The entire mountain appears to be on fire. Or rather, it looks as if it is. Red, orange, yellow. Countless colors blend together, covering the mountains. This is Japan's autumn foliage.

Soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at this scene. The warmth of the hot spring and the vibrant colors of the foliage. Both sight and touch are simultaneously satisfied, enveloping you in deep happiness. The cool autumn air feels pleasant on your cheeks, while the warmth of the hot spring embraces your body. This contrast sharpens the senses.

Autumn foliage hot springs are the ultimate luxury created by Japan's autumn.

The Art of Japanese Autumn Foliage

Japanese autumn foliage is unique in the world. The diversity of colors, their vividness, and the scale at which they change all at once. There is no other country where you can see such beautiful foliage.

The reason lies in Japan's climate and vegetation. With significant temperature differences and a rich variety of deciduous trees, such as maple, momiji, ginkgo, and rowan, each turns a different color, creating a complex and rich palette.

Moreover, most of these famous foliage spots have hot springs. Japan's geological features have given rise to both foliage and hot springs. This fortunate combination makes the exquisite experience of autumn foliage hot springs possible.

Chasing the Foliage Front in Autumn Travels

The autumn foliage descends from north to south. It begins in late September in Hokkaido, reaches Tohoku in early October, Kanto and Chubu in mid-October, Kansai in early November, and Kyushu in late November.

Chasing this "foliage front" is the essence of an autumn hot spring trip. Check the foliage information and visit hot spring areas at their peak. This planning and a bit of luck are required, much like cherry blossom viewing baths.

Savoring the Gradient of Colors with All Senses

The charm of autumn foliage hot springs lies in the richness of colors. Even within a single tree, there is a gradient of green, yellow, orange, and red. Looking at the entire mountain reveals even more diverse colors.

While soaking in an open-air bath, gaze at these colors. Squint your eyes, and the boundaries of colors blend, resembling an abstract painting. Open your eyes wide, and you can see the delicate color changes of each leaf.

Every time you move your gaze, there's a new discovery. "That tree's red is particularly vivid," "The yellow of that ginkgo is beautiful." The longer you soak in the bath, the more you can observe the details and notice the deep beauty of the foliage.

Morning Foliage, Evening Foliage

The beauty of autumn foliage changes with the time of day.

Morning Foliage: Foliage illuminated by the morning sun has a transparency. The leaves seem to glow from within, as if they are lit from the inside. If there's morning mist, it becomes even more magical. Red and yellow leaves emerging from the mist. This mystical scene can be exclusively enjoyed in a morning bath.

Daytime Foliage: During the day, when the sun is high, the colors appear most vivid. Against a blue sky, the reds and yellows stand out. The strong contrast makes it a photogenic time of day.

Evening Foliage: Foliage illuminated by the setting sun looks even redder, as if it's burning. The expression "burning foliage" is precisely for this time of day. The combination of the orange sunset and red foliage is the most moving moment of the day.

If possible, stay at the same hot spring and bathe at all times of the day: morning, noon, and evening. Experience how the beauty of the foliage changes with time.

Hot Springs in Famous Foliage Spots

In almost every famous foliage spot in Japan, there are hot springs.

Sounkyo Onsen (Hokkaido): The foliage of Daisetsuzan is the earliest and most beautiful in Japan. The best time is from late September to early October. The combination of the sheer cliffs of the gorge and the foliage is breathtaking.

Sukayu Onsen (Aomori Prefecture): Soak in the massive "Hiba Sennin Buro" while gazing at the foliage of Mt. Hakkoda. The sight of the primeval beech forest turning red has a primitive beauty.

Nikko Yumoto Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture): The foliage of World Heritage Nikko is among the most beautiful in Japan. The foliage of Irohazaka, the shores of Lake Chuzenji, and the sulfur springs flowing directly from the source. It's an ideal autumn foliage hot spring destination with everything.

Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture): As you ride the trolley train through the gorge, the mountains on both sides are dyed with foliage. You can soak in the hot springs of Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen while enjoying this spectacular view.

Arashiyama Onsen (Kyoto Prefecture): Arashiyama in Kyoto is one of the most famous foliage spots in Japan. The foliage seen from Togetsukyo Bridge, the foliage in the gardens of Tenryuji Temple. And in Arashiyama Onsen, you can fully experience the autumn of this ancient capital.

The Elegance of Fallen Leaves Floating on the Water

The most elegant moment of autumn foliage hot springs is when fallen leaves float on the water.

When the wind blows, the colored leaves dance and fall. They flutter through the air and eventually land on the water's surface. Red leaves, yellow leaves, orange leaves. The colorful fallen leaves float on the surface of the hot spring.

This scene symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic of autumn. The transience of falling leaves, yet their strength in retaining beauty. The sight of fallen leaves floating on the water is like a painting created by nature.

Scoop up the fallen leaves in your palm. The dry texture, the delicate leaf veins. Even after life has ended, they remain beautiful. Noticing this beauty is perhaps a Japanese sensibility.

The Fusion of Foliage and Sulfur Spring Aroma

During the foliage season, the scent of fallen leaves drifts around many mountain hot springs. The smell of earth, the scent of withered leaves. It's a scent unique to autumn.

To this, the aroma of the hot spring is added. Especially the combination with the scent of sulfur springs is exquisite. The smell of sulfur is evidence of volcanic activity. It's the scent of energy rising from the earth's interior.

The scent of autumn leaves and the aroma of sulfur. The end of life and the vitality of the earth. This contrast evokes deep emotions through the sense of smell. Autumn foliage hot springs are an experience that can be enjoyed not only visually but also through the sense of smell.

Autumn Flavors After Autumn Foliage Hot Springs

After enjoying the autumn foliage hot springs, savoring autumn flavors is a must.

Chestnuts, matsutake mushrooms, saury, new soba. Japan's autumn is filled with delicious foods. Enjoy these seasonal flavors at the dinner of a hot spring inn. The autumn flavors seep into your body warmed by the hot spring.

Around the hot spring inns, there are almost always shops selling local agricultural products. Apples, pears, grapes. Purchase seasonal fruits and savor them slowly in your room. Enjoy the lingering taste of autumn foliage hot springs.

Autumn Foliage Hot Springs: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Like cherry blossoms, autumn foliage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This year's foliage and next year's foliage are different. Changes in temperature affect the coloring and the timing of the peak.

Moreover, the peak of foliage is short. Only 1 to 2 weeks. Depending on the weather, it can fall overnight. This uncertainty enhances the value of autumn foliage hot springs.

In my experience, I've seen perfect foliage at the hot springs I've visited only about half the time. Sometimes it's too early, sometimes too late. But I believe this is part of the charm of autumn foliage hot springs. Nature doesn't align with human schedules. This uncertainty is the essence of nature.

Japan's Autumn Festival

For Japanese people, autumn foliage is an autumn festival. The heat of summer ends, and a comfortable season arrives. Foliage is a natural feast celebrating this seasonal transition.

Autumn foliage hot springs are the most luxurious way to enjoy this festival. Soak in the hot spring, gaze at the burning foliage, and feel the arrival of autumn with your whole body.

Foliage viewed from the warmth appears even more beautiful. Colors seen in a relaxed state are etched more vividly in the heart. Autumn foliage hot springs are an experience where you savor the foliage not only with your eyes but also with your heart.

Autumn Foliage Hot Springs: Japan's Autumn Treasure

Autumn foliage hot springs are Japan's autumn treasure, boasting to the world. Japan's foliage, said to be the most beautiful in the world, and its abundant hot springs. This perfect combination is found nowhere else on earth.

From late September to late November, for two months, chase the foliage front and tour the autumn foliage hot springs across the country. Is there a more colorful and beautiful way to spend autumn?

If you visit Japan in autumn, be sure to experience autumn foliage hot springs. The burning red, the shining yellow, the deep orange. As you soak in the hot spring surrounded by these colors, you will understand the essence of Japan's autumn.

Autumn foliage hot springs are an experience where sight, touch, and smell are all dyed in autumn. The luxurious fusion of foliage and hot springs, loved by Japanese people for hundreds of years. I hope you too will experience this autumn magic.