As the autumn breeze begins to blow and a hint of chill fills the air, Japan’s foliage season draws near. From early November to early December, the entire Kansai region transforms into a vibrant canvas of red and gold hues. Temples, trails, parks, and even the trees along train stations dress up in their most enchanting fall attire. Travelers pack their bags and grab their cameras, ready to chase the most romantic maple views of the year.
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Taiwanese travelers still regard the Kansai region—Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe—as the top choice for autumn foliage viewing. However, there is a noticeable shift in preferences: more travelers are looking to avoid crowds and seek deeper, more nature-oriented travel experiences. About 30% are now opting for second- and third-tier cities such as Nara, Mie, and Shiga.
【Kyoto Highlights】
(Top: Rurikoin Temple / Bottom: Sanzen-in Temple – Image Source: 日本漫遊)
[Osaka Highlights]
(Hoshida Park / Hoshi-no-Buranko “Star Swing” – Image Source: Marie Claire)
(Left: Minoo Park, Osaka / Right: Katsuo-ji Temple – Image Source: Japan Walker Plus)
[Hidden Gems in Kobe & Shiga]
(Metasequoia Tree-Lined Avenue, Takashima – Image Source:樂吃購！日本)
(Arima Onsen – Image Source: Arima Onsen Official Website)
There’s a unique magic to autumn leaves after dark—under the interplay of light and shadow, each leaf becomes the star of the show. Here are carefully selected nighttime foliage spots in Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, where autumn’s charm is fully revealed under the lights.
(Left: Eikando Temple – Image Source: Caede-L’ELISIR 紅楓葉- 愛麗絲亞京都，Right: Image Source：日本漫遊)
(Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto – Night Foliage Viewing – Image Source:完美行旅遊情報)
Whether you’re traveling with kids, a photo enthusiast, a nightscape lover, or just want a slow and easy journey, we’ve curated four classic traveler types and matched each with a tailor-made foliage itinerary.
For Families with Kids
Best suited for: Parents traveling with young children
Itinerary Highlights:
Morning: Minoo Park – Gentle walking trails, wild monkeys, and a nature learning center
Noon: Picnic and playtime at Osaka Castle Park with open lawns and playgrounds
Afternoon: Private transfer to Mount Rokko in Kobe; unwind with a relaxing soak in a nearby hot spring
For Nature & Photography Enthusiasts
Best suited for: Travelers seeking scenic beauty and peaceful spots to capture autumn at its best
Itinerary Highlights:
Morning: Catch the soft morning light at Ryoan-ji Temple (go early to avoid crowds)
Noon: Enjoy the calm garden views at Ninna-ji Temple
Afternoon: Wrap up with late-season foliage in the mountain village of Ohara
For Evening Scenic Explorers
Best suited for: Travelers who prefer later starts and love nighttime illuminations
Itinerary Highlights:
Afternoon: Begin with a relaxed stroll around Nanzen-ji Temple and Philosopher’s Path
Early Evening: Head to Eikando Temple for its famous autumn night light-up
Night: End the evening with a special nighttime visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
For Relaxed, Flexible Travelers (Friends / Girls’ Trips)
Best suited for: Those who prefer laid-back schedules and moderate walking
Itinerary Highlights:
Morning: Take photos at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge
Noon: Ride the Sagano Romantic Train for scenic maple views
Afternoon: Sample matcha desserts and visit Nonomiya Shrine along Arashiyama’s shopping street
(Daigo-ji Temple, Kyoto – Image Source: Caede-L'ELISIR [紅楓葉- 愛麗絲亞京都)
Autumn’s Perfect Travel Trio: Foliage, Hot Springs & Local Cuisine
Nothing says “complete autumn getaway” like combining fall foliage with a soothing hot spring soak and regional specialties. Each destination below is backed by official sources—ideal for planning a reliable chartered route.
[Kyoto Area]
Known as “Kyoto’s spiritual hidden hot spring,” Kurama Onsen is famous for its sulfur-rich and iron-heavy waters—great for skin and fatigue relief. You can soak in either the indoor bath or the open-air rotenburo set on the mountainside, all while enjoying sweeping views of Mount Kurama across the seasons.
The facility also features a restaurant serving local flavors such as seasonal mountain vegetable hot pots and jidori (local free-range chicken) cooked in traditional clay pot rice. It’s the perfect pairing with a cultural stroll to nearby Kurama-dera Temple or Kifune Shrine, ideal for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
(くらま温泉／Kurama Onsen)-Image Source: Official Website)
Located at the southern end of Togetsukyo Bridge, this elegant yet compact ryokan offers a refined onsen experience. The open-air bath boasts panoramic views of Mount Atago and the soothing sounds of the Oigawa River, creating a truly relaxing ambiance.
Dining here focuses on seasonal Kyoto-style kaiseki meals, served in-room (heya-shoku) for a fully local, intimate experience. Its prime location allows easy walking access to Tenryu-ji Temple, the Bamboo Grove, and the Sagano Scenic Railway—all in one day. Perfect for multi-generational travelers or romantic getaways.
(Arashiyama Onsen – 彩四季の宿 花筏）Image Source: Official Website)
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[Osaka Area]
Nestled in the northern hills of Osaka, Minoh Spa Garden is a popular hot spring complex operated by the Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari Group. Combining natural hot springs, scenic outdoor baths, retro-style entertainment, and family-friendly leisure spaces, it's affectionately known as “Osaka’s spiritual bathhouse.”
Highlights include:
Natural spring sourced directly from Mount Minoh
The facility uses bicarbonate spring water—often called “beauty water.” The Sky Open-Air Bath offers panoramic views of Osaka’s nightscape and distant mountain ranges, making it a top favorite.
A nostalgic ‘Showa Era’ entertainment zone
Step into a retro Japanese festival town complete with game stalls, vintage snacks, and an old-school arcade. Live performances, including enka ballads and traditional theater, add to the time-travel vibe.
All-in-one relaxation destination
On-site amenities include rock-bed spas, beauty salons, themed restaurants, and Japanese-style tatami rooms. Ideal for families or couples seeking a one-night, two-meal escape.
Easy access & shuttle service
Just a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Minoh Station, or catch the free shuttle from Minoh-Kayano Station. Located near Minoh Waterfall and forest trails, it’s perfect for day hikes followed by a soothing soak at night.
Who is this perfect for?
Travelers who love hot springs but prefer not to go too far off the grid
Families wanting a fun, traditional bathhouse experience
Anyone tired of the typical city stops, seeking a quick, scenic, and deeply Japanese getaway
(Minoh Spa Gardenスパーガーデン（Minoh Spa Garden）Image Source: Official Website)
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[Kobe / Arima / Shiga Area]
One of the oldest and most prestigious ryokan in Arima Onsen, Hyoe Koyokaku boasts over 700 years of history. The property features three large public bathhouses and two private open-air baths, with access to kinsen—Arima’s signature iron- and salt-rich golden thermal water—throughout the entire facility.
On-site amenities include restaurants, a café, a souvenir shop, and a premium guest lounge. The overall atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and welcoming, never feeling over-the-top. After your soak, relax by the floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy the beautifully landscaped garden—an experience highly recommended for both romantic nights and restful weekends.
(Arima Onsen Bei-ei Koyokaku-Image Source: Official Website)
What to Know Before You Go: 2025 Japan Travel Updates
According to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Taiwanese travelers made 6.04 million visits to Japan in 2024, ranking third among all inbound markets—just behind South Korea and China. This shows Taiwan’s strong travel affinity for Japan.
Major destinations remain Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, with the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe (Keihanshin) route still reigning as the golden trio for travel. As traveler numbers continue to rise, new travel trends and important rule changes are emerging.
Here’s a roundup of the latest tips and need-to-knows—save this before your trip so you can explore smoothly and avoid unexpected setbacks!
♦ Kyoto Buses Now Ban Oversized Luggage
Travelers can no longer bring luggage larger than carry-on size onto Kyoto city buses. Consider taking the subway, a taxi, or booking a hands-free tourism bus instead.
♦ Osaka Enforces Citywide Smoking Ban
From January 2025, smoking on the streets of Osaka is prohibited. Violators may be fined ¥1,000. Smokers should locate one of the 140 designated smoking areas in advance.
♦ New Rules for Drinking in Public
Some cities—such as Kyoto’s Hanamikoji Street or Tokyo’s Shibuya district—are introducing nighttime public drinking bans in specific tourist zones. Avoid drinking while walking and always follow local guidelines.
♦ IC Cards No Longer Accepted in Kumamoto
Starting November 16, 2024, Kumamoto City and some local transit operators stopped accepting national IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA. Only cash or local cards (like the Kumamon Card) are valid.
♦ Okinawa to Introduce a 2% Lodging Tax
Beginning in 2026, a lodging tax of 2% (capped at ¥2,000 per person per night) will be charged in Okinawa. Students and official travel groups are exempt.
♦ Tax-Free Shopping Will Change in 2026
Japan’s tax-free system will shift to airport-only refunds starting in 2026. Tourists will pay tax at the time of purchase and claim the refund at the airport. The current sealed-bag rule will be abolished.
♦ Customs Reminder: Alcohol, Cosmetics & Luxury Limits
Be mindful of customs regulations when entering Japan. For example, you may bring in up to 3 bottles of alcohol and 2 ounces of perfume. Items exceeding the limit must be declared to avoid penalties.
♦ Easier Entry with Visit Japan Web
Since 2024, foreign visitors—including those from Taiwan—can pre-register their arrival information through the Visit Japan Web platform and receive a QR code for faster customs and immigration clearance.
(Minoo Park, Osaka – Image Source: Pexels)
► Vehicle Types ► Pricing Information
Quality control
✔ The driver has a qualified license, and orange cat charter customers can ride with peace of mind
✔ Service quality management, all drivers have to pay a service deposit to ensure qualified service
✔ Background system monitoring to provide you with the most efficient car dispatch service
Important information
l Please complete the order at least one week before the time of use
l This price is the usual price, not applicable for big holidays, the price is subject to the consultant's quotation
l The car can provide 1 child seat, if necessary, please contact the consultant customer service
l The itinerary can be customized and adjusted and quoted, please contact the consultant customer service for assistance
l All quotations do not include tax. If you need an invoice, 5% tax will be added. If you need it, please contact the consultant customer service.
If the guest cancels the itinerary due to personal reasons, the fee will be handled in accordance with the "Domestic Tourism Formalization Contract" issued by the Tourism Bureau.
l If the booking is cancelled 41 days before departure, a 5% handling fee of the full travel fee will be charged
l Cancellations made 31 to 40 days before departure will incur a 10% handling fee of the full travel fee
l Cancellations made 21 to 30 days before departure will incur a 20% handling fee of the full travel fee
l Cancellation 2 to 20 days before departure will incur a 30% handling fee of the full travel fee
l Cancellation 1 day before departure, 50% of the full travel fee will be charged
l Cancellation on the day of departure will not be refunded
In the event of force majeure cancellation of the itinerary (natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes/epidemic level 3), the balance will be refunded after deducting 5% of the total travel cost of necessary fees and administrative expenses.
1. What items are included in the chartered car fee? Do I need to tip extra? How is the overtime fee calculated?
The fee includes fuel fees and insurance; it does not include tolls, parking fees, driver's room and board, attractions tickets, guest room and board and self-funded activities. The charter service time is 10HRS/day. There is no hard and fast rule for tipping, and guests can decide on their own depending on the quality of the driver's service. The overtime fee varies according to different regions and dates! It is recommended to estimate the overtime fee with the customer service center before the trip
2. Can the scenic spot or departure time be temporarily changed on the day?
The chartered car is based on your itinerary (negotiated by both parties). The time will be based on the pace of your travel that day, and there will be no limit to the time you stay in each scenic spot. If there are temporary conditions on the day, it can be adjusted flexibly. Negotiable according to the situation of the day. If you change the departure time temporarily, please confirm with the driver at least one day before
3. What is included in the insurance of the chartered car? After Orange Cat helps us add insurance, do we still need to add travel insurance by ourselves?
Including commercial vehicle liability insurance, compulsory insurance, travel agency liability insurance, a total of 6 million. We also recommend that guests, no matter which country they go to, add their own travel insurance to feel more at ease! There is an extra layer of protection for injuries and illnesses due to personal behavior during the journey. The insurance that the company adds to the customer's insurance is that if we are responsible for negligence, the insurance will only be established.
Book two months in advance and enjoy instant discounts —
NT$1,000 off for two consecutive days of charter service, NT$2,000 off for three days.
Plus, get a free child safety seat for kids under six (valued at NT$500/day).
Travel with peace of mind and save money on your family trip —
spots are limited, so book early to enjoy the perks!
Just finished temple-hopping in Kyoto? In the next moment, you're biting into takoyaki in Osaka—then cruising straight to Kobe for that sparkling harbor night view. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the magic of chartered travel.
No need to check train schedules. No dragging suitcases up and down stations. No getting dizzy from Google Maps. Just hop in, relax, snap some photos, take a nap—and you’ll arrive right at the doorstep of your next destination.
Parents won’t be exhausted. Kids won’t be cranky. And you finally get to experience what “travel” is really supposed to feel like.
With so many iconic spots across Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, you’ll never see it all without your own ride. Go at your own pace, stay as long as you want—the driver’s your built-in guide and travel buddy, taking you all the way in total comfort.
Next time you visit Kansai, please—ditch the luggage hauling and station hopping. Let us wrap your journey into something easy, smooth, and full of feel-good moments.
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