8 places to appreciate gorgeous fall foliage in Japan’s Fukuoka

As we approach the end of the year, there is a chill in the air - fall is now here! And for travelers, the season offers just a little bit of extra magic: fewer crowds, shorter lines, cooler weather - and, of course, the best chance to see truly beautiful autumn colors.

When talking about places to enjoy stunning fall foliage, few in Japan can rival Fukuoka. Situated in the north of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is famous for its flavorful food, gorgeous scenery, and the warm hospitality of the locals. And every year, thousands of people flock to Fukuoka to see the fall foliage. If you can make the journey when autumn rolls in, expect to be overwhelmed by the beauty and delighted by the atmosphere of this ancient city.

Fukuoka's foliage begins in early November and ends in early December, making right now the best time for visitors to take stunning photos. Here we have selected 8 of the best spots in Fukuoka for you to enjoy a great leaf peeping experience!

Shiranoe Botanical Garden is a large park with many scenic hotspots, and a wonderful place to appreciate fall foliage in Fukuoka. In mid-November each year, visitors flock here, and it's easy to see why. When you enter Shiranoe, you will soon discover that the whole park is covered in red leaves.

There are three sites in particular to take great photos in, namely the 'Entrance Square', the 'Road of Light and Shadow' (surrounded by 800 maple trees), and the 'Forest of Fallen Leaves' (famous for its 50-year-old sycamore maple tree).

Best time to visit: Late November to early December

Address: 2-7, Baiyejiang, Mensi District, Beijiuzhou, Fukuoka County, Japan

Transportation: Visitors can set off from JR Mojikō Station, take the West Japan JR bus (system 41), and get off at Shiranoe 2-chome bus stop, and then walk for 2 minutes to the destination.

Website: http://www.shiranoe.com/

Many scenic spots have suffered from over-tourism in fall, which can make the leaf-peeping experience a little more stressful. If you're not good at dealing with crowds of strangers when appreciating fall, then we recommend heading to Katsuyama Park. Here you can also enjoy gorgeous red leaves with leisure - and fewer tourists.

Strolling around the park, you can experience the picturesque sights, including gorgeous ginkgo and maple leaves. Before you leave, don’t miss the 'Riverwalk' inside. Be it the peaceful environment or beautiful scenery, Katsuyama Park offers a taste of relaxation and a getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Best time to visit: November

Address: 3 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 803-0813, Japan

Transportation: Visitors can take JR from the Nippō Main Line or the Kagoshima Main Line to the Nishi-Kokura Station, and then walk south-forward for about 10 minutes to the destination.

Website: http://www.shiranoe.com/

Located at the top of Mount Hōman, Kamado-jinja (a Shinto shrine) is a sacred place, as well as a must-see place to respectfully appreciate fall foliage in Fukuoka. When the autumn season comes, the maple trees in the mountains are covered with distinctive warm colors, and red leaves are almost everywhere - visitors are likely to be mesmerized by the gorgeous views, too.

The road to the shrine also becomes something of a "leaf tunnel", because the abundant maple leaves turn their distinctive red and coat the ground when fall approaches. It makes for a spectacularly dramatic sight when the wind blows, too...

If you travel from Dazaifu Station, you can also visit other shrines, such as Dazaifu and Tenman-gu in Fukuoka.

Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December

Address: 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0115, Japan

Transportation: Visitors can set off at west railway ‘Dazaifu’ station and then take bus ‘Mahoroba’ and get off at final stop ‘Uchiyama’.

Website: http://www.shiranoe.com/

Known for its 400-year-old old maple trees and more than 200 Aceraceae trees, Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin is another wonderful scenic spot for viewing the red leaves of Fukuoka.

This mountainous beauty, a perfect place to enjoy the fall foliage, also houses a stunning buddhist temple. In the main hall of this temple, there is a Buddhist statue, and it's considered as one of the important cultural properties in Japan.

Best time to visit: Early November to Mid-November

Address: 626 Raizan, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1145, Japan

Transportation: Visitors can take south gate of JR Maebara station and then take bus from itoshima to the Raizan Kannon Mae Bus Stop.

Website: https://sennyoji.or.jp/

If you are a classical architecture lover, then you can't miss what is arguably the most beautiful fall foliage hub in all of Fukuoka - Gyorakuen. When you arrive here, you will soon be soaked up by the ancient atmosphere, and truly feel the unique beauty of old Japan.

In this autumnal paradise, the red leaves sit alongside traditional Japanese architecture, making it even more charming. In Gyorakuen, travelers can breathe deeply, slow down, and really channel some inner peace for a day.

Best time to visit: Mid-November to late November

Address: 6388 Amagi, 大字 Kawasaki, Tagawa District, Fukuoka 827-0001，Japan

Transportation: It takes about 15 minutes to drive from JR Hitahikosan Line ‘Buzen-Kawasaki Station’ to the destination; 20 minutes’ drive from JR Heisei Chikuho Railway ‘ Tagawagotoji Station’ to the destination.

Website: https://gyorakuen.jp/

Dubbed 'Chikuzen’s Little Kyoto', Akizuki Castle is well worth making the trip for. Located on Mt. Kosho, the ruined fortress is also a wonderful place to enjoy the season of red leaves. The contrast between the black-colored gate and the red leaves has attracted tourists from Japan and abroad for centuries.

Leaf peeping doesn't come much more dramatic than this…

Best time to visit: Late November to early December

Address: 〒838-0011 Fukuoka, Asakura, Akizukinotori, 663，Japan

Transportation: Visitors can take sightseeing bus from Amagi station and get off at the ‘museum’ station, and then walk for 10 minutes to the Kuromon.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience seeing the red leaves of Fukuoka in the mountains. If you want this kind of adventure, you can't miss the chance to scale the Sangun Mountains. The landscape here is characterized by many kinds of flowers and plants, and is also an excellent place for sports.

Tips: Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes because the road conditions in the mountains are complex. Be prepared to hike..

Best time to visit: Early November to Mid-November

Address: Kōriyama, Fukuoka

Transportation: Visitors can start from Kyoto station and get off at final stop ‘Yamato-saidaiji’.

Website: https://gyorakuen.jp/

There is a scenic reservoir adorned with maple trees in Green Pal Hyugamikyo. When fall comes, the maple leaves turn red, and the reflective scenery of leaves in the water is absolutely one-of-a-kind. The autumn scenery along the reservoir is stunning, and a popular place for shutterbugs to take photos.

Best time to visit: Late October to Mid-November

Address: 44100-2 Kurogimachi Kitaobuchi, Yame, Fukuoka 834-1201, Japan

Transportation: It is 30 minutes to take JR from Hainuzuka Station