Best Tours to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
The autumn leaves of Japan are some of the best in the world, and draw visitors both domestic and international to explore the country’s parks, gardens and mountains in hopes of finding the brightest colored leaves of the season. While it is hard to avoid fall colors if you come between the months of October and December (Japan is a nation of forests after all!), not all destinations are equal when it comes to the quality and color of their leaves. It is thus greatly beneficial on your trip to make sure that you can see the right places at the right time to make the most of natures blessings.
— The Best Tours to See Fall Colors in Japan
— Varieties of Autumn Leaves in Japan
— The Importance of Autumn Leaves in Japanese Culture
On this page, we will introduce you to the best tours around Japan for catching sight of the red and yellow leaves. Making use of local knowledge will ensure that you don’t miss the peak of the colors and can make the most of your trip.
THE FALL COLOR FORECAST
While the fall colors change at roughly the same time each year, there can be a variance of more than 2 weeks compared to the average depending on the conditions that year. For that reason, it is important to closely follow the forecast to avoid disappointment in your search for fall colors. When booking a tour as well, checking the updates and making sure to book when the peak is expected is the best way to ensure that you get to enjoy the spectacle. Luckily, we operate a forecast page which is updated yearly with the newest predictions and any relevant information. Before deciding anything, we strongly recommend to take a look at it and confirm the coming season’s predictions.
THE BEST TOURS TO SEE FALL COLORS IN JAPAN
With tours operating all around Japan, we are pleased to offer our services to travelers looking to elevate their travel experience. Many of our tours operate year round, and by participating in the autumn months you can enjoy fall colors in addition to the usual tour itinerary. Of course, some tours are better than others to see the changing leaves, and as our tours take place around Japan not all will have colors at the same time. For that reason, we have made a list of our top picks for seeing fall colors, and published them here. The best time of year to see fall colors on the tour will also be written under each entry to make your planning easier.
The tours will be grouped by the month in which their respective regions fall colors are at peak. The pick up locations will also be listed. Please note that fall colors are a natural phenomenon and we can only make our recommendations based off of yearly averages.
AUTUMN TOURS IN SEPTEMBER
Although the first official month of autumn, September is still quite green in most of Japan. However, the highest peaks will be fully into the season by the end of the month. Blessed with Japan’s tallest mountain range, the Northern Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture will be the place to visit if you want a chance to see fall colors very early in the season.
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Green Season Tour / Peak Fall Colors: Late September
1 Day Tour
| [Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the ‘Roof of Japan’ | |
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| 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 best known for its spring snow walls, the area is still attractive even after the snow has melted away. From June through the October, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Northern Alps, and hike around without snow slowing you down. Additionally, come autumn, a range of bright fall colors will be on full display – even though there are no trees at the summit, the bushes and grasses of the peak will turn fiery shades of red and orange, much to the delight of visitors. Expect the best colors at the peak around late September, with the lower reaches of the mountain changing in phases throughout October and early November. The other benefit of coming after the snow walls have melted is that the crowds will be greatly lessened, and you are more free to move at your own pace and enjoy nature in solitude.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21
AUTUMN TOURS IN OCTOBER
October is the month that Autumn really comes into its own in Japan’s mountainous and northernly regions, with some of the best colors in the whole country on display. A number of our tours in this season will include areas of stunning beauty, making it a perfect time to visit. October weather is generally pleasant as well, with sunny skies, warm days, and crisp nights.
Kamikochi Alpine Valley and Matsumoto Castle Tour / Peak Fall Colors: Late October – Early November
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
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| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Kamikochi sits in the middle of the northern alps and is accessible from the east through Matsumoto, a city with a long and storied history. This tour starts from Matsumoto as you see the city’s most impressive site, Matsumoto Castle. It is one of Japan’s 12 original castles and is famous for its black color, wooden interior and interesting stories. You will also get a chance to walk along the Kaeru Michi or Frog Street that has over 50 shops, restaurants and cafes that sell many different products that may pique your interest. After a morning full of history culture and tradition, the afternoon will take you to see the relaxing and pristine environment of Kamikochi. Enjoy a walk along a clear mountain river as you drink in the stunning mountains around you. Some of the bridges and walkways are are unique and deepen the feeling of being on a true adventure. Expect the fall colors in Kamikochi to be near their best around late October, with the city of Matsumoto reaching peak in early to mid November.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Matsumoto Station, Kokusai 21
Kamikochi and Shinhotaka Tour from Takayama / Peak Fall Colors: Early October – Late October
1 Day Tour
| (Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor – Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi | |
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| Period | April – November |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥27,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥14,900 |
If you are a lover of nature in all of its splendid forms, taking the Shinhotaka Ropeway to the top of mountains then exploring the valleys of Kamikochi is perfect for you. Starting from Takayama Station, you will take one of our tour buses to the Shinhotaka Ropeway where you will get on and experience the exciting two stage ride. At the top you will have time to enjoy the panorama that is the Central Japanese Alps. After taking in all of the majestic mountain views, you will head to a different part of the range and to Kamikochi. Here you will walk along the scenic river with its stunning colors, cross the picturesque Kappa Bridge and generally explore the fields, riverbeds and forests of the area. There are even wild monkeys in the area that can be seen. Relax and enjoy your day through strolls in the refreshing nature.
Pick Up Location: Takayama Station
Soba and Shrines in Togakushi Tour / Peak Fall Colors: Early October – Late October
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines | |
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| Period | July to November |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:20 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Information Board |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
While Nagano’s most famous Buddhist spiritual site may be Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano City, the city houses another site of almost equal importance to Shinto, Japan’s native religion – Togakushi. Located high in the mountains just a short distance from downtown Nagano, this area is as beautiful as it is mysterious. Home to some of Japan’s best soba, you will have a chance to try your hand at making this noodle dish at a local shop, before sitting down to enjoy the soba you just created! Togakushi has still more to offer with its Ninja tradition dating back centuries, today honored by several Ninja museums that are great fun for people of all ages. The main attraction, however, is the shrines of the mountain, set amidst primeval forests that appear as though they came right out of a Japanese fairy tale. Even if you aren’t spiritual, you are sure to feel something when surrounded by ancient and wizened trees, dwarfing the pilgrims walking the trail.
Pick Up Location: Nagano Station
1-Day Tour to Kusatsu Onsen and Mt. Asama / Peak Fall Colors: Mid October – Early November
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen | |
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| Period | April – November |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Karuizawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
With two options for pick up within Nagano Prefecture, this tour will take you a little ways out of the borders of Nagano and into Gunma Prefecture, home of Kusatsu Onsen. Easily described as one of the best onsen towns in all of Japan, Kusatsu is a must visit for anyone who wants to try bathing in Japan’s famed hot spring waters, or just soak in the atmosphere. Defined by volcanoes and their thermal power, you will also have a chance to visit two of Japan’s best volcanoes – Mt. Asama and Mt. Shirane. With a chance for a guided walk at each, you will understand more about where the onsen get their heat and healing minerals from. As this tour covers a variety of elevations, there will be fall colors visible somewhere along the way for quite a long time. Expect the colors on the mountain tops to reach their best around mid-October, and for colors in Kusatsu Town to be hanging around until early November.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station and Karuizawa Station
AUTUMN TOURS IN NOVEMBER
November sees the advance of the fall colors to the lowlands, with most everywhere in Japan seeing colors by the end of the month. This includes many of the larger cities and the natural areas surrounding them, making this month perhaps the easiest in which to see fall colors.
Zenko-ji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Tour / Peak Fall Colors: Early November – Mid November
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Including what is perhaps Nagano’s biggest international attraction, the snow loving primates of Jigokudani, this tour ranks amongst our most popular for good reason. Starting with a morning visit to the Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples not only in Nagano but in all of Japan, you will be treated to lovely architecture and informative talks about the history of Japanese Buddhism. After the temple trip, your guide will lead to you a well-respected Sake brewery just outside of the temple grounds, with numerous types of sake to try as well as non alcoholic drinks and even miso soup on the menu. With a taste of the finer side of life still on your tongue, the next stop will be lunch, where tour guests will be treated to fine Japanese cuisine utilizing local ingredients. And last but certainly not least, you will be taken to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! With ample time in the park to watch these silly creatures bathe, play, eat and engage in their daily antics, there is little more you could ask for in a single day.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21, Hakuba (multiple locations, winter only)
1-Day Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour / Peak Fall Colors: Early November – Late November
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
Immerse yourself in a deeply personalized exploration with our group tour to Shirakawa-go from Takayama, a journey that promises an intimate encounter with Japan’s cultural heart. This tour offers an unrivaled opportunity to delve into the enchanting worlds of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go, guided by an expert ready to answer any questions you have. Discover the historic Takayama Jinya, revel in the serene beauty of Shirakawa-go’s traditional Gassho-zukuri houses, and relax knowing that transport is 100% covered during the tour. The best fall colors in both Takayama and Shirakawa-go can be expected throughout the month of November, with each variety of tree having a little different timing. Ready to embark on an unforgettable private journey that highlights the best of Takayama and Shirakawa-go? Book a tour now and get ready to step into the past!
Pick Up Location: Takayama Station
Takayama and Shirakawa-go Tour from Nagoya / Peak Fall Colors: Early November – Late November
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:30-18:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
Similar to the above tour, this tour includes a visit to both Takayama and Shirakawa-go. The point of departure, however, is Nagoya, Japan’s 3rd major city conveniently located in the very center of the country. With the mountains of Gifu and the charming village of Shirakawa-go only a couple of hours drive away, this day tour offers a great escape from the big city and a visit to a more quiet and natural part of Japan.
Pick Up Location: Nagoya Station
1-Day Walking Tour in Kanazawa / Peak Fall Colors: Mid November – Late November
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
One of the most fascinating and historical cities in Central Japan, Kanazawa is the perfect size for a walking tour. Although large, the attractions are located centrally and create a chain of places of interest so that you are never bored. On this tour, you will get to walk through the old samurai district, enter a samurai house, enjoy fresh matcha, stroll through the Kanazawa castle grounds, visit the Kenrokuen Garden, and spend an evening at the Higashichaya Tea District! Clearly, there is a lot to see and do, and with your guide to show you around and keep track of time you can do it all in one day without feeling rushed. For visitors in autumn, aim to participate in the tour around late November for the best chance at seeing the perfect fall colors in the various gardens.
Pick Up Location: Kanazawa Station
1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West / Peak Fall Colors: Late November – Early December
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West – Arashiyama to Kinkakuji | |
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| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto with a tour to Arashiyama and Kinkakuji. Begin your journey in Arashiyama, where you can stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, visit the serene Tenryuji Temple, and enjoy the scenic views from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Arashiyama, continue to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Marvel at the pavilion’s stunning reflection in the surrounding pond and explore the meticulously maintained gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and architectural beauty, providing a memorable glimpse into Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
Pick Up Locations: JR Kyoto Station
Mount Fuji Day Trip Inc. Lake Kawaguchi / Peak Fall Colors: Early November – Late November
1 Day Tour
| Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 07:50 – 19:45 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you! The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including nature, shrines and temples, a museum and great photography opportunities. Lake Kawaguchiko is the biggest of the five lakes that surround Mount Fuji, and it is therefore the best to visit for a day trip to experience as much as possible. Your tour will begin travelling from Shinjuku Express Bus Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko station. From there, you will use the sightseeing bus with your tour guide to explore Lake Kawaguchiko!
Your first stop will be at Lake Kawaguchiko’s nature park where you can enjoy a relaxing walk through a flower garden as you take in fantastic views of Mount Fuji and some shopping at a local centre to pick up the perfect souvenir of your day. Next, we will visit a famous and beautiful shrine complex that provides a sense of peace and more fantastic views of Mount Fuji. You will then enjoy some culture at a local art museum famous for its artistic kimonos all displaying beautiful scenes from nature and the four seasons. Finally, you will then travel on to enjoy a ropeway experience so you can sit back and relax as you take in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and its largest lake. It will then be time to head back to Kawaguchiko station and take the bus back to Tokyo.
Pick Up Location: Shinjuku Bus Terminal
AUTUMN TOURS IN DECEMBER
While December may be more typically associated with winter, in the coastal cities of central and southern Japan many of the best fall colors are to be found early on in the month. The gingko trees especially shine at this time of year, as they are some of the last trees to change color. In warmer years many other trees will only reach their peak at the beginning of December in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and others.
Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya / Peak Fall Colors: Late November – Mid December
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience both traditional culture and pop culture in Tokyo, combining two of the cities most famous and popular areas, Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you’re low on time, and want to experience two of Tokyo’s hot spots, this is the perfect tour for you. Particularly relevant for the autumn season is the visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen, a massive park in Shinjuku with beautiful fall colors and a number of gardens. Many of the streets in the area are also lined with beautiful gingko trees, which will be reaching their spectacular peak of bright yellow around early to mid December.
Pick Up Location: Yotsuya Sanchome Station
Garden Walk through Nagoya / Peak Fall Colors: Very Late November – Early December
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya’s Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
The castle city of Nagoya attracted samurai and craftsmen alike and, later, wealthy merchants and innovative leaders of industry. Today, Nagoya has cemented itself as Japan’s center of industry and is home to manufacturing giants such as Toyota, Brother, Noritake, Ibanez, Buffalo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
This tour will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of these titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Pick Up Location: Nagoya Station
Mino Falls and the Daruma Temple in Osaka / Peak Fall Colors: Late November – Early December
1 Day Tour
| Osaka’s Secret Adventures: Discover Daruma Magic and the Beauty of Minoh Falls | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:20 – 16:00 |
| Meeting Place | Osaka Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
If you want to experience a different side of Osaka with a more natural touch, this is the tour for you. Begin your journey at the serene Daruma Temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and unique history. Here, you can explore the tranquil grounds and learn about the temple’s cultural significance. After soaking in the calm atmosphere of the temple, we will take you to a nearby waterfall, a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. The sound of cascading water and the bright fall colors provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. This tour offers a tranquil and scenic journey, allowing you to experience the natural charm of Osaka in a new and relaxing way, showcasing the city’s lesser-known natural beauty.
Pick Up Locations: JR Osaka Station
VARIEITIES OF AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPAN
Japan’s beautiful ‘momiji’ are without doubt the most famous autumn trees, loved for their vibrant color and delicate beauty. Yet the name momiji covers a variety of trees, a grouping that is just one of many trees that turn in color each autumn. Our ‘Varieties of Autumn Leaves in Japan’ page introduces some of the most common trees you’ll find along with shrubs and grasses of equally vibrant color.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPANESE CULTURE
The term ‘koyo’ refers to the red leaves of autumn but overtime has come to encapsulate all coloured trees of autumn. Much like the fabled cherry blossoms of spring, koyo season is cherished for its passing and fragile beauty – a time to enjoy ‘momijigari’ or ‘hunting for autumn leaves’ with family and friends. Our ‘The Importance of ‘Koyo’ & ‘Momijigari’ in Japan’ page these quintessential Japanese terms and what to expect when visiting in autumn.
