As autumn arrives, trees transform their leaves into vibrant shades of yellow and red—a phenomenon known as "koyo." This stunning display is rare in many countries and is becoming even rarer due to global warming. In this article, we focus on Japan's Kanto region and highlight ten of its most beautiful autumn foliage spots. All of these locations are within a 2-hour drive from Tokyo, making them easily accessible from the city center. During the peak season from October to November, use this guide to plan a trip and experience some breathtaking autumn scenery.
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When is the Best Time to See Autumn Foliage in Kanto?
The autumn foliage season begins as trees start to change color, with cooler temperatures in northern regions indicating the start of the spectacle. Typically, the foliage begins in Hokkaido and gradually moves south.
Best Season for Autumn Foliage in Kanto
The peak season for autumn foliage in the Kanto region generally falls between mid-September and mid-December.
1. Rikugien Garden | Tokyo
Located about a 7-minute walk from Komagome Station in Tokyo, Rikugien Garden is a daimyo garden created in the Edo period. At peak season, more than 500 trees are painted in red and yellow, captivating the viewer. The illumination of the garden from late November to early December is a masterpiece, and you can enjoy an extraordinary and fantastic scenery. You need a ticket in advance to see this illumination, so be sure to check the website and purchase tickets in advance when visiting.
- Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Viewing Period: Late November to early December
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2. Mt. Takao | Tokyo
Mt. Takao is located just a short distance from Takao-san-guchi Station on the Keio Line in Tokyo. With an elevation of about 600 meters, it’s a popular mountain for people of all ages due to its easy accessibility. During the autumn foliage season, it becomes extremely crowded with tourists. The maples, in particular, are stunning during this time, creating a tunnel of vibrant red and yellow leaves. Riding the cable car from Takao-san Station through this maple tunnel offers a breathtaking view that’s truly unique.
The Takao-san Momiji Festival typically runs from late October to early December, so visiting during this period is highly recommended.
- Address: Takao-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
- Business hours:January, February, December: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM / March, April: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM / May to November: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to early December
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3. Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park | Saitama Prefecture
In the Nagatoro area of Saitama Prefecture, you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage in various spots. While Nagatoro is known for river rafting in the summer, it transforms into a serene and mystical landscape in the autumn. The maples and oaks along the river turn vibrant colors, and the reflections on the water create a picturesque scene.
It’s lovely to stroll and enjoy the foliage, but taking a train or cable car to view the scenery from above is also highly recommended. The Nagatoro Autumn Foliage Festival, featuring illuminations at Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park, is held from early November to late November. During this time, about 150 LED lights illuminate the park from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Address: 1446 Nagatoro, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
- Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Best Viewing Period: Early November to late November
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4. Kaneishi Water Pipe Bridge | Saitama Prefecture
In the Nagatoro area, Kaneishi Water Pipe (Suikankyō ) Bridge is a popular spot alongside Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park. The bridge offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the autumn foliage. As the bridge is not accessible by car or motorcycle, you can leisurely take photos of the stunning scenery without being rushed. It’s a perfect spot for capturing beautiful shots for your social media.
- Address: Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Best Viewing Period: Early November to mid-November
5. Funabashi Andersen Park | Chiba Prefecture
Located about 40 minutes by bus from Funabashi Station in Chiba Prefecture, Funabashi Andersen Park is inspired by fairy tales and offers a charming world that captivates children. During the peak foliage season from mid-November to early December, you can enjoy the vibrant colors of maples and oak trees. The park itself is picturesque from any angle, but the Sun Pond area, especially the view from the Sun Bridge, provides a stunning backdrop. This spot becomes quite popular with tourists during the autumn season.
- Address: 525 Kanabori-cho, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- *On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April 8 to October 31, and from March 20 to April 7, June 15, and July 20 to August 31, hours are extended to 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to early December
6. Fukiwari Falls | Gunma Prefecture
Known as the "Niagara of the East," Fukiwari Falls in Gunma Prefecture is about 7 meters high. During the autumn foliage season, the views from Ukishima Bridge, observation platforms, and walking paths are breathtaking. If you're lucky, you might see a rainbow over the falls around midday, creating a luxurious view with the colorful autumn leaves in the background.
- Address: Okkai, Tonemachi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Best Viewing Period: Late October to early November
7. Ozegahara (Oze Marsh) | Gunma Prefecture
Ozegahara, located at an elevation of about 1,400 meters in Gunma Prefecture, is known for its "kusa-koyo," or grass autumn colors. From mid-September, the grasslands gradually change from green to yellow. As one of Japan’s largest wetlands and a specially protected area, Oze offers a unique opportunity to experience untouched nature.
- Address: Tokura, Katashina Village, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Best Viewing Period: Late September to early October
8. Kegon Falls | Tochigi Prefecture
Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls, offers a breathtaking spectacle that photos and videos can’t fully capture. The view from the observation deck near the base of the falls is particularly impressive, with the powerful waterfall contrasting beautifully with the autumn foliage. There are also viewing spots above the falls that provide stunning perspectives of the area.
- Address: Chugushi, Nikko-city, Tochigi Prefecture
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- *Hours may vary by season, so please check the official website in advance.
- Best Viewing Period: Early October to late October
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9. Shinkurayama Asama Park | Yamanashi Prefecture
Shinkurayama Asama Park in Yamanashi Prefecture offers beautiful autumn views around the Chureito Pagoda, where you can see the vibrant red maple leaves starting from mid-November. The observation deck provides a stunning view of both Mount Fuji and the autumn foliage, making it a popular spot that is often crowded with tourists.
- Address: 2-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Hours: 24 hours
- Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to early December
10. Nishizawa Gorge | Yamanashi Prefecture
Nishizawa Gorge, located in Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is renowned for its beautiful canyon scenery, which is rare in Japan. While it’s stunning during the fresh green season, the autumn foliage is equally magical. At the nearby Okubo Falls, you can enjoy the contrast of the red and yellow leaves against the waterfall, making it a popular photo spot during the fall season.
- Address: Mitomi, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
- Best Viewing Period: Mid-October to early November
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Let’s Go See the Autumn Foliage in Kanto!
We’ve introduced ten selected autumn foliage spots within a two-hour journey from Tokyo in the Kanto region. As opening hours for facilities may change according to the foliage season, it's recommended to check their websites in advance. Some spots even offer live cameras to check the current foliage status, allowing you to plan your visit according to peak viewing times. Many places also host events during the autumn season, so finding the best time to visit could enhance your experience.
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