Four Budget-Friendly Tokyo Bus Tours to Take This Autumn

Fuji Autumn Koyo — Photo by Guilhem Vellut used under CC

Autumn is here, and the colorful foliage is just waiting to be seen! Keen on koyo (autumn leaf viewing), but not so keen on navigating trains and whatnot? There are a bunch of Tokyo bus tours available during the season (late October to early December), where all you have to do is kick back and relax while being ferried from one fabulous sight to another. Here’s an idea of what’s available, with prices to match those cheapo budgets.

Note: While most Tokyo bus tours leave from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal (near Hamamatsucho Station). They may return to a different point, such as Tokyo Station.

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Suggested Activity

1. Mt Fuji and Hakone

Tokyo bus tours to Fuji — Mount Fuji framed by autumn leaves. | Photo by skyseeker used under CC

This tour is popular all year round, but autumn adds an extra dimension. You’ll be carted up to the fifth station of Mt Fuji, cruise nearby Lake Ashi on a pirate ship (embrace the kitsch), and ride the Komagatake Ropeway for views of Fuji-san, the Izu Peninsula and Hakone National Park (think autumn leaves). Lunch is included. You can choose to head back to Tokyo by bus or bullet train.

Cost: From ¥10,800 per person
Booking link.

2. Okutama Autumn Leaves and Persimmon Picking

Persimmon dried — Photo by Kiuko used under CC

This is a reasonably priced fall bus tour that takes you to Okutama, a mountainous area on the western outskirts of Tokyo. You can expect stunning views of autumn foliage (reflected in Lake Okutama, if the weather is good) and fresh persimmons plucked from the trees. A tasty crab hot pot is included for lunch.

Cost: From ¥9,900 per person
Booking link.

3. Fukuroda Falls and Ashikaga Illuminations

The magic of Fukuroda Falls. | Photo by t.kunikuni used under CC

Head into Ibaraki Prefecture (northeast of Tokyo) for a tour of some stellar autumn views that include one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls and some evening lights. The BBQ buffet lunch is included and you’ll be able to spend an evening enjoying the nature-themed illuminations at the famous Ashikaga Flower Park before heading home.

Cost: From ¥8,900 per person
Booking link.

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4. Nikko, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Another year-round tour made all the more amazing by autumn, this is a fantastic chance to see Nikko at its best. The area is famous for koyo and traditional spots like Toshogu Shrine. You’ll be able to enjoy Bandai’s chestnut rice for lunch as well as trying the strawberry products before heading out again to enjoy the autumn colours.

Cost: From ¥10,800 per person
Booking link.

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While it’s not a specific autumn tour, you could always take the Hop on, Hop Off Tokyo Sky Bus around the city (great for first-timers) and see popular sights like Ueno Park, Sensoji Temple and more—taking in some incidental fall foliage along the way!

Tokyo bus tours sold out or just want other options? Here are some ideas for autumn day trips, and 10 places to enjoy koyo in Tokyo.

Written by: Carey Finn

Carey's Tokyo favorites are: artless craft tea & coffee

Filed under: Things to do