[Nagano/Yamanashi] Autumn Travel - Complete Guide to Autumn Foliage Viewing | Recommended Spots You Can't Miss

Nagano and Yamanashi Autumn Foliage Information | Scenic Spots and Recommended Points

When it comes to autumn in Japan, the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves are a highlight. Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures are easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and it's relatively easy to travel between tourist spots, making them the perfect destinations for travelers who want to enjoy viewing the autumn leaves.

Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures are dotted with many beautiful autumn foliage spots, combining Mount Fuji, lakes, ancient temples, and historic townscapes. Here, we will introduce in detail the charms of autumn foliage and recommended spots, focusing on popular tourist spots such as Arakurayama Sengen Park, Lake Fujikawaguchi, Zenkoji Temple, Kumoba Pond, and Kyu-Karuizawa.

Autumn foliage spots in Yamanashi Prefecture

1. Arakurayama Sengen Park

Arakurayama Sengen Park is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom with the five-story pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the background. In autumn, the red and yellow maple and ginkgo trees surround the five-story pagoda, creating a spectacular contrast with the snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Many tourists visit from both Japan and abroad, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season throughout the year.

Highlights:
• The sunrise and sunset times are especially recommended for photography. • From the observation deck, you can see Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the surrounding mountains. • There are snack and souvenir shops in the park, so you can enjoy both a stroll and sightseeing.

Photos with the five-story pagoda in the background are popular on social media, and it is a symbol of autumn in Japan, where history and nature come together in harmony.

2Fuji Kawaguchiko

The Fujikawaguchiko area offers beautiful scenery in every season. Whether you visit in spring for cherry blossoms, summer for fresh greenery, or winter for snow, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and Mt. Fuji. In autumn, the air is particularly clear and refreshing, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves while strolling along the lakeside. If you take a sightseeing boat, you can also enjoy the view of the autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji reflected on the water's surface.

Highlights:
• Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade (approximately 4km) along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. • Enjoy the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface and Mount Fuji from a different angle from a sightseeing boat. • At a nearby hot spring inn, you can also enjoy the luxurious experience of viewing the autumn leaves from an open-air bath.

The combination of the lake and the autumn leaves is recommended for travelers who want to experience the tranquility of nature. In autumn, the leaves are lit up, creating a fantastical view at night.

For details and reservations for the Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor Tour, click here

Autumn foliage spots in Nagano Prefecture

1. Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple is a historic ancient temple, and in autumn the ginkgo and maple trees in the temple grounds change color, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves in a tranquil atmosphere. Early mornings are especially recommended, allowing you to photograph the ancient temple and the golden and red leaves in the quiet grounds with few visitors. The scenery, bathed in soft morning light, is like a painting. Another charming aspect is taking a leisurely stroll while enjoying hot tea and light snacks at the teahouses along the approach to the temple.

Highlights:
• The contrast between the ancient temple and the autumn leaves creates a sense of traditional Japanese beauty. • Souvenir shops and teahouses are scattered along the approach to the temple, allowing you to enjoy a stroll and a bite to eat at the same time. • Early mornings are quiet, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves at your leisure.

The landscape, interwoven with historical buildings and nature, is a rare spot where you can experience both culture and nature.

2 Kumoba Pond

Kumoba Pond is also known as "Little Karuizawa Autumn" and is characterized by the autumn leaves reflected on its clear water surface. The red and yellow leaves reflect in the pond, creating a mirror-like scene. The short, well-maintained promenade surrounding the pond makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the beautiful reflections. Another attraction is that there are few tall buildings in the surrounding area, allowing you to observe many wild birds in the tranquility of nature. In autumn, birds such as greenfinches, great tits, Japanese white-eyes, varied tits, and, depending on the season, mallards can be seen, and you can capture them together with the autumn leaves in photos.

Autumn leaves at Kumoba Pond Photo by Karuizawa Economic Newspaper

Highlights:
• Enjoy the autumn leaves while taking a leisurely stroll around the pond. • Early mornings are especially beautiful, with the autumn leaves and wild birds reflected on the water's surface, making it ideal for photography. • The refreshing autumn air and tranquility are also appealing.

3 Old Karuizawa

Old Karuizawa is an area that retains the Western-style streetscapes of the Meiji and Taisho eras, and in autumn the tree-lined streets along the roads turn colorful, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The town center is dotted with wedding churches and classic Western architecture, creating a beautiful landscape that harmonizes with the autumn leaves. There are also many shops selling homemade jams and baked goods, which are great for enjoying as you stroll around.

Highlights:
• Stroll around the area, admiring the retro Western-style buildings, cafes, and boutiques. • The entire town is bathed in autumn leaves, so you can fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere just by walking around. • There are also art museums and general stores scattered throughout, so you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping at the same time.

There are also some interesting events, such as the Autumn Leaves Library, held every year in the Karuizawa Hoshino area. Around 500 autumn-themed books are lined up in a plaza surrounded by autumn leaves, and visitors can enjoy reading in a relaxing deck chair. In 2025, a Nap Book Tree will also be introduced, where visitors can lie down and read. This is recommended for book lovers and those who want to enjoy autumn at a leisurely pace.

This is a special spot where you can enjoy a reading experience surrounded by autumn leaves in addition to a stroll through the streets of Old Karuizawa. A stroll in the soft light of the evening makes the warm autumn atmosphere even more enjoyable and is also perfect for taking photos.

Now, let's go out and enjoy the autumn leaves!

This season, with its pleasant autumn breeze, is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves. Take a leisurely stroll in the clear air, take photos, and enjoy the autumn colors with all your senses. It's easy to get out on a weekend or a short trip, so why not plan an outing this fall and enjoy leaf-peeping?