Now Reports

Fukuoka Autumn Leaves Guide 2022

Koyo refers to the changing autumn colors of deciduous trees in Japan. Leaves turn spectacular shades of red, yellow and brown – depending on species – before falling to the ground. The koyo season lasts around 50 days, starting in Hokkaido mid-September and making its way down Japan to Kyushu by late-October to mid-November.

The best time to view koyo in Fukuoka is mid-Nov. or the same as last year. Fukuoka Now has selected some of the best spots near Fukuoka – complete with links to useful weather resources, photographs, maps, and our favorite spots to view the autumn leaves. If you find some good spots, please share your information and a photo and we’ll add it to this list. Send to contact@fukuoka-now.com or comment below!

Autumn Leaves Information
Check the real-time forecast here: Weathernews (with map and koyo colour)

Autumn Leaves viewing spots in Fukuoka

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka (11)
Itoshima City, Fukuoka (1)
Nakagawa City, Fukuoka (1)
Dazaifu City, Fukuoka (1)
Asakura City, Fukuoka (1)
Kurume City, Fukuoka (2)
Yame City, Fukuoka (4)
Miyama City, Fukuoka (1)
Sasaguri-machi, Fukuoka (1)
Soeda-machi, Fukuoka (2)
Kiyama-cho, Saga (1)
Kanzaki City, Saga (1)

Fukuoka City, Fukuoka

Aburayama Shimin no Mori / Natural Observation Woods

Mount Aburayama is known as a place of relaxation for locals, particularly for families.From late-October to late-November, the scenery changes into a display of spectacular autumn colors. See the beautiful “Koyo Valley” from the rope bridge, or visit in the evening to see koyo along a popular night-viewing trail. In addition to spectacular seasonal scenery, Aburayama is Fukuoka City’s tallest mountain and the park it encompasses offers some of the best outdoor facilities in the prefecture. Hiking trail here: https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/hiking-guide-aburayama/
*Suspension bridge closed to traffic for the time being (as of Oct. 27, 2022) due to the discover of a wasp nest.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City. 

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

• Koyo peak: Late Oct. ~ Late Nov.
• Types of trees: Japanese maple, mountain maple, maple, ginkgo
• Open: 9:00~18:00
• Closed: Never
• Admission: Free (parking fee: standard car ¥300 / mid-size car ¥1,000 / large-size car ¥2,000)
855-4 Hibaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
092-871-6969
https://shimi-mori.com/lp/autumn/
https://twitter.com/aburayama_mori

Keyaki-dori Avenue

Keyaki-dori is only 800 meters long but it packs a lot of charm into that seemingly short distance. As the word keyaki in the name suggests, there are roughly 100 zelkova trees planted along the road, and their koyo leaves create the effect of a vivid yellow tunnel in autumn. A truly urban koyo spot, take a stroll down the fashionable street and enjoy its autumn colors and many stylish shops, cafes and restaurants. The keyaki trees lining up from Kego intersection to Akasaka 3-chome intersection will be lit up (18:00~22:00) from mid-November to late March.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

• Koyo peak: Mid. Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Zelkova
Kego Intersection, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

Maizuru Park

Experience koyo at the historical site of the Fukuoka Castle ruins. Maizuru Park is located just 5 minutes from Akasaka Station and the adjoining Ohori Park. The maples and maidenhair trees at Maizuru turn shades of red and yellow, creating a carpet effect of koyo color. From the Tenshudai lookout area, you can see across Maizuru and Ohori Parks and admire the autumn colors from above.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City

Source: UZOU

• Koyo peak: Early Nov. ~ Late Nov.
• Types of trees: Cherry blossom, maidenhair, maple, zelkova, and more
• Admission: Free (Parking fee ¥150/hour)
1 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
092-781-2153
https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/file/panf_en.pdf
https://www.instagram.com/maidurupark/

Nishi Park

Nishi Park was developed as a park on a hill that was once called Aratsuyama. The park offers a panoramic view of Hakata Bay and Shikanoshima Island and is a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. In the park, there is a spot named “Maple Valley,” where maple trees and ginkgo trees are in full color, and it is lit up when it is time to see them.

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko
• Admission: Free
• Light up: 11/15 (Tue.) ~ 11/29 (Tue.) 17:00 ~ 21:00
13-2 Nishi-Park. Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
092-741-2004 (Ohori Park and Nishi Park management office)
https://www.nishikouen.jp/news/234
https://www.instagram.com/nishipark_fukuoka/

Ohori Park

Ohori Park is an extremely popular site for walking and jogging in an area noted for its water, greenery and traditional Japanese garden. The maples at Ohori turn a vivid red in autumn, along with other koyo trees, including the Japanese black pine, satsuki azalea and rose bay. We recommend taking a stroll to the east side of the central lake, where zelkova and Japanese wax trees are planted close together. Take a break and chill out at the well-designed Ohori Park Starbucks that overlooks the park and its trees. The adjacent Japanese garden also has maple trees, which can be quietly admired in beautiful contrast with the green of the pine trees. Starting this year, the Japanese garden will be illuminated at night during the season only.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

Source: UZOU

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Zelkova, Japanese wax, gingko, maple
• Admission: Free
• Japanese Garden admission: Adult ¥250, 15 y.o. and below ¥120 (closed: Mon.)
• Light up (Japanese Garden): 11/15 (Tue.) ~ 11/29 (Tue.) 17:00 ~ 20:00
1 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
092-741-2004(Ohori Park and Nishi Park management office), 092-741-8377(Japanese garden)
https://www.ohorikouen.jp/en/
https://ohoriteien.jp/en/
https://www.instagram.com/ohoripark_fukuoka/

Momiji Hachimangu Shrine

The local people love Momiji Hachimangu for its beautiful nature, including autumn leaves in the fall and cherry blossoms in spring featuring Mt. Momiji in the background. Behind the largest torii (shrine gate) in Fukuoka, approximately 7.5m high, red-colored maple leaves shine beautifully next to the vermilion colored shrine buildings. From the sunset on 11/19, large maple trees believed to be over 200 years old are lit up. Also, on 11/26 and 11/27, Hanatemizu and Japanese umbrella lights will illuminate the area.

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• 9:00~17:00 (Momiji Festival: 9:00~20:00)
• Light up: 11/19 (Sat.) ~ 11/27 (Sun.) Approx. 17:00~20:00
• Momiji Festival: 11/26 (Sat.), 11/27 (Sun.) 15:00~20:00
• Admission: Free
• Types of trees: Maple, Japanese maple, Maidenhair, Japanese wax tree
1-26-55 Takatori, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
092-821-2049
http://momijihachimangu.or.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/momijihachimangu.official/

Rakusuien

To the north of Hakata’s popular Sumiyoshi Shrine and just 12 minutes on foot from JR Hakata Station is the beautiful Japanese garden Rakusuien. Maple trees line the pathways of the traditional garden, and koyo leaves fall gently into the central pond and small waterfall. There is a reconstructed tea house originally built in the Meiji period, complete with a tea ceremony room. A relaxing and elegant inner-city getaway.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

Source: UZOU

• Koyo peak: Late Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, oak, konara, hazel, and more (approx. 70 trees)
• Admission: adult ¥100, under JHS ¥50 (parking fee: ¥300)
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Tue (open if hol. and will be closed the next day)
2-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
092-262-6665
http://rakusuien.net/english/
https://www.instagram.com/nihonteien.fukuoka/

Yokatopia-dori Avenue

With the landmark Fukuoka Tower in view, take a walk down the well maintained Yokatopia-dori between Early. Nov. ~ Late Dec. for a view of maples and maidenhair trees in full koyo color. The area is known as a high-class residential area, so it is very pretty, with clean pathways and well-kept houses. Extend your walk to the lush Momochi Central Park or all the way up to Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Beach.

• Koyo peak: Early Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maidenhair, maple, Chinese tallow tree
Momochi, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka

Yusentei Park

Originally built in 1754 as a second home for Tsugutaka Kuroda, the 6th lord of Fukuoka, Yusentei is a beautiful Japanese garden centered on a lake. In autumn, the maples, zelkova, oak and Japanese wax trees planted around the water undergo a transformation as the leaves change to red, yellow, and orange. Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy a matcha tea set (¥500) in the garden.
*Closed between Dec. 1, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023 for pond cleaning and stone bridge renovation.

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

Source: UZOU

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Admission: adult ¥200, under JHS ¥100
• Closed: Mon.
1-46 Yusentei, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka
092-711-0415
https://yusentei.fukuoka-teien.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nihonteien.fukuoka/

Shofuen

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Admission: adult ¥100, under JHS ¥50
3-28 Hirao, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
092-524-8264
https://shofuen.fukuoka-teien.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nihonteien.fukuoka/

Hanahata Engei Park

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, zelkova
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Mon.
• Admission: Free, parking fee ¥300
7-571-1 Kashihara, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
092-565-5114
http://www.hanahataengei.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hanahataengei/

Itoshima City, Fukuoka

Raizan Sennyoji Temple

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Open: 9:00~16:30
• Maple-viewing fee : over HS ¥100 (Nov. only), Buddha-viewing: ¥400
626 Raizan, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
092-323-3547
http://www.sennyoji.or.jp

Nakagawa City, Fukuoka

Chikushi Yabakei Valley

• Koyo peak: Early Nov. ~ Mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, Japanese maple, maidenhair
Ichinose ~ Gokayama, Nakagawa City, Fukuoka
092-408-9863 (Nakagawa-machi area management, Nakagawa City Hall)
https://www.city.nakagawa.lg.jp/soshiki/35/chikushi-yabakei.html

Dazaifu City, Fukuoka

Kamado Shrine

This shrine is famous for bringing good luck to couples (enmusubi). It was rebuilt in a modern style and is attracting considerable attention from the creative community. It’s also popular as a koyo spot because the stairs near the torii are surrounded by maples. There will be light ups (sunset to 9 pm) from Nov. 12 (Sat.) to Nov. 27 (Sun.). The Momiji Festival on November 19 and 20 will feature a flea market of freshly picked vegetables and fruits, freshly ground coffee, seasonal Japanese sweets, and other food and beverages (10:00-17:00).

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Late Nov.
• Light up: 11/12 (Sat.) ~ 11/27 (Sun.) sunset ~ 21:00
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko
• Admission: Free
883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
092-922-4106
http://kamadojinja.or.jp

Asakura City, Fukuoka

Akizuki Castle Ruins

There are about 20 maple trees around the Kuromon gate in Akizuki Joseki. Suiyo Shrine, which lies just beyond the gate, is beautiful and surrounded by yet more colorful maples. Stop for tea along the cherry tree-lined Suginobaba-dori St. and enjoy autumn at Akizuki.

©福岡県観光連盟

• Koyo peak: Late Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of tree: Maple
• Admission: Free
663 Akizukinotori, Asakura City, Fukuoka
0946-24-6758 (Asakusa Tourism Association)
https://www.city.asakura.lg.jp/www/contents/1420604932573/index.html

Kurume City, Fukuoka

Ishibashi Cultural Center

Ishibashi Cultural Center is a multipurpose facility with an art museum, music hall, and library, donated by its founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, to Kurume City. It also has a vast Japanese garden with 100 maple trees, 12 ginkgo trees and 30 zelkova trees which slowly turn into beautiful shades of red in autumn. At the same time, roses will be at their best, and the annual Maple Festival will be held from November 5 to December 4. This year, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Japanese Garden, the outdoor lighting will be powered up! On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the festival, the autumn leaves and buildings in the garden will be beautifully illuminated.

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Light up (only Fri., Sat., Sun., hol.): 11/5 (Sat.) ~ 12/4 (Sun.) Approx. 17:00~20:00
• 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Mon. and hol. *The gardens are open year-round.
• Free entry
1015 Nonaka-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
0942-33-2271
https://www.ishibashi-bunka.jp/event/momiji2022/

Yanagisaka Wax Tree

This festival celebrates the beautiful 1.2 km stretch of 260 Yanagisaka wax trees in the Toyoda area. The trees were planted by the Kurume Clan about 270 years ago in order to gather wax for lighting and are designated natural treasures of Fukuoka Prefecture. As autumn deepens, you can see the beautiful contrast between the red-colored wax trees and the countryside. The tree-lined boulevards, which has been designated as a natural monument of the prefecture and has been selected as one of the country’s 100 most beautiful tree-lined boulevards. From November 19 to 27, the “Haze (wax tree) Festival” will be held, with stores selling locally grown and processed agricultural products lining the street, and on November 23, 26, and 27, the wax tree-lined avenue will become a pedestrian zone.

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Late Nov.
• Free viewing
Toyoda, Yamamotomachi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
0942-33-4422 (Kurume City Tourist Information Center)
https://welcome-kurume.com/events/detail/6b34b18d-0265-4e52-83fd-481d975104ad

Yame City, Fukuoka

Ginkgo in Taibaru

©福岡県観光連盟

• Viewing Period: 11/13 (Sun.) ~ 11/25 (Fri.)
• Hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00
• Types of trees: Ginkgo
1029 Hisaizumi, Hirokawa, Yame-gun, Fukuoka
0943-32-5555 (Hirokawa-machi Tourism Association)
https://www.hirokankou.org/ichou2022/

Yamanaka Keikoku (Valley)

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov ~ Late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
Kuroki-machi Koya, Yame City, Fukuoka
0943-42-1111 (Yame City Kuroki-machi Community Development Promotion Section)
https://www.city.yame.fukuoka.jp/soshiki/6/k1/2/1558932401986.html

Hyugamikyo Gorge

• Koyo peak: Early Nov ~ Mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Admission: Free (free parking)
Hyugamikyo, Yabemura, Yame City, Fukuoka
0943-42-1111 (Yame City Kuroki-machi Community Development Promotion Section)

Yametsuhime Shrine

• Koyo peak: Early Nov. ~ Mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Admission: Free
4105 Kitayabe, Yabemura, Yame City, Fukuoka
0943-42-1111 (Yame City Kuroki-machi Community Development Promotion Section)
https://www.city.yame.fukuoka.jp/soshiki/15/y01/2/1454653614316.html

Miyama City, Fukuoka

Kiyomizu Temple (Honbo Teien)

The Japanese-style garden at Kiyomizu Temple is known for its scenic beauty. It is said to be established during the Muromachi era by well-known artist and monk Sesshu. To grow the garden naturally, he sprinkled water over the landscape, a technique he learned when he was in China. The picturesque view of the garden, with spring water trickling over rocks in the background, can be seen any time of the year, but this view is especially beautiful in autumn. There is also a big ginkgo tree in the garden which carpets the ground in yellow leaves.

Source: UZOU

• Koyo peak: Late Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, Japanese maple, Maidenhair
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Close: Mon., 18th of every month
• Admission (maintenance fee): Adult ¥300, ES & JHS: ¥100
1117-4 Setaka-machi Motoyoshi, Miyama City, Fukuoka
0944-64-1523 (Miyama City Tourism Association)
https://www.city.miyama.lg.jp/s034/kanko/010/080/040/20200107013000.html

Sasaguri-machi, Fukuoka

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple

©福岡県観光連盟

©福岡県観光連盟

• Koyo peak: Early Oct. ~ Mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, Enkianthus Perulatus, yamazakura, Japanese wax tree, zelkova, konara oak
• Momiji Matsuri: 10/28 (Fri.) ~ 11/23 (Wed.,hol)
227-4 Hagio, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka
092-947-4423
http://www.nomiyamakannonji.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nomiyama_kannonji_official/

Soeda-machi, Fukuoka

Mount Hikosan Daigongen Shrine Fudomeio

Source: UZOU

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple
Hiko-san, Soeda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
0947-85-0335 (Mount Hikosan Daigongen Shrine)
http://hikosandaigongen.com/

Mount Hikosan Buzenbou Takasumi Shrine

• Koyo peak: Early Nov. ~ Late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko
27 Hikosan, Soeda, Tagawa District, Fukuoka
0947-85-0073 (Takasumi Shrine)
https://takasumi-jinja.jimdofree.com/
https://blog.goo.ne.jp/takasumi-jinja

Kiyama-cho, Saga

Daikouzenji Temple

Also known as “Azalea Temple”, this temple has a history of about 1,300 years. In autumn, the garden behind the main hall, Chigirien, is filled with colorful autumn leaves. A promenade has been set up so that visitors can enjoy the garden from various angles, such as from close up, from below, or from above. During the tourist season (Nov. 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 2022),, a limited-time temporary bus service will be available every 30 minutes between JR Kiyama Station and Daikozenji Temple.*Adult ¥200 (one-way)

Photo provided by official Instagram

• Koyo peak: Mid-Nov. ~ Late Nov.
• Types of trees: Japanese maple, mountain maple, ginkgo
• Open: 8:30~17:30 (last entry 17:00)
• Admission (Chigirien): Adult ¥600, JHS&ES ¥300 *special rates for tourist season from mid-Apr to Jun and mid-Nov to early Dec
• Closed: Never
• Momiji Festival: 11/5 (Sat.) ~ 12/4 (Sun.)
• Parking fee: ¥300
3628 Sonobe, Kiyama-cho, Miyaki-gun, Saga
0942-92-2627
https://daikouzenji.com/
https://www.instagram.com/daikouzenji/

Kanzaki City, Saga

Kunenan Mansion

Constructed by Yataro Itami during the Meiji era, Kunenan Mansion is known for its stunning autumn colors and old traditional structures. It is a popular spot for autumn leaves that is open to the public for a limited time only during the autumn leaves season. This year, for the first time in three years, the garden will be open to the public for only nine days. Vivid maple leaves and native mosses reflected on the surface of the water in the garden will create a vivid scene of red and green all around.

• Types of trees: Japanese maple
• Open to the public: 11/15 (Tue.) ~ 11/23 (Wed., hol.) 8:30~16:00
• Admission fee: over HS ¥500, free for JHS and younger
1696 Kanzakimachiikuwa, Kanzaki City, Saga
0952-37-9882 (Kanzaki City Tourism Association)
http://kanzaki.sagan.jp/kanzakiblog/?p=7182

––––––––––––––––––––
Originally written in Nov. 2016, updated in Nov. 2022.
Copyright Fukuoka Now – including all text, photos and illustrations. Permission required to re-use in any form. Meanwhile, feel free to link to this page.

NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in Nov. 2016.

Category
Art & Culture
Seasonal Guide
Fukuoka City
Dazaifu
Kitakyushu
Published: Nov 4, 2022 / Last Updated: Dec 1, 2022

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