Many agree that autumn in Japan is the best season. The heat of the summer is gone and you can walk outside in pleasant weather, dry and sunny. One of the most stunning characteristics of the season is the colourful foliage, however there are many ways to enjoy this period of the year.

1. Foliage: When and Where

An important piece of information to keep in mind is timing. Japanese people consider it so important that there are forecasts from the official Japan Meteorological Corporation that try to predict the peak time with continuous updates. Generally speaking, red and yellow colours can be seen first in northern Hokkaido at the end of October and then descending in Tokyo and Kyoto at the mid-end of November. 
Most popular spots like Hamarikyu Gardens or Meijijingu Gaien in Tokyo and Kiyomizudera in Kyoto can be extremely crowded. If you want to experience a more relaxing time, head to the countryside or smaller gardens, temples, and shrines.

2. Seasonal ingredients

Fruits and vegetables of the season are surely persimmons (kaki), pears (nashi), sweet potatoes (yaki imo), ginkgo nuts, and Japanese pumpkin (kabocha).
The freshest and most delicious seafood in autumn is sanma (Pacific saury), together with oysters and saba (Mackerel).
For specialty sweets, try kuri manju (chestnut-filled cakes) and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped buns), which are only available during the season.

3. Activities Ideal for Autumn Weather in Japan

Thanks to the pleasant and dry weather, autumn is perfect for hiking, from the post towns on the Nakasendo ancient street, to the scenic trails like Mount Takao and Mount Mitake near Tokyo.
Temperatures are low enough to enjoy a hot spring again. Soak in an onsen with a view and admire autumn leaves. 
Have you ever considered cycling? Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi allows you to explore the area and even see Mt. Fuji.
Tsukimi is the activity of watching the moon, which is typical of autumn. The day to celebrate the full moon usually falls between September and October. A typical snack for the occasion is the tsukimi dango (and more recently the moon hamburger).
Another foliage-related activity is riding a scenic train. Hop on the Sagano Scenic Railway in Kyoto to see the leaves from a different perspective.

4. Festivals and Events

Some unique festivals take place around Japan in these months.
Nagasaki Kunchi in October has been celebrated for about 400 years and incorporates aspects of Chinese and Dutch cultures.
Sawara Matsuri in Chiba in October is UNESCO listed and  one of the three major float festivals of Kanto
Takayama Autumn Festival in October is a harvest celebration with decorative floats.
Both the Harvest Festival and the Autumn Grand Festival in Meiji Jingu, Tokyo, take place in November. 

5. Limited Edition Products

Japan has the ability to turn every occasion into a limited-edition product event. Starbucks, for example, offers autumn-themed drinks with flavors like chestnut, sweet potato, and caramel.
In kombini, you can find autum-only snacks such as sweet potato KitKats.
Some shrines dedicate omikuji in leaf shapes, and gift shops adapt their offerings with chestnut wagashi or seasonally wrapped treats.

6. Flowers in Autumn in Japan

Going back to the wonders of nature, this is the time of year for special flowers, which are reflected in seasonal patterns of kimono and tableware. 
Red Spider Lilies (Higanbana) are tall red or white flowers that bloom in September and symbolise the start of autumn.
Cosmos Flowers cover hills and parks with their soft pink colours in early Autumn.
The imperial family symbol, the Chrysanthemums (Kiku), often blooms in November, and dedicated festivals exist. 
Finally, Kochia is bushes with cute ball shapes and adorn parks with their wavy pattern.

Read patterns meaning from the updating directory

Conclusions

Seeing foliage is one of the best experiences in Japan. However, guessing the exact timing is very hard, so if you have to buy a plane ticket in advance, it can be stressful. But bear in mind that you can adjust your travel once you land here and that you should enjoy the other many activities unique to this season.

Goodbye with these Autumn themed Haiku poem by Kobayashi Issa

長月の空色袷きたりけり

(nagatsuki no sorairoawase kitarikeri)

Late September is
wearing a sky-colored
lined kimono