(Source: Jalan News)
Recruit Co., Ltd., which operates the travel information website “Jalan News,” conducted and released the results of a survey on “autumn foliage spots.” The ranking featured numerous locations across Japan where visitors can enjoy colorful autumn leaves in nostalgic settings such as hot spring towns, classical Western-style buildings, and wooden train stations. The survey was conducted by Intage from August 8 to 13, 2025, targeting 1,050 men and women in their 20s to 50s from all 47 prefectures. The full results are also published on the “Jalan News” website.
(Source: Jalan News)
The top-ranked destination was “Ginzan Onsen” in Yamagata Prefecture. Along the Ginzan River, wooden inns built between the Taisho and early Showa eras line both sides, surrounded by mountains glowing red and yellow with autumn leaves. At dusk, gas lamps illuminate the streets, wrapping the townscape in a soft light. The contrast between the wooden architecture and the foliage creates a breathtaking scene, evoking the atmosphere of a film set—earning it the top spot on the list.
(Source: Jalan News)
In second place was the “Sagano Scenic Railway” in Kyoto Prefecture. The train runs through the Hozugawa Gorge, offering close-up views of vibrant autumn colors. The retro wooden seats and softly lit bulbs create a nostalgic atmosphere where passengers can leisurely enjoy the scenery. At night, a special “Illuminated Fantasy Train” operates, lighting up the gorge for a magical experience.
The third-place spot went to “Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens” in Tokyo. Centered around a Western-style mansion once owned by the Mitsubishi founding family, the garden features a giant ginkgo tree—believed to be over 400 years old—glowing gold alongside red maples over the lawn. The harmony between the classical architecture and nature creates a picturesque, almost European landscape. The best viewing period is from late November to early December.
In fourth place, “Otaru Canal Area” in Hokkaido captivates visitors with its historic stone warehouses draped in autumn ivy. At dusk, gas lamps reflect off the canal’s surface, warmly illuminating those walking along the promenade. Starting in November, the “Blue Canal” illumination adds an enchanting glow to the autumn nights.
Ranked fifth was “Mimasaka-Taki Station” in Okayama Prefecture. Built in the early Showa era, this wooden station retains its original benches and signage and is also known as a filming location for a famous Japanese movie. During the autumn foliage season, the station blends beautifully with the surrounding mountains, evoking a scene from a nostalgic film. Particularly on clear mornings or during sunset, the slanting light enhances the building’s shadows, deepening its charm.
In sixth place was “Shibu Onsen” in Nagano Prefecture, where cobblestone streets and colorful trees create a rich, atmospheric landscape blending traditional wooden inns with nature. Seventh was “Meiji Mura Museum” in Aichi Prefecture, featuring Meiji-era architecture surrounded by autumn colors that transport visitors back in time.
(Source: Jalan News)
Eighth place went to “Tadami Line” in Fukushima Prefecture, offering scenic views of mountains covered in autumn leaves along the Tadami River. At the “No. 1 Tadami River Bridge,” visitors can see a dreamlike combination of the red foliage, steel bridge, and river mist. Ninth was “Kurobe Gorge Railway” in Toyama Prefecture, where passengers can enjoy stunning autumn views from the vintage open-air trolley train, with vivid contrast between the colorful foliage and the emerald-green Kurobe River. Finally, in tenth place, “Watarase Keikoku Railway” in Gunma Prefecture allows travelers to experience the nostalgic charm of wooden stations, red leaves, and canyon scenery that define one of Kanto’s most scenic valleys.
This survey highlighted immersive and nostalgic autumn landscapes nationwide, where historical architecture, railways, and hot spring towns blend harmoniously with seasonal beauty. These destinations are once again attracting attention as quintessentially Japanese autumn travel spots, likely to see growing popularity in the coming season.
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