UPDATE:
*Update (11/16) Currently, areas in central Takayama are showing color, but the trees are no longer in their peak and some leaves are starting to fall, especially at Hie Shrine.
*Update (11/16) Hiking routes in the mountain such as Utsue 48 Waterfalls show beautiful foliage at the base, but within the mountain, most trees within the trail are barren.
*Update (11/13) The foliage in the Hirayu area of Takayama have fallen and currently the trees are barren.
*Update (11/13) Currently, areas in central Takayama (Hie Shrine) and Ichinomiya are vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows and the surrounding mountains are orange mixed with greens. The leaves have not fallen yet and are at its peak beauty.
*Update (11/12) The Kamioka area is showing peak foliage colors and haven’t started to fall yet.
*Update (11/5) Hida Furukawa is showing coloration but the ginko tree in town square has not yet completely turned yellow.
*Update (11/3) From Takayama to Gero the mountains are showing color, however the actual city and tourist areas are not yet changing colors (especially the Japanese maple trees).
If you have a car, the surrounding neighborhoods deep in the mountains (such as Kiyomi and Kuguno) are no longer in peak and most trees have shed their leaves. The hiking trail Okura Falls also has fallen leaves. It is estimated to have peaked around 11/8 or 11/9.
Current Condition
Takayama: Starting to fall (as of 11/16) / Peak Colors (as of 11/12) / Early Stages (as of 11/5)
Hida Furukawa: Starting to fall (as of 11/16) / Early Stages (as of 11/5)
Kamioka: Starting to fall (as of 11/16) / Peak Colors (as of 11/12) / Nearing Peak Colors (as of 11/5)
Okuhida: Leaves Fallen (as of 11/13) / Peak Colors (as of 11/5)
When can you start to see autumn colors in Takayama?
Autumn leaves usually start appearing in the Takayama area late October to mid November. Last year fall foliage in Takayama had a short period of peaking early November 10th – 18th, and most were fallen or in the late stages of coloration by the third week of November. Areas with altitudes such as Okuhida in Takayama and Hida Furukawa and Hida Kamioka in Hida City also tend to peak in colors before Takayama City. Compared to earlier years, foliage has been showing later and later.
Table of contents:
Central Takayama Fall Foliage
■ Shiroyama Park
What is Shiroyama Park?
Shiroyama Park is a quaint park located on a hill in Takayama and was once a section of Takayama Castle, an influential castle built in 1588. In the center of the park you can find a statue of Kanamori Nagachika, the founder of Takayama Castle.
TIPS: We recommend you climb the hiking path and complete the Higashiyama Walking Course around the Takayama Castle Ruins from Shiroyama Park. The area is surrounded by hundreds of Japanese colorful maple trees and is one of the most beautiful forest areas in Takayama.
LIVE UPDATE: November 5th, 2025
While the park area are vibrant yellows and red, the hiking route and japanese maple trees in the surrounding area are still green or transitioning between green, yellow, and red.
LIVE UPDATE: November 13th, 2025
While the park area and hiking route are vibrant yellows and red. It’s a perfect time to see the autumn foliage!
■ Hie Shrine
What is Hie Shrine famous for?
Hie Shrine in Takayama is one of the two main shrines used in the Takayama Festival, with the focus of this Shrine being during the spring festival. It is also one of the shrines which inspired the anime movie, Your Name. Google Maps
TIPS: On November 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 15th, and 16th, Hie Shrine will hold the autumn Hie Yoiakari Momiji Festival, where coloful parasols and lanterns are lit up and placed all around the shrine grounds. Guests will also have the chance to write on parasols.
More information: here
LIVE UPDATE: November 5th, 2025
Most of the trees around the entrance of Hie Shrine are starting to show color, while some trees in the main part of the shrine are a beautiful vibrant red and yellow.
LIVE UPDATE: November 13th, 2025
The trees around Hie Shrine are all a vibrant red, orange, and yellow color. Especially in the inner shrine area and outer park, the leaves are incredibly vibrant. It is in its peak stage right now.
*By the 16th, the foliage has already fallen or the leaves are in a dying state, dried and ready to fall.
■ Hida Kokubunji Temple
Where is Hida Kokubunji Temple?
Hida Kokubunji Temple is conveniently located in the center of Takayama on the way to Miyagawa River, next to the main shopping street, Honmachi Dori. The temple is the oldest in Takayama and has a giant ginko tree which is over 1200 years old.
LIVE UPDATE: November 5th, 2025
While some maple trees by the pagoda are showing early stages of coloration, the ginko tree is still very green.
LIVE UPDATE: November 13th, 2025
The maple trees by the pagoda are colored, but has turned to a lighter green before transitioning to yellow.
Outer Takayama Fall Foliage
Outside the main tourist areas of Takayama are many mountainous hiking areas as well as waterfalls, temples, and deep nature. If you have some extra time in Takayama, we highly recommend experiencing the natural beauty of the area.
■ Ankokuji Temple
Where is Ankokuji Temple?
Ankokuji is famous temple located in the Kokufu neighborhood of Takayama, around 50 minutes from Takayama Station if you transfer at Hida Furukawa Station and take the local bus.
*If you’re in Hida Furukawa for the day, you can also rent a bicycle from the Festival Square and ride your bicycle to Kokufu in around 40 minutes, if done at a leisurely pace. Read more
TIP: If you want to do some light hiking and see beautiful nature, we also recommend Sankyu Falls. Sankyu Falls is a local waterfall part of a walking path. The area is hidden in an enclaved part of the mountains– it almost magical since it feels so hidden. Just beware on times getting back.
LIVE UPDATE: November 5th, 2025
The trees are still in early stages of blooming but are very vibrant and beautiful.
LIVE UPDATE: November 16th, 2025
The trees are very vibrant but have started to fall slightly. The surrounding neighborhoods trees are starting to fall.
■ Hida Osaka Falls
How do I get to Hida Osaka Falls?
If you dont have a car, the only other way to get to Hida Osaka Falls directly is through Nohi Bus from Takayama Nohi Bus Center or Gero Station. It is a half day bus and requires a reservation up to 2 days in advance, so you must plan ahead.
More information: here
LIVE UPDATE: November 2nd, 2025
While the parking lot area of Gandate is very vibrant yellows and reds, the waterfall hiking route is still very green, with very slight yellow coloration.
■ Ichinomiya Shrine (Mizunashi Jinjya)
What is special about Mizunashi Jinjya?
Mizunashi Jinjya is considered one of the most sacred shrines in the Takayama area, due to its affiliation to Kurayama, which is known as the holiest mountain in the Hida region. The mountain contains ancient artifacts and is home to the surrounding areas god. The area is also known for being the source of all water in Takayama.
TIPS: You can either take the train or bus to Ichinomiya. If you take the train, there is no one manning the station, so you will have to drop off your ticket in a box at the station. The shrine is located right in front of the bus stop, or a 3 minute walk from the station.
LIVE UPDATE: November 17th, 2025
The ginko tree has started to shed leaves and the main ginko tree in the center of the shrine has already lost all of its leaves. However, the surrounding mountains and trees in the Ichinomiya neighborhood are still vibrant and beautiful.
Hida City/ Hida Furukawa and Kamioka Foliage
Hida City is the neighboring city to Takayama, famous for inspiring the anime movie Your Name, and having a even slower pace of life compared to Takayama. Its a charming city worth the visit for a half day or day trip from Takayama.
■Hida Furukawa Festival Square
Can you see the koi fish at Furukawa Festival Square in November?
Locals move the koi fish from the canals starting mid-October, as the weather starts to be too cold for the fish. This year the koi fish were transferred October 18th, 2025.
LIVE UPDATE: November 5th, 2025
The trees around the festival square are in the early stages of changing with vibrant greens, yellows, and reds. The giant ginko tree has changed color but still has some green.
LIVE UPDATE: November 16th, 2025
The trees around the festival square have already fallen or started to fall and are not in their peak colors. The ginko tree has also started to shed most of its leaves.
Bus times to Hida Furukawa: here
■Kamioka City
What can you do in Kamioka City?
Kamioka City is the home of the noble prize winning space museum featuring Neutrino, Gattango, which is a railway biking experience taking place on old abandoned railway tracks, and deep nature more rich than the Furukawa and Takayama areas. I highly recommend walking down Fujinami Hachicho, a beautiful forest enclosed walkway with over 120 japanese maple trees alongside the accessible river basin. Walking around Kamioka, you can experience a more retro vibe with hidden things to discover amongst the gorgeous nature.
LIVE UPDATE: November 5th, 2025
On October 31st, foliage began to change colors, and by November 5th have neared the peak stages of fall colors as a gradient of oranges and yellows fill the area.
LIVE UPDATE: November 17th, 2025
The trees still have fall foliage but they are starting to fall. Winter is beginning soon in the area.
Bus times to Kamioka: here
