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Breathtaking Views! Early Autumn Destinations Near Tokyo and Osaka
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Early autumn is a great time to enjoy beautiful natural scenery in Japan. From the fiery red spider lilies and silvery pampas grass to the pale pinks of cosmos flowers, we introduce places near Tokyo and Osaka offering great views in early autumn.
Written by
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
Japan is known for its beautiful natural displays of color throughout all seasons. While autumn is usually associated with the splendid foliage of maples and ginkgo trees, there are many other charms to this season that deserve to be known!
Spider lilies, kochia (fire brushes), susuki silver grass, and cosmos flowers are just a few of the highlights to enjoy in September and October! For visitors looking to catch an early glimpse of autumn colors, the following scenic spots near Tokyo and Osaka should be high on any itinerary.
Early Autumn Highlights in Japan
1. Spider Lilies
2. Cosmos Flowers
3. Kochia, or Fire Brushes
4. Susuki, or Silver Grass
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1. Spider Lilies
A vibrant red blanket that covers a forest floor with thin flame-like tendrils! Early autumn is the season of spider lilies, or higanbana. These flowers bloom from mid-September to early October.
Known for their blood-red color, spider lilies have dramatic symbolism; they are actually said to be growing on the banks of the river to the afterlife.
Below we introduce two excellent places to enjoy spider lilies near Tokyo.
Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Hidaka City, Saitama
Photo by Pixta
Brimming with spider lilies, this field is located in Hidaka City, west of Tokyo. The spider lily field stretches for approximately 500 meters from end to end. Around 5 million blood-red flowers bloom across the field, creating a unique otherworldly experience for visitors.
During the spider lily season in late September, Kinchakuda Manjushage Park takes on a festival atmosphere with food stalls and stage performances.
Gongendo Park in Satte City, Saitama
Photo by Pixta
Gongendo Park is another famous spider lily spot near Tokyo. The almost 3.5 million red lilies create a crimson blanket among the lush green trees.
Countless visitors rush to the area during early autumn to witness the sight. A festival is held during this time; be sure to indulge in a nice drink and homemade bread from the park's mountaintop tea house!
2. Cosmos Flowers
Sometimes referred to as the cherry blossoms of autumn, cosmos flowers are an idyllic sight in early autumn. With colors ranging from deep purple to soft white and yellow hues, these flowers can be found sprawling across wide expanses of gardens and fields.
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Cosmos Flowers in Tokyo: Showa Memorial Park
Photo by Pixta
One of the great outdoor destinations in Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park is a must-visit in the autumn months. Just before you go for the splendid yellow ginkgo tree foliage in November, be sure to see the vast fields of cosmos flowers of early autumn.
With over 5 million cosmos flowers blooming every year, it is an accessible and amazing destination in Tokyo!
Cosmos Flowers near Osaka: Awaji Hanasajiki Park
Photo by Pixta
This botanical garden in Hyogo Prefecture is a wonderful place to enjoy various flowers throughout the year from poppies in spring and sunflowers in summer to the early autumn attraction of cosmos flowers.
The beautiful flowers range in color from snow white to deep purples and create a relaxing natural sight for visitors. The carpet of cosmos highlights an almost fairytale-like atmosphere and is unforgettable!
3. Kochia, or Fire Brushess
The fields covered in kochia, or fire brushes, are another amazing sight in early autumn. The green shrubs of kochia turn into a deep red color in autumn and set any scenery ablaze with their flame-like hues and fuzzy-looking appearance.
Kochia near Mt. Fuji: Oishi Park by Lake Kawaguchi
Photo by Pixta
Superb views of Mt Fuji - check, by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi - check, plus a field ablaze with the vivid red color of kochia in early autumn - check check check! Oishi Park is one of the most popular places to enjoy kochia in early autumn.
This area gives visitors a chance to admire both the flowers and the kochia all while Mt Fuji frames the background and creates an unforgettable photographic experience.
Kochia in Eastern Japan: Hitachi Seaside Park
Photo by Pixta
Known for the beautiful nemophila flowers in early summer, the hillsides of Hitachi Seaside Park are ablaze with the deep red colors of kochia in early autumn.
Walk, cycle, and enjoy the wonderful sights of this park with over 30,000 gorgeous bright red bushes covering this portion of the park! Visitors will also be treated to an early autumn double feature with both kochia and cosmos being in bloom.
4. Susuki, or Silver Grass
Silvery stalks flutter in the breeze as a pale full moon looms large behind in the sky... This particular sight has captivated artists and poets in Japan for centuries and is considered a truly autumn-only view. The plant that inspires them is susuki, or Chinese silver grass, which grows in large fields in certain parts of Japan.
Silver Grass Fields near Tokyo: Sengokuhara Park in Hakone
Photo by Pixta
Cascading down the western slope of Mt. Hakone, Sengokuhara is a large rolling field of silver grass It's especially beautiful during early autumn when the grasses turn a shimmering silvery gold color.
The wispy ethereal grasses are considered a highly attractive autumn view that has enchanted artists and poets throughout history. A wide walking trail extends into the field from the base of the hill and offers great expansive views.
Silver Grass in Western Japan: Oishi Plateau in Wakayama
Photo by Pixta
Oishi Plateau is a highland area of Wakayama that is famous for its large expanse of silver grass. Referred to as the finest field of its kind in western Japan, this plateau spreads across the gentle slopes of the mountainside, about 870 meters above the surrounding area.
When the autumn sunlight shines over the field, it creates a vast golden sea that is highly enchanting. The peak offers panoramic views that stretch as far away as Mt. Roko, Awaji Island, and even Shikoku!
Relish the Early Autumn Views in Japan!
Autumn is a time of magnificent natural beauty in Japan with a number of unique and enchanting sights to see. While maples and ginkgo trees do make for spectacular viewing, the destinations featured above promise fantastic photo opportunities in early autumn and a chance to enjoy the vibrant colors this season is known for.
Early autumn is a wonderful time to visit and these sights truly shouldn't be missed!
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
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