[Autumn 2024] A thorough guide to Hiroshima's famous autumn foliage spots, divided by area and best viewing time

• Table of Contents
• Best time to see it: mid-October: Autumn foliage in the mountains
• Best time to see: early November: Autumn foliage at temples
• Best time to see autumn leaves in early November: Miyajima
• Now, let's go out and see the autumn leaves!

Best time to see it: mid-October: Autumn foliage in the mountains

From mid-October, the leaves in the Chugoku Mountains begin to change color in autumn, making the mountains look like a painting on a canvas.

Taishaku Gorge, a valley known as one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots

This limestone valley stretches for about 18km in length and is one of the top 100 scenic spots in Japan, and is one of the most famous valleys in Japan, known as one of Hiroshima Prefecture's most famous scenic spots. You can experience the grandeur of nature through sights such as Onbashi Bridge, which is designated as a national natural monument, Dangyokei Gorge, which is said to have been formed about 300 million years ago, and Hakuundo Cave, a 200-meter-deep limestone cave. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy nature, such as sightseeing boats and Segways.

Click here for details on Taishaku Gorge

A famous spot for viewing autumn leaves! "Mount Hiba" with easy access to the summit

Mount Hiba, which borders Hiroshima and Shimane prefectures, is a chain of mountains with altitudes of about 1,200 meters. The summit is covered with a pure beech forest, a nationally designated natural monument, and the beauty of the new greenery, autumn leaves, and yellow leaves attracts climbers. Most of the area is included in the Hiroshima Prefectural Forest, and there are ski resorts, campsites, and hiking trails. There is also an abundance of alpine plants.

Click here for details on Mount Hiba

Best time to see: early November: Autumn foliage at temples

In November, the waves of autumn leaves slowly move south. The whole of Hiroshima Prefecture starts to change color, and temples known for their autumn leaves are in full bloom one after another. The vibrant autumn leaves on the temples give a sense of autumn in their quiet surroundings.

"Kosanji Temple" is also a popular photo spot

The Jodo Shinshu Honganji temple, Kosanji Temple, is open to the public as part of the museum, and the museum's collection, including important cultural properties such as Kaikei's Hokan Amida Nyorai Seated Statue and Satakehon Thirty-six Immortal Poets Fragment by Ki no Tsurayuki, can be viewed in the Buddhist Art, Modern Art, and Tea Ceremony Art exhibition galleries. The marble sculpture garden, Miraishin no Oka, is also a popular photogenic spot.

Click here for details on Kosanji Temple

Shinshoji Zen and Garden Museum: A place to experience the world of Zen

Located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, this is a special place where you can experience Zen from many different angles. The vast grounds are filled with historical buildings and beautiful gardens, and various experiences are available to touch the spirit of Zen. Every year on weekends in November, a special viewing of illuminated autumn leaves is held, which is only available on weekends, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves at night.

Click here for details on Shinshoji Temple

Enjoy the spectacular scenery during the autumn foliage season! "Buttsuji Temple"

Known as one of Japan's leading Zen training centers, it is visited by many people as a training site for companies, schools, etc. The temple buildings are surrounded by old cedar groves, and are particularly beautiful in the summer when the fresh greenery emerges and in the fall when the leaves change color, attracting many tourists.

Click here for details about Butsuji Temple

Best time to see autumn leaves in early November: Miyajima

Miyajima is always ranked high in the popularity rankings for autumn leaves in Hiroshima Prefecture. In addition to Momijidani, we also recommend visiting Daisho-in Temple and Senjokaku.

Momijidani Park, decorated with 700 maple trees

This park is located at the foot of the Misen primeval forest, which is designated as a natural monument. It is home to about 700 maple trees and is famous for its fiery red autumn foliage.

Enjoy autumn foliage and history at Daisho-in Temple

It is the oldest temple on Miyajima, boasting 1,200 years of history.

For more information on Daisho-in Temple, click here

Senjokaku, the largest wooden building on Miyajima Island

This is a large sutra hall that Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered to be built in order to recite a thousand sutras once a month as a memorial for those who died in battle. It is called Senjokaku because it is the size of 857 tatami mats. The ginkgo leaves are spectacular when they turn red in autumn.

Click here for details on Senjokaku

Now, let's go out and see the autumn leaves!

Hiroshima Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature and is dotted with many historic buildings, allowing you to enjoy the unique autumn foliage scenery. Why not set off on a trip to see scenery that can only be seen at this time of year?