Fall in Hiroshima is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature and scenery due to the pleasant weather. Visitors can enjoy the calm atmosphere of Japan, which is different from the hot and energetic summer.
This article details the highlights of a fall trip to Hiroshima, from a description of the weather and the best clothes to wear to the best places to visit.
To learn more about Hiroshima, check below!
Hiroshima in Fall
Weather
Hiroshima has a pleasant fall climate, with September still warm, with average daytime temperatures around 25°C. In October, the weather gradually cools down, with average daytime temperatures around 20°C. In November, the temperature drops further, with average daytime temperatures around 15°C, and sometimes below 10°C at night. The mornings and evenings are chilly, so a light coat or jacket is necessary.
Highlights
There are many things to see and do in Hiroshima in the fall, but one of the most popular is the viewing of the fall leaves. Miyajima Island, in particular, is said to be a high season for tourists who come to enjoy the fall foliage. It is recommended to visit Miyajima during this season, as you can easily see the beautiful fall leaves in parks, gardens, and temples. Other must-see events and festivals are also held in the fall to enjoy the delicious local cuisine and specialties, as well as festivals related to the fall foliage.
Fashion
In Hiroshima in fall, layered clothing is the key: in September, you can still live in short or light long sleeves, but from October, you will need a cardigan or light jacket. In November, coats and warm sweaters are in full swing. Bring a scarf and gloves in case the mornings and evenings get cold.
Things to do in Hiroshima in Fall
Enjoy the Fall Foliage
Fall is the season for colored leaves. In Hiroshima, trees gradually begin to change color in late October toward the peak of fall foliage in November. Popular fall foliage viewing spots are so popular that they attract many tourists from both Japan and abroad. For those who wish to take their time to enjoy the fall foliage, we recommend visiting a park with a large area with benches and open space. For those who wish to experience more colorful and tasteful Japanese culture, we recommend viewing the fall leaves in the gardens. Some places are lit up at night, so be sure to enjoy the different atmospheres of the fall leaves during the day and night.
*Please note that the best time to view the fall foliage may vary depending on the weather conditions of the year.
Shukkeien Garden (縮景園)
This garden has long been popular as a historic garden in the city center. After all, it is only a 15-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, making it easily accessible from major sightseeing spots. It is recommended for those who want to catch a glimpse of colored maple leaves even if it is not a large scale fall foliage.
A festival is also held every year, and there are also periods when you can enjoy the nighttime lighting of the trees. It is an oasis in the city where you can feel the seasonal changes of various flowers and plants throughout the year.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Access: 15 min walk from Hiroshima Station
Taishakukyo Gorge (帝釈峡)
It is a famous scenic spot selected as one of the 100 scenic spots in Japan and attracts many tourists throughout the year, but is especially popular during the season of fall leaves. There are numerous bridges in the area, and visitors can take pictures of the collaboration between the color and shape of each bridge and the fall leaves, or go around the area like a stamp rally.
Taishakukyo Gorge Pleasure Boat is a great activity that allows visitors to view the fall leaves while cruising around the long, narrow lake called Shinryu Lake for about 40 minutes. The lake and river are also lively fall spots where you can enjoy kayaking, Segway experiences, and ryokan campgrounds where you can stay overnight.
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Access: about 2 hours from Hiroshima Station by car
Outing to Fall Flower Garden
The weather is very pleasant in fall, so it is recommended to relax with a play or a walk in the park. Large parks and gardens are filled with a wide variety of ways to enjoy yourself, such as strolling freely, experiencing sports and activities, and even taking memorable photos. Fall is the season of colored leaves, but here are two beautiful fall flowers other than fall leaves!
Cosmos Field – Bihoku Hillside Park (国営備北丘陵公園)
Cosmos fields are actually a good spot to visit because the crowds are less crowded than those of fall foliage. Cosmos fields reach their peak around October.
Dahlia Field – Sera Kogen Farm (世羅高原農場)
The Sera Plateau offers a variety of flowers throughout the year. In fall, visitors can see the dahlia flower. The flowers are large and impactful, with vivid colors. These lovely flowers are perfect for photographs.
Fall Fruit Picking Experience
Fruit picking experience is one of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed with family and friends. In fall, apples, grapes, and pears are in season. Be sure to look for farms where you can pick your favorite fruits during your trip to Hiroshima. It is a special treat to be able to taste the freshness of the fruit you have harvested yourself! In this issue, we introduce one recommended farm.
*Basically, online reservations are required for fruit picking experiences. Please confirm from the official page.
Apple Picking – SMILE-LABO HIROSHIMA
Apples, with their beautiful appearance and flavorful, juicy taste, can be harvested from early September to the end of November every year. Since various varieties are grown, depending on the time of year and the occasion, visitors can enjoy the differences between each type.
At SMILE-LABO HIROSHIMA, you can also harvest pears and grapes in September .
Official website: https://www.smilelabohiroshima.com/
Enjoy Hiroshima Local Food
Miyajima is a popular sightseeing area in Hiroshima. Enjoy eating momiji manju, which are perfect for the season of fall leaves, at Omotesando shopping street, which you should not miss when visiting Miyajima.
Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street (表参道商店街)
Enjoy Momiji Manju
It is said that there are about 20 momiji-manju stores on Miyajima alone. Momiji-manju is a bun shaped like fall leaf, and is generally made of sponge cake dough filled with red bean paste. However, in recent years, each store has been trying their hand at unique bean paste, creating a variety of flavors such as cream, chocolate, and green tea, as well as evolving sweets that are an adaptation of momiji manju.
Introducing a wide variety of momiji manju! All of them are available at Miyajima Omotesando shopping street.
Deep-fried momiji manju (揚げもみじまんじゅう) / Momijido(紅葉堂)
A sweet treat made by deep frying momiji manju in a unique batter.
The crispy new texture of freshly deep-fried food is very popular. Basically, they fry them as soon as they get ordered, so you can enjoy them freshly made and hot.
Korokoro Momiji (コロコロもみじ) / Yamadaya Miyajima Honten (やまだ屋 宮島本店)
A sweet treat made by dipping small momiji buns made of only sponge cake dough into the sauce.
There are 5 flavors of sauces to choose from: green tea, red bean butter, peanut, chocolate, and honey fromage.
Ice Sando Momiji (あいすさんどもみじ) / Daikonya (だいこん屋)
A sweet with ice cream sandwiched inside a half-sliced momiji manju bun.
Cold ice cream is perfect on a hot day!
Momiji Croissant (もみじクロワッサン) / Toriiya (鳥居屋)
As the name suggests, this sweet is a collaboration of momiji manju and croissant. The sweet bean paste and cream are sandwiched between croissant sheets and baked until crispy.
The crispy dough and the soft filling are delicious. There are various kinds of flavors for filling.
The buttery aroma used in the croissant dough is excellent!
Momiji Butter Sandwich (紅葉バターサンド) / Furaido (風籟堂)
A maple leaf-shaped cookie sandwiched between butter cream and caramel sauce.
The appearance and color of these products are lovely, and they are popular as souvenirs.
Enjoy a wide variety of street food
Other street foods in the shopping district include grilled oysters, nigiri-ten, anago-man, oyster curry bread, and more! Take away the food and enjoy eating while walking through the shopping street.
Ekinishi / West Area of Hiroshima Station (エキニシ／広島駅西側)
Ekinishi refers to the area on the west side of Hiroshima Station. The area has long been lined with small standing izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), and in recent years, new stores have opened in stylishly renovated old private homes. The unique and creative cuisine of the owners, who love their hometown, can be enjoyed at each of their restaurants. Because of the large number of individual stores, this is a hidden spot where you can enjoy seasonal gourmet food. It is conveniently located near the station, and since various stores are concentrated in one area, we recommend to enjoy bar hopping.
Enjoy the Art
Fall is considered the best season to concentrate on something, as it is neither as hot as summer nor as cold as winter. In Japan, there is a culture of enjoying various cultural activities, sports, and seasonal gourmet foods in fall, so much so that the expressions “Fall for the arts,” “Fall for reading,” and “Fall for appetite” are often used. Getting in touch with art is one of the recommended ways to spend fall in the Japanese style. Please stop by if you have time.
Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum (広島県立美術館)
This museum mainly exhibits works by local artists and contemporary art. Located right next to Shukkeien Garden, one of the best spots for viewing the fall leaves, we hope you will enjoy it along with the fall foliage.
Onomichi City Museum of Art (尾道市立美術館)
Onomichi is the most visited tourist area after Hiroshima City and Miyajima. Onomichi City Museum of Art is located on a hill, offering a beautiful view of Onomichi.
Hiroshima in September
In September, you can still feel the remnants of summer in Hiroshima, and the average daytime temperature is warm at around 25°C (77°F), but it gradually gets cooler. It can get a little chilly when the sun goes down, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket.
Check here for more details in September.
Hiroshima in October
In October, temperatures drop further, with average daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. This is the season when you can feel the arrival of fall and the leaves gradually begin to change color. This is the best time to visit Hiroshima City, Miyajima, and other sightseeing spots to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Cardigans and light jackets are necessary during this season.
Check here for more details in October.
Hiroshima in November
In November, Hiroshima is in the depths of fall and the fall foliage is at its peak. Average daytime temperatures are around 15 degrees Celsius, and at night the temperature can drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Visitors can enjoy beautiful fall foliage at places such as Momijidani Park on Miyajima and Sandankyo Gorge. It is also recommended to spend a relaxing time at a hot spring resort. Since the morning and evening temperatures get colder, you will need a coat or warm sweater. Enjoy the fall foliage viewing and hot springs, and enjoy the fall in Hiroshima to the fullest.
Check here for more details in November.
Editor’s Comment
EditorThe calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea perfectly complement the fall weather. Many days in the fall are pleasant and comfortable, making outings enjoyable. Please take the opportunity to visit various places before it gets too cold.
