This year’s unusually long summer heat has left some trees a bit weakened, and the autumn foliage is showing up later than usual. Yet, on clear autumn days with crisp air, enjoying the colorful leaves in the gentle sunlight is a special treat.
In 2024, Fukuoka’s peak autumn foliage is expected to arrive slightly later, with most locations reaching full color from mid to late November. Each spot offers unique sights, from maples and ginkgo trees to gardens and natural settings. Check out Fukuoka Now’s autumn foliage guide to find your favorite viewing spots!
▷Large map – Ultimate Guide to Autumn Foliage in Fukuoka
Autumn Foliage viewing spots in Fukuoka
• Fukuoka City, Fukuoka (11)
• Itoshima City, Fukuoka (1)
• Nakagawa City, Fukuoka (1)
• Dazaifu City, Fukuoka (1)
• Chikushino City, Fukuoka (1)
• Asakura City, Fukuoka (1)
• Kurume City, Fukuoka (2)
• Yame, Fukuoka (4)
• Miyama City, Fukuoka (1)
• Sasaguri-machi, Fukuoka (1)
• Soeda-machi, Fukuoka (2)
• Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka (7)
• Kiyama-cho, Saga (1)
• Kanzaki City, Saga (1)
• Takeo City, Saga (1)
Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Aburayama Fukuoka
Located on the eastern slope of Mount Aburayama, “Mo Mo Land Aburayama Farm” and the revamped “ABURAYAMA Fukuoka,” integrated with Aburayama Shimin no Mori, serve as convenient outdoor spots for Fukuoka citizens, popular among families. In autumn, the mountain is adorned with trees colored in reds and yellows. The 3.4 km walking trail is lined with vibrant autumn leaves, and the “Momiji Valley,” where 670 Japanese maple trees change colors, alongside the Children’s Plaza where large metasequoia trees, ranging from 10 to 20 meters tall, turn a golden hue as the maple leaves fall. The Nature Observation Center also offers free maps of the approximately 3.4 km autumn foliage walking course.
Reference: Fukuoka Now | ABURAYAMA Fukuoka Report (April 2023)
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Koyo peak: late Oct. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Japanese maple, metasequoia, ginkgo
• Open: 9:00~18:00
• Admission: Free
• Closed: 1st and 3rd Wed. of every month (The Nature Observation Center is closed every Wed.)
• Parking fee: Standard car ¥300/3 hours (over 3 hours, ¥100/1 hour), large-size car ¥2,000/1 day
• Aburayama, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.aburayama-fukuoka.com/aburayama-fukuoka/
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 early -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.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Cherry blossom, gingko, maple
• Admission: Free
• 1 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.midorimachi.jp/maiduru/
Nishi Park
The hill known as Aratsu Mountain has been developed into Nishi Park, a place where one can enjoy panoramic views of Hakata Bay and Shikanoshima. Known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring, the park also features an area called “Momiji Valley,” where maple and ginkgo trees don a spectrum of fall colors. The sight of these vibrant trees, as well as the beautiful scene of fallen leaves resembling a colorful carpet, adds to the park’s beauty.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko
• Admission: Free
• 13-2 Nishi-Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.nishikouen.jp/
Ohori Park
Ohori Park, an oasis for Fukuoka’s citizens nestled in the heart of the city, offers glimpses of natural beauty throughout the seasons. Visitors can admire the autumn leaves of zelkova and Chinese tallow trees reflected in the pond’s surface. The adjacent Japanese garden also boasts maple trees, providing a serene spot to quietly appreciate the stunning contrast between the reds of autumn and the evergreen hues of the pines.
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Zelkova, Japanese wax tree, gingko, maple
• Admission: Free
• Japanese Garden admission: ¥250, 15 y.o. and under ¥120 (open 9:00~17:00, closed: Mon.)
• 1 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.ohorikouen.jp/en/
• https://ohoriteien.jp/en/
Momiji Hachimangu Shrine
Momiji Hachimangu Shrine, cherished by the locals as the guardian of Sawara and known for its rich natural beauty with autumn leaves and spring cherry blossoms. Behind Fukuoka Prefecture’s largest stone torii gate, which stands at about 7.5 meters tall, is a vermilion-painted shrine that beautifully complements the red autumn maple leaves. From sunset on November 23rd, trees are illuminated. On November 30th and December 1st, the Momiji Festival is held, where the grounds are lit up and food and drinks are sold.
• Koyo peak: late-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko, Japanese wax tree
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (Momiji Festival:~20:00)
• Admission: Free
• Light up: 11/23 (Sat.) ~ 12/1 (Sun.) approx. 17:00 (sunset) ~20:00
• Momiji Festival: 11/30 (Sat.), 12/1 (Sun.) 15:00~20:00
• 1-26-55 Takatori, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• http://momijihachimangu.or.jp/
Rakusuien
A 12-minute walk from JR Hakata Station, Rakusuien is a Japanese garden located north of Sumiyoshi Shrine. It was originally built as a villa in 1906 by a Hakata merchant, Chikamasa Zenemon Shimozawa, who contributed to the development of Fukuoka-Hakata. The garden features maple trees that turn yellow and red in the fall, and visitors can also view the unique Hakata-style earthen walls known as “Hakata-bei.” Inside the garden, there is a teahouse called “Rakusuian” where guests can enjoy a matcha set (matcha and seasonal sweets) for ¥500.
Reference: Fukuoka Now “Rakusuien: A Tranquil Japanese Garden in the Heart of the City”
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Koyo peak: late Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, oak, konara, hazel, and more (approx. 70 trees)
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Admission: ¥100, under JHS ¥50
• Closed: Tue. (open if hol. and will be closed the next day)
• 2-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• http://rakusuien.net/english/
Yokatopia-dori Avenue
Yokatopia-dori Avenue, which used to be part of the coastline, stretches from Atago Bridge to Fukuoka Tower. Known as an upscale residential area, this region is lined with ginkgo and maple trees. With well-maintained sidewalks, it is an ideal location for a stroll while enjoying the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Ginkgo, maple, zelkova
• Momochi, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
Yusentei Park
Yusentei is a Japanese garden boasting a vast expanse of about one hectare (approximately 3,000 tsubo), featuring a “pond-and-hill” style landscape that allows visitors to enjoy views from various angles as they walk around the pond. Trees like maple enrich the garden with seasonal beauty, and guests can also savor matcha and seasonal sweets while taking in the garden views (matcha ¥500 per serving).
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Admission: adult ¥200, under JHS ¥100
• Closed: Mon. (open if hol. and will be closed the next day)
• 1-46 Yusentei, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka
• https://yusentei.fukuoka-teien.com/
Shofuen
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Admission: adult ¥100, ES & JHS ¥50
• Light up: 11/16 (Sat.), 11/17 (Sun.) 18:30~21:00 (admission: ¥500, free for pre-school children)
• Closed: Tue. (open if hol. and will be closed the next day)
• 3-28 Hirao, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://shofuen.fukuoka-teien.com/
Hanahata Engei Park
Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.
• Koyo peak: late-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, zelkova, metasequoia, plum tree
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Admission: Free
• Closed: Mon.
• Parking fee ¥300
• 7-571-1 Kashihara, Minami-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.hanahataengei.com/
Itoshima City, Fukuoka
Raizan Sennyoji Temple
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Japanese maple, maple, ginkgo
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (Buddha-viewing: ~16:30)
• Maple-viewing fee : Over HS ¥100 (Nov. only), free for under JHS
• Buddha-viewing: Over HS ¥400, free for under JHS
• 626 Raizan, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• http://www.sennyoji.or.jp
Temporary Shuttle bus service from Chikuzen-maebaru Sta. (south exit) *only on weekdays during 11/11~11/22
• Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta. South Exit → Raizan Kannon-mae: 10:10 departure → 10:32 arrival, 12:10 departure → 12:32 arrival, 14:30 departure → 14:52 arrival
• Raizan Kannon-mae→Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta.: 11:30 departure→11:52 arrival, 14:00 departure→14:22 arrival, 16:00 departure→16:22 arrival
Nakagawa City, Fukuoka
Chikushi Yabakei Valley
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, Japanese maple, gingko
• Ichinose ~ Gokayama, Nakagawa City, Fukuoka
• 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. 16 to Nov. 30. The Momiji Festival on November 23 and 24 will feature a flea market of freshly picked vegetables, freshly ground coffee, hot wine etc. (10:00~17:00).
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko
• Light up: 11/16 (Sat.) ~ 11/30 (Sat.) sunset ~ 21:00
• Free entry
• 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• http://kamadojinja.or.jp
• https://www.instagram.com/kamadojinja.official/
Chikushino City, Fukuoka
Buzoji Temple
Located on the mountainside of Mt. Tenpai, the temple is adorned with red maple leaves in autumn. It is said to be the oldest temple in Kyushu, dating back to the Asuka period, and is so renowned that it appears in the “Konjaku Monogatari Shu” and “Ryōjin Hishō.” On November 23rd and 24th, the “Chikushino Momiji Festival” is held, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll through the town while simultaneously appreciating the autumn leaves.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Japanese maple
• Admission: Free
• 621 Musashi, Chikushino City, Fukuoka
• https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/spot/11673
Asakura City, Fukuoka
Akizuki Castle Ruins
At the Akizuki Castle ruins and around the Kuro-Mon gate, about 20 maple trees burst into autumnal colors. The path leading to the Suiyo Shrine, which greets visitors after they pass through the gate, is lined with these vivid maples and comes highly recommended. It’s a popular spot for tourists, often bustling with camera-ready visitors. Sugino Baba Street is lined with stalls, allowing for a leisurely enjoyment of Akizuki’s autumn while sipping tea and soaking in the atmosphere.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov. (ginkgo), late Nov. ~ early Dec. (maple)
• Types of trees: Maple, ginkgo
• Free entry
• 663 Akizukinotori, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.asakura.lg.jp/www/contents/1420604932573/index.html
Kurume City, Fukuoka
Ishibashi Cultural Center
The Ishibashi Cultural Center, donated to his hometown Kurume City by Bridgestone’s founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, boasts a vast Japanese garden. This complex cultural facility, which includes an art museum, concert hall, and library, is home to an impressive array of trees that come alive with color, including 100 maple trees, 12 ginkgo trees, and 30 zelkova trees. The annual Maple Festival is held from November 19 to December 1, and during 11/22~11/24, 11/29~12/1, the garden’s autumn foliage and the buildings are beautifully illuminated. Additionally, the autumn roses also reach their peak during this time.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko, zelkova
• Light up: 11/22 (Fri.) ~ 11/24 (Sun.), 11/29 (Fri.) ~ 12/1 (Sun.) 17:00~20:00
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Free entry
• Closed: Mon. (open if hol.) *the gardens are open year-round.
• 1015 Nonaka-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• https://ishibashi-bunka.jp/hanameguri/autumnleaves-yellowleaves/
Yanagisaka Wax Trees
The “Haze Festival” in Toyoda celebrates the captivating 1.2 km avenue of 200 historic Yanagisaka wax trees, a legacy planted by the Kurume Clan 270 years ago for wax harvesting, now treasured as natural monuments of Fukuoka Prefecture. As the season turns, the wax trees’ fiery red leaves form a striking contrast with the pastoral landscape. Recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 most beautiful tree-lined roads and a designated prefectural natural monument, it offers a breathtaking view. The festival, running from November 16 to 24, features stalls showcasing local agricultural produce, and on November 16 to 17, and 23 to 24, the wax tree avenue transforms into a car-free pedestrian paradise. (10:00~16:00)
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Wax tree
• Free viewing
• Toyoda, Yamamoto-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• https://welcome-kurume.com/events/detail/
Yame, Fukuoka
Ginkgo in Taibaru
The Taibaru Ginkgo, a privately-owned area, opens to the public exclusively during the ginkgo leaf coloring season. The ginkgo leaves turn a golden hue, and even after they fall, they create a stunning golden carpet, maintaining their beauty.
• Viewing Period: 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 11/24 (Sun.)
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Types of trees: Ginkgo
• 1029 Hisaizumi, Hirokawa-machi, Yame-gun, Fukuoka
• https://www.hirokankou.org/2024icho/
Yamanaka Keikoku (Valley)
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Koya, Kuroki-machi, Yame City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.yame.fukuoka.jp/soshiki/6/k1/2/1558932401986.html
Hyugamikyo Gorge
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Free entry
• Hyugamikyo, Yabemura, Yame City, Fukuoka
Yametsuhime Shrine
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Free entry
• 4105 Kitayabe, Yabemura, Yame City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.yame.fukuoka.jp/soshiki/15/y01/2/1454653614316.html
Miyama City, Fukuoka
Kiyomizu Temple (Honbo Teien)
The serene Japanese garden of Kiyomizu Temple, reputed for its picturesque beauty, is believed to have been crafted during the Muromachi period by the renowned artist-monk Sesshu. Embracing the natural growth philosophy, Sesshu employed a unique irrigation method inspired by his time in China, gently sprinkling water across the terrain. The garden offers a year-round visual retreat, with its springs softly cascading over rocks, yet it’s during autumn that its splendor is heightened. A majestic ginkgo tree stands within, showering the earth with a vibrant yellow blanket of leaves.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, Japanese maple, ginkgo
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Close: Mon., 18th of every month (never close in Nov.)
• Admission (maintenance fee): Adult ¥300, ES & JHS: ¥100
• 1117-4 Setaka-machi Motoyoshi, Miyama City, Fukuoka
• https://www.kiyomizudera-fukuoka.com/
Sasaguri-machi, Fukuoka
Nomiyama Kannonji Temple
• Koyo peak: late Oct. ~ late Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, Enkianthus Perulatus, yamazakura, Japanese wax tree, zelkova, konara oak
• Momiji Matsuri: 10/26 (Sat.) ~ 11/24 (Sun.)
• 227-4 Hagio, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka
• http://www.nomiyamakannonji.com/
Soeda-machi, Fukuoka
Mount Hikosan Daigongen Shrine Fudomyouou
Source: UZOU
• Koyo peak: early Nov. ~
• Types of trees: Maple
• Free entry
• Hiko-san, Soeda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
• http://hikosandaigongen.com/
Mount Hikosan Buzenbou Takasumi Shrine
• Koyo peak: around 11/3~11/10
• Types of trees: Maple, gingko
• Free entry
• 27 Hikosan, Soeda, Tagawa District, Fukuoka
• https://www.instagram.com/takasumi_jinja/
Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Masubuchi Dam
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Japanese wax tree and more
• Free entry
• Dobaru & Kagumeyoshi, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/contents/05900077.html
Trailhead to Mount Shakudake (Keyaki-tani)
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Zelkova
• Free entry
• Hata, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/contents/05900077.html
Seitanomori Park
• Koyo peak: late Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free, 189 spaces (south entrance), 75 spaces (north entrance)
• Seita, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/contents/05900077.html
Hobashira Shizen Park / Mount Sarakurayama
• Koyo peak: late-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple
• Admission: Free
• Cable car (round trip): adult ¥820, under ES ¥410 / Slope car (round trip): adult ¥420, under ES ¥220
• 1481-1 Ogura, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• http://www.sarakurayama-cablecar.co.jp/
Chuo Park (Konpira yama)
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Sakura and more
• Admission: Free
• Konpira-cho, Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/contents/05900077.html
Katsuyama Park
Photograph provided by 北九州市 みどり・公園整備課
Photograph provided by 北九州市 みどり・公園整備課
• Koyo peak: late Oct. ~ mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, zelkova, maidenhair
• Admission: Free
• Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://katsuyama-park.com/
Adachi Park
Source: UZOU
• Koyo peak: early Nov. ~ mid-Nov.
• Types of trees: Maple, zelkova
• Admission: Free
• Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/kokurakita/file_0075.html
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. 16~30), 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. ~ early Dec.
• 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
• Parking fee: ¥300
• 3628 Sonobe, Kiyama-cho, Miyaki-gun, Saga
• https://daikouzenji.com/
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, 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 (Fri.) ~ 11/23 (Sat., hol.) 8:00~16:00
• Admission fee: over HS ¥1,000, free for JHS and younger
• 1696 Kanzakimachiikuwa, Kanzaki City, Saga
• https://kanzaki.sagan.jp/?p=8422
Takeo City, Saga
Mifuneyama Rakuen
The autumn foliage spread across 500,000 square meters is a breathtaking sight both day and night. The light-up of the autumn leaves against the backdrop of Mount Mifune is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Following the beautifully matched natural and garden trails, you can witness the splendid autumn colors at every turn, including a 170-year-old maple tree and the reflections of the foliage on the pond’s surface. The light-up continues until December 8th, and on weekends and holidays, a free shuttle bus (no reservation required) operates from the north exit of JR Takeo Onsen Station.
• Koyo peak: mid-Nov. ~ early Dec.
• Types of trees: Maple, Enkianthus Perulatus
• Open: Daytime (8:00~17:30), evening (17:30~22:00)
• Admission fee: ¥600 for day or night (¥900 for day and night), ¥300 for ES (¥400 for day and night)
• Light up: 11/7 (Thu.) ~ 12/8 (Sun.) 17:30~22:00
• 4100 Takeo, Takeo-machi, Takeo City, Saga
• https://www.mifuneyamarakuen.jp/en/autumn/
>> View the Autumn Foliage Map on this larger map
Autumn Foliage Information
Check the real-time forecast here: Weathernews (with map and koyo colour)
Originally written in Nov. 2016, updated in Nov. 2024.
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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.
