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
[Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the 'Roof of Japan'
- Spots:
- NaganoAlpine Route
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
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
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
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
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 Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines
- Spots:
- NaganoTogakushi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
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 from Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen
- Spots:
- NaganoKaruizawaKusatsu
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
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
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
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
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 from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
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
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 p