This fall take an autumn bus tour from Tokyo to see the changing colours. If you’re keen to see the autumn leaves, but not so keen on navigating trains and whatnot then bus tours are the way to go.
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. Many of them visit our favorite autumn day trip locations, so you know they’re good. Here are our top picks for autumn bus tours from Tokyo.
1. Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour
From ¥16,000 per adult.Book here.
This tour is popular all 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, and you can also upgrade to include lunch (vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available).
2. Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations tour
¥12,980 per adult.Book here.
Get in quick, departure dates are limited.
This tour takes you to Tochigi Prefecture, where you’ll enjoy stunning views and visit to a popular flower park. After departing Tokyo, your first stop is Mount Nasu (also known as nasudake). You’ll take the cable car up to the mountaintop observatory with its gorgeous views — made even more striking by the autumn foliage. Then enjoy a buffet lunch before heading on to Ashikaga Flower Park.
While Ashikaga Flower Park is typically known for its wisteria in spring, you’re here for the illuminations. This evening event features light up decorations throughout the gardens, creating a near-magical atmosphere. After admiring the illuminations, your bus will take you back to Tokyo.
3. Nikkō, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chūzenji tour
¥15,000 per adult.Book here.
Another year-round tour made all the more amazing by autumn, this 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.
You can upgrade to include a traditional Japanese lunch.
4. Gunma Watarase Valley Railway autumn tour
¥12,500 per adult.Book 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 at Takatsudo Gorge. You’ll finish the day by visiting Ashikaga Flower Park to see the evening illuminations.
A delicious udon lunch set is included.
5. Karuizawa maple leaf tour
¥8,700 per adult.Book here.
Get in quick, departure dates are limited.
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 Gina Street or the more modern Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.
Note that this tour is operated mainly in Japanese, with simple English translations.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Last updated in September 2023 by Maria Danuco.
