Kyoto, Japan

Spring's cherry blossom season may be the best known of Japan's arboreal offerings, but it's not the only one. In cities with high concentrations of deciduous trees, cooler days usher in brilliant colors. There's even an equivalent—albeit slightly more athletic—term for leaf peeping: momijigari, or "red leaf hunting." In cities like Kyoto, the hunt ends in a visual feast during November and early December. You'll be treated to the sight of thousands of fiery red Japanese maples at temples and parks. In some spots, you can even indulge in night viewing, when the trees are lit up for visitors to enjoy. Though you'll find crowds in Japan's best fall foliage destinations, airfare from the U.S. tends to be less expensive around this time.

Been to Kyoto or another famous foliage destination in Japan? Where was your favorite spot to hunt the red leaves?