An all-in-one autumn bus tour from Tokyo is one of the easiest — and most memorable — ways to see the changing colors. If you’re keen to see some fall foliage, but not so keen on navigating multiple trains, then a bus tour is the way to go.
There are a number of Tokyo bus tours available during the fall season (October to December), where all you have to do is kick back and relax while being ferried from one fabulous sight to another. Here are our top picks.
1. Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour
From ¥19,488 per adultBook here
A classic combo
This tour is popular year round, but autumn adds an extra dimension. You’ll visit the fifth station of Mount Fuji, cruise nearby Lake Ashi, and ride the Hakone Ropeway. Throughout the tour you’ll be treated to incredible views of fall foliage.
There are several options for pick-up locations in Tokyo, and you can also upgrade to include lunch (vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available).
2. Nikkō, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chūzenji tour
¥26,000 per adultBook here
Limited availability
This exclusive autumn bus tour is a chance to see Nikkō at its best. The area is famous for fall-foliage viewing, as well as traditional spots like Tōshōgū Shrine.
You’ll also be able to enjoy beautiful views of Kegon Falls and Lake Chūzenji as part of the tour. You can upgrade to include a traditional Japanese lunch.
3. Gunma Watarase Valley Railway autumn tour
¥12,500 per adultBook here
Most departures are in November
This special autumn foliage tour takes you from Tokyo to Gunma Prefecture. Along the way, you’ll stop at some of the best autumn-leaves viewing spots in the area.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a scenic ride on the Watarase Valley Railway, and enjoy the views of Takatsudo Gorge. You’ll finish the day by visiting Ashikaga Flower Park to see the evening illuminations. An udon lunch set is included.
4. Karuizawa maple leaf tour
¥7,900 per adultBook here
Limited availability
Karuizawa is a popular autumn day trip from Tokyo, and this tour makes it easy too. You’ll visit two main locations — Kumoba Pond (also know as Unba Pond) and Megane Bridge. Both of these places are incredibly scenic, and the fall foliage only makes them even more beautiful.
You also have the choice of visiting either Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, or the more modern Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.
Note: This tour takes place mainly in Japanese, with simple English translations.
5. Hitachi Seaside Park tour
¥15,800 per adultBook here
Limited availability. November – December departures unconfirmed.
On this half-day tour you’ll visit two of the most popular autumn destinations near Tokyo: Hitachi Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park. Hitachi Seaside Park is over in Ibaraki Prefecture and is known year-round for its seasonal flowers.
If you visit in fall, you can expect to see bright red kochia plants and delightful pink and white cosmos. Ashikaga Flower Park is also known for its seasonal flowers, but in fall its evening illuminations are the big drawcard.
Also read: 9 Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo To Give You Those Fall Feels
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in October 2017. Last updated in October 2024, by Maria Danuco.
