2026 Definitive Guide: Colorful Autumn in the Kanto Region | Best Times to See Maple Leaves and 36 Recommended Spots - Kanto Scenery Travelogue: Let’s Go Capture Breathtaking Views

Table of Contents

🍁 36 Must-See Spots for Stunning Autumn Foliage in the Kanto Region
🍁List of Famous Maple Leaf Viewing Spots in the Kanto Region and Their Addresses
🍁 Let's enjoy photographing the vibrant autumn foliage
📸 Tips for Taking Beautiful Photos of Maple Leaves

🍁 36 Must-See Spots for Stunning Autumn Foliage in the Kanto Region

Ogisō Park｜The soft glow of narrow-leafed maples born of light

This photograph captures the beautiful glow of light hitting the slender maple leaves at Ogisō Park, with its soft rendering of light leaving a strong impression.

Otaguro Park

If you’re planning to photograph the fall foliage at Otaguro Park, you’ll want to visit during the time of day when the autumn light filters through gently. The rows of ginkgo trees lining both sides of the path leading to the entrance create a breathtaking scene, resembling a golden tunnel, and fill you with excitement even before you set foot inside the park. As you walk further in, the atmosphere changes completely...

Hotel New Otani

The autumn foliage in the Japanese garden at Hotel New Otani Tokyo is a sight to behold, with the vibrant colors of the maple trees standing out beautifully against the expansive landscape featuring waterfalls, ponds, and stone lanterns, offering a serene and elegant autumn scene. The autumn foliage reflected on the water’s surface and the contrast with the traditional garden design are truly beautiful, and simply walking through the garden offers a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life...

Hibiya Park

The appeal of the autumn foliage at Hibiya Park lies in the fact that, despite its location in the heart of the city, it offers a serene atmosphere and a rich display of colors. Inside the park, maple and ginkgo trees take on gentle hues, and the scenery reflected on the surface of the pond also showcases the essence of autumn. Thanks to its easy access, visitors can casually enjoy the changing seasons while taking a stroll...

Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen is a Japanese garden in Tokyo that’s worth visiting in both spring and fall. In spring, the cherry blossoms blend gently into the garden’s landscape, allowing you to enjoy a serene floral scene alongside the pond and artificial hills. In the fall, the maple and ginkgo trees turn vibrant colors, and the entire garden is enveloped in a serene display of autumn foliage, allowing you to feel the deepening of the season...

Asukayama Park｜A row of vibrant maple trees lining the path

This photograph captures the beautiful autumn colors of maple trees lining a path in Asukayama Park.

Machida Yakushiike Park｜A beautiful composition highlighting the light, where red and green maple leaves create a striking contrast.

This photograph was taken at Machida Yakushiike Park, with bright red maple leaves in the background and green maple leaves in the foreground, consciously capturing the light from below.

Mt. Ontake (a mountain)

Mount Mitake is a famous spot for autumn foliage located right within Tokyo—yet so enveloped in rich nature and tranquility that it’s hard to believe you’re in the city. The entire mountain, at an elevation of about 900 meters, is dyed in shades of red and yellow, and these colors stand out even more vividly in the crisp, clear air. After getting off the cable car and walking along the approach path, you’ll see Japanese maples and other maple trees...

Mt. Takao (Mt. Takao)

In the fall, Mount Takao transforms into a canvas of color, with the forest itself becoming a living painting of autumn foliage that changes its appearance with every step. As you walk along the approach path, the deep reds of the Japanese maple and the soft yellows of the sugar maple, drifting down from above, shimmer in the sunlight, while layers of fallen leaves at your feet heighten the sense of autumn...

Sawanoi Garden｜Autumn Garden Enveloped in Autumn Foliage

This photograph was taken at Seiryu Garden Sawanoien, filling the frame with vibrantly colored autumn leaves, capturing the very essence of autumn's splendor.

Rikugien Garden｜Autumn Scenery at the Cottage Where Maple Colors Shine

This photo was taken at Rikugien Garden, capturing the colorful autumn foliage of maple trees and a rest hut.

Jindaiji Temple｜A tasteful autumn scene created by charming buildings and maple trees

This photograph was taken near Jindaiji Temple, capturing the combination of a waterwheel, a charming building, and the autumn colors of the maple trees.

Old Koga Garden

The charm of the roses and autumn foliage at Kyu-Kogane Garden lies in the ability to enjoy two distinct atmospheres at once—one created by the Western-style mansion and the other by the Japanese garden. In the Western-style garden, vibrant roses stand out against the backdrop of a classical Western-style mansion, while a stroll through the Japanese-style garden reveals maple trees softly turning color, evoking a sense of deepening autumn. All within a single garden...

Koishikawa Botanical Garden

The Koishikawa Botanical Garden is a tranquil photo spot where you can leisurely experience the changing seasons, even though it’s located right in the heart of the city. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in full splendor throughout the garden, which is surrounded by lush nature, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the flowers while strolling through the peaceful atmosphere. In fall, the garden is highlighted by maple trees...

Shinjuku Gyoen｜Autumn sky contrasted by gingko and maple trees

This photo was taken from an angle looking up from below, showing a large gingko tree and maple leaves in spectacular color.

Kitanomaru Park

Kitanomaru Park is one of Tokyo’s premier spots for beautiful autumn foliage. The park is home to many trees, including Japanese maples and ginkgoes, and in the fall, the entire park is vividly colored in shades of red and yellow. The sight of the autumn leaves gently shimmering in the dappled sunlight is truly exceptional, quietly captivating visitors. The spacious...

Kobayashi Maple Garden

Kobayashi Momiji Garden is a famous spot for autumn foliage located in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. In the fall, a wide variety of maple trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a beautiful autumn landscape that spreads across the entire garden. The entire garden is enveloped in an atmosphere reminiscent of a vibrant, colorful carpet, offering a sense of tranquility that feels almost hard to believe for a location so close to the city center...

Omiya Hikawa Shrine｜Contrast between green and red colored maple leaves

This photo was taken by contrasting the green leaves spreading above with the brightly colored maple leaves.

Omiya Park｜Autumn scenery of Japanese garden with shining autumn leaves

This photo shows the autumn foliage at the back of the Japanese garden.

Castle Peak Park

Shiromine Park is a rare spot where you can enjoy both vibrant autumn foliage and winter cherry blossoms while surrounded by the crisp mountain air. Thanks to its high elevation and the cold temperatures, the leaves begin to change color in November, and the winter cherry blossoms gently begin to bloom as if to complement the scenery. This view, where autumn and winter quietly intertwine...

Heirinji Temple

The autumn foliage at Heirinji Temple captivates visitors as the entire temple grounds become enveloped in vibrant red and yellow leaves. Particularly striking are the maple leaves spreading across the vast forest, their hues of red and yellow blending with the temple's serene atmosphere to create a fantastical landscape.

Hondoji Temple｜A Historic Landscape Where Autumn Foliage and the Outer Gate Harmonize

This photo was taken from an angle that harmonizes the autumn foliage of the maple trees with the outer gate, as seen from inside.

Awamata Falls (Yoro Valley)

The autumn foliage at Awamata Falls is one of the most iconic autumn scenes in the Yoro Valley, where the gently flowing waterfall harmonizes beautifully with the colorful mountain slopes. As you walk along the trail beside the waterfall, rows of trees tinged with red and yellow create a gentle rhythm in sync with the flow of the water. Viewing the autumn foliage while enveloped by the sound of the waterfall creates a somewhat dreamlike atmosphere, and...

Naritasan Park

Naritasan Park is a popular spot for autumn foliage, where the maple trees surrounding the pond turn vibrant colors, and in some areas, visitors can enjoy the sight of “inverted autumn leaves” reflected on the water’s surface. The spacious grounds have a tranquil atmosphere that makes them ideal for strolling, and one of the park’s charms is the ability to leisurely appreciate the changing seasons as you walk. Adjacent to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and...

Tozai-ji Temple

Tōzen-ji Temple, located in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, is a famous spot for autumn foliage; as fall deepens, the maple and ginkgo trees on the temple grounds turn beautiful shades of red and yellow. The scenery created by the historic central gate, the bell pavilion, and the autumn foliage is full of charm, and the temple’s appeal lies in the opportunity to fully savor the autumn ambiance in a serene atmosphere. Beyond the central gate lies a vast...

Sankeien Garden

If you’re photographing the fall foliage at Sankeien Garden, the autumn scenery with the Three-Story Pagoda in the background is a must-see spot. The historic structure and the colorful trees blend together, creating a tranquil atmosphere throughout the garden that resembles a scroll painting. If you frame your shot across the pond, the fall foliage reflected on the water’s surface adds a subtle touch...

Kasama Art Forest Park

The area around the pond at Kasama Art Forest Park is a highly recommended spot for photographing maple leaves. The autumn foliage surrounding the pond, with its layers of red, orange, and yellow, creates a composition with depth and a painterly quality. Amid the harmony of nature and tranquility, take your time to capture the colors of autumn...

Kairakuen (Momiji Valley)

Photographing the autumn foliage at Kairakuen (Momiji Valley) is a highly recommended way to fully experience the essence of fall. Soft light streaming into the deep valley gently illuminates the autumn foliage, and the varying hues at each spot create a sense of depth and shadow. When you look up, the leaves let the light shine through, radiating a sense of transparency...

Sashirayama Foot Hills Park

Sabakiyama Rokku Park (Sabakiyama Foot Hills Park) is a peaceful spot to enjoy the fall foliage, perfect for those who want to take their time savoring the season’s colors. As you stroll through the park, maple trees ablaze with crimson and ginkgo trees glowing golden spread out before you, layering one upon the other, enveloping you in gentle hues from the ground to the sky. In the morning or...

Houtokuji Temple｜Toko-momiji (floor maple) at Houtokuji Temple! Seek the fantastic beauty of autumn

This photo was taken on a sunny day with autumn leaves reflected on the floor and a blue sky.

Sakurayama Park (Fujioka City)

Sakurayama Park is a place where you can enjoy a rare overlap of seasons: just as the autumn foliage reaches its peak, turning deep red and golden, the winter cherry blossoms begin to bloom softly. In late autumn, the park is filled with reds, yellows, greens, and pale pinks all at once, creating a palette of colors that looks like a painting created by nature. The changing seasons...

Komine Shrine

Kofu Shrine is a famous spot shrouded in tranquility and mystery—a must-visit during the fall foliage season. The mountains surrounding the shrine grounds and the trees lining the approach path turn shades of red and yellow, allowing visitors to feel the deepening of autumn in a serene atmosphere. During the fall foliage season in particular, the colorful trees reflected in the shrine’s pond are a sight to behold, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. On clear mornings...

Orihime Park Maple Valley

"Momiji Valley" in Orihime Park is a beautiful spot where, during the fall foliage season, red and yellow maple leaves blanket the entire valley, creating a landscape that looks just like a carpet woven by nature. Another attraction is the vantage point from the top of the hill, offering a three-dimensional view and a sense of scale...

Tochigi Central Park

Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a popular spot where water and greenery blend harmoniously to create a serene landscape; in the fall, the entire park is enveloped in vibrant autumn foliage. Japanese maples and other maple trees line the banks of the large pond, and the gradations of red and yellow reflected on the water’s surface make it feel as though you’re gazing at a painting. As you walk through the park...

Amitabha's Pure Land (composed of nine levels)

Kinzō-in is a tranquil photo spot nestled in Sano City, where both the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn foliage are beautiful. In spring, young leaves sprout throughout the temple grounds, and the vibrant, fresh greenery—bathed in soft light—creates a refreshing atmosphere. In autumn, the scene changes completely as the autumn foliage colors the grounds, and the landscape, tinged with reds and yellows, takes on a picturesque charm. With each season...

Ban'aji Temple

Ban'a-ji Temple is known as the family temple of the Ashikaga clan and is a historic temple that houses numerous Important Cultural Properties, including its main hall, designated as a National Treasure. The temple grounds, surrounded by moats and earthen ramparts, retain a strong sense of the medieval era, and simply walking through them allows you to feel the atmosphere of that time. The autumn foliage season is especially recommended; the giant ginkgo tree turns a golden hue, and the bell...

🍁List of Famous Maple Leaf Viewing Spots in the Kanto Region and Their Addresses

■Address List

Ogi-ga-so Park
2-43 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
At Ogaiso Park, maple trees turning shades of red and orange create a serene, traditional Japanese landscape. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy photographing the fall foliage.

Otaguro Park
3-33-12 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
At Otaguro Park, the maple trees throughout the park turn deep red and orange. The serene autumn scenery, complemented by the pond and park paths, is a major attraction.

Hotel New Otani
4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
In the Japanese garden at Hotel New Otani Tokyo, maple leaves vividly color the waterfall, pond, and stone lanterns. You can enjoy a stunning autumn landscape, made even more beautiful by the reflections on the water’s surface.

Hibiya Park
1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
In Hibiya Park, the maple and ginkgo trees turn beautiful colors in the fall. It’s a great spot in the heart of the city to enjoy the fall foliage reflected on the surface of the pond.

Koishikawa Korakuen
1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
At Koishikawa Korakuen, maple trees paint the garden in shades of red and orange. The garden’s charm lies in its serene, traditional Japanese autumn scenery, where the fall foliage harmonizes with the pond and artificial hills.

Asukayama Park
1-1-3 Oji, Kita-ku, Tokyo
At Asukayama Park, the trees turn beautiful colors in the fall. In this park rich in nature, you can enjoy the serene scenery of the autumn foliage.

Machida Yakushiike Park
3270 Nozuda-cho, Machida-shi, Tokyo
At Machida Yakushi-ike Park, the maple trees turn vibrant colors in the fall. Visitors can enjoy taking photos of the autumn foliage against the backdrop of the pond and the arched bridge.

Mt. Ontake (a mountain)
Mitakeyama, Ome City, Tokyo
In the fall, maple trees paint Mount Mitake in vibrant colors. The sight of the autumn foliage alongside Musashi-Mitake Shrine is also a major attraction.

Mt. Takao (Mt. Takao)
Takao-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
In the fall, the maple trees on Mount Takao paint the mountain red and yellow. The traditional Japanese scenery, where the vermilion buildings of Yakuo-in Temple blend harmoniously with the autumn foliage, is a major attraction.

Seiryu Garden Sawanoi Garden
2-770 Sawai, Ome-shi, Tokyo
At Sawanoi-en Seiryu Garden, the maple trees along the Tama River burst into vibrant colors. Here, you can enjoy the charming autumn scenery created by the interplay of the clear stream and the autumn foliage.

Rikugien
6-16-3, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
At Rikugien Garden, the maple trees turn the garden red and orange in the fall. You can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in a serene, traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Jindaiji Temple
5-15-1 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo
At Jindaiji Temple, the trees on the temple grounds take on vivid colors in the fall. The charm of this place lies in its picturesque scenery, where the historic temple and the autumn foliage blend harmoniously.

Old Koga Garden
1-27-39 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo
At the Former Furukawa Gardens, the maple trees in the Japanese garden are taking on rich, deep colors. Here, you can enjoy a serene, traditional Japanese autumn landscape that is quite different from the atmosphere of the Western-style building.

Koishikawa Botanical Garden
3-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
At the Koishikawa Botanical Garden, the maple trees turn red and yellow in the fall. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the fall foliage in a setting rich with nature.

Shinjuku Gyoen
11 Naito-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
In Shinjuku Gyoen, the trees throughout the park—especially the maple trees—take on vibrant colors in the fall. You can enjoy a wide variety of autumn foliage across the park’s vast grounds.

Kitanomaru Park
1-1 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
In Kitanomaru Park, the maple leaves turn red and orange in the fall. You can enjoy the autumn foliage glistening in the dappled sunlight amid a serene atmosphere.

Kobayashi Maple Garden
325, Yasuyuki Ryoke, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama, Japan
At Kobayashi Momiji Garden, a wide variety of maple trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow. It is a famous spot for autumn foliage in Kawaguchi, where the entire garden is enveloped in the colors of fall.

Omiya Hikawa Shrine
1-407, Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
At Omiya Hikawa Shrine, the maple trees lining the approach to the shrine turn shades of red and orange. The combination of the shrine’s solemn atmosphere and the autumn foliage is truly captivating.

Omiya Park
4, Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
In Omiya Park, when autumn arrives, the maple trees paint the pond and woods in shades of red and orange. It’s a great spot to enjoy the colorful autumn foliage alongside the ginkgo trees.

Castle Peak Park
1277 Oaza Yano, Kamikawa-cho, Kodama-gun, Saitama
At Shiromine Park, you can enjoy both autumn foliage and winter cherry blossoms at the same time. The park’s charm lies in its rare scenery, where pale cherry blossoms blend with the reds and yellows of fall.

Heirinji Temple
3-1-1 Nokidome, Niiza-shi, Saitama
At Heirin-ji Temple, the maple trees throughout the vast temple grounds turn shades of red and yellow. The enchanting scenery created by the quiet temple and the autumn foliage is a major attraction.

main temple building
63 Hiraga, Matsudo-shi, Chiba
At Hondo-ji Temple, maple trees paint the temple grounds in vibrant colors every fall. The interplay between the historic buildings and gardens and the autumn foliage is a major attraction.

Awamata Falls (Yoro Valley)
157 Awamata, Otaki Town, Isumi County, Chiba Prefecture
At Awamata Falls, the trees surrounding the falls turn shades of red and yellow. This is one of the Yoro Valley’s most iconic autumn scenes, where the flowing water and autumn foliage blend beautifully.

Naritasan Park
1 Narita, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
At Naritasan Park, the maple trees surrounding the pond turn vibrant colors. On calm days, you can enjoy the reflection of the autumn foliage on the water's surface.

Tozai-ji Temple
359 Kogane, Matsudo-shi, Chiba
At Tōzen-ji Temple, maple trees paint the temple grounds a vivid red. The temple’s charm lies in its picturesque autumn scenery, where the autumn foliage harmonizes beautifully with the historic middle gate and bell tower.

Sankeien Garden
58-1 Honmoku Minotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
At Sankeien Garden, the three-story pagoda and the vibrant maple leaves create a beautiful harmony. It is a picturesque spot to enjoy the autumn foliage, where you can also admire their reflection in the pond.

Kasama Art Forest Park
2345 Kasama, Kasama-shi, Ibaraki
At Kasama Art Forest Park, the maple trees surrounding the pond turn shades of red, orange, and yellow. The park’s charm lies in its picturesque autumn scenery, created by the interplay of the water’s edge and the autumn foliage.

Kairakuen (Momiji Valley)
1-1226-11 Mikawa, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
At Momiji Valley in Kairakuen, vibrant maple leaves color the entire valley. It’s a spot where you can enjoy the sunlight filtering through the autumn foliage and the three-dimensional scenery.

Sashirayama Foot Hills Park
1015 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
At Sabakiyama Rokku Park, bright red maple leaves and golden ginkgo leaves paint the autumn landscape. The scenery of the autumn foliage, bathed in soft light, is truly enchanting.

Houtokuji Temple
5-1608 Kawauchi-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma
At Hōtoku-ji Temple, the “floor maple leaves”—where vibrant maple leaves are reflected on the floor—are a popular attraction. Visitors can enjoy the magical sight of the autumn foliage spread out like a mirror.

Sakurayama Park (Fujioka City)
2166-1 Sambagawa, Fujioka-shi, Gunma
At Sakurayama Park, you can enjoy both vibrant autumn foliage and winter cherry blossoms at the same time. The scenery—a blend of red, yellow, and pale pink—is a unique charm of late autumn.

Komine Shrine
3027 Kusaku, Kanuma-shi, Tochigi
At Komine Shrine, the maple trees on the grounds turn shades of red and yellow. It’s a popular spot for viewing autumn foliage, known for the reflection of the leaves in the pond and the shrine’s serene atmosphere.

Orihime Park Maple Valley
288 Nishinomiya-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi
At Momiji Valley in Orihime Park, the entire valley is blanketed in red and yellow maple leaves. The highlight is the three-dimensional view of the autumn foliage as seen from the hilltop.

Tochigi Central Park
2-50 Mutsumi-cho, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi
At Tochigi Prefectural Central Park, the Japanese maples and other maple trees surrounding the pond turn vibrant colors. The autumn foliage reflected on the water’s surface makes this a beautiful spot for taking photos.

Amitabha's Pure Land (composed of nine levels)
463 Senba-cho, Sano, Tochigi
At Kinzō-in Temple, the maple trees on the temple grounds turn red and yellow in the fall. It is a quiet temple where you can enjoy the serene scenery of the autumn foliage.

Ban'aji Temple
2220 Ietomi-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi
At Ban'a-ji Temple, the historic main hall and bell tower blend beautifully with the autumn foliage. The majestic autumn scenery, enhanced by the golden hues of the giant ginkgo tree, is a major attraction.

🍁 Let's enjoy photographing the vibrant autumn foliage

As autumn deepens, temples, shrines, gardens, parks, and valleys throughout the Kanto region are enveloped in beautiful autumn foliage tinged with shades of red, yellow, and orange. From the vivid maple leaves glowing against a blue sky to the reflections of autumn foliage on the water’s surface, the trees adorning historic buildings, and the approach paths carpeted with fallen leaves—the appeal lies in the opportunity to capture the diverse scenery unique to autumn.

The colors of the autumn foliage and the best time to view them vary depending on elevation, temperature, and the weather conditions of the year. Be sure to check the latest foliage updates before your visit, and enjoy the unique beauty of each stage—from the first signs of color to peak season and the falling of the leaves. If you’d like to avoid the crowds and take photos in a peaceful setting, we recommend visiting early in the morning when there are fewer tourists and the light is soft.

When taking photos, you can create striking images by using backlighting to highlight the translucency and veins of the leaves, or by using a telephoto lens to isolate the most vibrant areas. In addition to using a wide-angle lens to capture the entire temple, shrine, or garden, it’s also effective to incorporate reflections on the water’s surface, scattered fallen leaves, stone lanterns, and bridges into your composition. Experiment with lighting and composition to capture memorable autumn scenery in your photos.

📸 Tips for Taking Beautiful Photos of Maple Leaves

🌅 Capturing the Soft Light of Early Morning

By making the most of the morning light streaming in at an angle, you can beautifully capture the colors and three-dimensional depth of the autumn foliage. Another appealing aspect is that there are few people around, allowing you to take photos in a peaceful setting.

☀️ Bringing Out the Transparency of Leaves with Backlighting

If you find a spot where the light hits the maple leaves from behind, the leaves become translucent, and the reds and yellows shine vividly. Setting the exposure a little brighter will give the photo a light, airy feel.

⛩️ Combine with blue skies and buildings

Against the backdrop of a blue sky, the red and yellow autumn leaves stand out even more vividly. Incorporating elements such as temples, shrines, five-story pagodas, stone lanterns, and bridges will help you capture a photo that truly captures the essence of the location.

🔭 Capturing the Most Beautiful Details with a Telephoto Lens

By using a telephoto lens, you can frame your shot to include only the branches and leaves with the most vibrant colors. We also recommend a shooting technique that blurs the background heavily to make the maple leaves the focal point.

🌄 Capturing Dynamic Landscapes with a Wide-Angle Lens

In gardens, along tree-lined paths, and in valleys, use a wide-angle lens to capture the surrounding scenery. Placing fallen leaves or branches in the foreground will add depth to your photo.

💧 Aiming to capture the reflection on the water's surface

In areas with ponds or rivers, be sure to take note of the autumn foliage reflected on the water’s surface. In the early morning, when the wind is light, the water’s surface is calm, making it easier to capture beautiful reflections.

🍂 Make fallen leaves a quintessentially autumnal subject

Not only the autumn foliage on the trees, but also the leaves that have fallen on the approach, stone steps, and moss make for charming subjects. After it rains, the colors of the leaves deepen, allowing you to capture the lush, autumnal atmosphere.

🔆 Adjusting Brightness with Exposure Compensation

When you include both a bright sky and a dark forest in the same frame, the fall foliage may appear too dark in the photo. Check the live view and apply a positive exposure compensation if necessary.

🎨 Adjusting Color Balance

If you set the white balance to "Cloudy" or "Shade," you can make reds and yellows appear warmer. However, be careful not to make them look unnaturally dark.

🕶️ Reduce Glare with a PL Filter

Using a polarizing filter helps reduce unwanted reflections from leaves and the water's surface, allowing you to capture the true, vibrant colors of the autumn foliage. Adjust the filter's position while checking the viewfinder until the effect looks natural.

📷 Use a tripod to carefully frame your shot

A tripod comes in handy when photographing dimly lit temples, shrines, and valleys, as well as illuminated scenes. It helps prevent camera shake, allowing you to capture crisp, detailed images even at low ISO settings.

🍁 Check the best viewing times and weather conditions in advance

The pace at which the leaves change color varies depending on elevation, temperature, and the weather conditions that year. Be sure to check the latest information on leaf color and the weather forecast so you don’t miss the peak viewing period.