Autumn is a popular travel season in Japan due to its milder temperatures and breathtaking foliage. Both foreigners and locals alike search for the best spots to enjoy the vibrant and captivating colors of the changing leaves. In this article, we cover the best places to enjoy autumn leaves in Hiroshima Prefecture. For more general information on the best destinations to view these colorful leaves in all of Japan, you can visit our “Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast 2025” page.
In Hiroshima you will be able to find a variety of stunning autumn destinations which are suitable for all types of travelers. Whether you are more into hiking or photography, you will surely find a perfect spot in this prefecture to enjoy the season in a way which best fits your interests.
In Japan, there are several species of trees which change colors during autumn, the most famous of which is the Japanese maple (Iroha Momiji). Other trees which contribute to the iconic autumn landscape of Japan are the Japanese zelkova, Japanese rowan, ginkgo, and many more. Our “Varieties of Autumn Leaves in Japan” page provides further details about these remarkable trees.
When will the Leaves Change in 2025?
Autumn leaves in Japan generally start from late September and go on till about mid-December, with some variation depending on which region of the country one is referring to. Each year, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) publishes a forecast of the expected dates in which the leaves will change colors. As the autumn season draws closer, these dates are adjusted to be more accurate.
Overall, temperatures are a bit higher than usual this year and leaves are expected to turn later than previous autumn seasons. The Autumn Leaves forecast for 2025 predicts that autumn colors will start appearing in Hiroshima as early as November 22nd, with leaves turning yellow around that date. However, red leaves are expected later in the month, around November 30th. After the leaves reach their peak color, they can be expected to last for about 2 weeks before they fall.
The Best Spots to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Hiroshima
Below you will find a list of the best places to enjoy autumn leaves in Hiroshima, with some extra details and information about them. The viewing spots range in popularity and location, but each one has its own unique charm which makes it a place worth visiting even outside of the autumn season. In case you are interested in visiting any of these spots but are not sure how to go about it, we have also added some of our tours which include stops by some of these locations. We hope you can find the best place to enjoy autumn leaves during your visit to Hiroshima!
Miyajima
Best: Late November-Early December
The breathtaking island of Miyajima, one of Japan’s top three scenic locations, is undoubtedly the best place to enjoy autumn leaves in Hiroshima. Boasting iconic sights such as the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine and the panoramic views from the top of Mount Misen, the island is also home to some of the most dense and vibrant autumn foliage.
Two places in particular stand out when discussing the most ideal locations to view the changing leaves on the island: Daisho-in Temple and Momijidani Park. The beautiful and serene temple can be found at the base of Mount Misen and its grounds are covered in multiple maple trees. The park, with a name which translates to “maple valley,” is located on the way to the ropeway station and a fantastic place to enjoy autumn leaves and Miyajima’s natural beauty.
Interested in exploring Miyajima during autumn? You can join our 1-day tour of Miyajima which includes visits to both Daisho-in temple and Momijidani Park.
Mitaki-dera Temple
Best: Late November-Early December
Mitaki-dera Temple is usually referred to as Hiroshima’s “hidden gem” as it is an absolutely breathtaking site which unfortunately does not receive a lot of visitors. However, this makes it an ideal place to enjoy autumn leaves away from the crowds and noise. It is a temple located at the base of a mountain and thus it is completely surrounded by nature. The bright colors of autumn contrast beautifully with the two-storied pagoda which lies within the temple grounds. If you are looking for a place to view autumn leaves in a calm and soothing environment, then Mitaki-dera is the perfect place for you.
Visitors interested in stopping by Mitaki-dera and receiving a guided tour of the area, can join our 1-day Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights tour. This tour also includes stops by the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park.
Sandankyo Gorge
Best: November
Sandankyo Gorge is located about an 80-minute bus ride away from the city of Hiroshima and is one of the six gorges in Japan designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. It is one of Hiroshima’s natural treasures and a magnificent area filled with flowing rivers, rich plant life, and untouched nature. Sandankyo Gorge is also one of the earliest places where one can enjoy autumn leaves in Hiroshima.
We recommend visiting Sandankyo during November, as all restrooms, restaurants, and other public facilities are closed from December till April. Visitors should also be aware that many of the most popular areas and hiking courses of the gorge are currently not accessible due to road collapses and the possibility of falling rocks. At the moment, there is no estimated date for when these areas will be open to tourists again. Nonetheless, Sandankyo is most definitely still worth visiting, particularly during the autumn season.
Shukkei-en Garden
Best: Late November-Early December
A beautiful feudal lord’s garden filled with different groves, Shukkei-en can certainly be enjoyed at all times of the year. However, during autumn, it truly comes alive with a variety of red and orange hues which perfectly harmonize with the traditional elements of the garden. Aside from a vast amount of maple trees, Shukkei-en garden also has a ginkgo tree which was able to survive the atomic bombing. This tree is estimated to be more than 200 years old, and much like the others of its species, turns a mesmerizing bright yellow in autumn.
Every year, Shukkei-en Garden holds a “Momiji Festival,” in which the garden remains open till later in the day, closing at 21:00 (last entry at 20:30). At night, the maple trees are illuminated, further highlighting their vibrant colors. This festival usually lasts a week, which aligns with the peak autumn leaves dates of the year. For 2025, the Momiji Festival will be taken place from Saturday, November 22nd till Monday, December 1st.
Though our Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights tour does not stop by the garden at night, it is a good option for exploring the garden during the autumn season while also visiting major sightseeing spots such as the Atomic Bomb Dome. As the tour runs both in the morning and the afternoon, it is also more accessible to travelers with a tight schedule.
Kosanji Temple
Best: Late November-Early December
Kosanji Temple is a relatively unknown location to those who live outside of Hiroshima, and it usually goes unmentioned when listing the best locations to view autumn leaves in the prefecture. This is deeply regrettable, given the fantastic autumn foliage which can be found within its grounds. The vibrant leaves highly compliment the brightly colored structures of Kosanji Temple, and further enhance the viewing experience.
This 20th century temple lies on the island of Ikuchijima, located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. Visitors can get there by either boat or ferry from the city of Onomichi. For those who are a bit more adventurous, it is also a popular stop on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route and can be reached by bicycle in about four hours.
If you’d like to pay a visit to this temple during your time in Hiroshima, consider joining our Onomichi & Ikuchijima tour which includes visits to other temples in the city of Onomichi, a ferry ride to Ikuchijima island, and a guided tour of Kosanji Temple.
Buttsuji Temple
Best: Late November-Early December
Probably the most obscure location on this list, Buttsuji Temple is nonetheless a prime location for enjoying the changing colors of the autumn leaves. It is a Zen Buddhist temple located in the city of Mihara in the eastern side of Hiroshima Prefecture. While it remains empty for most of the year, it becomes a very popular viewing location for the city locals during the autumn season. The temple is of course not only fantastic due its autumn scenery, but also its tranquil environment and spiritual significance.
Reaching Buttsuji Temple from Hiroshima Station also requires a considerable amount of time. Without a car, the fastest way to get to it is by taking a train, followed by a bus. The total travel time is about 2 hours. Despite this long trip, many still consider Buttsuji Temple well worthy of a visit.
