Japan may be well-known around the world for hanami in the spring (for good reason!) but autumn offers another beautiful, colorful opportunity to observe Mother Nature's changes: koyo!

Starting in early to mid-October, the leaves across Japan begin to change colors. Brilliant reds, golds, and oranges can be seen on the trees, first in Hokkaido and then gradually moving south. It makes for a wonderful excuse to get outside in the crisp fall weather — and to go on a trip with your family!

There are, of course, plenty of prime locations for enjoying fall foliage with your family in Tokyo, where peak season is expected around late November. You can check out some of our past autumnal suggestions here, here, and here.

But if you're looking to explore new places or just switch up your surroundings, see below for some of CareFinder's favorite fall foliage destinations in Japan.

Sapporo

Mid-October

Sapporo is a wonderful place to visit in autumn. Chillier than Tokyo but not as cold as Sapporo in the winter! While there, Nakajima Park will be a must for your family. With thousands of ginkgo, cherry, elm, and spruce trees, there will be no shortage of bold hues to enjoy — in addition to a shrine, tea house, gardens, sports courts, and more.

For a more active sightseeing adventure, strap on your hiking boots to visit Mount Moiwa! It's a relatively easy trek to the summit, from which you can take in all of colorful Sapporo and Ishikari Bay. Hire a sitter for the night and make a reservation at The Jewels, a restaurant with sweeping views of the city.

Nagano

Late October

Hakuba is not just an escape from the summer heat or a winter sports mecca, It's also a great place to enjoy fall foliage. And because it's a year-round nature destination, there is no shortage of outdoor spots for enjoying the views — and grabbing a bite or drinks. Whether you drive or take the train, Hakuba is only about four hours from Tokyo, so it's perfect for a weekend getaway.

Fujiyoshida

Mid-November

There is no better fall foliage backdrop than Mt. Fuji. You have no doubt come across a photo of a bright red pagoda, Fuji in the background, and a spray of cherry trees surrounding them. That view could be yours — substituting the cherry blossoms for their autumnal cousins — during a visit to Fujiyoshida's Arakurayama Sengen Park.

Time your trip to coincide with both peak leaf-viewing and the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Fall Festival, which begins October 29. In addition to the stunning array of foliage and nighttime illuminations, there are matsuri staples like food stalls and performances.

Osaka

Late November

Head to Hoshida Park! It's about an hour outside of central Osaka, but is very much worth the trip. In addition to several hiking routes and rock climbing walls, there is Hoshi no Buranko: a 280m-long suspension bridge. Take in all the colors of the forest— from 50m up!

If you decide to stay in the city, you won't be missing out. Check out Osaka Castle Park, just a little to the east of downtown, for lovely momiji and beautiful backdrops for family photos. After your eyes have feasted, you'll have plenty of nearby restaurants to choose from for dinner!

Unzen (Kyushu)

Late November

With a volcanic national park and onsen, the city of Unzen in Kyushu is a lovely fall getaway. Enjoy all the koyo your heart desires from 174m above on the Unzen Ropeway (a three-minute ride but every second counts!). Once you reach the top, you'll be treated with views that stretch all the way to the sea. Soak in a true hot-spring bath — Mt. Unzen last erupted in the early 1990s — and enjoy a stay at a local ryokan to complete the experience.