To showcase the enchanting fall season across the country, InsideJapan Tours has curated a list of top locations and cultural events included in budget-friendly Self-Guided Adventures,guided Small Group Tours, or tailored Exclusive Private Journeys.
Koyo (autumn leaf viewing) lasts for nearly three months across the length of Japan. From October, the “koyo front” moves slowly across the country, stretching the palettes of warm color through Tokyo and Kyoto into early December.
- Kamikochi
Kamikochi National Park offers iconic scenery in the Japan Alps. Densely forested, with a pristine river flowing through its heart, it is referred to as one of the most scenic places in Japan, especially in October when the flaming autumn tints enhance its natural beauty.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid-October
Location: Nagano Prefecture, 180 miles from Tokyo
- Nikko
Steeped in history and home to the Toshu-gu shrine (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the mountains of Nikko boast glorious koyo opportunities near the Chuzenji Lake.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid to late October
Location: Tochigi Prefecture, 90 miles from Tokyo
- Miyajima
Across the bay from Hiroshima is the sacred island of Miyajima. The island’s Itsukushima Shrine is fronted by a bold red gate standing tall and elegant in the bay; it appears to float on the water at high tide and is one of Japan’s most magnificent sights. The vista incorporates Mt Misen, ablaze with an array of fiery colors in autumn.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid to late November.
Location: Hiroshima Prefecture, 430 miles from Tokyo
- Kyoto
The district of Arashiyama is one of the most culturally saturated parts of Kyoto, and in autumn, the most colorful, too, as the mountain-covering maple turn red, gold and yellow. A unique way to experience the spectacle, travelers can opt to take the historical Hozugawa riverboat ride through the mountains, over gentle rapids, past huge boulders, serene pools, and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid-late November
Location: Kyoto Prefecture, 320 miles from Tokyo
- Mt. Takao
Despite being just 45 minutes from the center of Tokyo, the area around Mt. Takao seems a million miles away from the pulsating capital. Visitors will see the mountainside blanketed in red and orange foliage, with temples and shrines dotted throughout the surrounding national parks.
Best viewing time: Late November
Location: Officially part of metropolitan Tokyo, 26 miles west of the center
- Tokyo
Steps away from the skyscrapers, find the 58-hectare Shinjuku Park with over 1,000 maple trees, and the beautifully-landscaped Hamarikyu Gardens. For the fullest appreciation of koyo in Tokyo, the extremely photogenic Rikugien Gardens, which date back to 1702, are the ideal place.
Best viewing time: mid-November to early December
fire festivalin a mountain town, participants will experience a side of Japan not easily seen during the peak cherry blossom season.
- Sennin Musha Gyoretsu – Nikko
- Jidai Matsuri, Hi Matsuri, and Shichi-go-san – Kyoto
- Kawagoe Matsuri – Tokyo
- Autumn Splendor Self-guided Adventure
InsideJapan Tours’ 13-night ‘Autumn Splendor’ Self-guided Adventure heads from Tokyo to Kyoto, via Nikko and the Japanese Alps and the Kamikochi national park. Recommended from October through November to catch the best of the leaves, the itinerary includes traditional and modern accommodations as well as all transport between all destinations in Japan, daily breakfast, select evening meals, private guiding in Tokyo and Kyoto, a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto, a cycle tour in Takayama and more. Price starts from US$3,510 per person (based on two sharing and excluding international flights).
- Classic Japan Guided Small Group Tour
The 13-night ‘Classic Japan’ Small Group Tour heads into the Kamikochi National Park, Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond. Starting at US$5,067 per person, the itinerary includes all accommodations, transport between destinations within Japan, daily breakfast, seven evening meals, afternoon tea with a Geisha in Kyoto, Tokyo and Hakone transportation passes, luggage forwarding, the full-time services of a tour leader, and much more.
For more information on InsideJapan Tours and to book fall foliage and cultural experiences in Japan, visit https://www.