Top Places to Visit for the Fall Foliage

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to travel. The summer rush slows, and crisp landscapes highlight stunning scenes of red, gold, and orange. From hiking and biking through wine country in France to golden ginkgo-lined streets in Japan. Fall offers cozy atmospheres and beautiful experiences that you won’t find anywhere else at any other time of year. Here are five of the world’s most breathtaking destinations for fall foliage travel. 

1. Kyoto, Japan 

Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are known worldwide, but Kyoto’s fall foliage is equally beautiful. Beginning in October and peaking in early December, Kyoto transforms into a vibrant tapestry of crimson and gold, with its many temples, shrines, hillsides, gardens, and ginkgo-lined streets. 

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple, on Mt. Otowa in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Mountain range, is one of the best places to witness Kyoto's fall foliage. Sweeping hillsides highlight the new season’s vibrant colors. More popular spots to peep at changing leaves in Kyoto include the Tofuku-ji Temple, the Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Takao.

The Tofuku-ji Temple’s nearby ravine showcases three beautiful bridges and is surrounded by autumn leaves in November. The Ginkaku-ji Temple is full of red and gold Japanese maples, and Takao is a colorful mountain village and one of Kyoto’s most popular fall travel destinations. The foliage along the Kiyotaki River and surrounding mountains creates a breathtaking natural canvas that draws photographers, nature lovers, and travelers from all over Japan and beyond.  

Currency: Japan uses the Japanese yen

2. Naejangsan National Park, South Korea 

One of South Korea’s most famous fall foliage spots, Naejangsan National Park, is a popular forest that attracts up to 100,000 visitors per day. As the country’s most famous autumn destination, you’ll see valleys of colorful maples and tons of golden ginkgo. Head here in late October and early November to really see the colors pop. 

The main attraction at Naejangsan National Park is the Naejangsa Temple. Sitting at the base of a mountain and surrounded by red, yellow, and gold foliage, it’s a top destination for leaf peepers. These temples are surrounded by ancient trees, including 600-year-old nutmeg trees. On your way here, the scenic drive through the beautiful park winds through tunnels of changing maple leaves. Alternatively, you can hike to cascading waterfalls and visit outlooks reminiscent of vibrant watercolor paintings. 

Currency: South Korea uses the South Korean won

3. Loire Valley, France 

In autumn, France’s Loire Valley is a romantic place to get away. The scenic destination is home to rolling vineyards that turn amber and crimson in the fall, and to castles and majestic châteaux, such as Chambord and Chenonceau, which look even more beautiful with the fall foliage. 

Harvest season in France's wine country also brings a festive atmosphere. You can sample local wines at a wine festival, shop for souvenirs at a busy market, and ride bikes through the countryside. Late September through October is the best time to visit, when the colors are vibrant, and the crisp air will fuel your adventures. 

Currency: France uses the European euro

4. Lake Bled & Triglav National Park, Slovenia 

The fall colors in this alpine region reflect in the calm waters of Lake Bled. In October, autumnal colors are in full swing. While you are here to see the fall foliage, don’t miss the picturesque Bled Castle or the boat ride to the island church. 

If you’re into hiking, lace up your boots and hit the trails. It’s one of the best ways to experience fall in Triglav National Park. It’s a mosaic of Slovenia’s wild and cultural heritage where wolves, bears, and ibex roam freely, and Alpine villages continue age-old traditions of cheese-making and mountain farming. As a model of sustainable tourism, the park harmonizes ecological preservation with meaningful visitor experiences. Also, hop aboard the Vogel Cable Car for breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s vibrant fall landscape. 

Currency: Slovenia uses the European euro

5. Scottish Highlands, Scotland 

For fall foliage travel, the Scottish Highlands are hard to beat. Autumn sees Scotland’s rugged landscapes turn gold, yellow, orange, and red. The magical autumnal light begins in September, while the colors reach their peak in October. 

Top fall highlights in the Scottish Highlands are the spectacular colors of the iconic Three Sisters Peak in Glencoe and the purple heather in Cairngorms National Park. Bonus: the midges you couldn’t get rid of during the summer months subside in the fall. 

Wildlife lovers will find the Scottish Highlands teeming with life from majestic red deer and soaring golden eagles to shaggy Highland cows grazing in misty meadows, and even dolphins and whales dancing off the rugged coastline. 

Currency: Scotland uses the Scottish pound

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