When autumn rolls around in Japan, most of the spotlight falls on the country's famous red and gold leaves, but the season offers much more than just maple and ginkgo. One of the most striking sights to catch during this time is the fluffy, round kochia bush. These vibrant plants turn from fresh summer green to a fiery crimson in fall, transforming hillsides and gardens into carpets of color.

If you're looking for something a little different from the usual leaf-viewing spots, here are five places across Japan where you can experience the beauty of kochia at its peak.

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Hokkaido

At Hokkaido's Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park, autumn brings plenty of color to the vast 400-hectare grounds. The park's central "Flower Field" is home to around 4,500 kochia plants, including the distinctive local variety known as the Takino Fire Egg. Unlike the classic round form, these more egg-shaped kochia stand out with their elegant, elongated silhouette.

247 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

Arguably the most recognizable kochia destination in Japan, Ibaraki's Hitachi Seaside Park showcases more than 30,000 kochia plants blanketing the iconic Miharashi Hill—it's also known for beautiful baby blue eyes in the spring. The seasonal kochia carnival at the park adds to the experience with food, art, and fun family activities throughout October. Keep an eye on the park's kochia forecast here for the most up to date info.

605-4 Onuma-aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, 312-0012

Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park, Niigata

At an altitude of around 1,000 meters, Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park offers one of Niigata's most scenic autumn getaways. From late September, the kochia on the plateau shift from fresh green to shades of red and brown, while by mid-October the surrounding mountains blaze with vivid reds and yellows. Visitors can take in the fresh air and expansive views while enjoying the flavors of the season at local cafes and restaurants, some of which feature special autumn menus.

490 Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma, Niigata 949-6101

Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park, Miyagi

The sprawling Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park is packed with fun for fans of all things autumn, and when it comes to kochia, there are around 7,000 plants spread across the Dandan Field and Irodori-no-Hiroba Flowerbed. You'll also find other seasonal blooms here like yellow cosmos, and plenty of options for leaf-peeping a little later on.

Nihonmatsu−53-9 Ono, Kawasaki, Shibata District, Miyagi, 989-1505

Mother Farm, Chiba

At Mother Farm in Chiba Prefecture, autumn takes on a vivid hue thanks to around 8,000 kochia plants that transform the hillsides into a sea of color. Perched at about 300 meters above sea level, the farm offers sweeping views where these round, fluffy plants shift from green to brilliant crimson, before fading into a soft golden tone later in the season. Beyond the striking scenery, visitors can enjoy seasonal craft workshops and limited-edition gourmet treats inspired by kochia.

940-3 Tagura, Futtsu, Chiba 299-1601