After the heat eases off, autumn in Fukuoka is a comfortable time of year, with pleasant days and nights. It is the perfect season to enjoy outdoor events and activities. Of course, the autumn foliage, which can only be seen at this time of year, is not to be missed.
This article details the highlights of autumn travel, from a description of the weather and clothing to the best places to visit in Fukuoka in autumn!
Fukuoka in Autumn
Weather
Fukuoka in autumn is characterized by pleasant, cool weather. Especially from October, daytime temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the days remain pleasant and comfortable. Although the mornings and evenings may feel a little chilly, the heat and humidity are lessened, making it the perfect season for strolling and outdoor activities.
Things to Do
In Fukuoka in autumn, there are many parks and gardens where beautiful autumn leaves can be seen. There are several shrines and temples in Fukuoka that are popular sightseeing spots, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves together. Outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, and mountain climbing are also recommended. Get in touch with the natural air and refresh yourself!
Autumn Fashion
When visiting Fukuoka in the fall, light jackets, cardigans, and light sweaters are useful as the days can get cooler. Layered clothing is also recommended for warmer days and chilly mornings and evenings. If outside activities are required, it is advisable to wear sneakers or other shoes that are easy to walk in.
Things to do in Fukuoka in Autumn
Let’s go see the autumn leaves in Fukuoka!
Autumn foliage spots are an absolute must-see for sightseeing in autumn. The leaves turning red, yellow, and orange are beautiful, and the scenery is special only at this time of year. It is said that the peak of autumn foliage in Fukuoka is in November, but depending on the location, you can also see autumn foliage in late October or early December.
Real-time information on autumn foliage can be conveniently found on official websites and SNS. Some places frequently introduce current foliage conditions, so please check them out in advance to make your trip wonderful.
One of the best places to experience Japanese culture in the autumn foliage is Yusentei Park in Fukuoka City. Usually the best time to view the leaves is from mid-November to mid-December, when you can see both the Japanese garden and the autumn leaves at the same time. It is a highly recommended spot where you can appreciate the autumn leaves while sipping green tea at a tea house.
Let’s go outside to feel nature!
This is the time of year when the summer heat eases off and outdoor activities become easiest. While it is good to spend time relaxing and enjoying the autumn leaves and other natural scenery, why not take advantage of the opportunity to try a little exercise, such as mountain climbing or hiking?
Fukuoka has hiking spots that can be easily enjoyed by beginners and families with children. Tateishiyama in Itoshima is famous for its spectacular views. Although it is only about 200 meters above sea level, it offers a view of the blue sea and beautiful sandy beaches of Itoshima. There are many steps and rocky paths, so it is recommended to wear sneakers.
Fukuoka also has campgrounds where you can stay in tents or cottages. Spend the night watching the stars, enjoy a meal outside, and spend a day enjoying nature.
Let’s enjoy autumn ingredients!
Autumn is the season of harvest, when all kinds of fruits are in season. Persimmons, pears, mandarin oranges, grapes, and many other fruits are delicious in autumn! Some farms offer fruit-picking experiences, so please take advantage of this opportunity. Mushrooms and mackerel pike, also known as the “taste of fall,” will be served at various restaurants, so please take the opportunity to taste the season’s ingredients.
Enjoy fall events!
After a lively summer, autumn is a time of calm and tranquility, but in Fukuoka, festivals are still held that draw large crowds.
One of the most famous festivals is the Hakozakigu Shrine’s “Hojoya Festival” held in September for seven days from September 12 to 18, and known as one of the “Three Great Hakata Festivals” along with “Hakata Dontaku” in the spring and “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” in the summer. The approach to the festival is lined with a huge number of stalls (more than 500).
Also not to be missed is the “Hakata Okunchi” held at Kushida Shrine in October. This event has been held for about 1,200 years to give thanks for the autumn harvest. The many festivals held throughout the year in Fukuoka provide an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.
A staple of Fukuoka! Let’s enjoy yatai gourmet food!
When you visit Fukuoka, you want to enjoy “yatai” food stalls. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy yatai stalls, as the temperature at night becomes more comfortable. Various genres of food stalls line the streets, so it is recommended to enjoy visiting several different stalls at the same time.
Yatai stalls can be found in various areas of Fukuoka. The most major area, the “Nakasu area,” is close to Hakata Station and has a lively atmosphere as it attracts many tourists. The “Tenjin area” is also home to many yatai stalls, and is characterized by the presence of many locals.
Stalls open as early as 6:00 p.m. in the evening. There are no fixed days off, and they vary from stall to stall. However, depending on the weather, they may close suddenly, so it is recommended to check in advance via SNS.
Fukuoka in September
September is still hot in Fukuoka, with average temperatures ranging from about 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. In the past few years, there have been days when the maximum temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius due to the severe lingering summer heat. This is also the time of year when “Hakozakigu Shrine Hojoya Festival,” one of the three major festivals in Hakata, is held. Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping are recommended, but since the weather is unstable due to typhoons, a folding umbrella is useful.
Fukuoka in October
October is when temperatures gradually begin to drop. Average temperatures range from about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it a warm and comfortable season during the daytime. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and walking, and the leaves begin to change color in late October. The temperature varies between day and night, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket for a full day of outdoor activities.
Fukuoka in November
Average temperatures in Fukuoka in November range from about 10 to 17 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures can be relatively warm, but mornings and evenings can be chilly. This is the time of year when the autumn leaves are at their peak, and there are spots where you can view Japanese gardens and autumn foliage together. It is also the time of year when the illumination lights are turned on for the winter. When going out at night, be sure to wear a coat or heavy jacket to protect yourself from the cold.