in Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a valley with a clear stream selected as one of Japan's 100 Remarkable Waters.
More than 30 waterfalls of various sizes line the gorge, whose clear waters and abundant nature are its main attractions.
In fall, the maples along the gorge change color together, creating a picturesque contrast among the white waterfalls, dark rocks, and red and yellow leaves.
Maintained walking trails allow visitors to explore safely while listening to the murmuring stream.
A walk through the foliage in the refreshing air offers a chance to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Misojien in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is an expansive maple garden covering approximately 285,000 square feet, created by its owner over more than 30 years.
About 1,000 maple trees grow within the grounds, covering the entire mountainside in fiery red each fall.
The carefully maintained garden presents picturesque scenery in every direction.
At night, illuminations create an ethereal atmosphere unlike the view during the day.
This foliage destination reflects the dedication and care of the individual who created it.

Shushi Maple Road on the island of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, is an approximately 4.3-mile road following the Shushi River.
As its name suggests, the clusters of maple trees change color in fall, creating a picturesque tunnel of foliage.
Visitors can admire it from the car while driving or park at nearby Shushi Forest Park and explore at a leisurely pace on foot.
The colorful leaves reflected on the calm river surface create another atmospheric sight.
It is a peaceful place to experience fall amid Tsushima's abundant natural surroundings.

Jufukuji Temple stands in a quiet mountain village in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and attracts many visitors in fall.
They come to see the reflected foliage, which is displayed to the public for a limited period.
A section of tatami flooring in the main hall is removed and replaced with an acrylic panel, creating an atmospheric scene in which the garden's colorful foliage is reflected like an image on still water.
The ingenuity of this small temple and its quiet surroundings combine to produce an artistic display of fall colors.

This zoological garden stands at the foot of 2,060-foot Mount Takasaki next to Umitamago Aquarium.
More than 70 years after opening in 1953, it remains popular with tourists as a natural zoological garden where wild monkeys can be observed in their natural state.
In fall, the trees turn red and yellow, offering the unusual sight of Japanese macaques playing among the colorful leaves.
The brightly colored mountainside viewed from the monkey gathering area is particularly picturesque.
The distinctive combination of animals and foliage also makes this a popular spot for families.

Fujigawachi Gorge in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, is a nature-rich destination within the Sobo, Katamuki, and Okue UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
It is known for scenery in which a clear stream appears to glide across enormous slabs of granite.
In fall, maples on both sides of the gorge change color, creating an impressive contrast among the white rock, blue water, and red foliage.
The leaves are particularly picturesque around the numerous potholes carved into the rock.
This destination is recommended for those who want to quietly experience the deepening season amid largely untouched nature.

These are the ruins of Oka Castle, which is said to have been built in 1185 to welcome Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Standing on a rocky hill 1,066 feet above sea level formed by pyroclastic flows from Mount Aso, the castle was renowned as an impregnable fortress because of its sheer cliffs and imposing stone walls.
Although the castle's buildings were demolished after it was abandoned, the stone walls remain, offering a sense of the vast fortress that once stood here.
Approximately 2,500 trees, primarily maples, add color to the grounds in fall, their fiery leaves standing out against the grand stone walls.
The site is also known as the inspiration for composer Rentaro Taki's famous song “Kojo no Tsuki,” or “The Moon over the Ruined Castle,” allowing visitors to experience the foliage while reflecting on its history.
The bamboo lantern event held in the Taketa castle town is also worth seeing.

Kyusuikei Gorge in Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture, is a steep-sided gorge stretching approximately 1.2 miles along the upper reaches of the Kusu River.
In fall, the maples, katsura trees, and other trees covering the valley change color together, creating scenery resembling an illustrated scroll in rich seasonal hues.
The winding road along the gorge is also known as Jusankyoku, or the “Thirteen Bends,” and offers a succession of foliage views while driving.
The gorge is also home to the Kokonoe Yume Grand Suspension Bridge, Japan's highest pedestrian-only suspension bridge. The 360-degree panorama of fall colors viewed from the bridge is impressive.

Fukiji Temple in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, is a Tendai Buddhist temple founded during the Heian period.
Fukiji Odo Hall on the temple grounds is designated a National Treasure as the oldest surviving wooden structure in Kyushu.
In fall, several large ginkgo trees surrounding the hall shine golden yellow.
When the leaves fall and cover the ground, they resemble a yellow carpet.
The contrast between the National Treasure and the ginkgo trees conveys the atmosphere of fall in Japan.
When evening illuminations are held, the temple is enveloped in an ethereal atmosphere.

Soyo Gorge in Yamato, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a U-shaped gorge along the upper reaches of the Gokase River.
Cliffs reaching 656 feet high continue for approximately 6.2 miles, earning the magnificent landscape the nickname “Grand Canyon of Kyushu.”
In fall, maples, zelkovas, and other trees turn red and yellow across the deep green gorge.
The view from the Nagasakibana Observation Deck is particularly impressive, offering a sweeping panorama of the entire gorge covered in fall colors.
It is a striking foliage destination created by nature on a vast scale.

Ryokusen Gorge in Midorikawa, Yamato, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a nature-rich valley surrounding the source of the Midorikawa River.
Covered in untouched old-growth forest, the entire gorge is brightly colored by beech, maple, and other trees in fall.
The area's considerable temperature differences are said to produce particularly deep and vivid colors.
The view from the suspension bridge spanning the gorge is spectacular, offering a 360-degree panorama of fall foliage.
A nearby campground also allows visitors to combine outdoor activities with foliage viewing.

Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a picturesque gorge at the source of the Kikuchi River.
It has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Forests for Forest Bathing and one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls, and is known for scenery created by its old-growth forest and clear stream.
In fall, Japanese maples, zelkovas, and other trees change color, creating an impressive contrast with the emerald-green water.
The views from spots such as Momijigase and Hirogawara are particularly picturesque.
While walking along the trails, visitors can experience the fall landscape with all five senses, accompanied by the murmuring river and birdsong.

Gokanosho in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a secluded area of five villages deep in the Kyushu Mountains.
Legends tell of defeated Heike warriors seeking refuge here, and the area retains abundant untouched nature.
In fall, the vast mountains turn red, yellow, and orange, creating impressive scenery.
The combinations of waterfalls, suspension bridges, and colorful leaves are especially picturesque at locations such as Sendan Todoro Falls and the Umenoki Todoro Park Suspension Bridge.
A drive through the area reveals one scenic view after another.

The Giant Ginkgo of Shimojo in Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a massive tree designated as a national Natural Monument.
It is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, standing approximately 82 feet tall with a trunk circumference of about 33 feet.
In fall, its countless leaves turn golden yellow at once, giving the tree an overwhelming presence.
At night, illuminations make the golden giant emerge from the darkness in a sacred, ethereal scene.
As the leaves begin to fall, they cover the ground in a yellow carpet and reveal a different kind of beauty.

Mitate Gorge in Hinokage, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a nature-rich gorge along the upper reaches of the Hinokage River.
It is characterized by white rock surfaces formed from enormous granite formations and an emerald-green stream.
In fall, the untouched broadleaf forest turns red and yellow, adding vivid color to the gorge.
Visitors can walk along the trail at a leisurely pace while admiring the scenery created by the clear water, rocks, and colorful leaves.

Ebino Plateau is located at an elevation of 3,937 feet in the Kirishima mountain range in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture.
In fall, the native silver grass produces feathery plumes across the plateau, creating a picturesque sight as they sway in the wind.
The main foliage attraction here is the trees, which take on distinctive reddish-brown hues due to the effects of volcanic gases and other environmental conditions.
The colorful leaves reflected on the surfaces of crater lakes such as Rokkannon Miike and Fudo Pond create a mystical atmosphere.
Maintained trekking trails allow visitors to hike through the spacious fall scenery distinctive to the highlands.

This V-shaped gorge was created over tens of thousands of years as the Gokase River eroded lava flows produced by eruptions of Mount Aso.
Its cliffs, averaging 262 feet and reaching up to 328 feet high, extend for 4.3 miles and form an impressive landscape.
The gorge is designated both a national Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.
In fall, maples change color along the cliffs, further enhancing the beauty of the gorge.
From a rental boat, visitors can look up from the water at Manai Falls, the symbol of the gorge, and admire the contrast between the spray and colorful leaves.
At night, the walking trail is illuminated, creating an atmosphere distinct from the daytime scenery.

The Japanese Maple of Kitago in Kitago, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a giant tree standing quietly deep within Tsukinokawachi Gorge.
Estimated to be approximately 200 years old and about 66 feet tall, the Japanese maple turns a fiery crimson across its enormous crown at the peak of the season.
When sunlight filters through, the leaves glow even more vividly, and their appearance changes with the time of day.

Gokase Gorge in Gokase, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a picturesque gorge along the upper reaches of the Gokase River.
It lies within the Kyushu Chuo Sanchi Quasi-National Park and retains extensive areas of untouched nature.
In fall, the maples along the gorge change color together, creating impressive scenery.
The view from the suspension bridge spanning the gorge is particularly striking, offering a contrast between the clear stream and mountains covered in red and yellow.
Gokase is one of the coldest areas in Kyushu, which is said to produce especially vivid foliage.

Miyaura Shrine in Fukuyama, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, has a long history.
Two giant ginkgo trees believed to be more than 1,000 years old stand side by side on the shrine grounds.
Their appearance has earned them the affectionate name “married-couple ginkgo trees.”
In fall, these enormous trees shine golden yellow, creating a commanding sight.
As the leaves begin to fall, they cover the grounds in a yellow carpet and create an atmospheric landscape.
Within the shrine's sacred setting, visitors can admire the fall colors of trees that convey a sense of the passing centuries.

Mount Kanmuri in Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima Prefecture, has long been revered as a sacred mountain.
The mountain is home to sites such as Kanteien, a Chinese-style garden, and Kanmuri-dake Shrine, giving it a distinctive atmosphere in which history and nature blend together.
In fall, the maples and ginkgo trees across the mountain, including those in Kanteien, take on vivid colors.
The combination of Japanese fall foliage with Chinese-style pavilions and gardens is particularly unusual.
Maintained walking trails allow visitors to explore the foliage at a leisurely pace while experiencing the area's history.

Imutaike Prefectural Natural Park in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture, centers on Imuta Pond, a picturesque crater lake.
Its valuable aquatic plant communities have earned the area designation as a Ramsar wetland.
In fall, maples, bald cypress trees, and other trees planted around the pond change color and are reflected in the calm water.
The approximately 2.1-mile route around the lakeshore is maintained as a cycling path, making a bicycle ride another recommended way to experience the foliage.
Visitors can spend a leisurely fall day amid peaceful scenery and waterfowl.

Kirishima Onsen Village is the collective name for a group of hot springs scattered across the southwestern Kirishima mountain range at elevations of 1,969 to 2,789 feet. Each spring offers different water qualities and reputed benefits.
Maruo Onsen, lined with large hotels and traditional inns, serves as the area's central resort. Clouds of steam rise from locations throughout the town, creating the unmistakable atmosphere of a hot spring destination.
In fall, the surrounding mountains turn red and yellow, creating an atmospheric combination of foliage and rising steam.
The colors around Maruo Falls are particularly picturesque, and the view from the observation deck is exceptional.
An approximately 1,640-foot section of National Route 223 from the large torii gate of Kirishima Jingu Shrine toward Miyazaki forms a tunnel of colorful leaves and offers an ideal fall drive. The route is included among Japan's 100 Best Roads.
This destination allows visitors to admire the foliage while soothing their travel fatigue in the hot springs.

This is one of southern Kyushu's leading shrines and has a long history dating back to its founding in the sixth century.
Highlights include a sacred cedar tree approximately 800 years old that is said to be the ancestor of the cedars of southern Kyushu, as well as sazare-ishi, small stones that naturally fused into one large rock over many years and are mentioned in Japan's national anthem, “Kimigayo.”
In fall, the maples along the approach and throughout the grounds change color together, adding vivid accents to the ornate vermilion shrine buildings designated as a National Treasure.
The foliage along the approach from the large torii gate to the second torii gate is particularly impressive.
Within the sacred and solemn atmosphere, visitors can experience a distinctly Japanese fall scene created by the harmony of historic architecture and colorful leaves.