Top 8 Autumn Foliage Tours in Japan: Mt. Fuji, Hokkaido, and More

A burst of orange, red, and gold covering the mountainsides and forest canopies... Japan's fall foliage is stunning in the effect it has on the landscape. From the serenity of Hokkaido in the north to the forested cliffs of Kyushu, visitors are spoiled for choice about seeing spectacular fall foliage across Japan.

Read on to learn about 8 fall foliage tours and activities you can enjoy in Japan. Some of these tours take you to breathtaking locations that are otherwise more difficult to access.

8 Excellent Fall Foliage Tours in Japan

1. Hokkaido Autumn Tour: Kurodake Ropeway, Asahiyama Zoo, and Blue Pond
2. Naruko Gorge and Ginzan Onsen One-Day Bus Tour
3. Nasu Autumn Foliage and Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination
4. Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Autumn Foliage Day Tour from Tokyo
5. Mishima Skywalk and Izu Day Tour from Tokyo
6. Kawagoe Autumn Foliage One-Day Tour from Tokyo
7. Nikko and Kegon Falls Autumn Foliage One-Day Tour from Tokyo
8. Yabakei Gorge Fall Foliage: One-Day Tour from Fukuoka

1. Hokkaido Kurodake Ropeway, Asahiyama Zoo, and Blue Pond Autumn Bus Tour

Picture courtesy of Klook

What could be more relaxing and awe-inspiring than sailing along on a cable car gondola over a sea of orange unfolding below you?

On this scenic bus tour from Sapporo, visitors will be treated to an amazing time at the Kurodake Ropeway along with other great natural sights in the Hokkaido region. You'll get to enjoy watching the very start of the fall foliage sweeping across the Japanese landscape as Hokkaido's scenery turns the earliest in the country!

The second destination is Asahiyama Zoo where you can see a wide variety of adorable animals from red pandas to polar bear cubs.

Picture courtesy of Klook

The third stop is the Blue Pond in Biei, a stunning pond with blue waters created by nature.

The day trip is great for visitors looking to squeeze every last drop from their trip up north and conveniently starts and ends at Sapporo station for easy navigation!

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2. Naruko Gorge Autumn Leaves and Ginzan Onsen One Day Bus Tour

Ginzan Onsen. Photo by Pixta
Experience the epitome of autumn's splendor on this bus tour departing from Sendai.

The first stop is the amazing Ginzan Onsen area - an old silver mining area that is now known for its collection of old-style travel inns as well as a spectacular streetscape that evokes feelings of an older era of Japan.

As you wander the streets and immerse yourself in the past, you can also enjoy delicious local treats and traditional Japanese sweets.

Photo by Pixta

Finally, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning fall foliage of Naruko Gorge. There is a beautiful viewing spot that takes in the spectacular Obukasawa Bridge cutting through the forest canopy and it makes for great photos!

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3. Nasu Autumn Leaves and Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination One-Day Tour

Nasu Ropeway. Picture courtesy of Klook

A journey through changing natural scenery and beautiful cultural heritage awaits on this trip that departs from Shinjuku in Tokyo! Lunch is included; you'll be enjoying a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant offering more than one hundred dishes.

Ashikaga Flower Park. Picture courtesy of Klook

The journey up to Nasu is full of surprises and spectacular scenery that you will never forget. Highlights include seeing the majesty of the Oya Kannon Statue (the Boddhisattva of Mercy in the Buddhist tradition) made from white volcanic stone, as well as the spectacular illuminations of Ashikaga Flower Park.

The fall foliage views from the Nasu Ropeway are stunning! Be sure to take in all the sights of the observation deck as you see the many mountains and volcanoes that the area has to offer.

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4. Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Autumn Foliage Day Tour from Tokyo

Picture courtesy of Klook

The iconic peak of Mt Fuji combined with the serene shores of Lake Kawaguchi - this sounds like a day trip that will rejuvenate mind, body, and soul!

On this day trip from Tokyo, you'll get a unique opportunity to see the fall foliage frame one of the most iconic sights of Japan: Mt Fuji.

Picture courtesy of Klook

You can revel in seeing the vibrant tunnels of Japanese maple as the foliage slowly changes color over the season, marvel at the eight springs of crystal clear water that dot the village of Oshino Hakkai, and so much more!

Most of these areas can also be viewed at your own pace with only a set time on when to return and continue with the next leg of the grand Mt. Fuji fall foliage tour!

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5. Mishima Skywalk, Shuzenji Temple, and Atami Plum Garden Day Tour from Tokyo

Photo by Pixta

A tour that is only available in autumn, this day trip out to the Izu Peninsula is a great chance to see traditional architecture and the majesty of fall foliage.

Highlights of this tour include a walk across the longest suspension footbridge in Japan - the Mishima Skywalk. As you soar over a changing forest canopy, you can stare out towards the imposing peak of Mt Fuji rising in the distance, the Suruga Bay, and the mountains of the Izu Peninsula.

Picture courtesy of Klook

Once you've returned to the ground you'll visit the picturesque Shuzenji Temple and the Atami Plum Garden with its splendid fall colors.

With a small tour group, this activity makes for an intimate exploration trip to the area.

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6. Kawagoe Autumn Foliage One-Day Tour from Tokyo

Picture courtesy of Klook

Enjoy wandering through the olden streetscapes of Edo-era Kawagoe while also enjoying the beautiful fall foliage that decorates the surrounding areas. Kawagoe, a city located near Tokyo, is famous for its district that preserves Edo-period architecture.

With shopping areas filled to the brim with traditional sweets as well as snacks and tasty restaurants, visitors will have a great time exploring Kawagoe!

Picture courtesy of Klook

Also in the area are a number of picturesque temples and shrines with magnificent fall foliage. Kitain Temple, Chuin Temple, Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace, and Hikawa Shrine are on the itinerary.

Guides will help visitors reach the different locations on the tour but how you choose to experience the scenery is entirely up to you from there. Just be back in time to hop over to the next locale and enjoy the atmosphere!

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7. Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls Autumn Foliage One-Day Tour from Tokyo

Photo by Pixta

An entire mountainside turning bright vermilion awaits you in Nikko along with some of the most stunning world heritage architecture to complement it. Nikko is a stunning area of natural and cultural beauty that is a popular destination year-round.

Photo by Pixta

During the fall it is especially magnificent as the landscape and architecture come together to create spectacular scenery. The tour includes visits to Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and the Kegon Falls, a majestic 97-meter waterfall.

Photo by Pixta

Make sure you take in the beautiful sights of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a historical site with many areas to explore.

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8. Yabakei Gorge Fall Foliage: One Day Tour from Fukuoka

Picture courtesy of Klook
The Kyushu region boasts some of the most beautiful fall foliage destinations in Japan but many can be accessed only by car or bus.

Keisekien Garden. Photo by Pixta

This day tour departing from Fukuoka takes you to the Yabakei Gorge, one of the famous fall foliage spots in Kyushu. A trio of spectacular locations await you upon joining this tour, with both natural scenery and stunning cultural heritage.

Keisekien Garden illumination. Photo by Pixta

First, visitors are treated to the amazing fall scenery that can be enjoyed from the suspension bridges that crisscross the Sarutobi Gorge. Then you can enjoy the architecture of Goryo Shrine against a backdrop of fall colors. The tour ends with the spectacular night illumination of the fall foliage at Keisekien Garden, where the vivid colors blaze with life at night.

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Enjoy the Fall Foliage Season in Japan

The fall foliage season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Japan. Join one of the tours featured above to visit stunning locations that are hard to reach unless you go by car or bus.

Moreover, the tour guides will offer information that would otherwise be difficult to get. We hope you have a great time enjoying the fall foliage in Japan.