One Day Trips from Tokyo in Autumn: Best Autumn Leaves Spots near Tokyo

Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore beyond Tokyo. As the summer heat fades, the mountains, lakes, valleys, and historic towns surrounding the capital begin turning shades of red, orange, and gold.

If you’re looking for destinations to visit in Japan in autumn, you don’t need to travel far from the capital. Several beautiful autumn foliage destinations can be reached as a day trip from Tokyo by train or bus.

From the historic temples and mountain landscapes of Nikko to the Mt. Fuji views of Lake Kawaguchiko, there is an autumn day trip for every type of traveller.

In this guide, I’ve selected the 7 best places for an autumn day trip from Tokyo, including the best time to visit, how to get there, and what makes each destination special.

Best Autumn Destinations to Visit in Japan from Tokyo

Japan has countless destinations to visit in autumn, from the historic streets of Kyoto and mountain scenery of the Japanese Alps to the colorful forests of Tohoku. However, if you’re staying in Tokyo, you can experience some of Japan’s most beautiful autumn scenery without changing hotels.

These destinations are among the best places to visit near Tokyo during the fall foliage season, and most can be explored as a one-day trip.

Best Autumn Day Trips from Tokyo at a Glance: 

*Travel times are approximate and depend on the route and departure station.

When Is the Best Time for Autumn Day Trips from Tokyo?

There is no single “best” week for every destination.

The Kanto region’s autumn foliage season generally stretches from late October into early December, with mountainous areas changing colour earlier and lower-elevation destinations reaching their peak later. The exact timing varies each year depending on temperatures and weather conditions.

As a general guide:

• Early October: Nasu Kogen
• Mid to late October: Nikko’s mountain areas
• Early November: Hakone and Lake Kawaguchiko
• Mid-November: Lake Kawaguchiko and Nagatoro
• Late November: Nagatoro, Kamakura and Yoro Valley
• Early December: Yoro Valley and some southern Kanto areas

For the latest seasonal information, check the Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast before planning your trip.

1. Nikko, Tochigi

Best for: First-time visitors, historic sites and dramatic mountain scenery

Nikko is arguably the best all-around autumn day trip from Tokyo.

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, this historic mountain destination is famous for Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but autumn is when the surrounding landscape becomes particularly spectacular.

The mountains around Nikko turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, while waterfalls, lakes and winding mountain roads provide dramatic foliage views.

For a classic autumn itinerary, combine Nikko Toshogu Shrine with Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and the scenic Irohazaka winding road.

Higher-elevation areas such as Okunikko usually change colour earlier than the town around Toshogu Shrine, so you can sometimes enjoy autumn foliage over a relatively long period by choosing different elevations.

Best things to see in Nikko

• Nikko Toshogu Shrine
• Lake Chuzenji
• Kegon Falls
• Akechidaira Observatory
• Irohazaka
• Senjogahara

Best time for autumn leaves

Mid-October to early November, depending on elevation.

How to get there

Take a Tobu Limited Express train from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station, taking around two hours.

You can also travel from Shinjuku using direct JR/Tobu services on selected schedules.

Once in Nikko, local buses connect the station with Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji and other major sights.

Nikko is around two hours from Tokyo and is one of the easiest ways to combine cultural sightseeing with dramatic autumn scenery.

Recommended: Allow a full day and start early, particularly during peak foliage season.

Related article: Nikko: Best Things to Do

2. Hakone, Kanagawa

Best for: Onsen, autumn scenery and Mt. Fuji

Hakone is one of the most popular weekend and day-trip destinations from Tokyo, and autumn adds another reason to visit.

The area is famous for its hot springs, museums, Lake Ashi and views of Mt. Fuji. During autumn, the mountains surrounding Hakone become covered in vibrant yellow, orange and red foliage.

Some of the best places to see autumn colours include Gora Park, Hakone Museum of Art, Lake Ashi, Choanji Temple and the Hakone Tozan Railway.

One of the best things about Hakone is that you can experience several types of scenery in a single day: ride a scenic train, take a ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi, visit an art museum and finish with an onsen.

Best things to do in Hakone

• Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway
• Visit Gora Park
• Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Take the Hakone Ropeway
• Cruise Lake Ashi
• Visit Hakone Shrine
• Relax in an onsen

Best time for autumn leaves

October to November, with many popular areas reaching their best in November.

How to get there

The easiest option is the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, taking about 90 minutes.

Another option is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara and continue by local train.

Hakone is particularly convenient for travelers who want a relaxing day rather than a hiking-focused trip.

Recommended: Consider purchasing a Hakone transport pass if you plan to use several trains, buses, boats or ropeways.

Related article: Hakone: Best Things to Do

3. Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi

Best for: Mt. Fuji views and iconic autumn scenery

If your dream autumn landscape is Mt. Fuji framed by brilliant red maple leaves, put Lake Kawaguchiko at the top of your list.

Kawaguchiko is one of the easiest of the Fuji Five Lakes to reach from Tokyo and offers a combination of lake scenery, Mt. Fuji viewpoints, museums, cafes and hot springs.

The northern shore is particularly beautiful in autumn, when maple trees create colourful views with Mt. Fuji in the background.

The annual Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held around November, with the famous Momiji Corridor becoming one of the area’s most popular foliage spots. The leaves are also illuminated after dark during the festival period.

Best things to do in Kawaguchiko

• Walk along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko
• Visit the Momiji Corridor
• Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
• Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
• Take a sightseeing cruise
• Enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji from Oishi Park

Best time for autumn leaves

Early to mid-November

How to get there

The Fuji Excursion Limited Express runs directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko in around two hours.

Highway buses from Shinjuku and other areas of Tokyo are another option.

Kawaguchiko is especially popular during autumn, so reserve trains and arrive early if travelling on a weekend.

Recommended: Check the weather forecast before leaving Tokyo. Mt. Fuji can disappear behind clouds even when the foliage is perfect.

Related article: Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival 

4. Nagatoro, Saitama

Best for: River scenery, hiking and a quieter countryside atmosphere

Nagatoro is an excellent choice if you want to escape Tokyo’s crowds and experience autumn in a more natural setting.

The town sits along the Arakawa River and is known for its dramatic rock formations, hiking trails and river activities.

In autumn, the surrounding mountains become covered with colourful foliage. Popular viewing areas include Iwadatami Rocks, Hodosan and Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park.

For a particularly memorable experience, take a traditional riverboat ride and admire the autumn leaves from the water.

Best things to do in Nagatoro

• See Iwadatami Rocks
• Take a Nagatoro river boat ride
• Visit Hodosan Shrine
• Ride the Hodosan Ropeway
• Walk through Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park
• Explore the town’s cafés and restaurants

Best time for autumn leaves

Mid to late November

How to get there

From Tokyo, travel toward Kumagaya and transfer to the Chichibu Railway for Nagatoro.

The journey takes roughly two hours, depending on the route.

Nagatoro’s foliage season traditionally extends through November, and several viewing areas may offer illumination events during the season.

Recommended: Combine Nagatoro with a river cruise or Hodosan Ropeway for a more complete day.

5. Yoro Valley, Chiba

Best for: Hiking, waterfalls and escaping the crowds

Yoro Valley, or Yoro Keikoku, is one of the best choices for travellers looking for a more peaceful autumn getaway.

Located in southern Chiba, the valley is surrounded by forests, rivers and waterfalls. In autumn, the trees turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and gold, creating colourful scenery along the river.

One of the highlights is Awamata no Taki, the largest waterfall in Chiba Prefecture.

There are hiking trails of different lengths, including routes following the Yoro River, making the area suitable for travellers who want to spend the day outdoors.

Best things to see

• Awamata no Taki
• Yoro River
• Kannon Bridge
• Rikkokuji Temple
• Yoro-Keikoku hiking trails

Best time for autumn leaves

Late November to early December

How to get there

Take a JR train from Tokyo toward Goi and transfer to the Kominato Railway for Yoro-Keikoku Station.

The journey takes around 2.5 hours.

Recommended: Wear comfortable walking shoes. This is one of the destinations on this list where hiking is a major part of the experience.

6. Nasu Kogen, Tochigi

Nasu Kogen is a highland and resort area of Mt Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, offering an abundance of nature and landscape as well as various tourist facilities such as museums, parks, zoo, hot spring and hotels. You can enjoy a scenic hike with the gorgeous view of autumn leaves from early October.

Access by train: Tohoku Shinkansen line from Tokyo towards Nasu Shiobara station (1h 15 mins)

Access by bus: Direct bus services available from Shunjuku Station (3.5 hs)

Best time to visit: early to mid Oct

Best for: Early autumn foliage and mountain scenery

If you’re visiting Tokyo in early October, Nasu Kogen is worth considering.

Located around Mt. Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu Kogen is a highland resort area known for its mountains, hiking trails, hot springs, farms and outdoor attractions.

Because of its higher elevation, autumn colors can arrive earlier here than in many lower-elevation destinations around Tokyo.

Take the Nasu Ropeway for panoramic mountain views, explore the surrounding trails or relax in one of the area’s hot springs.

Best things to do in Nasu

• Ride the Nasu Ropeway
• Hike around Mt. Nasu
• Visit Nasu Onsen
• Explore local farms and cafés
• Enjoy the mountain scenery

Best time for autumn leaves

Early to mid-October

How to get there

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nasushiobara Station, then continue by local bus or other transport toward Nasu Kogen.

Recommended: A rental car gives you considerably more flexibility because attractions are spread across the Nasu area.

7. Kamakura, Kanagawa

Best for: Temples, traditional Japan and an easy day trip

Kamakura is one of the easiest autumn day trips from Tokyo.

The former political capital of Japan is less than an hour from central Tokyo and is packed with historic temples, shrines, traditional streets and cafés.

While Kamakura isn’t as mountainous as Nikko or Hakone, its temples and gardens create a beautiful autumn atmosphere.

Visit Hasedera, Engakuji, Kenchoji and the Great Buddha, then walk along Komachi-dori for lunch and shopping.

Kamakura is also a great choice if you want an autumn day trip that doesn’t require a long journey or complicated transportation.

Best things to do in Kamakura

• Visit the Great Buddha
• Explore Hasedera Temple
• See autumn colors at Engakuji
• Visit Kenchoji Temple
• Walk along Komachi-dori
• Continue to Enoshima if you have extra time

Best time for autumn leaves

Late November to early December

How to get there

Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station, taking roughly one hour.

Kamakura’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot and by local train.

JNTO describes Kamakura as less than an hour south of Tokyo, with historic temples, seasonal foliage, hiking trails and easy access from the capital.

Which Autumn Day Trip from Tokyo Should You Choose?

Still not sure where to go? Here’s the simple version:

For your first autumn day trip: → Nikko

For Mt. Fuji views: → Lake Kawaguchiko

For onsen and relaxation: → Hakone

For hiking and nature: → Yoro Valley

For a countryside escape: → Nagatoro

For early October: → Nasu Kogen

For temples and an easy trip: → Kamakura

Tips for Autumn Day Trips from Tokyo

1. Start early

Autumn foliage is one of Japan’s busiest seasonal attractions. Popular destinations such as Nikko and Kawaguchiko can become extremely crowded on weekends.

Leaving Tokyo early gives you more time at your destination and makes it easier to find a seat on trains and buses.

2. Check the foliage forecast

Don’t plan your trip based only on a fixed calendar.

Mountain areas generally change color earlier, while lower-elevation areas peak later. Weather can also move the season forward or backward.

Check the latest autumn leaves forecast before choosing your destination.

3. Weekdays are much better

If your schedule allows, visit on a weekday.

This is particularly useful for Kawaguchiko, Nikko and Hakone, which are among the most popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo.

4. Book popular trains in advance

Limited Express trains such as the Romancecar and Fuji Excursion can sell out during peak autumn weekends.

If you know your travel date, booking ahead is recommended.

5. Bring layers

Temperatures can vary considerably between Tokyo and mountain destinations.

Nikko, Nasu and other high-elevation areas can feel much colder than central Tokyo, especially in the morning and evening.

Plan Your Perfect Autumn Day Trip from Tokyo

Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore beyond the city, and there are plenty of beautiful autumn day trips from Tokyo to choose from. Whether you want to see colourful mountain landscapes in Nikko, enjoy an onsen in Hakone, admire Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko, or escape into nature in Nagatoro and Yoro Valley, you can experience a different side of Japan without travelling too far.

If you’re looking for destinations to visit in Japan in autumn, these places near Tokyo are a great starting point. Just remember that autumn foliage arrives at different times depending on the location and elevation, so check the latest foliage forecast before planning your trip.

Choose your destination based on what you want to experience, start your day early, and get ready to enjoy some of the most beautiful autumn scenery near Tokyo.

More one-day trip destinations from Tokyo!

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▶ One Day Trips from Tokyo in Winter

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