13 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Fukuoka

According to a forecast released in October 2025 by the weather information company Japan Weather Co., Ltd., the best time to see autumn leaves in Fukuoka is expected to be around December 9. The peak is forecast to come later than usual.
However, the timing may shift depending on the spot and future temperatures, so please keep that in mind.

Located near the center of Fukuoka Prefecture, Akizuki has a long history as a castle town. Development was delayed after the Meiji period, when the samurai class declined and the area was left away from major transport routes, which helped preserve its historic townscape to this day.
Out of 126 nationally designated Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, only four are castle towns, and Akizuki is unique in that the entire town is designated. Its elegant atmosphere has earned it the nickname “Little Kyoto of Chikuzen.”
It is also known as a famous autumn leaves spot, and the foliage around the Akizuki Castle Ruins, a Fukuoka Prefectural Historic Site, as well as the Main Gate (Kuromon) and Nagayamon Gate, both designated Important Cultural Properties by Fukuoka Prefecture, is exceptionally beautiful and draws many visitors.
Along Suginobaba Street, which leads to the Akizuki Castle Ruins, food stalls line the road, allowing you to enjoy sweets and tea while taking in the beautiful castle town scenery colored by autumn leaves.

Located at the foot of Mt. Hokodate, Nomiyama Kannonji Temple is a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, a temple of rank equivalent to a main head temple.
It is known as a spiritually powerful temple and welcomes over 1 million worshippers each year.
It also serves as a place of study and training where many monks gather.
There are many highlights, including more than 3,000 Mizuko Jizo statues, the Daishido Hall enshrining Kobo Daishi, and the Inari Shrine dedicated to Inari Daimyojin.
The temple grounds and approach are lined with more than 1,000 maple trees and more than 1,000 azaleas, and in autumn, the foliage adds color to the solemn atmosphere.
There are several beautiful foliage spots, but the must-see is the area behind Hyaku Kannon-do Hall, where Approx. 600 enkianthus shrubs turn the surroundings a vivid red.

With nearly 80 years of history as a botanical garden, this relaxing hilltop park is a favorite local retreat where visitors can enjoy plant-filled natural scenery throughout the year.
In autumn, Approx. 800 Japanese maple trees and other foliage turn color, creating a charming seasonal landscape.
Since Japanese maples are found throughout the garden, you can enjoy walking around while admiring trees glowing in shades of yellow and red.
One recommended spot for autumn leaves is Komorebi no Michi, or the Sunlit Path. It is a quiet area lined with large Japanese maple trees, where you can fully soak up the atmosphere of autumn.
A Momiji Festival is also held during the peak foliage season, with a botanical market, concerts, and tea gatherings to enjoy alongside the autumn colors.

One of the most popular ginkgo foliage spots in Fukuoka Prefecture. On the vast grounds, formerly a vineyard, more than 100 ginkgo trees turn a glossy golden yellow, drawing many visitors during the autumn leaves season.
As the season progresses, a golden carpet of fallen leaves spreads across the ground, creating a beautiful contrast with the rows of standing ginkgo trees.
The sweeping world of gold that fills your view is breathtakingly beautiful.

This park, located in northeastern Fukuoka, is considered one of the symbols of Kitakyushu City.
Within the grounds are various sightseeing and cultural facilities, including Kokura Castle, Kokura Castle Garden, and the Central Library.
There are also plenty of open spaces and recreational areas, such as the Great Lawn Plaza and the Murasakigawa Waterside Plaza, making it a popular place for local residents.
Katsuyama Park is also known as a famous autumn leaves spot, with many wax trees and ginkgo trees planted throughout, making it one of the best places to visit in autumn.
The zelkova trees around the Kokura Castle keep are especially impressive and dignified.
During the autumn leaves season, illuminations and the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival are also held, creating a magical scene as 30,000 bamboo lanterns light up the castle keep plaza.

Located on the border between Fukuoka and Oita, Mt. Hiko is a mountain with three peaks and an elevation of Approx. 1,200 m.
The mountain itself is worshipped as a sacred object and has long been revered as a holy mountain.
It is also known as a famous autumn leaves spot, and during the peak season, many hikers visit to enjoy spectacular autumn views spreading out below from the summit.
At its center stands the Hikozan Jingu Hoheiden Hall, a shrine building designated as an Important Cultural Property by the national government.
The Hikozan Slope Car runs alongside the shrine approach within the grounds of Hikozan Jingu Shrine.
You can enjoy a 7-minute aerial ride while admiring the beautiful autumn leaves.
Since the leaves start changing near the summit and the peak comes later as you go down toward the foot of the mountain, you can enjoy the autumn colors here for a long period.

Kamado Shrine has a history of more than 1,350 years. It enshrines Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto and has long been worshipped as a deity of matchmaking. It has also been revered as a deity for protection from misfortune and warding off evil.
It is also one of Fukuoka’s leading autumn leaves spots, with Approx. 300 deciduous trees, including maples and ginkgoes, beautifully coloring the shrine grounds.
The area around the stone steps on the approach is especially rich in autumn color, and the sight of trees in vivid red, yellow, and orange swaying in the breeze is full of seasonal charm.
During the peak season, the Momiji Festival is held.
After sunset, the grounds are lit up, creating a mysterious atmosphere in contrast to the bright and lively daytime scenery.

A temple located halfway up Mt. Rai, which stands at 954.5 m in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
The Wooden Standing Statue of Senju Kannon and the Wooden Seated Statue of Priest Seiga, both created during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), are designated Important Cultural Properties by the national government.
Other highlights include historically valuable wooden sculptures and buildings, such as the Wooden Statues of Tamonten and Jikokuten, which are designated cultural properties by Fukuoka Prefecture.
In autumn, the temple grounds are covered in fall colors, creating beautiful scenery.
Most impressive of all is the giant maple tree, Approx. 400 years old and designated a Natural Monument by Fukuoka Prefecture, which turns a brilliant red.
In the Shinji Teien garden, a Japanese garden created during the Muromachi period (1336–1573), Approx. 200 maple trees also turn color, offering plenty of traditional Japanese seasonal charm.

Honkisan Kiyomizudera Temple stands deep in the lush natural surroundings of Mt. Kiyomizu, in the northeastern part of Miyama City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Founded by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect and a Japanese Buddhist monk from the early Heian period (794–1185), this temple has been a place of worship for more than 1,200 years.
There is plenty to see here, including the Sentai-butsudo Hall, which enshrines 1,000 Buddhist statues, as well as the Three-Story Pagoda and the Sanmon Gate, both designated Important Cultural Properties by the prefecture.
Among them, the Honbo Garden, said to have been designed by the painter-monk Sesshu, is a must-see.
Here, you can enjoy seasonal scenery and uniquely Japanese charm in peaceful silence.
The autumn leaves season is especially beautiful, with landscapes accented by crimson Japanese maples and scenes where yellow leaves have fallen to form what looks like a golden carpet, creating a truly spectacular autumn view.

A Soto Zen temple located at the foot of the Mino Mountains in southwestern Fukuoka Prefecture, dedicated to Yakushi Rurikoinyorai as its principal image.
It is said to be one of Japan’s three great Yakushi temples and was founded in 680 to pray for the recovery of the emperor and empress from illness.
The temple grounds, also known as the “Maple Temple,” are planted with maple trees throughout, and the autumn foliage that colors this historic temple continues to captivate visitors.
The area around the main hall is especially beautiful, where the contrast between golden ginkgo trees and crimson maples creates an atmospheric scene.
The observatory is a scenic viewpoint overlooking the hazenoki tree-lined road of Yanagisaka Sone and the Chikugo Plain.
Hiking trails are also maintained in the Mino mountain range, so enjoying the spectacular autumn scenery with birdsong is another great option.

A Approx. 6 km gorge located along the upper reaches of the Yabe River in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Its gorge scenery is so beautiful it resembles a traditional landscape painting, and legends say the gods of Hyuga were drawn here by its beauty.
Various giant rocks and unusual rock formations are scattered throughout the area, including the 10-meter-high cliff face known as Shomeniwa, Kehogiiwa Rock, and rocks named after the Seven Lucky Gods.
A heart-shaped giant rock is especially popular as a power spot said to bring success in love.
The beautiful scenery created by mystical giant rocks and autumn leaves continues over a long distance, and you are sure to be impressed by the artistry of nature.
There are also many autumn leaves spots around Hyugamikyo Gorge.

Yusentei Park was originally built in 1754 as a villa by Kuroda Tsugutaka, lord of Chikuzen, now present-day Fukuoka, and was later developed into Fukuoka City’s first traditional Japanese stroll garden with a central pond.
On its Approx. 3,000-tsubo grounds, a magnificent pond is surrounded by carefully planted trees and shrubs.
The garden seen from the main building’s tea room, Josuian, and from the large tatami room, offers a refined and elegant atmosphere.
In autumn, Approx. 150 maple trees color the park, and enjoying matcha in the tea room while viewing the autumn leaves lets you savor the slow pace of time.
During the nighttime opening event called Momiji no Utage, projection mapping is held.
The garden, illuminated with beautiful light art and autumn leaves, becomes a magical space.

Komyozenji Temple is located just Approx. 5 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station, right near Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Komyoji Garden within the temple grounds is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Fukuoka Prefecture.
It is a karesansui dry landscape garden created by Mirei Shigemori, one of the most representative garden designers of the Showa period (1926–1989).
The garden was created using 49 types of moss, and because of its beauty, it is also called the “Moss Temple.”
White sand and stone arrangements are beautifully balanced, and many maple trees are planted throughout, turning the dry landscape garden crimson during the peak autumn leaves season.
Its beauty and silence may make you forget the passage of time.
However, please note that it is open to the public only irregularly.