In Japan, people have a deep love for seasonal trees. In spring, we gather under cherry blossoms for joyful hanami 花見 parties, and in autumn, we admire the vibrant colors of fallen leaves. Each season brings its own beauty—spring trees, summer greens, autumn foliage, and even the quiet beauty of bare winter trees. When you visit Japan, be sure to enjoy the changing trees that paint the landscape throughout the year!
Colorful Autumn Trees in Japan
Japan is famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage. From fiery red maples to golden ginkgo trees, many varieties transform beautifully as the season changes. Let me introduce some of the most popular trees that create Japan’s stunning autumn scenery.
🍁 Maple (Momiji)
Maples are the most iconic trees for autumn colors in Japan. Their leaves turn vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow, painting mountains and gardens with fiery brilliance.
🌕 Ginkgo (Ichou)
Ginkgo trees glow with a golden yellow in autumn. Streets lined with ginkgo trees become magical tunnels of light, especially in places like Tokyo and Kyoto.
🌳 Japanese Zelkova (Keyaki)
Zelkova trees are large and majestic, turning from yellow to warm orange in fall. They’re often planted along boulevards and in spacious parks.
🍂 Japanese Sumac (Haze)
Sumac trees shift to bright red or pinkish-orange, adding soft warmth to mountain landscapes. Their gentle hues blend beautifully with other autumn colors.
🌿 Katsura Tree
Katsura leaves turn a delicate yellow and release a sweet scent as they change. You’ll often find them near rivers, temples, or quiet forest paths.
🍒 Japanese Rowan (Nanakamado)
This northern beauty has red leaves and bright red berries. The contrast between the berries and foliage creates a striking scene, especially in Hokkaido.
Foliage Around Osaka Now
Lately, just walking outside feels special. You see trees with leaves starting to fall, and some are only halfway changed—one part red, another still green. That mix of colors is really pretty, like nature’s way of taking its time.
This photo’s from Nara. The colors reminded me of Rengoku from Kimetsu no Yaiba—so fiery and bold, it almost looks like he’s about to leap out of the trees!
And this one’s from the mountains north of Osaka. This year, the colors are changing a bit slower than usual, but you can still feel autumn creeping in. The air’s cooler, and the scenery’s starting to glow.
Summary
I remember walking down the poplar tree street at Hokkaido University—it was absolutely stunning. The poplar leaves shift from yellow-green to golden yellow, and finally to soft brown. On a sunny day, the contrast between the golden leaves and the bright blue sky is just breathtaking.
There’s also a famous row of ginkgo trees nearby. Their color is pure yellow—so vibrant it almost glows! But… be careful! In autumn, ginkgo nuts fall all over the street, and people often step on them without noticing. Once crushed, they smell really strong—definitely not the scent of autumn you’re hoping for 😅
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