As the mountain air turns crisp and the leaves begin to paint the valleys in shades of gold and crimson, Takayama（高山）and Shirakawa-go（白川郷）take on a nostalgic beauty.
The wooden townhouses (machiya, 町家) glow softly under the autumn sun, and the thatched roofs of Shirakawa-go seem to rest peacefully beneath the fiery hills.
Autumn here is not just seen — it’s felt in the scent of fallen leaves, the warmth of local dishes, and the quiet rhythm of rural life.
🚃Scenic Autumn Views from the JR Takayama Line
Your journey into autumn begins even before you arrive.
The JR Takayama Line, especially the Limited Express Hida（ひだ号）from Nagoya（名古屋）, offers one of Japan’s most scenic train rides. The tracks follow the clear waters of the Kiso River（木曽川）and Hida River（飛騨川）, where autumn leaves reflect like brushstrokes on a painting.
Between Gero Onsen（下呂温泉）and Hida-Osaka（飛騨小坂）, the mountains blaze with color — a preview of the beauty awaiting you in Takayama.
Sit on the right-hand side when departing from Nagoya for the best views.
As you explore, join locals in the age-old custom of momiji-gari（紅葉狩り, autumn leaf viewing）— quietly admiring the colors that mark the passing of seasons in Japan.
It’s not simply sightseeing; it’s a gentle celebration of nature’s fleeting beauty, best enjoyed at your own pace among the temples, hills, and riversides of Hida（飛騨）.
📍Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Takayama
Shiroyama Park (Takayama Castle Ruins, 城山公園・高山城跡)
A forested hill in the city center where maple and ginkgo trees turn the paths into golden tunnels. It’s perfect for a short hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the old town below.
Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato, 飛騨の里)
An open-air museum of thatched-roof houses surrounded by brilliant colors. As you stroll through, the scent of wood smoke and fallen leaves fills the air — a timeless vision of Japan’s countryside in autumn.
Higashiyama Walking Course (東山遊歩道)
This peaceful trail winds between ancient temples and shrines. In late October, the stone paths are framed by trees glowing in red and amber, offering a quiet retreat where history and nature meet.
📍Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Shirakawa-go
Ogimachi Gassho-zukuri Village (荻町合掌造り集落)
A UNESCO World Heritage site that becomes even more enchanting in autumn. The contrast of rustic thatched roofs (gassho-zukuri, 合掌造り) against the backdrop of glowing mountains is simply unforgettable.
Shiroyama Viewpoint (Tenshukaku Observatory, 城山展望台)
From this iconic viewpoint, the classic panorama unfolds — the entire village surrounded by fiery hills. Arrive early in the morning when a thin mist rises from the valley for the most magical sight.
Mountain Slopes around Shirakawa-go
From late October to early November, beech and maple trees transform the valley into a tapestry of color. Every turn reveals a new view — a living painting that captures the serene spirit of autumn in the Japanese Alps.
🍂 Best Time to Visit
Takayama:
Late October – Early November
Shirakawa-go:
Late October – Mid November
Along the JR Takayama Line:
Colors change gradually, earlier around Gero, later in Shirakawa-go.
💡Travel Tips for Autumn
Dress warmly:
Mornings and evenings can be very cold (5–10°C).
Plan ahead:
Parking at Shirakawa-go is very limited, so most visitors use buses or guided tours.
If you are driving, arrive early in the morning to secure a spot.
Book early:
Hotels and guesthouses sell out during peak foliage season.
🍁 Seasonal Flavors & Moments
After a day of exploring, warm up with autumn dishes like Hida beef (飛騨牛) grilled over hoba miso（朴葉味噌）, roasted chestnuts, or fragrant matsutake mushrooms（松茸）served with local sake.
As night falls, the crisp air carries the scent of wood smoke from traditional homes, and the quiet murmur of the river echoes through the valley — a reminder that autumn in Takayama and Shirakawa-go is as much about feeling as it is about seeing.
📝Conclusion
Autumn in Takayama and Shirakawa-go offers a perfect harmony of nature and tradition, where vibrant fall foliage surrounds historic streets and thatched-roof houses, creating an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Japan’s countryside.
Enjoy the fall colors at local parks and villages, savor seasonal dishes, and don’t forget—the train ride itself on the JR Takayama Line is already part of the autumn journey.
