Tokyo Autumn Day Trips: 15 Fall Foliage Spots in Okutama, Nikko, and More

Autumn Colors in Greater Tokyo

2024 Fall foliage map created by MATCHA based on information from Weathernews

Famous fall foliage spots in Tokyo include Meiji Jingu Gaien, Yoyogi Park, and Rikugien Garden—conveniently located in the city center. However, those wanting to ditch the crowds for nature should embark on a day trip from Tokyo for stunning scenery.

Read on to learn some of the best autumn destinations in the Greater Tokyo area. These include Okutama, Chiba, Nikko, Hakone, Karuizawa, and other amazing locations.

15 Fall Foliage Destinations Around Tokyo

1. Hatonosu Valley in Okutama
2. Mt. Takao
3. Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
4. Nakatsu Gorge in Saitama
5. Lake Kameyama in Chiba
6. Nikko: Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
7. Lake Ashi in Hakone
8. Kamakura Temples and Shrines
9. Kumoba Pond in Karuizawa
10. Hodosan Shrine in Nagatoro, Chichibu
11. Yoro Valley in Chiba
12. Moominvalley Park in Hanno
13. Ibaraki Prefectural History Museum and Fukuroda Falls
14. Lake Haruna and Ikaho Onsen
15. Oze National Park

1. Hatonosu Valley in Okutama, Tokyo

Photo by Pixta
The Okutama area, located in the western part of Tokyo, has a fabulous natural landscape. While hiking along the four-kilometer-long trail from JR Okutama Station, you will forget you're in a metropolis. The surroundings will immerse you in the sheer beauty of the trees and valley.

Hatonosu Valley is full of breathtaking scenery. It is said to be one of the best destinations to see the autumnal colors in the Okutama area. Gaze down from the suspension bridge during the fall foliage and take in the impressive valley and clear-flowing stream.

The best time to see the fall foliage in Okutama is usually in November.

Hatonosu Valley

Tanazawa, Okutama-cho, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo 198-0106

2. Mt. Takao in Tokyo

Mt. Takao is just an hour away from Shinjuku Station. There are several hiking trails where everybody can have fun, from beginners to advanced hikers. Hike up the mountain and admire the stunning colors of fall. There is also a ropeway and a cable car that hikers can use.

After working up an appetite, try Mt. Takao's specialty tororo soba, which is buckwheat noodles topped with grated mountain yam. Several food stalls also sell light snacks, like grilled and skewered dango (mochi). While hiking back to the foot of the mountain, you can stop at a local hot spring to relax after the challenging hike.

The fall colors at Mt. Takao are visible from around mid-November to late November.

Mount Takao

Takaocho, Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture 193-0844

Mount Takao, which belongs to Hachioji City, Tokyo, is located about 50 kilometers southeast of the Kanto Mountains, from the center of Toky...

3. Sankeien Garden in Yokohama

Photo by Pixta
Sankeien Garden is a Japanese-style garden regarded throughout Japan, especially for its beauty in the fall. There are historical buildings gathered from various places in Japan, such as Kyoto and Kamakura, within the premises.

The sights are very relaxing and pleasant to visitors. Sankeien Garden is the best place to admire the foliage of maple and ginkgo trees alongside historical buildings close to the port city of Yokohama.

Eateries with Japanese food, like soba and ramen, are also inside the garden. After enjoying the fall foliage to the fullest, why not enjoy some delicious Japanese food? Matcha and traditional sweet sets are available for those craving desserts!

Experiencing autumn at Sankeien Garden is most beautiful between mid-November and mid-December.

Sankeien Garden

231-0824 58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefectur...

This is a nationally designated Japanese garden located in Yokohama City. You can enjoy a different look each season, with cherry blossoms...

4. Nakatsu Gorge in Saitama

Nakatsu Gorge is located along the Nakatsu River in the Chichibu area of Saitama, known for its vast outdoors. The combination of 100-meter-high cliffs and colorful fall foliage astonishes visitors.

Fall marks the Oku-Chichibu Otaki Autumn Festival when maple trees are illuminated at night. Local groups also perform taiko and other traditional art forms. The festival is held from mid-October through mid-November.

The fall foliage at Nakatsu Gorge can usually be enjoyed from mid-November to late November.

Nakatsu Gorge

Nakatsugawa, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 369-1903

5. Lake Kameyama in Chiba

Photo by Pixta

Lake Kameyama is the largest artificial lake in Chiba Prefecture. It is a popular scenic spot where visitors can fish and sightsee from boats on the river. The area also has hiking trails, making it ideal for an afternoon of light outdoor exercise.

Photo by Pixta

Take a sightseeing boat and enjoy a fall foliage cruise. You can view the amazing colors of maple trees reflecting on the lake's surface, making it a truly unique experience. For more details, please view the official website (Japanese).

The fall leaves at Lake Kameyama can be enjoyed from around late November to early December.

Lake Kameyama

8 Former Kawamata, Kawamata, Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture 292-0524

6. Nikko: Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Photo by Pixta

Nestled in the mountains of Tochigi prefecture, the Nikko offers breathtaking fall foliage locations. With its cluster of World Heritage sites, Nikko presents a wonderful opportunity to witness the stunning integration of mountain foliage and traditional architecture, resulting in a harmonious blend of nature and the built environment.

While exploring the region, don't miss the chance to travel along the winding roads that meander through the autumn leaves, leading to Lake Chuzenji and its eponymous temple. This expansive and stunning lake perfectly reflects the colors of the fall foliage, and you can even enjoy a delightful cruise on its waters.

Lastly, within the same steep mountain passes, you'll discover the magnificent Kegon Falls cascading amidst the vibrant hues of orange and red during the autumn season.

7. Lake Ashi in Hakone

Photo by Pixta

Hakone, a highly popular day trip destination in the greater Tokyo area, offers easy accessibility and boasts mesmerizing natural scenery heightened by the beauty of autumn foliage. Visitors can marvel at the vibrant orange and red hues that dot the shores of Lake Ashi while aboard the iconic cruise boat resembling a pirate vessel.

After exploring the sights along the lakeshore, why not endeavor to witness the sunset at Senjogahara? There, you can take pleasure in the swaying pampas grass amid the refreshing autumn air. The off-white tufts of grass captivatingly capture the fading autumn light, resulting in truly captivating images. A visit to this awe-inspiring natural wonder is sure to leave a lasting impression.

8. Kamakura Temples and Shrines

Photo by Pixta

For an autumn destination that is conveniently accessible from Tokyo, look no further than Kamakura. It offers a delightful combination of traditional architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, and one of the most iconic views of Mt. Fuji.

Kamakura abounds with remarkable spots to witness the fall foliage. Visitors can relish the serene tranquility of the autumn garden at Meigetsuin Temple, where the leaves are perfectly framed through an iconic round viewing window that enhances their beauty.

Alternatively, a visit to the renowned Hasedera Temple is recommended. While this temple is known for its hydrangeas, it is equally captivating during autumn, with fiery red leaves gracefully adorning the imposing pagoda structure.

9. Kumoba Pond in Karuizawa

Photo by Pixta

Situated just a short distance from Karuizawa Station, Kumoba Pond is a picturesque body of water that entices hundreds of visitors every year when they come to Karuizawa. This region, renowned for its year-round natural beauty, truly comes alive with vibrant bursts of red and orange during the autumn season.

Numerous footpaths encircle the perimeter of the pond, providing visitors with a unique vantage point to admire the changing colors of the leaves before they gently descend onto the mirror-like surface of the water. The sight of the vibrant colors reflected in the water brings a sense of profound tranquility to those who visit, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or simply enjoying a leisurely coffee.

10. Hodosan Shrine in Nagatoro, Chichibu

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Hodosan Shrine is a magnificent ancient wooden structure surrounded by a dense forest of autumn foliage in Chichibu's mountains. Accessible via long, winding mountain roads by bus or car, this shrine offers visitors a tranquil mountain retreat and boasts some of the most breathtaking autumn scenery in Chichibu.

Just a short walk from the shrine, the Hodosan Ropeway awaits, ready to transport visitors to the mountaintop. The area is filled with scenic walking trails that wind through the enchanting autumn canopy, providing a serene and calming experience amidst vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.

For those seeking a touch of adventure, river tours are also available, offering a unique perspective of the autumn scenery as you navigate the nearby river in traditional boats.

11. Yoro Valley in Chiba

Photo by Pixta

One of the more unique destinations on this list also offers one of the most distinctive modes of transportation. The Yoro Valley, located in Chiba, can be reached in a nostalgic manner reminiscent of a bygone era in Japan. Visitors board the Kominato Railway train, which resembles a train straight out of the past.

Upon reaching Yoro Valley, visitors are greeted by breathtaking fall foliage along numerous walking trails. A standout moment of the journey is crossing the Kannon Bridge, leading to one of the traditional temples in the area. This remarkable vermilion-colored bridge arches gracefully over the river below, perfectly complementing the surrounding maple trees as they transition into shades of red.

12. Moominvalley Park in Hanno, Saitama

Image from Autumn Foliage in Chichibu 2023
Visiting the Moominvalley Park in Hanno is a truly whimsical and enchanting experience, surrounded by autumn leaves that create a magical atmosphere. This park, with its spacious grounds, provides a perfect setting for a peaceful day out and offers various attractions, including Moomin's house and a theater showcasing shows featuring beloved Scandinavian children's characters.

Ideal for both children and those young at heart, this park enveloped by breathtaking autumn foliage is an opportunity to reconnect with a sense of childlike wonder. It serves as a delightful retreat from the bustling city life of Tokyo, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a world of imagination and tranquility.

13. Ibaraki Prefectural History Museum and Fukuroda Falls

Photo by Pixta
Ibaraki is home to two astonishing locations for experiencing autumn foliage. First, the park grounds of the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History in Mito offer a splendid sight with its avenue of ginkgo trees. Those familiar with the famous avenue leading up to the Japanese Diet can already envision the radiant golden carpet of yellow ginkgo leaves shimmering in the sunlight. When these majestic trees are at their peak, they create a truly stunning display in autumn.

Continuing northwards, visitors can revel in the ethereal white cascades of the Fukuroda Falls as they descend into the gullies filled with autumn foliage below! An architecturally designed building in the area allows visitors to view the waterfall from various angles. You can get close to the endpoints of the falls or take an elevator up to witness the breathtaking starting point of their descent. It is indeed a delightful treat for visitors to cherish!

14. Lake Haruna and Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture

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Gunma Prefecture is a delightful haven for those seeking to witness the enchanting colors of autumn foliage. One highly recommended destination in the area is the vicinity surrounding the volcanic crater of Lake Haruna. This serene lake, formed by an extinct volcano, is adorned with stunning autumn foliage. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the miniature mountain rising from the center of the lake, often referred to as a miniature Mt. Fuji.

To unwind after a day of exploration, why not indulge in a soothing dip in the warm waters of Ikaho Onsen? The atmospheric old town area of Ikaho is centered around a 300-meter-long stone staircase, which meanders through the heart of the town, lined with traditional ryokans, old-fashioned game arcades, and shops. It offers a delightful ambiance to complement your relaxation.

15. Oze National Park

Photo by Pixta

Oze National Park, located in Gunma, is another hidden gem that should not be missed. This rugged wilderness offers a perfect setting for those seeking to hike amidst breathtaking fall scenery and appreciate the captivating contrast between the vibrant autumn leaves and the stark beauty of the marshland.

To preserve the primeval forest, extensive environmental efforts have been made, ensuring visitors can experience the true wilderness of the Japanese highlands. For nature enthusiasts in search of a picturesque landscape with seemingly endless horizons, Oze is an excellent destination. It is advisable to start early to ensure ample time on the hiking trails and to avoid getting caught in darkness.

Leave the City and Marvel at the Fall Foliage

The autumn leaves are gorgeous throughout Japan and Tokyo. But to truly take in the beauty of fall, we recommended venturing outside the metropolis and seeing the great outdoors. These destinations offer unique chances to experience this gorgeous season. Bring your friends and family to these destinations for an unforgettable adventure!

All pictures from PIXTA