Just 2 hours from Tokyo ! 7 autumn foliage spots in the naturally rich Hokuto City Yamanashi Prefecture !
Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is easily accessible, just two hours by car or train from Tokyo and about an hour by car from Mount Fuji . Surrounded by mountains and rich in nature, Hokuto City offers a variety of seasonal changes. This time, we will introduce 7 beautiful spots to see autumn leaves. We are sure you will find something you like.
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It is located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, on the border with Nagano Prefecture. It is a vast area surrounded by 3,000m-class mountains such as the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Kinpu, and overlooking Mt. Fuji to the south. It is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, about an hour from Mt. Fuji, and about an hour from Matsumoto, and is easily accessible, so many tourists visit throughout the year. It is also known as a "village of famous water," and three places have been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous water sources. This bounty of water is loved as natural water, and the area boasts one of the largest production volumes of mineral water in Japan. Sake is also produced from the pure water, and you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and rich food.
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Table of Contents
- The Higashizawa Bridge : Kiyosato's Iconic "Red Bridge" Set Against the Brocade Autumn Foliage of the Yatsugatake Mountains.
- The Ojiragawa Valley : The Contrast of Emerald Stream and Autumn Colors
- Yatsugatake Kogen Great Bridge : Autumn Leaves Adorning the Valley Against the Backdrop of Yatsugatake Mountains
- Mt. Mizugaki Nature Park : A Spectacular Combination of Golden Larch and Vivid Maple
- Hontanigawa Valley : Autumn Colors Painting the Pure Waters selected as Japan's 100 Best Waters
- Shingen Bomichi : A golden corridor with a history
- Fujimidaira : Panorama of shining larch trees and Mt. Fuji
The Higashizawa Bridge : Kiyosato's Iconic "Red Bridge" Set Against the Brocade Autumn Foliage of the Yatsugatake Mountains.
The Higashizawa Bridge,
affectionately known as the "Red Bridge," is a 90-meter long
vermilion arch bridge located in Kiyosato.
During the autumn foliage season, the
surrounding area transforms into a spectacular landscape covered in rich autumn colors. With the magnificent Yatsugatake Mountains in the background, the
bright red bridge creates a beautiful contrast with the deep canyon gorge
painted in the vibrant reds of maples and yellows of Japanese larches.
The view from the observatory on the east
side of the bridge (Kiyosato Station side) is particularly exceptional.
The best time to see the autumn colors is usually from mid-October
to early November.
(Note) The
bridge is undergoing repair work from September 11, 2025, to August 31, 2026.
Half of the bridge is covered with sheeting, affecting the view.
The Ojiragawa Valley : The
Contrast of Emerald Stream and Autumn Colors
The Ojiragawa Valley, sourced from the Minami Alps, is a valley selected as one of Japan's 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters
At Senga-fuchi, which is about a
15-minute walk from the parking lot, the emerald green clear stream creates a
stunning contrast with the red and yellow autumn leaves of beech and maple
trees. This harmonious collaboration between the pure water and the autumnal
colors is truly magical.
For those interested in serious trekking, the trail continues deeper into the valley, where you can visit several waterfalls.
The best time to see the autumn colors near Sengafuchi is usually from early to late November.
Note: Beyond Senga-fuchi, the trail is a
narrow and potentially dangerous mountain path. Please ensure you have proper
hiking boots and gear before proceeding. Those with limited hiking experience
or confidence in their physical fitness should refrain from continuing.
(Note) The forest road beyond Sengafuchi is closed during the winter (early December to late April).
Yatsugatake Kogen Great Bridge : Autumn Leaves Adorning the Valley Against the Backdrop of Yatsugatake Mountains
The Yatsugatake Kogen Great Bridge, often
called the "Yellow Bridge" in contrast to the "Red Bridge",
is 100 meters high and 490 meters long. The bridge features a pedestrian
walkway, offering panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Mountains to the north,
the Minami Alps to the southwest, and Mt. Fuji to the south.
During the autumn season, you can enjoy a
magnificent view of the colorful foliage decorating the valley stream, with the
Yatsugatake Mountains in the background.
The best time to see the autumn colors is usually from late October to early November.
Mt. Mizugaki Nature Park : A Spectacular Combination of Golden Larch and Vivid Maple
Mt. Mizugaki Nature Park is a rich, natural
park located at the foot of Mt. Mizugaki, one of the 100 Famous Mountains of
Japan.
In the autumn foliage season, visitors can
enjoy a breathtaking view where the golden yellow of the Japanese larches and
the crimson red of the maple trees interweave, set against the powerful, rocky
peaks of Mt. Mizugaki.
The best time to see the autumn colors is usually from mid-October
to early November.
(Note) The
forest road is closed during the winter (late November to late April).
Hontanigawa Valley : Autumn Colors Painting the Pure Waters selected as Japan's 100 Best Waters
The Hontanigawa Valley is a valley along the
Hontani River, which originates from Mt. Kinpu. It is a beautiful valley known for
its clear stream, selected as one of the "100 Exquisite Waters of the
Heisei Era."
In autumn, trees such as Japanese larches
and maples are vividly colored, and the clear stream itself appears dyed with
the reflection of the autumn leaves.
Please enjoy this quiet and beautiful
Japanese autumn spectacle, created by the interplay of pristine water and
vibrant fall colors.
The best time to see the autumn colors is usually from late
October to early November.
(Note) Some Sections
of the forest road are closed during the winter (late November to late April)
Shingen Bomichi : A golden corridor with a history
The Shingen Bomichi (Shingen's Straight Road)
is a military road built by the warlord Shingen Takeda (1521 - 1573). It is
called a Bo (pole) road because it stretches straight like a pole.
It has been developed as a nature trail and has been selected as one of the "500 Beautiful Walking Paths in Japan ."
As autumn deepens, the ancient path transforms into a corridor of shining golden larch trees. Along the way, a moss-covered stone Buddha statue that has been watching over the walking path since the Edo period (1603-1868) stands quietly, admiring the beauty of the Nishiki colors.
Enjoy the charming autumn roads while reminiscing about the romance of the past.
The best time to see the autumn colors is usually from late October to early November.
Fujimidaira : Panorama of shining larch trees and Mt. Fuji
Fujimi-daira, literally "Mt. Fuji View
Plateau", as its name suggests, is a prime location where you can view
Mt. Fuji directly without obstruction.
During the autumn foliage season, the surrounding larch trees turn golden yellow, creating a stunning contrast with the magnificent Mt. Fuji .
You are sure to be captivated by the crisp
air and the grand, sweeping view.
The best time to see the autumn colors is usually from mid-October to early November.
(Note) The forest road is closed during the winter (late November to late April).
As you tour the colorful city, you can also see Mt. Fuji shining against the autumn sky.
The autumn leaves season brings vibrant colors to the mountains. Why not take a short trip from the Tokyo metropolitan area or Mt. Fuji to enjoy some hidden gems for viewing the autumn leaves?
It is located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, on the border with Nagano Prefecture. It is a vast area surrounded by 3,000m-class mountains such as the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Kinpu, and overlooking Mt. Fuji to the south. It is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, about an hour from Mt. Fuji, and about an hour from Matsumoto, and is easily accessible, so many tourists visit throughout the year. It is also known as a "village of famous water," and three places have been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous water sources. This bounty of water is loved as natural water, and the area boasts one of the largest production volumes of mineral water in Japan. Sake is also produced from the pure water, and you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and rich food.
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