Top 3 Hidden Hotels for Stunning Autumn Foliage in Japan: Kyoto, Unzen in Nagasaki, and Iki Island

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
article thumbnail image

Autumn in Japan is the season to enjoy beautiful autumn leaves. We will introduce some particularly recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves and hideaway-like hotels for inbound tourists. This time, we will introduce three hotels that are perfect as accommodations along with the attractive autumn...

Latest update :

MUNI KYOTO by Onko Chishin(Kyoto)

Michelin Guide

4. Red Pavilion (2021)

1 star(2023)

1 Michelin Key (2024)

Click here for the official website of MUNI KYOTO by Onko Chishin

Best season for viewing autumn leaves: Mid-November to early December

Kyoto is also famous as one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Japan, with the colors reaching their peak from mid-November to early December. MUNI Kyoto is located in the Arashiyama area, and is a luxurious accommodation facility where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage of the surrounding area.

Facility information

MUNI Kyoto is a luxury hotel where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Arashiyama. All 16 rooms offer views of Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge, and the design is simple yet sophisticated modern Japanese style. There is an art gallery inside the hotel, so you can experience Japanese art and culture.

meal

At MUNI Kyoto's dining area, you can enjoy French cuisine prepared by a three-star Michelin chef. The creative cuisine uses plenty of local seasonal ingredients, and you can enjoy delicate dishes that incorporate Japanese elements. Enjoying a luxurious meal while gazing at the autumn leaves is an exceptional experience.

MUNI KYOTO by Onko Chishin Area Information

Arashiyama

Arashiyama, known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, is located very close to MUNI Kyoto. The beautiful autumn scenery seen from Togetsukyo Bridge is a spectacular sight.

At the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a registered World Heritage Site, you can enjoy the autumn leaves along with the historical architecture.

Sagano Scenic Train

You can take a leisurely ride on the trolley train and enjoy the valley colored by autumn leaves.

UNZEN HANZUIRYO by Onko Chishin (Nagasaki)

Michelin Guide

5. Red Pavilion (2019)

One Star (2019)

1 Michelin Key (2024)

Click here for the official website of UNZEN HANZUIRYO by Onko Chishin

Best season for viewing autumn leaves: Early November to mid-November

The Unzen area of Nagasaki Prefecture is located at a high altitude, and you can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves from early to mid-November. Hansuiro, located in Unzen Onsen, is a luxurious hideaway surrounded by tranquility, and during the autumn foliage season, the gardens and surrounding area are dyed red and gold.

Facility information

Unzen Hanzuiryo is a luxurious hideaway inn with only 14 rooms. Each room offers a beautiful view of the gardens and autumn leaves, and the hotel is designed with an emphasis on privacy. Each room has its own open-air bath, so you can have the view of the hot springs and autumn leaves all to yourself. There is also a space within the hotel where you can experience art and culture, allowing you to spend your time relaxing.

meal

Kaiseki cuisine using fresh local Nagasaki ingredients is served. In particular, the dishes that make use of seasonal flavors such as seasonal seafood and Iki beef are appealing. Meals are served in the room, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a private space. The food, which can be enjoyed with all five senses along with the beautiful tableware, will make you feel the autumn along with the autumn leaves.

UNZEN HANZUIRYO by Onko Chishin Area Information

Unzen Hell

The smoke rising from Unzen Jigoku creates a beautiful contrast with the autumn leaves, creating a view that makes you feel as if you have wandered into another world.

Unzen Ropeway

Take the ropeway and enjoy the spectacular view of autumn leaves from Mt. Myokendake, which is 1,300 meters above sea level.

Unzen hot spring town

While enjoying the atmosphere of the hot spring town, you can enjoy local specialties and history through your stroll.

At Hanzuiryo, you can enjoy the hot springs and autumn leaves to your heart's content, and spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature.

IKI RETREAT by Onko Chishin(Iki Island)

Michelin Guide

5 Pavilion (2019)

IKI RETREAT by Onko Chishin official website

Best season for viewing autumn leaves: Mid-November to early December

Iki Island is an island rich in nature, located about an hour away by high-speed boat from Fukuoka. Iki Retreat is a private hotel where you can enjoy the tranquility and beautiful nature of the island, and in autumn, you can see autumn leaves all over the island.

Facility information

Iki Retreat is a retreat facility that takes advantage of the beautiful natural environment of Iki Island. All rooms are suites, allowing you to enjoy private time in the tranquility of the island. The facility also offers a full range of activities to refresh the body and mind, such as yoga and mindfulness experiences, allowing you to spend your stay relaxing.

meal

The restaurant serves creative cuisine made with fresh seafood caught locally on Iki Island and agricultural products from the island. In particular, the dishes made with Iki beef and seafood from Iki are exquisite. In the dining area at Iki Retreat, you can enjoy simple and healthy cuisine that makes the most of local ingredients. For breakfast, a healthy menu using local island specialties is available, providing a dining experience unique to the retreat.

IKI RETREAT by Onko Chishin Area Information

Takenotsuji

This is the highest peak on Iki Island, and from here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire island as well as the scenery colored by autumn leaves.

Monkey Rock

The area around Saruiwa, a unique landscape created by nature, welcomes visitors with its red and yellow trees in autumn.

Touring Iki Shrines

There are many old shrines scattered across the island, and visiting one surrounded by autumn leaves will leave you feeling as if your soul has been purified.

The autumn foliage season in Japan is a must-experience for international guests. Kyoto's historical scenery, Nagasaki's hot springs and nature, and the tranquil beauty of Iki Island. Enjoy the autumn foliage in each region while spending a luxurious time in a hideaway hotel.

Written by

Onko Chishin specializes in the operation of destination hotels, produced and managed by Onko Chishin. Inviting people out to destinations and contributing to the local revitalization—moving forward we aim to incorporate lodgings with a new sense of individuality in our lineup.

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.