Although we may not be able to enjoy the cherry blossom season this year, it is never too early to plan for the travel ahead! As temperatures drop after the burning summer, the colours of leaves change into vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. In Japan, this natural phenomenon is called koyo or momiji, and the activity of searching this beauty is known as Momiji-gari (which means red leaf hunting). Let’s take a look at some of the best places to see autumn colour in near Tokyo. You can plan a day trip from Tokyo, or stay overnight to enjoy the beauty of quiet suburb in the coming fall season.
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1. Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko Area
The famous Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is one of the top 10 best autumns leaves view. Near the lake, you shall never miss out the Maple corridor (Momiji Kairo) which is a 2 km-walkway lined by over 60 maple trees with beautiful autumn colour leaves. You can enjoy the amazing scenery with the glorious view of Mt Fuji on the background. Even after dark, the light-up of the autumn leaves takes place after the sunset till 10 pm every night. The festival is usually held in November, and the date for 2020 will be announced once it’s confirmed.
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2. Hike to the Secret Fall Leaves Spots in Ibaraki Prefecture
You may recall the sea of beautiful flowers in Hitachi Seaside Park when thinking of Ibaraki. There are indeed many hidden falls leaves viewing spots for relaxing in Ibaraki. Find the beautiful landscape spread out from the Hananuki dam. The most photogenic view is seen from Shiomidaki Tsuribashi and Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge, which is 375 meters long and 100 meters high from the dam lake surface. In autumn the bridges are covered with colourful leaves, and you will feel like walking through an autumn-leaves-tunnel. The view of Fukuroda Falls embraced by burning red maple leaves, which are ranked as the third most beautiful waterfall in Japan, is also a must-see spot in Ibaraki.
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3. Riding on the Fall Leaves Train in Gunma Prefecture
During the seasons of the new leaves and autumn colours, you can enjoy the scenery on the torokko trains which have no glass in the windows. This railroad journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and crosses through the 44km of the Watarase River Valley between Kiryu Station in Gunma Prefecture and Matou Station in Tochigi Prefecture. Enjoy one of the top three biggest light-up events in Japan with 5.0 million light bulb held by Ashikaga Flower Park, and the mouth-watering fukuton pork local hot-pot!
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4. Traditional Boat Ride in Saitama Prefecture
What would be better than appreciating the fall foliage on a romantic Japanese boat ride? Tsukinoishi Momiji Park in Nagatoro provides you with a relaxing boat trip along the Arakawa river to soak in the beauty of the autumn colours. Do not miss out the time-travelling journey in “mini-eco” Kawagoe City when visiting Saitama!
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Plan your awesome day trip from Tokyo to all the above places in the Kanto area. If you want to save some time and transportation cost, well-arranged day tours with pick-up service may be the best choice for you.
