Enjoy Fall in Kansai

Posted on 10/06/2023 Last updated on 01/11/2024

Fall is my favorite time of year. The unbearable heat of summer with it’s accompanying cicadas make way to to more pleasant time of year. Fall in Japan reminds me of my home in Michigan. Apart from Christmas it is the most festive time of the year. Fall foliage, changing temperatures and seasonal events are awaiting you in Kansai.

The weather during fall in Kansai is more mild than I am used to in the United States. Definitely more consistent. In Michigan we could go from snowing to a perfect sunny day in mere minuets, here is not the same story. While its warmer than most of us are used to the temperature never goes much higher that 80 degrees F.

During the night it will get close to freezing but not quite enough to generate frost for the morning. I recommend to bring a sweatshirt or a jacket that you can take off to school. In the morning the class rooms will be freezing but by afternoon it will feel like a sauna. Be prepared for extreme temperature changes.

Photo by たかなつ@旅するびぃ

Japan is incredibly beautiful during the fall season and there are many places to see right around here in the Kansai area. Definitely the most famous places to see fall colors is Takayama in Gifu. On the 9th and 10th of October they bring out colorful floats and have a parade around town to celebrate the season.

Furukawa and Gero hot springs are nearby as well. Make reservations well in advance if you are planning to stay nearby. Kyoto is also a very accessible place to see the fall colors as well. The north part of the city the area around Kyomizudera is quite beautiful. You can see all the fall colors on the trees surrounding the temple in the mountains.

Moon viewing or Tsukimi is a very popular even in the autumn season. There is an iconic image of a rabbit looking at the moon eating pounded rice balls I imagine most people are familiar with that is closely associated with moon viewing. It is a popular tradition to bring some snacks such as pounded rice balls and observe the full moon during the autumn season.

Photo by 恵藤

There are of course several favorite spots. Particularly in Kyoto. People like to go moon viewing where there are vendors for food and drink but this is something that you can see many people doing all around the country even in small towns.

On October 22nd　every year you can enjoy the Jidai festival in Kyoto. It celebrates when the capital of Japan was Kyoto for 1100 years. It is a big event with floats and parades. Many people dress up in Heian period costumes.

If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting the Kansai region during fall!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: スプププ on PhotoAC

Additional photos by たかなつ@旅するびぃ and 恵藤