Best Fall Views Around Kinosaki Onsen

It is a well-known fact that besides the cherry blossom season in the spring, the fall season is the most popular time frame for international guests to visit Japan (and with good reason)!

During the autumn months, the weather across most of the country transitions from the hot and humid summer heat to a cool and welcoming breeze, and Kinosaki Onsen is no exception.

Autumn presents an ideal tourism experience with a combination of vibrant red scenery, seasonal sweets, and outdoor hot spring soaks with a crisp fall breeze.

As preparation for your next autumn trip to Japan, we invite you to discover six spectacular fall foliage spots in Kinosaki Onsen and the surrounding towns.

Arikoyama Inari Shrine torii gates in Izushi

Arikoyama Inari Shrine in Izushi decorates the base of Mount Arikoyama and is well-known for resembling Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine with its stairway lined with vibrant vermilion red torii gates.

A favorite with locals and visitors alike no matter the season, Izushi's Arikoyama Inari Shrine definitely makes a visit to this castle town south of Kinosaki Onsen worth the drive, especially when the nearby trees are painted with gorgeous yellow, orange, and red leaves.

It is recommended to get a commemorative shot at this popular fall photo spot not only due to the area's firey foliage, but also because the ground of Arikoyama Inari Shrine is a particularly rare photo op no matter where one travels in Japan - torii gates and a castle can be captured in one photo!

Kannabe Michi no Eki and Yutorogi Hot Spring

As an outdoor adventure hub just south of Kinosaki Onsen, it's no wonder that the mountain town of Kannabe is famed for its mountain climbing, skiing, and slew of other adrenaline-pumping nature activities.

After climbing to the crater of Mt. Kannabe or trekking the ancient lava rock flow of southern Kannabe, take a breather while strolling past the soaring autumnal trees just next to Yutorogi Hot Spring and the local roadside station. Be sure to treat yourself to an outdoor hot spring soak and some seasonal treats at this popular traveler's oasis before venturing out on your next adventure!

Uemura Naomi Memorial Museum

As an outdoor adventure hub just south of Kinosaki Onsen, it's no wonder that the mountain town of Kannabe is famed for its local mountaineer Uemura Naomi, the first person in the world to climb to the top of Mt. Denali in Alaska solo in winter, and the first person to reach the North Pole solo by dog sled.

The Uemura Naomi Memorial Museum displays a plethora of educational and interactive exhibits for visitors to learn about the art of adventuring while also being home to a large outdoor garden area filled with warm autumnal hues during October and November.

Take a breather, stop inside the museum cafe for a cup of coffee and enjoy the fall foliage views.

Ankokuji Temple

Ankokuji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple famed for its vibrant autumn foliage in the farming village of Tanto, is particularly known for a special type of foliage called dodan-tsutsuji, a type of plant native to Japan which transform into a striking mixture of orange and red leaves during the fall.

The leaves at Ankokuji Temple are arguably the most popular fall foliage viewing experience near Kinosaki Onsen, welcoming hundreds of visitors every day lining up to take a photo among the rich scenery.

Visitors taking the 40-minute drive from Kinosaki Onsen are encouraged to take a soak in Tanto's very own famed hot spring, Silk Onsen, located right next to Ankokuji Temple.