Autumn Leaf Viewing Archives

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 per adult 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 per adult 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. Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations tour N/A Book here Limited availability This tour takes you to Tochigi Prefecture, where you'll enjoy stunning views and a 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 you'll get to 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 magical atmosphere. 4. Gunma Watarase Valley Railway autumn tour 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 of Takatsudo Gorge. You'll finish the day by visiting Ashikaga Flower Park to see the evening illuminations. An udon lunch set is included. 5. Karuizawa maple leaf tour per adult 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. 6. Hitachi Seaside Park tour per adult Limited availability 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: 8 Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo To Give You Those Fall Feels 7. 2-day Echigo autumn leaves tour per adult Book here Limited availability This unique tour takes you on a 2-day journey to Niigata and Gunma Prefectures. In Niigata you'll cruise on a sightseeing boat and ride the world's longest aerial ropeway, both while enjoying views of simply stunning autumn foliage. Meanwhile in Gunma, you'll visit Ikaho Onsen Town and go apple picking. The tour includes one night shared accommodation and meals. Note: This tour operates in Japanese and Chinese only. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in October 2017. Last updated in September 2024 by Maria Danuco.

Autumn Leaf Viewing Posts

7 Autumn Bus Tours From Tokyo That Are Actually Worthwhile

9 Autumn Day Trips From Tokyo To Give You Those Fall Feels

Tokyo to Nikkō: Getting There and Back

Tokyo Events This Week: Autumn Festivals and Horseback Archery