Fancy a Japan fall foliage road trip?
Japan is one of the best places to experience the beauty of autumn.
As the seasons change, the landscape becomes a sea of red, yellow, and orange leaves.
What better way to soak in these stunning sights than by hitting the road?
Road trips allow you to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Planning a trip to Japan in Autumn? 🍁🍂 Checkout these fall foliage tours:
The journeys promise breathtaking views.
They are for nature lovers or photography enthusiasts.
You will make unforgettable memories.
1) Nikko’s Maple Corridor
You can’t miss Nikko in the autumn.
The maple trees here burst into brilliant reds and oranges, creating a stunning corridor of colour.
Walking through these trees feels like stepping into a painting.
Nikko National Park is the go-to spot.
Here, you’ll find places like Senjogahara Grassy Plain and Lake Chuzenji surrounded by vibrant foliage.
The famous Kegon Falls also offers a beautiful backdrop of autumn colours.
Make sure to check out the trails around Ryuzu Falls.
The hike is scenic and accessible, perfect for a leisurely autumn day.
Afterwards, grab a bite at the nearby restaurant serving Yuba Soba before continuing your adventure.
2) Lake Towada’s Oirase Stream
Lake Towada’s Oirase Stream is a gem in the Tohoku region of Japan.
This stream flows out of Lake Towada and winds through Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
It’s famous for its clear waters and beautiful autumn foliage.
The Oirase Gorge Trail is about 14 kilometres long.
It offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush forests.
It’s an easy hike many people enjoy, especially during autumn.
You can start your walk at Nenokuchi, where there’s a bus stop and boat pier.
The trail is accessible, with many bridges and viewpoints along the way.
3) Hitsujiyama Park’s Shibazakura
Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu is a must-see if you love flowers.
Though it’s more famous in spring for its Shibazakura, or moss pink, this park offers stunning views.
The moss pinks create a vivid carpet of colours, especially when they bloom from late April to early May.
You’ll see over 400,000 Shibazakura plants covering the ground.
The best spot to see them is the Hill of Pink Moss.
The flowers come in various shades, making the hills look like a beautifully painted scene with Mt. Buko in the background.
This place gets crowded, so aim to visit early in the day.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful backdrop, Hitsujiyama Park won’t disappoint.
4) Minoo Park’s Waterfall Walk
Minoo Park, located just outside Osaka, is great for a refreshing nature walk.
The main trail is about 2.8 kilometres one way.
It’s an easy hike that takes around 45 minutes without breaks.
Along the way, you’ll pass food stalls and little shops.
The trail ends at Minoo Waterfall, which is especially beautiful in autumn.
5) Mount Takao’s Scenic Trails
Mount Takao offers some of the best fall foliage trails near Tokyo.
You can start your hike from Takaosan-guchi Station.
To make the most of your day, try to begin by 9 a.m.
One popular route is from the summit of Mount Takao to Mount Jimba.
This 15.3 km trail takes about 5 1/2 hours.
Another noteworthy spot is Yakuoin Temple, founded in 744.
With its guardian deities, this Buddhist temple adds a spiritual touch to your hike.
Don’t miss the stunning view of Mount Fuji from the summit.
6) Tsutanuma’s Mirror Lakes
When you visit Tsutanuma’s Mirror Lakes in Aomori, you’ll be amazed by the stunning reflections on the water.
Beautiful forests surround the lakes.
These display vibrant autumn colours.
Reds, oranges, and yellows create a breathtaking scene.
It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or a picnic.
The peace and beauty are unmatched.
