Autumn Leaves in Setouchi: When and Where to See Koyo in Hiroshima and Shikoku (2026)

Quick answer: In Setouchi the leaves turn from the mountains down to the coast. High peaks colour in October, mountain gorges like Iya, Oboke and Sandankyo from late October to mid-November, and lowland gardens like Miyajima’s Momijidani Park and Ritsurin Garden from mid-November to early December. The 2026 forecast says the peak is later than usual (Miyajima from about 19 November, Ritsurin from about 27 November). My top pick is the Iya Valley and Oboke in western Tokushima.

I live in Tokushima and have family in Hiroshima. I’ve seen the autumn leaves (koyo) at Miyajima’s Momijidani Park, the Iya Valley and Oboke, Sandankyo, Kankakei on Shodoshima and Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu. The one I’d recommend most is Iya and Oboke. Here’s when and where to go.

When do the leaves change?

The rule of thumb is simple: the higher you go, the earlier the colour.

2026 note: the Weathernews forecast (issued 8 October 2026) expects most of Chugoku and Shikoku to peak later than usual. Recent warm autumns have pushed the peak later, so check a leaf report (Walkerplus or Weathernews) a few days before you go.

1. Iya Valley and Oboke (Tokushima) — my top pick

Deep V-shaped valleys, an emerald river and a bridge made of vines. I’ve seen the leaves here, and of all the spots on this page it’s the one I’d recommend most.

• Peak: Iya Valley late October – mid-November; the Iya Kazurabashi vine bridge early to mid-November; Oboke mid to late November.
• Iya Kazurabashi: ¥550 to cross, 8:00–17:00 (September–March). Parking ¥500.
• Oboke gorge boat: a 30-minute ride, ¥1,800 for adults (raised from ¥1,500 on 1 September 2026). No booking needed.
• Higher up: the Oku-Iya double vine bridges (¥550) colour earlier and close for winter from December to March. Mt Tsurugi is usually at its best in mid to late October.
• Traffic: the valley roads get jammed on autumn weekends. Go early, or on a weekday.

See Iya Valley and Oboke, Deep Iya by Car and Driving in Rural Shikoku.

2. Miyajima: Momijidani Park (Hiroshima)

About 700 maples line a stream at the foot of Mt Misen, a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. I’ve seen the leaves here; the little red Momiji-bashi bridge is the classic photo.

• Peak: usually mid-November to early December (2026 forecast: from about 19 November).
• Light-up (2026): planned for 13 November – 6 December, from sunset to 21:00 (dates may change with the colour).
• Getting there: ferry from Miyajimaguchi (¥200 one way, plus the ¥100 Miyajima visitor tax).
• Miyajima Ropeway: its station is inside the park. On these November 2026 days you must book online in advance: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 28 and 29 November.
• Crowds: weekends in late November are the busiest days of the year. Arrive on an early ferry.

See Miyajima Day Trip and Mt. Misen.

3. Sandankyo (Hiroshima)

A 16-km gorge in the mountains of northern Hiroshima. I’ve walked from the main entrance (Seimen-guchi) to Kurobuchi in the autumn colour.

• Peak: late October to late November (2025’s peak was about 11–24 November).
• Important: several sections of the trail are closed in 2026. The main entrance to Kurobuchi is open.

See Sandankyo Gorge Guide for what you can walk now and how to get there.

4. Kankakei (Shodoshima, Kagawa)

A ropeway glides over rock towers and maples, with views of the Inland Sea from the top. I’ve seen the leaves here.

• Peak: usually early to late November.
• Ropeway: about ¥2,700 return in November (November has its own higher autumn fare). The official site was down when I checked, so confirm before you go.
• Parking: free at the summit, but it fills up in leaf season.

See Shodoshima Guide and Naoshima and Shodoshima from Takamatsu.

5. Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu, Kagawa)

One of Japan’s finest stroll gardens, with maples reflected in its ponds. I’ve seen the leaves here too.

• Peak: late November to early December (2026 forecast: from about 27 November).
• Autumn light-up (2026): 20–29 November, last entry 20:30.
• Admission: ¥500 for adults.
• Getting there: 3 minutes’ walk from JR Ritsurin-koen Kitaguchi Station.

See Ritsurin Garden Guide and Kagawa in 2 Days.

More spots I haven’t covered myself

• Shukkeien (Hiroshima city): a small garden near the station. Momiji Matsuri light-up 20–29 November 2026. Admission ¥350.
• Taishakukyo (Hiroshima): a limestone gorge with a lakeside path. Note that the trail to its famous natural bridge, Ohashi, is closed because of rockfall (no reopening date as of October 2026). See Taishakukyo and Shobara for what’s open.
• Omogokei (Ehime): a gorge in the mountains south of Matsuyama, usually late October to early November.

A sample autumn plan

1. Late October – early November: the mountains — Iya and Oboke, or Sandankyo.
2. Mid to late November: the lowlands — Miyajima, Kankakei, Ritsurin Garden.
3. Stay near the leaves so you can see them early, before the crowds.

See Best Time to Visit Setouchi, and for spring, Cherry Blossoms in Setouchi.

FAQ

When is the best time for autumn leaves in Setouchi?
Late October to early December, depending on altitude. Mountains first, coastal gardens last.

Where is best if I only have one day?
In Hiroshima, Miyajima. In Shikoku, the Iya Valley and Oboke — the one I’d recommend most.

Are there night illuminations?
Yes — Miyajima’s Momijidani Park, Ritsurin Garden and Shukkeien all hold autumn light-ups in November (see dates above).

Do I need to book anything?
On some November 2026 days, the Miyajima Ropeway requires an online reservation. Hotels near popular spots fill up on November weekends.

Peak forecasts, fees and event dates checked on 26 October 2026 (Weathernews, Walkerplus and official sites). Leaf timing varies every year.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.