Start planning your trip
{{ inputValue.start }} - {{ inputValue.end }}
With:
Hiroshima: Top 6 Fall Foliage Spots in 2023
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Hiroshima's famous destinations include Miyajima Island and the Peace Memorial Park but the prefecture also boasts splendid fall foliage locations that shouldn't be missed from late October through November. We introduce six fall foliage spots in Hiroshima.
Latest update :
Hiroshima: A Great Place to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Japan
In addition to famous travel destinations such as Miyajima Island and the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima boasts parks and gardens with beautiful fall foliage, which can be enjoyed from late October until mid-November.
When planning a visit, please keep in mind that the average temperature in November is about 12°C to 13°C (53.6°F to 55.4°F) so pack a light jacket or cardigan to stay comfortable.
Read on to learn about six locations in Hiroshima with splendid fall foliage and the best time for viewing them.
Top 6 Beautiful Autumn Foliage Spots in Hiroshima
1. Momijidani Park (Miyajima Island)
2. Taishakukyo Valley (Jinseki)
3. Buttsuji Temple (Mihara)
4. Fudoin Temple (Hiroshima)
5. Shukkeien Garden (Hiroshima)
6. Kosanji Temple (Onomichi)
Visiting Japan? Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Living in Japan? Book Shinkansen tickets for Hiroshima
1. Momijidani Park on Miyajima Island: Superb Views of Fall Foliage
Photo by Pixta
Momijidani Park is a picturesque park located at the foot of the Misen Primeval Forest on Miyajima. There are approximately 700 momiji maple trees, ushering in thousands of visitors annually for fall foliage viewing.
The view of these trees with Momijibashi Bridge in the background makes for a postcard-like scene. Admission to the park is free.
Mount Misen is located nearby and accessible by a ropeway. To reach the summit for stunning fall views of Itsukushima Shrine's red torii gate, take the Miyajima Ropeway from Momijidani Station. It is just ten minutes on foot from Momijidani Park. Get off at Shishi-Iwa Station and walk 30 minutes to the summit of Mt. Misen. The hike to the top is a one-of-a-kind experience paired with crisp fall temperatures and bright leaves.
Return tickets for the ropeway are 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children. The ropeway operates from 9:00 to 18:00 in November when you can best enjoy the autumn scenery.
Fall Foliage Viewing Time
You can see the fall foliage from mid-November until late November.
Getting to Momijidani Park
Address: Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Miyajima, Momijidani Google Map
Access: From the Miyajimaguchi Pier, it’s a ten-minute boat ride to the Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Momijidani Park is about a 20-minute walk from the ferry terminal.
↑ Return to the top of article.
2. Taishakukyo Valley in Jinseki: Autumn Views in Northern Hiroshima
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Taishakukyo Valley, located in Hiroshima Prefecture’s northeastern area, is a famous 18-kilometer-long ravine, occupying the Taishakukyo River basin and Shinryu Lake. It is especially famous for its stunning colors in fall, as the surrounding hillsides and mountains are reflected in bright blue waters.
If you visit the area, try kayaking down the river or riding a pleasure boat that takes visitors on a scenic 40-minute tour of Shinryu Lake. While on the boat, you can admire the nearby mountains up close.
The pleasure boat operates from 9:00 until 16:30, from mid-March to mid-December. Boats depart every 30 minutes, and fares cost 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children.
Kayaking is around 4,000 yen per person for 90 minutes (an advanced reservation of two days or more is required. Please check the official website for details).
Fall Foliage Viewing Time
The fall foliage can be enjoyed from late October to mid-November.
Getting to Taishakukyo
Address: Hiroshima, Jinseki, Jinsekikogen, Nagano 5034-7 (Pleasure Boat Terminal) Google Map
Access: To access the Shinryu Lake area, where the pleasure boat terminal is located, take a 20-minute taxi ride from Tojo Station (Geibi Line).
There’s also a bus service. However, there are only four daily departures on weekdays, and the service isn’t available on weekends and holidays. Therefore, we recommend heading here by taxi. The one-way fare is about 3,000 yen.
Official Website: http://taishakukyo.com/
↑ Return to the top of article.
3. Buttsuji Temple in Mihara: A Famous Fall Spot
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Buttsuji is a temple housing one of Japan’s foremost Zen Buddhist training halls. It was constructed amidst nature, and filled with momiji and kaede maple trees, making this a famous spot for marveling at autumn leaves. In the fall, the area comes alive with many sightseers.
Additionally, the area is illuminated in the evening in November. The scenic beauty stands out even more while looking at foliage alongside the temple and Buddhist statues.
During the fall, admission to the temple is around 300 yen for adults and about 200 yen for students (junior high school and up). Elementary school students are admitted free of charge.
Forecasted Fall Foliage Viewing Time
The fall foliage can be enjoyed from early November to mid-November.
Getting to Buttsuji Temple
Address: Hiroshima, Mihara, Takasaka, Motoyama Google Map
Access: From Mihara Station, take a bus headed for Buttsuji Temple and get off at the last stop. The trip takes about 40 minutes. You can also take a bus headed for Buttsuji Temple from Hongo Station and get off at the final stop. The ride takes 30 minutes.
Official Website: http://www.buttsuji.or.jp/ (Japanese)
↑ Return to the top of article.
4. Fudoin Temple in Hiroshima: Fall Foliage at a Historic Site
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Fudoin Temple is one of Hiroshima's most historical sites. The bronze statues on the premises are thought to date back as far as the Heian Period (794-1185). It’s a precious temple blessed with important cultural assets designated by the Japanese government, including the main hall.
Admission to the temple is free of charge. The sight of red leaves alongside the main hall symbolizes Japan’s classic autumn scenery. Additionally, Fudoin Temple is bustling with visitors during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Forecasted Fall Foliage Viewing Time
The fall foliage can be enjoyed from mid-November to early December.
Getting to Fudoin Temple
Address: Hiroshima, Higashi, Ushitashin 3-4-9 Google Map
Access: From Hiroshima Station, it’s a 15-minute train ride via the Hiroshima Electric Railway to Hondori Station. Transfer to the Astram Line (Hiroshima Rapid Transit) and get off at Fudoin-mae Station (a 10-minute ride). The temple is just a short walk from here.
Official Website: http://www.megaegg.ne.jp/~fudouin/index.html (Japanese)
↑ Return to the top of article.
5. Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima: Marvelous Fall Foliage in the Heart of the City
Picture courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
Shukkeien Garden was selected among the top 100 historic gardens in Japan. This beautiful Japanese garden looks like a painting in the fall. The reflection of the foliage on the pond's surface at Shukkeien is breathtakingly beautiful.
During the fall foliage festival every November, the leaves are illuminated at night and create a mystical atmosphere.
The garden is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Admission is 260 yen for adults, 150 yen for high school and university students, and 100 yen for elementary school and junior high school students.
Fall Foliage Viewing Time
The fall foliage can be viewed from mid-November until early December.
Getting to Shukkeien Garden
Address: Hiroshima, Naka, Kaminobori 2-11 Google Map
Access: Fifteen minutes on foot from Hiroshima Station.
Official Website: http://shukkeien.jp/ (Japanese)
↑ Return to the top of article.
6. Kosanji Temple in Onomichi: Island Scenery and Fall Colors
Kosanji is a Buddhist temple in Onomichi located on Ikuchijima Island. Visitors will find numerous designated national treasures on the grounds, like a 15-meter pagoda and a 10-meter-tall Buddha statue. Vivid red and yellow leaves color the area come fall. The combination of these historic structures and colors is a must-see!
Besides fall foliage, Kosanji Temple has a museum that visitors can enjoy. Sculptures, paintings, and other centuries-old artifacts dating back to the Heian and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods will dazzle museum-goers. There are also cultural events and festivals that occur regularly on the premises.
By planning an afternoon or morning here, you can take in the stunning autumn scenery and rich history.
Fall Foliage Viewing Time
The fall foliage can be enjoyed here from mid-November to early December.
Getting to Kosanji Temple
Address: Hiroshima, Onomichi, Setoda, Setoda 553-2
Access: You must take a ferry to reach Ikuchijima Island, where Kosanji is located. The most convenient method is boarding a boat that departs from Onomichi Port. Take the Setouchi Cruise and get off at Setoda. The ride takes a little over 30 minutes. Since boats are limited, please check the official schedule.
Official Website: http://www.kousanji.or.jp/english/
↑ Return to the top of article.
Enjoy the Fall Foliage in Hiroshima
Autumn offers numerous ways to enjoy the picturesque scenery and different areas in Hiroshima. From famous Miyajima to lesser-known spots, this prefecture is full of scenic attractions and new experiences to be enjoyed on crisp autumn days.
Visiting Japan? Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Living in Japan? Book Shinkansen tickets for Hiroshima
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Written by
The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Top Articles
There are no articles in this section.
Related Article
Special Features
More
