East Asia Red Leaves 2025: A beautiful autumn journey from Japan to China

There is nothing more romantic and poetic than watching the red leaves spread across the ancient streets of Japan, Korea, China or Taiwan. If you are cherishing the ideal trip to see the red leaves of East Asia in 2025, now is the time to plan. So when is the most beautiful autumn in East Asia? This article will take you to the most wonderful destinations, from the ancient capital of Kyoto to the majestic Seorak mountain range that is enough to fascinate people.

Autumn 2025 promises to be the “golden” time for you to plan your trip and hunt for picturesque, romantic and captivating natural scenes. Below are the 7 most beautiful places to see red leaves in East Asia, along with the ideal time to visit and tips for hunting for beautiful photos just for you.

I. Top 7 most beautiful places to see red leaves in East Asia in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China

1. Places to see red leaves in Japan not to be missed

Japan is an ideal destination to enjoy autumn with its world- famous red leaf scenery. Below are two places to see red leaves that you cannot miss when you come to the land of the rising sun.
Kyoto – Ancient and magical
 

Red leaves cover ancient temples in Kyoto - Ideal destination to see red leaves in Japan 2025. (Photo: Collected)

• Ideal time: Mid to late November
• Highlights: Strolling along the Hozugawa River, wearing a kimono among the red leaves, enjoying wagashi and matcha tea in the chilly weather.
• Tip: Come early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

Kyoto has long been considered one of the most beautiful places to see red leaves in Japan, where ancient beauty blends with the brilliant colors of autumn. From mid to late November, when the maple leaves begin to turn a brilliant red, the ancient capital seems to be wearing a new coat, captivating everyone.

Strolling along the Hozugawa River in Arashiyama, you will admire the image of the bright red maple leaves gently falling onto the clear blue water, creating a peaceful and poetic scene. Next, wearing a traditional kimono, you will feel like you are immersed in space and time, each step under the bright red canopy adds to the romance of the trip. In the afternoon, there is nothing better than enjoying sweet wagashi cakes with a cup of fragrant matcha tea, when the cool autumn air permeates the space, bringing a feeling of relaxation and comfort.

To fully enjoy this beauty, the advice for you is to come to Kyoto early in the morning. At that time, the gentle sunlight through the leaves creates a colorful and quiet picture, avoiding the crowds of tourists, helping you feel most clearly the magic of the ancient capital's autumn.
Nikko – Immerse yourself in nature and culture

The brilliant autumn scenery at Toshogu Shrine – One of the most beautiful places to see red leaves in Japan. (Photo: Collected)

• Ideal time: Late October to early November
• Highlights: Visit Toshogu Shrine, hike through vibrant maple forests, explore hot springs.
• Tip: Buy your tickets early and plan to hike to fully enjoy the scenery.

Nikko is a cultural and natural gem located not far from Tokyo, famous for its ancient temples and vibrant autumn foliage. Autumn here begins in late October and usually lasts until early November, creating a stunning natural picture.

The highlight of the trip is the Toshogu Shrine, where you can admire the traditional architecture while soaking up the vibrant red maple leaves that surround it. The trails through the maple forest are a great choice for those who enjoy hiking in the pure nature. After a long day of exploring, you can relax in the hot springs in the area, enjoying the pleasant feeling of autumn.

Nikko is proof of the question "which month is the most beautiful in East Asia in autumn" when it has the longest and most abundant red leaf season in the region.

2. The best places to see red leaves in Korea in autumn

South Korea is famous for its bright and diverse autumn beauty, from small islands to majestic mountain ranges. Discover two attractive red leaf viewing spots below to fully experience the autumn colors here.
Nami Island – Enchanted in the Maple Forest

Nami Island has ginkgo tree-lined streets – A prominent red leaf viewing spot in Korea 2025. (Photo: Collected)

• Ideal time: Late October to early November
• Highlights: Cycling around the island, walking on the lovers' road covered with yellow leaves, enjoying autumn specialties.
• Tip: Combine a visit to the Garden of Morning Calm and nearby Gapyeong for a more complete trip.

Nami Island, long famous for the drama “Winter Sonata”, is now one of the places to see red leaves in Korea that attracts a large number of tourists every autumn. In late October and early November, rows of bright red maple trees line the main streets, creating a picturesque scene that fills every step with emotion.

Rent a tandem bike and leisurely ride around the island, the cool air mixed with the scent of fresh maple leaves will make the trip more memorable. In particular, the lovers' road covered with yellow leaves is an ideal place to keep romantic souvenir photos. Don't forget to enjoy hotteok and hot grilled fish at the stalls along the island, typical dishes of Korean autumn.

If you have time, visit the Garden of Morning Calm and nearby Gapyeong, which are also famous for their brilliant autumn scenery, making your 2025 East Asia fall foliage trip more complete and enriching.
Seoraksan – The majestic and magnificent beauty of the mountains

Seoraksan in autumn – The ideal trekking journey to admire the red leaves of Korea. (Photo: Collected)

• Ideal time: Late October to early November
• Highlights: Trekking, sightseeing, waterfall viewing, enjoying local cuisine.
• Small tip: Prepare suitable climbing gear and go early to avoid the crowds.

Seoraksan, Korea’s most famous national park, is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience East Asia’s autumn with its brilliant red leaves. From late October, the mountains and forests are dyed in a mixture of red and yellow, creating a majestic and poetic scene.

You can choose suitable trekking routes to explore beautiful waterfalls and admire the panoramic view of the mountains covered with red leaves. After climbing, enjoying specialties such as ginseng chicken stew or grilled dishes at local restaurants will make the trip more perfect.

Seoraksan is the perfect answer for those looking for the best place to see red leaves in Korea this fall.

3. Alishan – Taiwan's most popular place to see red leaves

The brilliant red color of Alishan blends with the fog – a unique place to see autumn leaves in Taiwan. (Photo: Collected)

Taiwan boasts pristine forests and majestic mountain landscapes, offering a unique and close-to-nature experience of viewing autumn leaves. Alishan is a must-see destination every autumn.

• Ideal time: Late October to mid-November
• Highlights: Watch the sunrise on a jungle train, walk among the red leaves and fog, participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
• Small tip: Book forest train tickets in advance to avoid running out of seats during peak season.

Located in the central mountains of Taiwan, Alishan is considered one of the most beautiful places to see red leaves in Taiwan every autumn. When the maple leaves turn a brilliant red-orange, the whole forest is covered in a vivid carpet of color, making it impossible to take your eyes off.

One of the wonderful experiences not to be missed is to watch the sunrise on the Alishan Forest Railway, when the mist gently covers the area, creating a dreamlike magical scene. After that, you can walk through the trails, watching the red leaves blend with the misty mist, creating an indescribable feeling of peace and relaxation. At the end of the day, participate in a traditional tea ceremony at the ancient tea village, you will understand more about the culture and famous tea flavor of this mountainous region.

Alishan is not only an ideal destination for those who love natural scenery, but also a place to help you fully experience the most beautiful East Asian autumn through each shade of red leaves season.

4. Famous places to see red leaves in China

China’s vast landmass offers a wide variety of fall foliage destinations, from national parks to majestic mountains and clear lakes. Beijing and Jiuzhaigou are two of the most popular destinations to explore.
Beijing and the Great Wall – Majestic Autumn Colors

The Great Wall of China glows red and yellow in October – the most beautiful foliage season in Beijing, China. (Photo: Pexel)

• Ideal time: October
• Highlights: Trekking on the Great Wall, watching the sunset, exploring the ancient village at the foot of the mountain.
• Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water as the hike can be quite challenging.

Beijing is not only famous for its historical sites but also one of the most beautiful places to see autumn leaves in China. In October, the area around the Great Wall is covered in brilliant yellow and red colors, creating a rare and majestic scene.

Trekking at Mutianyu, a part of the Great Wall, you will enjoy the fresh air and admire the natural scenery changing colors under the gentle autumn sunlight. Especially at sunset, the changing colors of the leaves create a fascinating and brilliant picture. After exploring, you can visit the ancient villages at the foot of the mountain to experience the unique local culture.

So, for those wondering which month is the most beautiful in East Asia in autumn, Beijing in October is definitely the perfect answer for this year's red leaf viewing trip.
Jiuzhaigou – The magical land of colors

Red leaves reflected on the emerald green lake in Jiuzhaigou – The autumn beauty not to be missed in China. (Photo: Pexel)

• Ideal time: October
• Highlights: Visit the emerald green lakes, watch the red leaves reflected on the lake surface, explore the wild nature.
• Tip: Prepare a camera and spare batteries to capture beautiful moments.

Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect destination for those looking to soak up China’s stunning autumn colours. October is the time when the leaves begin to change colour, reflecting off the clear lakes to create a fairytale-like scene.

Walking around lakes such as Five Flower Lake and Green Treasure Lake, you will feel the harmony between nature and autumn with every step. Jiuzhaigou is not only a place to see red leaves but also an opportunity for you to explore the biodiversity and unique culture of the Northwest mountains of China.

In addition, the waterfalls, primeval forests and walking paths around the area give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild and tranquil nature. With its diverse natural beauty, Jiuzhaigou is one of the places to see red leaves in China that cannot be missed during your 2025 East Asia autumn tour.

You can easily see that each of the above locations has its own unique beauty and ideal time to see red leaves, helping you plan your 2025 East Asia autumn trip in the most complete way.

II. Should I go on a tour or go it alone to see the red leaves in East Asia?

Package tours and independent travel both have their own advantages. (Photo: Collected)

Choosing between a tour or independent travel depends on your budget, travel style, and time available. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Take a full package tour to see red leaves in East Asia

Suitable for first-time travelers to East Asia or those who want to save time planning. Tours usually include hotels, transportation, entrance tickets and tour guides, making them very convenient. Some high-end tours also have their own routes to famous autumn leaf viewing spots, avoiding crowds and ensuring you go during the best season.

2. Self-guided tour to see red leaves in East Asia

For those who like flexibility and exploration. You can choose your own destination, length of stay and experience more deeply in less known places. However, you need to be proactive about visas, booking tickets, finding routes and especially closely following the weather as well as the leaf color change schedule, because it is not always "in season".

👉 Advice: If you don't have much experience traveling to East Asia in the fall, you can start with a tour to ensure a smooth experience. Once you're more familiar, traveling on your own will give you the freedom to create your own itinerary as you like.

III. Some useful tips when traveling to see red leaves in East Asia

Track the leaf color change schedule, book services early – The secret to a smooth red leaf viewing journey. (Photo: Collected)

• Keep an eye on the updated fall foliage forecast: Weather conditions vary slightly every year. Check official forecast sites (e.g. JNTO, KTO, etc.) to find out exactly when the leaves will start changing color in each area.
• Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes: Although autumn is cool, it can get chilly at night. Don't forget to prepare comfortable sneakers if you plan to trek or walk a lot.
• Take photos in the early morning or late afternoon: This is when the light is soft and the foliage is at its most vibrant, ensuring you get “million-like” photos.
• Book early: Fall foliage season is peak season, hotels, forest trains, and sightseeing tickets are especially likely to sell out. Book at least 1–2 months in advance if possible.

If you are wondering which month is the most beautiful in East Asia during autumn, the answer is definitely October to mid-November when the maple leaves, ginkgo trees and forests change color at their most brilliant. Each destination in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China has its own unique beauty, creating an unforgettable autumn journey.

From the red maple leaf roads in Kyoto, the majesty of Seoraksan, the serene atmosphere of Alishan, to the wild beauty of Jiuzhaigou... all are waiting for you to discover in this 2025 East Asia red leaf viewing season.

Are you ready to plan your autumn getaway? Don’t forget to save this article and share it with your friends so we can all enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves across East Asia!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/dia-diem-ngam-la-do-dong-a-2025-v17855.aspx