The weather has taken on a distinctly autumnal ambiance, ushering in the peak season that beckons one irresistibly to embark on a journey. Autumn marks the season of transformation for foliage, yet revisiting the same location year after year may dim its allure. Thus, we shall acquaint you with these "energy sites" where you can savor the splendor of autumn leaves.
During autumn, leaves undergo a transformation into hues of red, orange, and yellow, believed to hold the potential for attracting wealth. If the area is already imbued with an inherent energy, your fortune is bound to flourish. Now, let us embark on a tour of Japan's diverse crimson foliage power sites to accumulate abundant energy.
Rikugi-en (六義園) ／Tokyo（Late November to Early December）
When it comes to Tokyo's crimson foliage destinations, Rikugi-en（りくぎえん） is a renowned attraction. This garden is an exquisite and gentle Japanese-style garden, reflecting profound literary accomplishments. During the autumn season, maple trees, ginkgoes, and azaleas all adorn themselves with vibrant hues.
The ideal time for leaf-peeping is from late November to early December. Thus, it is best to savor other crimson foliage spots in your travel plans before then.
In 2023, a lighting event will be held from November 22 (Wednesday) to December 3 (Sunday), allowing you to appreciate the garden illuminated by the soft glow of lights and projections on the warehouse walls.
- Rikugi-en (六義園)
- Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line
- Admission: Adults ¥300, Seniors (65 and above) ¥150, Elementary and junior high school students residing in Tokyo are free
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index031.html
Yakuō-in Sanmon (高尾山薬王院) / Tokyo (Mid-November to Early December)
If you're looking for energy spots in Tokyo where you can admire autumn foliage, we also recommend Yakuō-in Sanmon on Mount Takao.
Mount Takao is often referred to as the "Autumn Foliage Mountain" and is known for its rich bird and plant species, making it a treasure trove of nature.
Here, you can pray for wishes to come true, ward off evil, find good fortune, purify your senses, and seek harmonious relationships. It's a place where you can wish for prosperity in your endeavors and business while being surrounded by the beauty of autumn leaves.
- Yakuō-in Sanmon（高尾山薬王院）
- Address: 2177 Takao-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo
- Access: Take the Takaosan Cable Car to Takaosan Station. It's about a 20-minute walk from there.
- Admission: Free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: 8:30-16:00
- Official Website: https://www.takaosan.or.jp/
Towada Shrine (十和田神社) / Aomori Prefecture (Mid-October to Late October)
In Aomori Prefecture, the Towada Shrine, believed to enhance one's fortune along the "Path of Good Fortune" leading to the shrine, stands as one of the largest energy sites in the northeast.
Towada Shrine is located on the Nakanoshima Peninsula, extending into Lake Towada. Together with Mount Osore in the Shimokita Peninsula, it is regarded as a sacred site for ascetic practices, brimming with mystical energy, offering blessings for wishes granted and good fortune.
The autumn leaf season typically spans from mid-October to late October. In early November, the falling leaves create a carpet of crimson splendor.
- Towada Shrine（十和田神社）
- Address: 486 Anwa, Towada-ko, Okuse, Towada-shi, Aomori
- Access: From JR Hachinohe Station, take a JR bus bound for Okunakayama-Towada-ko (about 2 hours and 15 minutes). Get off at Towada-ko (Anwa) Bus Stop and walk for about 10 minutes.
- Admission: Free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Autumn-Winter 9:00-16:00)
- Official Website: https://towadako.or.jp/access/
Bishamondo-Monzeki（達谷窟毘沙門堂）/ Iwate Prefecture (Mid-October to Mid-November)
The Bishamondo-Monzeki in Iwate Prefecture, known as the place of "rebirth," has garnered popularity as an energy site, where wayward samurai, hiding and reconsidering their paths, later congregated as individuals seeking to alter their circumstances.
It is said to bestow blessings for victory, longevity, marital happiness, offspring, and academic success, making it a bona fide powerhouse of energy.
The beautiful crimson leaves can be admired from mid-October to mid-November.
- Bishamondo-Monzeki（達谷窟毘沙門堂）
- Address: 18 Anshuinariyamacho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, 607-8003
- Access: 10-minute taxi ride from JR Hiraizumi Station
- Admission: Adults ¥500, High school students and junior high school students ¥200, Elementary school students are free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: March 1 - November 5: 8:00-17:00 / November 6 - February 28: 8:00-16:30
- Official Website: https://iwayabetto.com/top.html
Kegon Falls（華厳の滝）/ Tochigi Prefecture (Early October to Late October)
In Tochigi Prefecture, the energy site is the Kegon Falls, with a drop of 97 meters. This is the most renowned waterfall in the Nikko region, boasting an impressive array of 48 cascades.
It is believed to bestow blessings of inner peace, favorable work prospects, successful careers, financial prosperity, and love fortunes. Gazing upon the falls from the closest vantage point allows you to witness the entirety of the waterfall and immerse yourself in its profound energy.
However, the most photogenic spot is the view from the Akechidaira Ropeway（明智平ロープウェイ）, offering panoramic vistas of Chuzenji Lake, Mount Nantai, and the Kegon Falls.
- Kegon Falls (華厳の滝)
- Address: Nakamachi, Nikko, Tochigi
- Access: Take the Tobu bus from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station towards Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen for about 45 minutes. Walk approximately 5 minutes from "Chuzenji Onsen."
- Ropeway Fare: Adults ¥570, Children ¥340, Elementary school students and below are free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: December 1 - February 29: 09:00-16:30, March 1 - April 30: 09:00-17:00, May 1 - September 30: 08:00-17:00, October 1 - November 30: 08:00 - 17:00
- Official Website: http://kegon.jp/
Togakushi Shrine (戸隠神社) / Nagano Prefecture (Early October to Mid-October)
Togakushi Shrine（とがくしじんじゃ）in Nagano Prefecture is an energy site where you can appreciate crimson foliage.
This shrine enshrines deities from the ancient Takamanohara origin, featured in the "Ame-no-Iwato Kamuyama Myth." People from all over the country come to pay their respects, seeking blessings for good fortune, wish fulfillment, bountiful harvests, and victory in competitions.
The autumn leaves begin to change in late September, reaching their peak in early to mid-October. The splendid vistas of maple and beech trees are truly breathtaking.
- Togakushi Shrine (戸隠神社)
- Address: 3506 Togakushi, Nagano, Nagano Prefecture
- Access: From Nagano Station, take the Alpico bus from platform 7 in front of the Nagano Station Information Center, traveling through the Zenko Bridge to Togakushi Kogen (approximately 1 hour). Get off at "Togakushi-Hokosha" bus stop for Hokosha direction, "Togakushi-Chuusha" for Chuusha direction, and "Togakushi-Okusha-Iriguchi" for Okusha direction.
- Admission: Free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Official Website: https://www.togakushi-jinja.jp/
Akame 48 Waterfalls（赤目四十八滝）/ Mie Prefecture (Early November to Late November)
Akame 48 Waterfalls (赤目四十八滝) in Mie Prefecture is a remote mountain gorge formed by the clear waters of waterfalls and dense forests.
It has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Heisei-era Waters," "Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan," "Forest Bathing Forest Selection," and "Top 100 Best Walks," offering the joys of hiking, strolling, and forest bathing.
The prime time for admiring crimson foliage is from early November to late November. From October 21, 2023 (Saturday) to January 28, 2024 (Sunday), a lighting event will be held, illuminating the enchanting crimson leaves, making it a worthy recommendation.
- Akame 48 Waterfalls (赤目四十八滝)
- Address: 861-1 Nagasaka, Akame-cho, Meiwa, Mie
- Access: Take the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu Akameguchi Station (about 10 minutes) to Akame Taki bus stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes.
- Admission: Adults ¥500, Children ¥250
- Closed: December 28 to December 31, every Thursday from January to March
- Operating Hours: Summer hours: 2nd Friday in March - November 30 / 8:30 - 17:00, Winter hours: 2nd Wednesday in December - March / 9:00 - 16:30
- Official Website: https://www.akame48taki.com/
Harifudo Falls（原不動滝）/ Hyogo Prefecture (Late October to Late November)
The Harifudo Falls (原不動滝) in Hyogo Prefecture, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, is a renowned waterfall where clear streams cascade from an 88-meter-high rock face. Because two waterfalls converge into one basin, it is considered a waterfall of happiness, believed to bring good luck in love and encounters.
The best time to admire crimson foliage is from late October to late November. The trail is well-maintained, making it suitable for beginners unfamiliar with mountain paths.
- Harifudo Falls (原不動滝)
- Address: 625 Onsen, Haga-cho, Taka, Hyogo
- Directions: Approximately a 40-minute drive from the Chugoku Expressway "Yamazaki IC."
- Admission: Adults ¥200, Children ¥100
- Closed: None (irregular closures in winter)
- Operating Hours: 8:00-16:00
- Official Website: https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/
Kifune Shrine（貴船神社）/ Kyoto Prefecture (Early November to Late November)
Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) in Kyoto is the head shrine of 2,000 water deities throughout the country, dedicated to the source of all life, the water deities. It is believed that you can receive blessings from deities like Unimoku Ryusho and Enmusubi, helping fulfill various wishes.
During the peak of autumn foliage from November 3 (Friday, holiday) to November 26 (Sunday) in 2023, the shrine will host the "Kifune Autumn Leaves Illumination" event, which runs from sunset until 8:30 PM.
- Kifune Shrine (貴船神社)
- Address: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Directions: 40-minute drive north from Kyoto Station (about 18 kilometers)
- Admission: Free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: May 1 - November 30 / 6:00-20:00, December 1 - April 30 / 6:00-18:00
- Official Website: https://kifunejinja.jp/
Dazaifu Tenmangu（太宰府天満宮）/ Fukuoka Prefecture (Early November to Early December)
Dazaifu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮) in Fukuoka is the largest tourist attraction in Fukuoka. It is dedicated to the deity of academic achievement, sincerity, and warding off evil, drawing around 8 million visitors annually.
Surrounded by abundant natural beauty, the shrine offers picturesque views throughout the seasons. The leaves start changing in early November, with the prime time for viewing being from mid-November to early December.
It's easily accessible with direct buses from JR Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport to the nearest station. Along the 250-meter path leading to Dazaifu Tenmangu, you'll find numerous dessert shops and cafes, allowing you to indulge in culinary delights while strolling.
- Dazaifu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮)
- Address: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka
- Access: Take a direct bus (travelers) from Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station, get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line Dazaifu Station, walk for about 5 minutes.
- Admission: Adults ¥500, High school and college students ¥200, Elementary school students ¥100
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Last entry at 16:00)
- Official Website: https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/
Kamado Shrine（宝満宮 竈門神社）/ Fukuoka Prefecture (Mid-November to Early December)
Kamado Shrine (宝満宮 竈門神社) is located about 10 minutes northeast of Dazaifu Tenmangu. This shrine has a history of over 1,350 years and has been worshipped as a deity for marriage, protection, and warding off evil since ancient times.
The name of the shrine is the same as the surname of the main characters, Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado, from the popular series "Demon Slayer." It has gained attention due to its association with sealing demons and is considered a sacred place in the field of work.
The best time to admire crimson foliage is from mid-November to early December. From November 18 (Saturday) to November 26 (Sunday) in 2023, a red leaf lighting show will be held, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful collaboration of the night sky and crimson leaves. The Red Leaf Festival is also scheduled for November 25 (Saturday) and 26 (Sunday), so it's best to plan your visit around these festival dates.
- Kamado Shrine (宝満宮 竈門神社)
- Address: 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu, Fukuoka
- Access: Take a bus heading to Uchiyama from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line Dazaifu Station. Get off at Uchiyama bus stop.
- Admission: Free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: Free visit * Gift shop: 8:30-18:00, Prayer reception: 9:00-16:00
- Official Website: https://kamadojinja.or.jp/
Mount Hikosan Okunomiya（英彦山大権現）/ Fukuoka Prefecture (Late October to Mid-November)
Mount Hikosan Okunomiya (英彦山大権現) in Fukuoka is a sacred mountain that spans across Sotogawamachi, Tagawa District, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. It is one of Japan's three famous climbing mountains, along with Mt. Haguro, and Mt. Gassan.
The deity enshrined at the Hikosan Shrine within the shrine grounds is "Masakatsu Agatsu Katsuhayahi no Shinomuho Mimi," a god with the word "victory" in its name, believed to be a powerful deity for overcoming challenges. Mount Hikosan is also renowned for its prosperity and good fortune.
The gardens of Mount Hikosan Okunomiya are beautifully maintained, and it's hard to believe there is no admission fee. The autumn foliage is stunning, with leaves of maple, Japanese maple, and ginkgo trees turning into a vibrant array of colors from late October to mid-November.
- Mount Hikosan Okunomiya（英彦山大権現）
- Address: Hikosan, Sotogawamachi, Tagawa District, Fukuoka, and Kanoya City, Oita
- Access: Take the Sotogawamachi bus (Fuenomachi direction) from JR Hikosan Line Hikosan Station for about 18 minutes and get off at Hikosan Shrine. It's about a 1-hour 30-minute walk from there.
- Admission: Free
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Operating Hours: Open year-round
- Official Website: http://www.hikosandaigongen.com/
This time, we introduced various "energy spots" in Japan where you can admire autumn foliage.
It's an opportunity not only for those seeking a change in their fortunes but also for those who want to experience the beauty of autumn. Why not take this chance to visit these places?
