[Yamanashi] Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival of Mt. Fuji

• Table of Contents
• Autumn leaves at the foot of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
• Temperature and clothing during autumn foliage season
• Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival
• Recommended spots to see autumn leaves around Lake Kawaguchiko[Lake Kawaguchiko area]
• Recommended spots to visit together
• Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves [Lake Saiko and Narusawa area]
• Recommended spots to visit together

Autumn leaves at the foot of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko

Because Lake Kawaguchiko, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, is located at an altitude of over 800m, the autumn foliage season arrives about a month earlier than in Tokyo or Kanagawa. The best part of viewing autumn leaves at the Fuji Five Lakes is being able to see the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and the red and yellow trees. There are many other places in Japan with beautiful autumn leaves, but this is the only place where you can see the collaboration of Mt. Fuji, autumn leaves, and Lake Kawaguchiko.

It is said that the quality of the autumn leaves is determined by the "temperature difference." At Lake Kawaguchiko, the temperature difference between day and night is large at this time of year, which makes the autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchiko even more colorful. The best time to see the autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchiko is usually from early to late November. Lake Yamanakako , which is also one of the Fuji Five Lakes but is at a higher altitude than Lake Kawaguchiko , sees the best time to see the autumn leaves from late October to early November, and the fifth station of Mt. Fuji, at an altitude of 2,300m, sees the best time to see the autumn leaves from early to late October.

Temperature and clothing during autumn foliage season

The average temperatures during the autumn foliage season are: October: 12.5°C (average maximum temperature 18°C, average minimum temperature 7°C), November: 7°C (average maximum temperature 13°C, average minimum temperature 1°C). Just by looking at these numbers you can see the large temperature difference.

Please bring a jacket or trench coat that you can easily wear over your knitwear or hoodie.

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, now in its 26th year, is a festival held mainly around the Maple Corridor on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Since visitors can see both Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves at the same time, it is crowded with many tourists from both Japan and overseas every year.

The highlights of the Autumn Leaves Festival can be broadly divided into two parts: the Maple Corridor and the Craft Market.

Maple Corridor

One is the "Maple Corridor," created by the lustrous giant maple trees that line the Nashi River. After sunset, the leaves are lit up, creating a fantastical sight. This year, 2023, the illuminated area will be expanded, allowing you to enjoy an even more spectacular illumination.

Craft Market

Individual artists from all over the country will gather in one place and you can purchase woodwork, glass, silver accessories, etc. Find your favorite and be sure to buy it as a memento of your trip.

Event period: Saturday, October 26, 2024 to Wednesday, November 20, 2024

9:00am~7:00pm (It is lit up from sunset until 9:30 PM.)

Click here for details on the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

In addition, there are other autumn foliage viewing spots around the festival venue, such as the "Momiji Tunnel" and the "Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore Walking Trail (near the Lake Kawaguchiko Circular Hall)," so be sure to take a stroll there as well.

[By car]

About 10 minutes from Lake Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway

Approximately 15 minutes from Fujiyoshida IC on the Higashi-Fuji Five Lakes Road

[By train or bus]

Take the Lake Kawaguchiko Tour Bus (Red Line) from Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyuko Line for about 20 minutes

Get off at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum bus stop (bus stop No. 17)

For details on the Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko and Motosu sightseeing bus, please click here → https://www.fujikyubus.co.jp/shuyu

Recommended spots to see autumn leaves around Lake Kawaguchiko[Lake Kawaguchiko area]

Lake Kawaguchiko Walking Trail (near Lake Kawaguchiko Circular Hall)

Located a 5-minute walk from the autumn leaves festival venue, this is a scenic spot where you can see Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, and the autumn leaves all at the same time. Please take a walk along the walking trail that runs along the lakeside while feeling the autumn breeze.

Maple Tunnel

A popular spot where you can take photos of Mt. Fuji through the maple leaves. Momiji Tunnel This name comes from the fact that the maple leaves lining the shore of Lake Kawaguchi look like a tunnel.

There is free parking, but it can only accommodate about 10 cars, so we recommend Bicycle rental to get around the area.

Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine is a local shrine located in Katsuyama, Lake Kawaguchiko Town, with its main shrine being the Sengen Shrine at the second station of Mt. Fuji. In spring, it is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and the Yabusame Festival, which has a tradition of over 900 years, is also held here. In autumn, it is a hidden spot for viewing autumn leaves, where you can take your time praying while admiring the autumn leaves.

Recommended spots to visit together

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

The "Kubota Itchiku Art Museum" is located at the end of the "Momiji Corridor" where the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Festival is held. This art museum is listed with three stars in the Michelin Tourist Guide.

This beautiful museum where art and nature coexist, features a pyramid-shaped main building made from 16 pillars of "hiba" (a type of cypress) that are over 1,000 years old. The main building is home to a permanent exhibition of "Itchiku Tsujigahana," an intricate dyeing art by dye artist Itchiku Kubota.

In addition, in the garden, which presents Kubota Itchiku's unique worldview, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery created by the combination of autumn leaves and buildings.

For more information about the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, click here

Lake Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

The Lake Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum has a wide variety of music shows and events, including an exhibition of rare music boxes and automatic musical instruments. The highlights include the world's largest dance organ and an automatic musical instrument that was planned to be installed on the Titanic.

Another highlight is the garden, which blends beautifully with the scenery of Lake Kawaguchiko and the trees and other natural elements.

We also recommend the "Music Box Making Experience" where you can create your own original music box, and the "Princess Experience" where you can choose your favorite dress from over 100 types and stroll around the building.

For more information about the Lake Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, click here

Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves [Lake Saiko and Narusawa area]

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

"Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba" is a row of 20 thatched roof houses. In the thatched roof houses, you can experience traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, painting, and incense making. You can also view the fantastical Japanese landscape created by the thatched roof village and autumn leaves.

Lake Saiko Bird Forest Park

Surrounded by the Aokigahara Jukai forest, this natural park is home to around 60 species of wild birds, allowing you to observe them up close. In autumn, it is also famous as a spot to see the autumn foliage of beech, oak, and maple trees.

Momijidai

From Koyodai, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the Aokigahara Jukai forest. In early November, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji created by the colored trees.

Recommended spots to visit together

Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen

This day-trip hot spring facility offers 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. In addition to the baths, there are also restaurants, body refreshment (massage), and free and paid rest rooms. After viewing the autumn leaves, be sure to relax in the Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen.

Click here for details on Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen

During the crowded autumn foliage season, rent an electric-assist bicycle from " Fujikanko Travel " located in front of Kawaguchiko Sta. ! Make the most of your time and enjoy sightseeing!

Fujikanko Travel

401-0301 3644-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Lake Kawaguchiko gun, Ya...

A travel agency based in Lake Kawaguchiko that offers day-trip activity tours where you can fully enjoy the great nature at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Particularly recommended are the popular cycling tour, which explores the history of Fuji-ko, and more. We have many tours available for beginners, as well as tours for intermediate and advanced users, so please feel free to contact us. The store offers a Bicycle rental service. We can rent it for 600 yen per hour and 3,000 yen for one day (9:00-18:00), so please let us know if you are interested. Fujiten ski taxis and ski buses are also available during the winter. Please see the Fujikanko Travel website for details.

Click here for a map of recommended autumn foliage spots

Recommended sightseeing routes for Bicycle rental are now available! 👆