Every autumn, Japan transforms into a vivid landscape of scarlet and gold — a fleeting moment of beauty celebrated through the Momiji Festival.
In 2025, travelers can experience the country’s most enchanting season through local events, riverside parades, and illuminated temples from Kyoto’s Arashiyama to Lake Kawaguchiko beneath Mount Fuji.
This is your complete guide to Momiji Festival 2025, including the best locations, travel tips, and must-see moments.
What Is the Momiji Festival?
“Momiji” (紅葉) refers to the red maple leaves that symbolize Japan’s graceful autumn.
For centuries, locals have celebrated momijigari — “maple leaf hunting” — through festivals that blend art, culture, and nature.
The Momiji Festival captures this spirit with lantern-lit paths, traditional music, and seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
It’s the autumn counterpart to Japan’s famous cherry blossom season — but painted in fiery reds and warm golds.
When Is Momiji Festival 2025?
Autumn foliage in Japan varies by region and altitude. Below are the estimated 2025 peak dates:
- Kyoto (Arashiyama area): Mid to late November 2025
- Arashiyama Momiji Festival: Second Sunday of November – expected November 9 or 10, 2025
- Lake Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji region): November 1–30, 2025, illumination nightly until 9:30 pm
- Northern Japan (Nikko, Hirosaki): Late October to early November
Best Momiji Festivals in Japan 2025
Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Kyoto)
Held every November, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival honors the beauty of Kyoto’s western mountains with Heian-era elegance.
- Highlights:
- Boat processions on the Oi River
- Classical court music and dance (bugaku & gagaku)
- Performers in traditional kimono
- Best viewing spots: Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple
Travel tip: Visit early in the morning for misty river views, then explore temple gardens during the afternoon light.
Momiji Festival Kyoto
Beyond Arashiyama, Kyoto glows with endless autumn charm.
Temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando Zenrin-ji, and Tofuku-ji are surrounded by brilliant maple canopies.
Night Illuminations:
From mid to late November, many temples open for special evening light-ups where lanterns highlight maple leaves reflected on ponds.
Kyoto’s Momiji season offers not only beauty but also tranquility — a timeless moment of harmony between culture and nature.
Momiji Festival Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji Region)
At the foot of Mount Fuji, the Kawaguchiko Momiji Festival is one of Japan’s most photographed autumn events.
- Dates: November 1 – 30, 2025
- Location: Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Main attraction: The Momiji Corridor (Momiji Kairo) — a maple-lined walkway offering stunning Fuji reflections
- Activities: Local food markets, craft stalls, and night illuminations
Access:
From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station.
Local sightseeing buses stop at the Maple Corridor and Kubota Itchiku Art Museum.
This is Japan’s autumn postcard come to life — fiery leaves reflected in calm waters beneath snow-capped Fuji.
Other Notable Autumn Leaves Festivals in 2025
- Nikko Autumn Festival (Tochigi): Vibrant colors and sacred processions around historic shrines.
- Mount Takao Momiji Festival (Tokyo): A favorite weekend escape for Tokyo locals.
- Miyajima Momiji Valley (Hiroshima): Maple leaves meet the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
- Hirosaki Park Autumn Festival (Aomori): Castle towers surrounded by red and gold foliage.
Travel Tips for Momiji Festival 2025
- Best time for photos: Early morning or sunset — golden light enhances the red hues.
- Clothing: Layered outfits; temperatures average 8–18°C.
- Essentials: Tripod, scarf, and a light jacket for evening illuminations.
- Cultural touch: Pair your trip with a tea ceremony or relax in a traditional onsen.
- Suggested itinerary: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko → Kyoto → Nara → Hiroshima — following Japan’s southward color shift.
FAQ – Momiji Festival 2025
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is Momiji Festival 2025? | From mid-October to late November, depending on region. |
| Where are the best spots to see autumn leaves? | Kyoto’s Arashiyama and Lake Kawaguchiko are must-visit. |
| What does “Momiji” mean? | Japanese maple leaves — a symbol of autumn beauty. |
| Is entry free? | Most events are free; temple illuminations may require small fees. |
If you love cultural festivals and seasonal lights, explore:
- Chichibu Night Festival 2025 Guide — one of Japan’s grandest winter parades.
- Mid-Autumn Festival 2025: Dates, Mooncakes & Traditions — Asia’s most romantic lunar celebration.
Conclusion
The Momiji Festival 2025 captures Japan’s most poetic season — when maple leaves glow like embers and temples shimmer in gold light.
Whether you’re sailing under red canopies in Arashiyama, walking through the Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor, or gazing across Kyoto’s illuminated temples, each moment feels timeless.
Japan’s autumn is a celebration of impermanence — and every leaf that falls tells a story worth remembering.
