The leaves of the trees in the mountains and forests gradually turn their colors as the mornings and nights also gradually become cooler, signaling the arrival of autumn. Let your heart and mind soak in the wonderful air under the clear skies and the vibrant scenery of red leaves here at these places in Fukuoka perfect for having your fill of autumn!
AKIZUKI CASTLE RUINS
In 1624, Kurota Nagaoki (third son of Kurota Nagamasa) fortified Akizuki Castle with 50,000 stones which in turn resulted into the flourishing of Akizuki as a castle town. The red leaves by the Kuromon Gate of the castle ruins are particularly striking. Tea shops, cafes, and other long-standing, old-fashioned and fascinating shops line up the area. Going around on foot is highly recommended.
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MOUNT KUBOTE
Located between Buzen and Chikujo in Fukuoka Prefecture, Mount Kubote is also known as the “500-monk mountain” and is considered as the holy place of Buzen Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism incorporating both Shinto and Buddhist concepts). It has a peculiar bump on its side which gives the mountain a strange shape. The colors of the trees here during autumn change everyday, which you can fully experience by walking on the mountain paths.
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KOMYOZEN-JI TEMPLE
The Komyozen-ji is a temple that functions as a Rinzai school of Buddhism built by a monk named Tetsugyu Enshin during the Kamakura era. The red leaves during autumn is particularly magnificent, transforming the entire area as they fall and spread all over the wave-like sand patterns of the Zen garden.
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GYORAKUEN GARDEN
Gyorakuen is a famous garden built and completed by known Japanese painter Sesshu while he was living in Amaki, Kawasaki. Unable to return to Kyoto during the Onin War, he settled for a time in Kawasaki. It is said that he utilized the landscape techniques he learned in China, creating a garden which offers superb views in every season. It draws in a lot of visitors in November with the fall foliage of its trees.
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OHORI PARK JAPANESE GARDEN
The Japanese Garden at Ohori Park was constructed in 1984 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the park. Surrounded by white plaster walls mixed with wood, the garden area stretches out to 12,000 square meters. It is an elegant place with a large, wide pond complete with flowing streams and small hills and a traditional dry landscape garden. A traditional tea room complete with its own garden can also be found here, which is the perfect spot for viewing autumn leaves.
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