Best autumn-leaf viewing excursions from Tokyo
- japansophy
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Tokyo shines in autumn, but some of the most spectacular colours lie just beyond the city’s bustle. You don’t need to travel for hours: in just a few short train rides, you can reach hidden valleys, elegant temples, riverside walks, and hillside forests awash in red and gold. This guide highlights leaf-viewing spots in or close to Tokyo — perfect for day trips or overnight escapes.
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When is the peak autumn-leaf-viewing season in the Tokyo area and what can I expect?
The "koyo" season is the autumn equivalent of the cherry-blossom season in spring and can be expected in the Tokyo area at the end of October / start of November. This will very much depend on seasonal temperatures and also on altitude, with trees on higher ground at their peak a lot earlier than those at lower altitudes. The season is a great time for travelling and sightseeing, since November in particular is usually a drier month with crisp temperatures and plenty of blue skies. Be aware, though: although not the peak time for overseas visitors, the Japanese themselves are keen autumn-colour-viewers and many of the top spots will be very full, particularly at weekends.
We've put together a list of leaf-viewing spots that are either popular for a reason or absolutely beautiful but still lesser-known, and all perfectly accessible within Tokyo or not too far outside.
Nikko: History in the highlands
Although it really does require an investment of a whole day, Nikko is a premier day trip choice as it offers a spectacular combination of UNESCO World Heritage sites and stunning mountain scenery, which translates into an extended autumn viewing period. The leaves turn early in the high elevations of Oku-Nikko (around early to mid-October) at spots like Ryuzu Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji, and then descends to the town area (around early November), surrounding the magnificent Toshogu Shrine and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. This staggered schedule increases your chances of catching peak colour.
How to get there: Take the Tobu-Nikko Line Limited Express (like the Spacia X) from Asakusa Station in Tokyo directly to Tobu Nikko Station. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed bus or a private day tour from Tokyo.
Hitachi Seaside Park: An otherworldly sea of red
For a unique and highly instagrammable experience, Hitachi Seaside Park is unparalleled. Instead of traditional maple and ginkgo trees, the main attraction is Miharashi Hill, which is covered with thousands of Kochia (Summer Cypress) bushes. These round, fluffy plants turn a vibrant, fiery crimson red from late September to mid-October, creating a surreal carpet of colour against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The park is also famous for its large fields of cosmos flowers blooming during the same season.
How to get there: The park is about two hours from Tokyo, making it an ideal day trip. The most straightforward way is to book one of the many coach tours available, especially at this time of the year. You can also take the JR Joban Line Limited Express to Katsuta Station and then take a short local bus or taxi to the park.
Lake Kawaguchiko: An autumnal stage for Mount Fuji
Lake Kawaguchiko offers perhaps the most iconic autumn view in all of Japan: vibrant red and yellow foliage perfectly framing the majestic, often snow-capped, Mount Fuji. The area’s peak viewing season is generally from late October to mid-November. The highlight is the Momiji (Maple) Corridor along the north shore, a stunning natural tunnel of maple trees that is often illuminated at night during the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival. Taking the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway also provides breathtaking aerial views of the lake and fall colours with Fuji-san in the background.
How to get there: The quickest and most popular way is the direct Highway Bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko Station, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. You can also take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station and transfer to the Fujikyu Railway, but the direct bus is generally faster and cheaper.
Hakone: The scenic loop journey
Hakone provides a diverse autumn viewing experience that is woven into a spectacular sightseeing loop. The foliage turns from late October to late November, beginning in the high-altitude areas like Owakudani and descending to Lake Ashi. You can view the vibrant colours from a multitude of transport options, including the Hakone Tozan Train, the Ropeway (offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape contrasting with the leaves), and the Pirate Ship Cruise across Lake Ashi, where you'll see the forest reflecting on the water, often with the famous Peace Torii Gate in the foreground. You can also check out the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields, which are at their best from late September until mid-October and are a spectacular (but lesser known) sight.
How to Get There: Take the Odakyu Romancecar Limited Express from Shinjuku Station directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. This journey takes approximately 80 to 90 minutes. Purchasing the Hakone Free Pass is highly recommended as it includes the round-trip train ticket and grants unlimited access to most of Hakone's local transport, making a day trip seamless.
Showa Memorial Park: Golden ginkgo tunnel
Located in the western part of Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park (Kokuei Showa Kinen Park) is the perfect spot for a relaxed and accessible autumn escape without leaving the Tokyo metropolitan area. The park is famous for its gorgeous golden scenery, most notably the Katarai Ginkgo Tree Avenue, a nearly 300-meter-long lane where the ginkgo trees form a brilliant yellow tunnel in mid-November. In addition to the golden ginkgo, the park's Japanese Garden offers classic red maple leaves, and the vast lawns are ideal for a peaceful picnic amidst the autumn hues. The park also has a field of cosmos flowers at this time of the year. Hire a bicycle for an hour or two and spend an afternoon exploring the park's various colourful corners.
How to get there: The park is very easy to reach from central Tokyo via the JR Chuo Line Rapid Service to Tachikawa Station (about 40 minutes from Shinjuku). The main entrance (Tachikawa Gate) is then about a 15-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, you can exit at Nishi-Tachikawa Station for a faster 2-minute walk to a different park gate, closer to the ginkgo avenue.
Mount Takao: Tokyo's backyard mountain retreat
Mount Takao, located in western Tokyo, is a fantastic choice for travellers seeking a nature-focused autumn experience without a long journey. Honoured with a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, this 599-meter mountain transforms into a dazzling tapestry of red and gold from mid-November to early December. The Takaosan Yakuoin Temple at the mid-point provides a stunning contrast of vermillion architecture against the fiery maple trees. You can choose from multiple well-maintained hiking trails or simply relax by taking the cable car or chair lift, both of which glide directly over the dazzling forest canopy for an incredible aerial view, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
How to get there: Mount Takao is exceptionally easy to reach. Take the Keio Line Semi-Express or Express train directly from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station. You'll only need around 50 mins to get there.
Japan’s famously efficient public transport network makes hitting one of these autumn hotspots possible in a single, memorable day. This autumn, throw a few onigiri in your bag, consult the foliage forecast and venture just beyond the city limits to discover Japan's breathtaking scarlet and gold autumn scenery.
Where are your favourite autumn destinations in Japan? Let us know in the comments.
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