2024 Stunning Autumn Leaves: Best Spots and Festivals Around Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko
In the Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, there are many scenic spots where you can see Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves at the same time. In this article, we will introduce autumn foliage festivals and spots that you definitely shouldn't miss if you're in the area...
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Table of Contents
- Kawaguchiko's Temperature During Autumn Leaves Season
- 3 Must See Autumn Leaves Festivals In Kawaguchiko
- 6 Best Places to Enjoy Autumn Foliage
- Best Cycling Route to Enjoy The Beautiful View
- Enjoy Onsen with a Mt Fuji View! A Good Place to Stay Overnight
Kawaguchiko's Temperature During Autumn Leaves Season
In the foothills of Mt. Fuji and around Lake Kawaguchiko, you can enjoy autumn leaves from early October at the fifth station of Mt. Fuji, the kochia at Oishi Park, and the Lake Kawaguchiko Momiji Tunnel from early October to late November. As the foothills of Mt. Fuji is at an altitude of over 800m, the temperature difference between day and night becomes large in autumn, and this temperature difference makes the autumn leaves even more vivid.
The average temperature in October is 12.5°C (average high temperature 18°C, average low temperature 7°C), and in November it is 7°C (average high temperature 13°C, average low temperature 1°C). It gets especially cold at night, so be sure to bring a jacket when enjoying the autumn leaves.
3 Must See Autumn Leaves Festivals In Kawaguchiko
1. Magical Light-ups! Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival
At the "Momiji Corridor" near the walking trail on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, an autumn foliage festival is held every year at this time. The 60 giant maple trees along the Nashi River are a spectacular sight. After sunset, the leaves are lit up, creating a fantastical sight. The area around the festival site is bustling with food, drink, souvenir and other stalls, as well as craft stalls.
Period: Saturday, October 26, 2024 to Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Location: Near the Nashi River on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko
2. A 1000m Long Lane of Autumn Leaves: Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival
The Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival is held at a scenic spot on Lake Yamanakako that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful beaches. You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade while enjoying the autumn leaves. The area is also lit up in the evening. The 1000m long autumn leaves corridor is a spectacular sight.
Period: Friday, October 25, 2024 to Sunday, November 10, 2024
Venue: Lake Yamanakako and Asahigaoka Lakeside Park
3. Yoshida Autumn Leaves Festival
The Yoshida Autumn Leaves Festival will be held for the first time in four years. The Iroha Momiji Corridor, which runs from the Fuji Museum Park area to Kaneyama Falls, which reopened in April 2023, is a spectacular sight. During the festival, Kaneyama Falls and the autumn leaves will be lit up. In addition, food, drink, accessories and other items will be available for purchase, and tea ceremonies will also be held.
Period: October 26, 2024 to November 10, 2024
Venue: Fujisan Museum Park
6 Best Places to Enjoy Autumn Foliage
1. Lake Kawaguchiko Momiji Tunnel
It got its name from the fact that the maple trees lining the shores of Lake Kawaguchi look like a tunnel. This is a popular spot where you can take photos of Mt. Fuji through the maple trees. This spot can also be reached by car.
Best time to see: Early to late November
Access: Lake Kawaguchi
2. Arakurayama Sengen Park
A park where you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and Fujiyoshida city. It has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sceneries with Mt. Fuji" announced by the Ministry of the Environment. It has also been featured on the cover of the Michelin Green Guide Japon, and is now a world-famous park.
Best time to see: Mid-November
Access: 25 minutes on foot from Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Line
3. Mount Fuji 5th Station and Okuniwa Natural park
Oniwa (Natural park), Okuniwa (Natural park), and Onuchudo are located just before the fifth station of Mt. Fuji. This popular hidden spot is close to the Fuji Subaru Line and can be reached by car or bus. At an altitude of 2,200m to 2,400m, this area offers a variety of alpine plants and magnificent views of Mt. Fuji. From now until autumn, you can enjoy the crimson foliage and the impressive view of Mt. Fuji covered in a thin layer of snow.
Best time to see: Early to late October
Access: Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station or Okuniwa (Natural park) Parking Lot
In addition, Fujikanko Travel, located in front of Lake Kawaguchiko Station, offers a "Sightseeing Taxi Course" where you can enjoy a stroll around the fifth station of Mt. Fuji and the Okuniwa (Natural park). Please use the convenient "Sightseeing Taxi" of Fujikanko Travel for sightseeing at the fifth station of Mt. Fuji!
4. Oishi Park's Kochia
Lake Kawaguchiko Oishi Park is a park on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. It is a very popular park where you can see lavender in the summer and kochia and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji in the fall.
Best time to see: Mid to late October
5. Koyo-dai and Sankodai
This is an observation spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the beautiful autumn leaves. You can see the colored sea of trees, the snow-capped Mt. Fuji, and Lake Saiko. Momijidai is a mountain that even beginners can easily climb. It takes about 3 hours round trip to Sankodai, so you can enjoy a casual hike.
Best time to see: Early to late November
Access: Along National Route 139, enter the Momijidai entrance
6. Tenkachaya
A viewpoint overlooking the autumn leaves from Misaka Pass, Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. It is also famous as the place where the literary master Dazai Osamu stayed and wrote the poem "Evening primroses look good on Mt. Fuji." Not only is the view amazing, but the hoto noodles are also delicious, so be sure to try them.
Best time to see: Late October to early November
Access: Take National Route 139 towards Kofu, turn right just before the Shin-Misaka Tunnel
Best Cycling Route to Enjoy The Beautiful View
In autumn, the Fuji Five Lakes region is crowded with many tourists who want to see the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves, and it takes time to reach the autumn leaves festival venue. That's why we recommend Bicycle rental ! Make the most of your time and cycle around the autumn leaves spots.
Cycling Model Course Recommendation
10:00 Rent an electric-assisted bicycle at Fuji Kanko Fujikanko Travel in front of Lake Kawaguchiko Station!
(If you rent a bicycle, they will store your luggage for free, so you don't have to carry around heavy luggage!)
10:15 Arrive at Lake Kawaguchiko Bridge
~~Move~~
10:30~11:30 Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Walking Tour
~~Move~~
12:40 Nasubiza arrives
13:00-13:30 Enjoy a performance of Japanese musical instruments
At Nasubiza, you can enjoy performances of traditional Japanese instruments such as the Tsugaru shamisen, shakuhachi, and Japanese drums.
Advance reservations are required! Be sure to make your reservation in advance using the link below.
13:45~13:15 Stroll around Oishi Park (The kochia change color earlier than the maples. Please note that the best time to see the kochia is mid to late October, while the maples and other leaves change color from early to late November!)
~~Move~~
13:25 Arrive at Lake Kawaguchiko Momiji Tunnel
~~Movement Running along the lakeside feeling the autumn breeze~~
13:45~14:15 Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine
Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine is known as the oldest shrine on Mount Fuji. The main shrine is located at the second station of Mount Fuji.
~~Move~~
14:20~14:40 Walk around Yagizaki Park
A park where you can see cherry blossoms in spring and lavender in summer, as well as autumn leaves in autumn.
15:00 Go to Fujikanko Travel
Please take advantage of our convenient Bicycle rental for sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchiko .
Enjoy Onsen with a Mt Fuji View! A Good Place to Stay Overnight
This large accommodation facility is located in Narusawa Village at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and is conveniently located for accessing the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, Lake Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko Saiko, Lake Motosuko, Lake Shojiko, etc. If you would like to enjoy the autumn leaves for a two-day stay, please use Fuji Midori no Kyuka Mura.
Model Course Recommendation in Autumn
1st Day
10:00~14:30 Sightseeing at the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji and strolling around the Okuniwa (Natural park)
15:30 Check-in at Fuji Green Vacation Village
16:30~17:30Enjoy the hot springs at Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
2nd Day
9:00~14:00 Bicycle rental to explore the autumn foliage spots around Lake Kawaguchiko
Please refer to "Recommended Cycling Courses" above.
Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
This is a day-trip hot spring facility that offers a total of 16 types of baths, including two types of open-air baths with outstanding views of Mt. Fuji, as well as carbonated springs and cave baths. After viewing the autumn leaves, relax and soothe your fatigue with a soak in the hot springs.
The northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture is a stunning area of Japan that has plenty to offer visitors. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, including ”Arakurayama Sengen Park”, which offers a view of Mt. Fuji and the iconic five-story pagoda, "Chureito." The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is also a must-visit during the autumn season when visitors can see the colorful leaves. Our company, based in Lake Kawaguchiko, operates various facilities that utilize the natural resources of Mt. Fuji. These include the theme park "Fuji Subaru Land," which offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, and the Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also sample the world-famous "Fujizakura Heights Beer," made using natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” , or relax in the natural hot spring, "Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari," . We will clearly communicate the charm of Mt. Fuji, which changes with the seasons, from the base of Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko.
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