Best Autumn Spots in Japan

Autumn in Japan is a magical thing to behold. It’s in the way they celebrate the seasons in their festivals, cuisine, and everything else. The colorful foliage is widely enjoyed in the city and in the mountains. In this post I will share with you the best spots to enjoy autumn in Japan!

Autumn Hike in Mt. Takao, Tokyo

Autumn Spots in Tokyo

1. Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park

Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa in autumn

This park is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo all year round. In autumn, The gingko trees are a towering yellow. Not to be missed is their  beautiful Japanese garden.

When to go: mid-November

How to go: Tachikawa is 40 min from Shinjuku by JR trains.

Tip: Too far? Aoyama/Gaienmae has a similar avenue in central Tokyo, much more crowded though. Also, other parks in central Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, Hama Rikyu

2. The University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo is a beautiful campus to visit especially in autumn

Old university buildings are the backdrop for yellow ginko trees. Walking the campus grounds on yellow carpet gives the right emo feels. Put your headphones on, turn some music up and the scenery is right out of a movie.

When to go: mid-November

How to go: The University of Tokyo is accessible from the subway Hongo-sanchome station.

3. Mt. Mitake/Okutama area

Mt. Mitake and the Okutama area in Tokyo are located in the western part of Tokyo. Both are popular autumn walking and trekking spots come November.

How to go: Mitake station and Okutama station are roughly 1.5 hours from Shinjuku station with regular trains.

Tips: Mt. Takao is a more popular and crowded option for beginner hikers. There’s a lift there so people can enjoy the scenery without much effort.

Autumn spots near Tokyo

In Tokyo you will mostly be able to enjoy the foliage in parks and universities, but going out into the country will give you more options to enjoy autumn.

1. Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko has the best view of Mt. Fuji

For anyone coming to Tokyo in November, Kawaguchiko is a must on your list! This popular spot is a resort town near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Walking along the lakeside is very relaxing.

When to go: mid-late November

How to go: Tokyo trains go direct to Kawaguchiko, travel time is 3 hours.

Tip: Check out the “momiji corridor” in the evening for the maple tree corridor light-up.

2. Hakone

It’s always a battle of Tokyo day trips between Hakone and Kawaguchiko. To be honest, you won’t lose either way and I’ve been to both countless times. Hakone, especially the mountain resorts, are very beautiful in any season. And you have many options for onsen too!

When to go: mid-late November

How to go: Tokyo trains go direct to Hakone from Shinjuku, travel time is 2 hours.

3. Nikko

Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Falls as seen from Akechidaira.

Nikko, although less known to tourists compared to Hakone and Kawaguchiko, is still the most visited autumn spot in the Kanto region. Nikko has lakes, waterfalls, rivers, campsites, old glorious temples as accents to the beautiful autumn foliage. If you’ve already seen Mt. Fuji before, then you should choose Nikko for your autumn overnight trip from Tokyo.

When to go: mid-October to early November

How to go: Nikko is just 2 hours away from Tokyo with direct access from Asakusa or Skytree.

Autumn is my favorite season so check my other posts, I’m sure you’ll find something to do!