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.
• 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
• 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
• 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
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Originally written in Nov. 2016, updated in Nov. 2022.
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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.
