Kunen-an Garden Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed
九年庵の紅葉 — Kanzaki, Saga (Kyushu)
Staying in Fukuoka? See what else is on in Fukuoka this season →
- Typical peak
- Nov 15 – Mon, November 30, 2026
- Venue
- Kunen-an Garden, Kanzaki
- Official site
- www.city.kanzaki.saga.jp
Kunen-an may be Japan's most exclusive foliage garden — not by price, but by time. This National Place of Scenic Beauty in Saga opens to the public only about 9 to 16 days a year, around November 15-30, timed to the maples' peak (in 2025: November 15-30, 8:00am with last entry 4:00pm). Inside, red canopies float above an unbroken carpet of moss surrounding a thatched-roof villa — a composition so painterly that tens of thousands queue for it each year. Admission is 1,000 yen.
Background
Saga businessman Itami Yataro built the villa and garden as his retreat, employing a noted gardener for nine years of work from 1892 to 1900 — the name Kunen-an means "nine-year hermitage." The garden was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1995.
Getting there
Take the JR Nagasaki Line to Kanzaki Station, about 15 minutes from Saga Station or 40-50 minutes from Hakata with a transfer. During the public opening, shuttle buses typically run from near the station to the garden's reception area at Niiyama; outside those dates there is nothing to visit, so confirm the year's opening before planning.
Tips
- The opening window is the whole story: roughly 9-16 days around November 15-30. Lock your Kyushu itinerary to the announced dates.
- Admission is 1,000 yen (high school age and up), and on busy days numbered tickets are issued — arrive early in the morning to secure entry rather than an afternoon slot.
- Overcast or drizzly mornings are a gift here: wet moss saturates to deep green and the maple reds intensify without harsh shadows.
- Neighboring Niiyama Shrine's own maples come free with the walk in, and Yoshinogari's ancient-village park is one station away if you have the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to see Kunen-an Garden Autumn Leaves?
- Autumn color at Kunen-an Garden Autumn Leaves typically peaks from Nov 15 – Nov 30. Exact timing shifts year to year with the weather, so check a real-time foliage forecast close to your trip.
- Where is Kunen-an Garden Autumn Leaves, and how do you get there?
- Kunen-an Garden Autumn Leaves is located at Kunen-an Garden, Kanzaki in Kanzaki, Saga. Take the JR Nagasaki Line to Kanzaki Station, about 15 minutes from Saga Station or 40-50 minutes from Hakata with a transfer. During the public opening, shuttle buses typically run from near the station to the garden's reception area at Niiyama; outside those dates there is nothing to visit, so confirm the year's opening before planning.
- Is Kunen-an Garden Autumn Leaves free to enter, or do I need tickets?
- Most autumn leaves spots in Japan are free to enter, though some temples and gardens charge a small admission fee — especially during peak-season night illuminations. Check the official site for this location's exact pricing.
Last verified against the official source: Sun, August 16, 2026
Plan your trip
- 🏨 Search hotels on Trip.com
- 🎟️ Tours & experiences in Kanzaki
- 📱 Get a Japan eSIM (Airalo) — install before you fly, connect the moment you land, no SIM swap needed
Some links above are affiliate links — booking through them supports this site at no extra cost to you.