he autumn foliage season is fast approaching, and we’re here to introduce you to 18 iconic and popular spots throughout Hiroshima Prefecture, along with the best times to visit each.
Due to higher-than-average temperatures this year, the leaves are expected to change colors later than usual in October. However, temperatures should drop in November, which means the prime viewing period is not likely to be significantly delayed. In colder areas, like northern and mountainous regions of the prefecture, peak viewing typically occurs from mid-October to early November, while in the milder southern regions, the peak usually extends from early to late November. With Hiroshima’s varied climate, you can enjoy a longer foliage season by exploring spots from north to south.
Autumn Foliage Spot Highlights
Miyajima (Momijidani Park, etc.)
Hiroshima’s iconic tourist destination offers beautiful fall foliage. The famous Momijidani Park reaches its peak from mid-November, with colors gradually shifting from the mid-slopes down to the foot of the mountain. The Daisho-in Temple and Omoto Shrine areas follow shortly after, with some foliage visible until mid-December.
- Location: Miyajima
- Address: Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Mid-November to early December
- Illumination: Available
Shukkeien Garden
A popular spot in Hiroshima City, this traditional Japanese garden showcases beautiful seasonal scenery, with autumn being particularly stunning.
- Location: Hiroshima City
- Address: 2-11 Kaminobori-cho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
- Peak Season: Mid-November to late November
- Autumn Events: Available
- Illumination: Available
Mitaki-dera Temple
Known for its three scenic waterfalls, this tranquil temple is located close to central Hiroshima. The vibrant autumn foliage creates a picturesque scene.
- Location: Hiroshima City
- Address: 411 Mitaki-yama, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima City
- Peak Season: Mid-November to late November
Taishaku Gorge
Popular for its dramatic foliage views around Onbashi Bridge and the lake. Sightseeing boats provide unique perspectives of the autumn leaves.
- Location: Bihoku Area
- Address: Taishaku-mitodo, Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Late October to early November
- Autumn Events: Available
Sandankyo Gorge
This beautiful gorge in northern Hiroshima features vivid autumn colors harmonizing with cliffs and clear streams. The foliage begins to change colors from the upper area in late October, moving downstream until mid-November.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: Yokogawa, Aki Ota-cho, Yamagata County, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Late October to mid-November
Ozekiyama Park
Enjoy the foliage as you walk the scenic trails from the parking area up to the mountain summit.
- Location: Bihoku Area
- Address: Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Late October to mid-November
- Illumination: Available
Kosanj Temple
Popular as a photography spot, the autumn foliage around Kosanji Temple creates a stunning backdrop.
- Location: Shimanami Kaido
- Address: 553-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Mid-November to early December
- Autumn Events: Available
Ryuzukyo Valley Forest Park
Known for hiking and forest bathing, this popular therapeutic forest trail turns into a spectacularly colored gorge during fall.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: Aki Ota-cho, Yamagata County, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to mid-November
- Autumn Events: Available
Josen Falls
The only waterfall in Hiroshima listed among the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan,” offering a serene autumn scenery.
- Location: Bihoku Area
- Address: Shimotsakuri, Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to mid-November
Nukui Dam Area
Known for its high arch dam and the breathtaking views of Takiyama Gorge’s foliage from Lake Nukui and Inoyama Observatory.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: 1956-2 Kake, Aki Ota-cho, Yamagata County, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to mid-November
Tsutsuga Great Ginkgo Tree
Located within Oto Shrine, this natural monument is estimated to be over 1,100 years old. Its golden leaves form a striking carpet as they fall.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: 94 Kamitsutsuga, Aki Ota-cho, Yamagata County, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to mid-November
- Illumination: Available
Yoshimizuen Garden
This Edo-period strolling garden offers an autumn landscape with an elegant historic ambiance. The garden is open on select weekends in early to mid-November.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: 3410 Kakekanda, Aki Ota-cho, Yamagata County, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to mid-November
Buttsu-ji Temple
The temple and surrounding mountains are known for their vivid red and orange autumn leaves, creating a breathtaking scene.
- Location: Bingo Area
- Address: 22 Takasaka-cho, Mihara City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to mid-November
Miyama Gorge
A short 1 km stretch with seven waterfalls, the gorge offers beautiful scenery with vibrant autumn colors against the clear streams.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: Kake, Aki Ota-cho, Yamagata County, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Late October to mid-November
Yachiyo Lake (Haji Dam)
A popular spot for walking and cycling, it is also part of the “Top 100 Dam Lakes in Japan” with lovely autumn views.
- Location: Geihoku Area
- Address: Haji, Yachiyo-cho, Akitakata City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Late October to mid-November
Hiroshima Prefectural Forest Park
This large park boasts Hiroshima’s largest maple tree, along with vibrant foliage throughout the grounds.
- Location: Hiroshima City
- Address: 10166-2 Fukuda-cho, Higashi Ward, Hiroshima City
- Peak Season: Late October to mid-November
- Autumn Events: Available
Milk-Flowing Ginkgo of Kamikoya Mountain
A nearly 1,000-year-old giant tree at Tenman Shrine, its golden leaves make it a must-see.
- Location: Bihoku Area
- Address: Shinichi, Takano-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Mid-October to early November
Sankei-en Garden
A beautiful garden near Hiroshima Airport featuring three zones with vibrant autumn foliage.
- Location: Bingo Area
- Address: 64-24 Zenin-ji, Hongo-cho, Mihara City, Hiroshima
- Peak Season: Early to late November
- Autumn Events: Available
- Illumination: Available
