Autumn Leaves in Nagano: When and Where to Enjoy the 2024 Season

Nagano and the surrounding areas making-up Central Japan boasts most of the country’s tallest mountains. Heavily forested and largely undeveloped, Nagano is blessed with some of Japan’s best autumn leaves that appear earlier than many other parts of the country, thanks to the higher elevation and cooler climate of the region. On this page you will find the following information:

— Autumn Leaves in Japan: The Culture of ‘Koyo’

— When will the Leaves Change in 2024?

— Where to See Fall Colors In and Around Nagano

— Autumn Activites in Nagano: Hiking, Onsen, and More!

— Tours and Charters to See Fall Colors

When listing the best places to enjoy the leaves in Nagano, it’s impossible to list all possible destinations. There are just too many. This article introduces some of the most popular and celebrated spots in the region while also suggesting some smaller, lesser-known places, as well as the best time of year to visit each spot. We have tried to favor destinations that are easy to reach by public transport but as you will note, there are a couple best-suited to visitors driving themselves.

AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPAN: THE CULTURE OF ‘KOYO’

Known as ‘koyo’ in Japanese, the yearly phenomenon of the changing autumn leaves holds special importance. Although the expression refers specially to red leaves, koyo has overtime come to encapsulate all the colours of autumn along with the national past-time of ‘momijigari’ or ‘hunting for autumn leaves’ through late-September until November.

In many ways, appreciation of the autumn leaves is aligned the Japanese study and love of the fragile and ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms of spring. Throughout Japan, people travel great distances to reach the most beautiful koyo spots, the most famous of which attract thousands of visitors.

Through the autumn months, the motif of the autumn leaves is everywhere; decorating everything from storefronts, kimono, gift wrappings, packaging, restaurants, beer cans and more! The bountiful autumn harvest supplies an endless supply of seasonal confectionaries, desserts and snacks – including the chestnuts of Obuse – as Japan embraces the leaves and their passing beauty.

Given their higher altitude, the mountains of Japan offer the earliest and some of the best viewing koyo-viewing opportunities. Home to many of Japan’s highest peaks and dissected by large mountain ranges, Nagano can lay claim to being one of the best destinations for anyone hunting the best autumn leaves in Japan.

Much like the spring cherry blossoms, predicting the date when each location will be at its best is important business and places great importance of the koyo forecast. For information regarding the forecast, please refer to our ‘When Will the Leaves Change in 2024?’ section below.

WHEN WILL THE LEAVES CHANGE IN 2024?

While the leaves will change at around the same time each year, the timing is variable and can make it difficult to plan for a trip to see the fall colors. Luckily, due to the range of elevations, there are almost always colors somewhere in Nagano from the months of September to November, although early in the season you may need to climb up a mountain for the peak experience. As we get closer autumn, we will update this page with forecasts and reports concerning Nagano’s fall colors. Until then, please read on below for a general idea of when you will be able to see leaves of red and yellow.

September: While the nights will be getting colder, much of the heat of summer will be left over in the cities and lowlands of Nagano Prefecture. There will be no colors this early in the season besides the tops of the high mountains. However, especially come late September, those high mountains will put on a show worthy of a visit, in particular areas such as the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Togakushi, and the Senjojiki Cirque.

October: By October, the weather will start to feel very autumnal, with dry, clear days and crisp cold nights. Throughout the month the forward line of the autumn leaves will move lower and lower down the mountains, and by the middle of the month areas of around 1,000 – 1,500 meters will be bathed in color. Kamikochi and Shiga Kogen will be especially beautiful around this time. The cities, such as Nagano and Matsumoto, will also begin to get their first colors near the end of the month, with some trees already reaching peak.

November: The best month for fall colors in lower elevation areas, early November will be the time to come if you want to see red leaves without going up a mountain. Continuing through November, most of the leaves will be fallen and the colors gone by the middle of the month even in the cities, although a few stragglers may barely hold on into the third and fourth weeks. In the mountains, the conditions will already be wintery, and the cities will also reach their bare winter state by December.

WHERE TO SEE FALL COLORS IN AND AROUND NAGANO

Nagano and the surrounding region of Central Japan boast most of Japan’s tallest mountains. As such, the autumn leaves occur earlier than in other popular destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka thanks to the higher elevation of the region – which ascends to well-over 3000 metres. In higher areas such as Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, Kamikochi, Tateyama-Kurobe and other spots rising over 2500 metres, the leaves can turn as early as mid-September while lower areas will be at their best as late as mid-November. This allows plenty of time and options when seeking-out the best autumn leaves in Nagano. We have provided a typical ‘best time’ of year to see the leaves in each location but please note, this can vary between years and is only intended as a guide. Now let’s jump in with our suggestion of the twenty best spots to enjoy the autumn leaves:

1 / SHIGA KOGEN / best time: early Oct. to mid-Nov.

Nestled within the Joshinetsu National Park, Shiga Kogen is accessible from Nagano Station and the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park by express bus – along with local buses from Yudanaka Station – and a fantastic option when in search of the leaves. Home to mountain peaks ascending to around 2500 meters, alpine forests, and numerous lakes, ponds and marshes, Joshinetsu National Park is an important ecosystem supporting unique flora and fauna – declared a UNESCO Biosphere Conservation Area in 1981. Shiga Kogen’s varied elevation between 900 and 2500 meters means that the leaves will be at their best in different pockets of the park from early-October and into November. Two ropeways – at Higashidateyama and Yokoteyama – transport visitors to some of the higher regions of the national park, from where the leaves can be enjoyed along leisurely walking trails.

The ropeways of Higashidateyama and Yokoteyama in Shiga Kogen, and the Skyland Express Ropeway in Kita-Shiga Kogen can be accessed using public transport from Yudanaka Station. Open until late October, these are a great way to reach the higher areas of Shiga Kogen without needing a long hike. In general, Shiga Kogen sees fall colors from late September through to Early November, with the higher areas losing their leaves by mid-October and lower sections still maintaining colors until early November. Please see below for a place-by-pace breakdown of each region and when to enjoy the colors at their peak:

Yokoteyama: Late September

Okushiga Highland: Late September

Lake Onuma-ike: Late September – Early October

Biwa-ike, Hasu-ike, Maru-ike: Early October – Mid October

Jigokudani Monkey Park Area: Late October – Early November

Nearby Shiga Kogen but not directly connected, Kita-Shiga Kogen is another great area to enjoy the autumn leaves. The Skyland Express Ropeway transport visitors high above the valley, from where they can enjoy the views from the observation deck and adjoining cafe. Walking trails span-out across the area, allowing you to wander and breathe in the beauty of Nagano in winter. For directions to Shiga, see our ‘How To Get To Shiga Kogen’ page.

2 / KANBAYASHI ONSEN / best time: November

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Nagano’s most popular outdoor destinations. Located in the hot spring village of Kanbayashi Onsen, the monkey park itself doesn’t have many trees that turn colour however Kanbayashi does, boasting some truly beautiful trees. This small hot spring village offers several excellent guesthouses and beautiful autumn leaves, making the journey to the park worthwhile. For visitors in autumn, we recommend combining your visit to the park with an overnight stay at one of Nagano’s best traditional guesthouses, Hotel Senjukaku. Known for its indulgent hot springs and autumn ‘kaiseki’ (traditional multi-course) meal service, Senjukaku is within walking distance of the monkey park and nearby Shiga Kogen. Day-trippers to the park can also enjoy a drink, snack or meal at Enza Cafe – best enjoyed on its outdoor deck under the autumn umbrella of a large ‘momiji’ (Japanese maple). For directions to Kanbayashi and the park, see our ‘How To Get To The Jigokudani Monkey Park’ page.

3 / TOGAKSUHI / best time: late Sept. to mid-Oct.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines
Period	July to November
Time	09:35 – 17:20
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Information Board
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Located just outside of Nagano City and easily accessible using local buses – a journey of around 45-minutes from Nagano Station, Togakushi is one of the best known ‘koyo’ (autumn leaves) destinations in Japan. Home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, Togakushi is ideal for a day or overnight trip to enjoy the stunning autumn leaves in a place of deep history and spiritual importance. Also famous for its local ‘soba” (buckwheat noodles), bamboo craft and the Togakure school of ninja, Togakushi is best enjoyed in autumn. Part of the larger Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, this is one of the best and most easily accessible destinations for visitors seeking some truly beautiful autumn colours. For directions, see our ‘How To Get To Togakushi’ page.

4 / NOZAWA ONSEN / best time: mid-Oct. to Nov.

Lying around an hour to the northeast to Nagano Station, Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town and home to one of Japan’s best ski resorts. Before the snow arrives in early winter, Nozawa is another of the best spots in the region to enjoy the autumn leaves. You can do so by simply wandering through the town, which boasts some beautiful trees, or by riding the Nagasaka Gondola – a 15-minute ride covering 3.5km – to the Uenotaira top station and walking the leisurely trails high above the village. For visitors who choose to do so, Nozawa is an ideal location to book a traditional guesthouse and enjoy a relaxing ‘onsen’ (hot spring) after enjoying your ‘momijigari’ (autumn leaf hunting) in the forest. See our ‘How To Get To Nozawa Onsen’ page for directions to the area.

5 / AKIYAMAGO / best time: October to November

Bordering Nagano and Niigata prefectures – around 30 minutes drive to the north of Nozawa Onsen – Akiyamago refers to a collection of villages spread along the Nakatsugawa River. Blessed with beautiful natural landscapes and relative remoteness, the region has retained much of its traditional charm and lifestyle. Heavily forested and dotted with natural hot springs, Akiyamago remains something of an undiscovered gem for international visitors, best experienced in autumn when the region turns a stunning mix of red, amber and gold. Regarded as one of the best spots in Nagano and Niigata to enjoy the autumn leaves, exploring Akiyamago requires a car. With plenty of accommodation options in the area, it is a great overnight experience.

6 / NAENA FALLS / best time: mid-Oct. to Nov.

Myoko Kogen is home to more of the region’s best ski resorts and north-eastern areas of Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park. Boasting multiple peaks over 2000 metres, the park is blessed early and beautiful autumn leaves enticing visitors to head deep into the park along its many hiking trails. For visitors looking for an easy to access location where you can enjoy spectacular leaves, head to Naena Falls. Only 20-minutes drive from Akakura Onsen village and 50-minutes to the north of Nagano City, the 55-metre waterfall is a spectacular sight in autumn. For directions to the area, see our ‘How To Get To Myoko’ page.

7 / HAKUBA / best time: October to November

Also around an hour drive to the west of central Nagano City, Hakuba is home to ten ski resorts and Nagano’s best adventure sports activities. Lying at the base of the North Alps, several gondolas and ropeways – that service the ski resorts in winter – operate through summer and autumn and in doing so provide access to some fantastic trails and autumn leaves. Operating from Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden is accessible using the main gondola. Taking 10 minutes to climb to around 1500 metres above sea level, visitors can enjoy the alpine garden of more than 300 varieties of plants, leisurely walking trails and the ‘ALPS 360’ restaurant.

Happo Pond can be accessed using the ‘Adam’ gondola at Hakuba Happo One. Located around 2000 metres above sea level, the pond is around 90-minutes walk from the upper gondola station and blessed with one of Hakuba’s most iconic vistas and autumn colours. Trails lead onto the pond further into the mountains – more serious undertakings that require appropriate experience, preparation and gear – however, for anyone of reasonable fitness, Happo Pond is a beautiful and rewarding destination. Accessible using the Tsuigake ‘Eve’ Gondola followed by the shorter ropeway, the Tsugaike Nature Park sits at around 1900 metres above sea level and offers a series of leisurely yet beautiful alpine trails. Courses ranging from 1km to 5.5km / 1 to 4 hours walk provide access over 100 hectares of alpine landscape, known for its beauty, variety of mountain plants and flowers, and panoramic views of the North Alps rising another 1000 metres above. For directions to the area from Nagano and beyond, see our ‘How To Get To Hakuba’ page.

8 / HAISENJIKI TRAIL / best time: mid-Oct. to mid-Nov.

Located to the west of Nagano City, the Haisenjiki Trail follows the now disused Shinonoi Train Line that once connected Matsumoto and Nagano City. Situated in the beautiful rural enclave of Azumino, the trail passes through abandoned brickwork train tunnels surrounded by the autumn leaves of the forest and rural landscape. Known mostly to locals, the trail is quiet and easy to walk. Accessible from Akashina Station, the trail takes approximately 2.5 hours to walk.

9 / KAMIKOCHI / best time: October

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
Period	April to November
Time	08:15 – 18:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Matsumoto Station
Adult Rate	¥23,800
Child Rate	¥11,900

Moving further west from Nagano and Azumino, Kamikochi is an alpine valley located between 1500 to 1600 meters above sea level. With the mountains above ascending to over 3000 meters – including Mt Hotaka, Japan’s third tallest mountain – Kamikochi offers some of the most stunning leaves in Japan. Extensive walking trails along the valley and more intensive hiking and mountaineering course in the mountains, avail some truly remarkable autumn vistas. Indeed, the drive to Kamikochi through the Hida Mountains or North Japan Alps, is in itself truly beautiful. We love Kamikochi and you will too! For directions to Kamikochi, see our ‘How To Get To Kamikochi’ page.

10 / TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE / best time: mid-Sept.to late Oct.

1 Day Tour

[Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’
Period	July to October
Time	07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00
Meeting Place	Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥30,000
Child Rate	¥23,800

One of the highlights of Central Japan, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route straddles the Hida Mountains – the highest mountain range in the country. Rising to over 3000 meters, Mt Tateyama and the surrounding alpine landscape is blessed with stunning autumn colours, which transform not just the leaves but low-lying alpine shrubbery. Accessible via Ogizawa Station in Nagano or Tateyama Station in Toyama, venturing high above to the ‘Roof of Japan’ in autumn will reveal a heavenly domain. It is worth noting that given the altitude of the route, weather through October and November will be notably cooler and visitors should prepare for cold temperatures with the possibility of inclement weather. For further details, see our ‘How To Get To The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route’ page.

11 / SHOMYO FALLS / best time: October

For visitors heading to or from the Alpine Route via Tateyama Station, Shomyo Falls is accessible using buses running from the station. Only a 15-minute ride followed by 30-minute walk, Shomyo Falls is the tallest waterfall in Japan at 350 metres in height and at its most impressive in autumn. A great destination to combine with your adventure along the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.

12 / KUROBE GORGE / best time: late Oct. to mid-Nov.

Regarded as one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan and at its most spectacular during autumn, Kurobe is best experienced riding the Kurobe Gorge Railway which covers a meandering and winding 20km span in approximately 80 minutes. The open-air carriages allow visitors an intimate experience of the surrounding landscape with stations along the route allowing access to walk trails, onsen, restaurants and accommodation.The rail line includes several spectacular bridges and truly beautiful hot springs including Kuronagi Onsen and the riverside Kanetsuri Kawara Onsen. Highly recommended. For further details, see our ‘How To Get To The Kurobe Gorge’ page.

13 / TENRYUKYO / best time: mid. to late November

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Tenryu River-Rafting & Fruit-Picking
Period	late-April to November
Time	8:00
Meeting Place	Matsumoto Station
Price	¥135,000 ~/ Group

Starting from Nagano Station, Tenryukyo is located approximately 2.5 hours drive to the south. A little tricky to reach by public transport, Tenryukyo and the surrounding area remains somewhat undiscovered by international visitors and for that reason, is a hidden autumn gem. For Japanese the area is known for the beautiful Tenryu River, that descends from the mountains above and then makes its way to the Pacific Coast, along the way carving out one of Japan’s most beautiful waterways. Traditional river boats can be enjoyed any time of year but are perhaps most enjoyable in autumn, as the forested banks of the river and gorge turn on a spectacular show of colour. A great destination for visitors wanting to enjoy the best of autumn in combination with some traditional adventure.

14 / SENJOJIKI CIRQUE / best time: late September

Formed by a glacier around 20,000 years ago, Senjojiki Cirque is a vast semi-circular natural feature sitting around 2500 metres above sea level. With the mountains above ascending to just under 3000 metres, the area boasts some of the most spectacular colours in southern Nagano. The Komagatake Ropeway transports visitors to the highest terminal station in Japan at 2612 metres above sea level, from where you can hike the mountain trails or take a leisurely wander and enjoy the beautiful sight of Senjojiki Cirque in autumn. The base station is located around 2-hours drive to the south of Nagano City.

15 / NAKASENDO TRAIL / best time: mid-Oct. to mid-Nov.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagano & Matsumoto: Step into the Past on the Nakasendo
Period	March – June / September – December
Time	08:15 – 18:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Matsumoto Station
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥12,900

Walking the Nakasendo Trail is always a memorable experience but one perhaps best enjoyed in autumn. Passing through a mixed landscape of forests, active farmlands and historic post towns, the ancient trail is coloured by the changing leaves of autumn while the weather is ideal for walking. Understandably, this is the busiest time of year on the Nakasendo so make sure to book your accommodation well in advance. To access the Nakasendo from Nagano, take the Limited Express Shinano to Nakatsugawa Station – if walking from Magome to Tsumago – or to Kiso-Fukushima Station and switch to a local service to Narai Station – if visiting Narai.

16 / KARUIZAWA / best time: mid-Oct. to early Nov.

The popular mountain resort town of Karuizawa is one of the best spots in Central Japan to enjoy the leaves, which thanks to the town’s higher elevation at around 1000 metres above sea level, come earlier than most other areas. Karuizawa boasts some great spots to enjoy the leaves including Shiraito Falls, Kumoda Pond and by walking the Usui Toge Trail. The town is well-known for its range of high-end accommodation, restaurants and shopping making it an ideal autumn destination within easy reach of Nagano – only 30 minutes – and Tokyo using the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

17 / SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA / best time: October to November

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00 – 18:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station
Adult Rate	¥23,800 / 25,800
Child Rate	¥15,000 / 17,000

The World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama draw visitors from around the world and throughout the year. No matter the time of year you’ll be in Japan, the villages are worth visiting but perhaps at their most enjoyable during autumn. Located high in the North Alps, the area is blessed with natural beauty and some fantastic autumn colours. The always picturesque villages look even better surrounded by the red, yellow and orange of the surrounding forests with the first dustings of snow likely to be on the mountain peaks above. The villages are somewhat remote and located at some distance from central Nagano but thanks to Japan’s fantastic public transport network can be reached from nearby Takayama, Toyama or Kanazawa in around one hour. For details, see our ‘How To Get To Shirakawa-go’ page.

18 / HAKUSAN NATIONAL PARK / best time: late Sept. to mid-Oct.

Hakusan is an expansive national park lying to the south of Kanazawa, west of Takayama and within easy reach of Shirakawa-go. The park covers around 47,000 hectares centred around Mount Haku – one of Japan’s three sacred mountains and in autumn, is blessed with more beautiful leaves. Open to the public from June until mid-November, the ‘White Road’ is a winding alpine route through the beautiful park – a great way to enjoy the leaves and atmosphere of autumn. Taking around 60-minutes to drive without stopping, it’s best to allow 3 to 4 hours for the journey so that you can go slow, stop, walk and take it all in. Tollgates are positioned at either end of the road and charge JPY1700 one-way or JPY2600 for a round-trip.

19 / KENROKUEN GARDEN / best time: late Oct. to mid-Nov.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00 – 17:30
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

As the terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo via Nagano, Kanazawa is easy to reach. One of Japan’s most historic and rewarding city’s, it is a great place to enjoy the autumn leaves later than Nagano. Within walking distance of Kanazawa Station, Kenrokuen Garden was opened to the public in 1871 and to this day is regularly cited as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. The name ‘Kenrokuen’ translates as ‘Garden of the Six Sublimities’ and reflects a design underpinned Chinese landscape theory, and the six essential attributes needed to create an ideal garden. The garden boasts some beautiful autumn leaves, drawing visitors from all over the world. Open daily from 07:00 to 18:00 – March to mid-October – and from 08:00 to 17:00 – mid-October until the end of February. Admission is JPY320.

20 / KORANKEI / best time: November

Though located quite some distance from Nagano City, Korankei or the ‘Koran Valley’ is regarded as one of the Central Japan’s best locations to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s autumn leaves, and for that reason, needs to be on this list. Located around 2 hours from Nagoya Station, the valley follows the Tomoe River around the base of Mount Iimori. Legend has it that in the 17^th century, the head abbot of the local Kojakuji Temple planted many of the maple trees that today, attract visitors from all over the region each autumn. During that time, trees around the Taigetsu-kyo Bridge are illuminated in the evening – from sunset until 21:00 – creating a beautiful environment through which to wander. The leaves are typically at their best along the river through November.

21 / LAKE SUWA AREA / best time: October to November

The Lake Suwa area is located roughly in the center of Nagano prefecture. Some may recognize this scenery of Lake Suwa from one of Japan’s most well-known anime films, ‘Your Name‘, which this location was based on. This area can be mainly divided into the lakeside area and the mountain area, providing a wide range of landscapes and locations in which visitors may enjoy the autumn leaves. There are also numerous accommodation options in the Lake Suwa area, promising a memorable stay for those who wish to spend a little more time there. Visit our ‘Best Places to Stay in Suwa’ page for accommodation listings.

Historical, luxurious

Hot Spring Resort

Tateshina Shinyu Onsen
Area	MATSUMOTO, KAMIKOCHI & SUWA
Type	Hotel
Feature	Bar/LoungeConcierge ServicesDinner & Breakfast IncludedEnglish-SpeakingFree WifiJapanese RoomsOnsen / Hot SpringOutdoor OnsenPrivate BathroomShuttle ServiceWestern Rooms
Price	JPY30,000~50,000 / pp

AUTUMN ACTIVITIES IN NAGANO: HIKING, ONSEN, AND MORE!

With the cooler weather of autumn, a whole world of activities opens up for travelers to enjoy. Activities such as hiking, visiting hot springs (onsen), and enjoying fall colors are at their best in Autumn, with dry, clear days and perfect weather for moving around outdoors or relaxing in a warm bath. Continue reading below for our recommendations:

Hiking and Camping

While these activities can also be enjoyed in spring and summer, the warm days, cool nights, and crisp weather of autumn make this perhaps the best season to partake. In Nagano, where mountains make up nearly 80% of the land area, there is no shortage of places to enjoy the great outdoors. Popular destinations such as Kamikochi and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route offer fresh air and amazing fall colors, while camp sites can be found throughout the region in abundance. Many sites offer rental tents and gear, saving you the trouble of bringing those items on the plane if you intend to camp in Japan.

Hot Springs / Onsen

As a volcanic region, Nagano is blessed with many natural hot springs, or onsen. While onsen are open all year, during the heat of summer the idea of getting in a hot bath may not be so appealing. In autumn, however, with beautiful leaves in abundance and nice cool air, relaxing in an outdoor bath under the open sky may be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Popular areas include Shibu Onsen, Kanbayashi Onsen, Nozawa Onsen, Hotaka Onsen, and Shirahone Onsen.

Fruit Picking

Autumn brings the harvest season to Nagano, and with that an abundance of grapes and apples, two of Nagano’s most representative specialties. Famous throughout Japan, there are a number of fruit orchards or vineyards which will let you pick as much fruit as you want, for a price. There is not better way to enjoy the regions produce than directly off the branch, and you will be impressed by the flavor and variety these fruits display. If you are interested in trying some fruit picking, why not join our ‘1-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Tenryu River Rafting & Fruit Picking‘?

TOURS AND CHARTERS TO SEE FALL COLORS

While the fall colors of Nagano will be on full display everywhere you loom throughout the season, getting to some of the best spots on your own can be tricky. Public transport in Nagano is not as frequent as in the cities elsewhere in Japan, and as the prefecture is quite large, it can take time to get around if you don’t have your own car. However, you can make things easy by joining a guided tour! Save yourself the hassle of planning your transport and instead focus on enjoying the scenery in front of your eyes.

1 Day Tour

[Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’
Period	July to October
Time	07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00
Meeting Place	Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥30,000
Child Rate	¥23,800

While the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is famous for its spring snow walls, the area is actually at its most beautiful in autumn, and significantly less crowded as well. As the elevation here is so high, colors can be seen in late September when Tokyo is still green and hot, making this a perfect getaway if you want to see some early color. Offering pickup from Nagano, this tour will make the process of reaching the mountain top of Tateyama simple, and your guide will make the area come to life with informative stories and local information.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
Period	April to November
Time	08:15 – 18:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Matsumoto Station
Adult Rate	¥23,800
Child Rate	¥11,900

Known as the “jewel of the Northern Alps”, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most stunning alpine environments. And it is perhaps at its most beautiful in autumn, with white snow capping the mountains and bright colors setting the valley ablaze in a sea of red and orange. With a visit to the famous Matsumoto Castle in the morning included, this tour will make sure you get the best of both the nature and culture that Nagano has to offer. Come in mid October for the best chance of seeing great colors.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines
Period	July to November
Time	09:35 – 17:20
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Information Board
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

Sitting just to the north of Nagano City, the mountainous region of Togakushi is a celebrated spiritual heartland as well as a beautiful natural area. Visitors will be impressed with the areas shrines and deep history, and in fall will have the full force of natures beauty proving why ancient people held this area as a sacred land. With a longstanding Ninja tradition also in place, this tour is fun for the whole family and brings you into the mountains without requiring any difficult hikes. Come in October for the best chance of seeing the fall colors at their peak.

Last but not least, if you don’t need a guide and only need help reaching your preferred fall color spot, our private charter service is for you. Our friendly, certified drivers will come straight to wherever it is you want to be picked up at in clean and modern vehicles. You can choose to be taken straight to your destination, or to make multiple stops along the way, and you may even add a guide to make your own private tour. For more information on pricing and availability, please click HERE.