HOME Kansai Kyoto kyoto Suburbs Road Trip From Osaka: 3 Autumn Leaf-Viewing Driving Itineraries in Kansai (2D1N)
Road Trip From Osaka: 3 Autumn Leaf-Viewing Driving Itineraries in Kansai (2D1N)

Road Trip From Osaka: 3 Autumn Leaf-Viewing Driving Itineraries in Kansai (2D1N)

Date published: 21 November 2021

In autumn, from early-mid November, the leaves begin to change across much of Japan. It’s the perfect season for a short road trip from Osaka to take in some awe-inspiring scenery.

We’ve picked three areas in the Kansai region where you can rent a car and not only see the fall leaves, but also experience Japanese culture and sample local foods.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Enjoy the autumn leaves around the ancient temples of Tamba, Hyogo
  2. 2. Enjoy the beautiful autumn colors, sea, and mountains in the Maizuru and Fukuchiyama areas of Kyoto Prefecture
  3. 3. Enjoy the autumn leaves at a World Heritage Site in Wakayama
  4. Related Stories

1. Enjoy the autumn leaves around the ancient temples of Tamba, Hyogo

1. Enjoy the autumn leaves around the ancient temples of Tamba, Hyogo

Tamba is a mountain town located in central Hyogo Prefecture. Culturally rich, the town is home to historic temples and castle ruins that belonged to the Sengoku warlords who once ruled the area.

Starting from JR Kaibara Station, you can easily visit the temples and enjoy the autumn colors of the surrounding mountains.

Getting to Tamba from Osaka

It takes about 71 minutes from JR Osaka Station to Kashiwara Station via the Kounotori limited express train. Alternatively, if you have time, you can take the Takarazuka Line from JR Osaka Station to Sasayamaguchi Station and then change to the Fukuchiyama Line to Kashiwara Station. It takes about 2 hours and there is no express class surcharge.

Rent a car near JR Kashiwara Station

World Net Rent-A-Car Tamba Sales Office is a convenient 1-minute walk from JR Kashiwara Station. Since it’s in front of the station, it is easy to reach even if you have a lot of luggage. The available range of vehicles includes small cars and wagons.

Reservations can be made on their website, which is available in English, Chinese (traditional), and Korean in addition to Japanese.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

  • World Net Rent-A-Car Tamba Shop
    ワールドネットレンタカー丹波営業所
    • Address 2F Uno bldg. 1176-2 Kaibaracho Kaibara, Tamba-shi, Hyogo 669-3309
    • Phone Number 0795-88-5330
    • ・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
      ・Price: Varies by model
      ・Closed: 12/30 - 1/3
      ・MAP Code: 165 129 885 * 14

Autumn leaf location 1: Kogenji

It takes about 30 minutes to reach Kogenji Temple by car, taking Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway Hikami IC (Interchange) to Aogaki IC.

When you get off the expressway, take Prefectural Road 7 west, and continue on National Road 427 toward Nishiwaki / Taka, about 3 kilometers from Kogenji.

In the fall foliage season, there’s a temporary parking lot set up in addition to the regular parking lot. There are about 200 maples on the temple grounds, including the “Tenmoku Kaede,” which was brought from China by the temple’s founder.

The aged trees line the stone steps leading from the temple’s Somon gate to the Sanmon gate and create a spectacular tunnel of red leaves.

Upon ascending the stone steps and passing through the main gate, you’ll reach the temple where the main Buddhist statue is enshrined. Nearby, pure water flows from a small waterfall into Shinji Pond, which is shaped like a heart, and your enjoyment of the garden’s beautiful autumn leaves will be heightened by the echoing sound of the falls.

Best time for foliage: Early to mid-November

  • Kogenji
    高源寺
    • Address 514 Aogakicho Hinokura, Tamba-shi, Hyogo 669-3821
    • ・0795-87-2222 (Tamba City Tourist Association Aogaki Tourist Information Center, closed on Tuesdays)
      ・Hours: April - October 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., November - March 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Admission (only during leaf season): adults 300 yen, junior high school students and younger 100 yen
      ・Parking: Yes (50 buses, 100 cars)
      ・MAP Code: 347 597 061 * 61

Autumn leaf location 2: Entsuji Temple

Entsuji Temple is about a 15-minute drive from Kogenji Temple. From JR Kashiwara Station, it is about 25 minutes by car. After parking, you’ll climb stone steps with large ponds on either side, to reach the Niomon Gate. Koi swim in the ponds and, with the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the water, complete a placid scene.

The mountains around Entsuji Temple are also a vivid masterpiece of color. Within the temple grounds, there’s a Suikinkutsu, a type of garden decoration in which water drops fall into an underground pot and the reverberation of creates a musical sound. The pleasant tone is relaxing and provides a sense of the excellent design techniques of Japanese gardens.

Best time for foliage: Early to mid-November

  • Entsuji
    円通寺
    • Address 983 Hikamicho Goyu, Tamba-shi, Hyogo 669-3633
    • ・0795-87-2222 (Tamba City Tourist Association Aogaki Tourist Information Center, closed on Tuesdays)
      ・Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
      ・Admission (only during leaf season): adults 300 yen, junior high school students and younger free
      ・Parking: Yes (20 buses, 100 cars)
      ・MAP Code: 165 423 800 * 68

Autumn leaf location 3: Kosanji Temple

Kosanji Temple is about 10 minutes from Entsuji Temple by car and about 20 minutes from JR Kashiwara Station. There’s a parking lot in front of the main gate. As you pass through the bright vermilion gate, maples grow on both sides of the approach to the temple, and their large branches wrap visitors in a tunnel of red and yellow leaves.

The stone lanterns are lit at nightfall and, in concert with the beautiful autumn leaves, create a fantastic atmosphere. In late autumn, the falling maple leaves are an impressive sight as they carpet the temple path.

Best time for foliage: Early to mid-November

  • Kosanji
    高山寺
    • Address 50-1, Joraku, Hikami-cho, Tanba, Hyogo 669-3602
    • ・0795-87-2222 (Tamba City Tourist Association Aogaki Tourist Information Center, closed on Tuesdays)
      ・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
      ・Admission (only during leaf season): 300 yen per person, for the maintenance fund
      ・Parking: Yes (5 buses, 30 cars)
      ・MAP Code: 165 333 684 * 31

Other Activities

How about some paragliding after seeing the fall colors from the road? The Rollout Paraglider School is about a 5-minute drive from the Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway Aogaki IC. It’s an easy-to-reach location and there’s a large parking lot.

Since you can tandem jump with an instructor, even beginners can enjoy the colorful mountain scenery from the air, making it a fun destination for any Osaka road trip! Some employees can speak English and Italian.

  • Roll Out Paragliding school
    ロールアウトパラグライダースクール
    • Address 645-1 Aogakicho Ichibara, Tamba-shi, Hyogo 669-3811
    • Phone Number 0795-87-1825
    • ・Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Phone inquiries)
      ・Closed: Tuesdays
      ・Website: https://rollout.jp/
      ・MAP Code: 347 599 615 * 32

Recommended Accommodation in Tamba

  • 無鹿リゾート
    • Address 1017-1 下三井庄, Kokuryō, Hyogo, 669-4252
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Kuroi Station (JR Fukuchiyama Line)

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

  • NIPPONIA Sasayama Castle Town Hotel
    NIPPONIA Sasayama Castle Town Hotel
    篠山城下町ホテル NIPPONIA
    • Address Nishimachi 25, Sasayama, Hyogo, 669-2342
    • Nearest Station Sasayamaguchi Station (JR Fukuchiyama Line / JR Takarazuka Line)
      57 minutes on foot

2. Enjoy the beautiful autumn colors, sea, and mountains in the Maizuru and Fukuchiyama areas of Kyoto Prefecture

2. Enjoy the beautiful autumn colors, sea, and mountains in the Maizuru and Fukuchiyama areas of Kyoto Prefecture

Maizuru is located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast. Blessed with abundant fishing grounds, you can enjoy fresh fish dishes sourced from local waters.

Since Maizuru is nestled between the mountains and the sea, you’ll experience the amazing combination of the mountains’ fall colors along with the beautiful coastline. Starting from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station, autumn leaves and gourmet food are just a short drive away.

Access to Maizuru from Osaka

There are two train routes from JR Osaka Station to Maizuru. The first is from JR Osaka Station to Fukuchiyama Station on the Fukuchiyama Line Tandou Rapid, then changing to the Maizuru Line to Nishi-Maizuru, which takes about 3 hours.

The second is from JR Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, transferring to the Sagano Line (which becomes San-In Main Line), and then changing to the Maizuru Line at Ayabe. There are various types of trains depending on the departure time, but the estimated travel time is about 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Rent a car in front of JR Nishi-Maizuru Station

Photo: PIXTA
Photo: PIXTA

The Toyota Rent-A-Car Maizuru branch is located just outside the west exit of JR Nishi-Maizuru Station, making it perfect for a road trip from Osaka. Convenient all around, you can rent a car for as few as 3 hours, there are many models available, and a one-way system so you can return the car at another Toyota Rent-A-Car location.

Reservations can be made on their website, which is available in English, Chinese (traditional), Korean, and Thai in addition to Japanese.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Restricted admission, reservation system in place - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

  • TOYOTA Rent a Car Maizuru Shop
    トヨタレンタカー舞鶴店
    • Address 18 Hikitsuchi Orihara, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto 624-0841
    • Phone Number 0773-75-8100
    • ・Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (3/20 - 11/30); 8:00 am - 7:00 pm (12/1 - 12/30); 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (12/31 - 1/4); 8:00 am - 7:00 pm (1/5 - 3/19)
      ・Closed: Open daily
      ・Price: Varies by model
      ・MAP Code: 174 669 596 * 57

Autumn leaf location 1: Kongoin

About a 30-minute drive from Nishi-Maizuru on National Highway 27, historic Kongoin Temple rests in quiet mountain scenery. Parking is easily found in front of the temple. The site is a beautiful Japanese landscape and is popular with photo enthusiasts who take advantage of the excellent autumn backdrop and Mie Tower, an important cultural property.

The fallen leaves that blanket the temple grounds are gorgeous and if you go up the stone steps to the main hall, you can enjoy a great hilltop view.

Best time for foliage: Early to mid-November

  • Kongoin
    金剛院
    • Address 595 Kawara, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto 625-0014
    • Phone Number 0773-62-1180
    • ・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
      ・Admission: Admission 300 yen, Treasure Hall visit 500 yen (reservation required)
      ・Parking: Yes (50 parking spaces)
      ・MAP Code: 174 804 690 * 66

Autumn leaf location 2: Goro Sky Tower

Photo: PIXTA
Photo: PIXTA

Gorodake is a 301-meter tall mountain located in the center of Maizuru, between Nishi-Maizuru and Higashi-Maizuru. There’s a 50-meter tall observation tower at the summit that offers a 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck, which is 325 meters above sea level. The panorama has been selected as No. 1 among the region’s “Kinki 100 Views.”

Even from the free parking lot, you get an excellent overlook of the autumn colors of Gorodake and Maizuru Bay’s ria coast. The sight of Maizuru Bay at sunset and the fantastic scenery of the sea of clouds seen on cold mornings are exceptional.

Best time for foliage: Early to mid-November

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Restricted admission, reservation system in place - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

  • Goro Sky Tower
    五老スカイタワー
    • Address 237 Ueyasu, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto 624-0912
    • Phone Number 0773-66-2582
    • ・Hours: April - November 9:00 - 19:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 9:00 - 21:00); December - March 9:00 - 17:00 *Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
      ・Closed: Open daily
      ・Admission: Adults 200 yen, Children 100 yen
      ・Parking: Yes (85 spaces)
      ・MAP Code: 174 761 347 * 23

Autumn leaf location 3: Fukuchiyama castle

Photo: PIXTA
Photo: PIXTA

Fukuchiyama Castle, located about 40 minutes by car from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station, was originally constructed around 1579, but the current castle tower was rebuilt in 1986. The castle rests on a small hill, and the view from the watchtower is outstanding. The striking castle is also visible from trains on the JR Fukuchiyama Line, and the picture of the castle and the autumn leaves give a true sense of Japanese aesthetics.

Photo: PIXTA
Photo: PIXTA

The original stone walls of the castle, built with natural, uncut stones using the Nozurazumi technique, are still standing. The free Yurano Garden parking lot is on the east side of the castle.

Best time for foliage: Early to mid-November

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

  • Fukuchiyama Castle
    福知山城
    • Address 5 Naiki, Fukuchiyama-shi, Kyoto 620-0035
    • Phone Number 0773-23-9564
    • ・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. *Admission until 16:30
      ・Closed: Tuesdays (the next day if Tuesday is a national holiday), 12/28 – 12/31, and 1/4 – 1/6
      ・Admission: Adults 330 yen, children 110 yen
      ・Parking: Yes (Yurano Garden Parking Lot - 70 cars)
      ・MAP Code: 165 765 238 * 12

Other Activities

At the Road Station Maizuru Port Tore Tore Center, you can eat fresh fish native to Maizuru’s port at a reasonable price. The rest area allows you to select freshly caught seafood to be cooked on the spot and the sushi and seafood bowls come in large portions.

There’s a large parking lot, and the roadside station is only about 10 minutes from JR Nishi-Maizuru Station by car. In addition to Japanese, the website is available in English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Korean.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Restricted admission, reservation system in place - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

  • Michi-no-Eki Maizuru Port Tore Tore Center
    道の駅 舞鶴港とれとれセンター
    • Address 905 Shimofukui, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto 624-0946
    • Phone Number 0773-75-6125
    • ・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
      ・Closed: Wednesdays (and other special holidays)
      ・URL https://toretore.org/
      ・Parking: Yes (208 spaces)
      ・MAP Code: 174 698 542 * 42

Recommended accommodation in Maizuru

  • Hotel Amabile Maizuru
    Hotel Amabile Maizuru
    ホテル アマービレ舞鶴
    • Address Hama 18, Maizuru, Kyoto, 625-0036
    • Nearest Station Higashimaizuru Station (JR Obama Line / JR Maizuru Line)
      11 minutes on foot
  • Maizuru Grand Hotel
    Maizuru Grand Hotel
    舞鶴グランドホテル
    • Address Enmanji 124, Maizuru, Kyoto, 624-0854
    • Nearest Station Nishimaizuru Station (Tantetsu Miyamai Line)
      1 minute on foot

3. Enjoy the autumn leaves at a World Heritage Site in Wakayama

Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple
Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple

Wakayama is south of Osaka, with readily available nature, hot springs, and world heritage sites away from urban areas. Here’s a one-night, two-day itinerary that starts from JR Wakayama Station to Tanabe City in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture and on to the spectacular autumn leaves of the esoteric Shingon Buddhist sanctuary Koyasan, founded by Kukai about 1200 years ago.

Access to Wakayama from Osaka

Wakayama City, which borders southern Osaka Prefecture, can be reached in about 70 minutes via limited express train from JR Shin-Osaka Station (which is also a Shinkansen stop) to Wakayama Station.

Rent a car in front of JR Wakayama Station

Photo: PIXTA
Photo: PIXTA

There are several rental car companies near JR Wakayama Station, but Toyota Rent-A-Car JR Wakayama Station Brach is recommended. It’s about a 3-minute walk from the station, offers easy access to the national highway, and is convenient for first-time visitors to Wakayama. If you have a lot of luggage, consider making a reservation in advance, and you can make use of the pick-up service (charged) from the station.

Reservations can be made on their website, which is available in English, Chinese (traditional), Korean, and Thai, in addition to Japanese.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Restricted admission, reservation system in place - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

  • TOYOTA Rent a Car JR Wakayama Station Shop
    トヨタレンタカーJR和歌山駅前店
    • Address 4-13 Misono-cho, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama 640-8331
    • Phone Number 073-424-0100
    • ・Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (1/4 - 12/31), 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (1/1 - 1/3)
      ・Price: Varies by model
      ・Closed: Open daily
      ・MAP Code: 35 218 151 * 06

Rent a car at Kansai International Airport

Alternatively, it’s easy to rent a car at Osaka/Kansai International Airport. From the airport, you can get to Wakayama in about 40 minutes on the highway.

Autumn leaf location 1: Kizekkyo Gorge (Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture

Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division
Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division

After renting a car, it’s time to hit the road. Start by heading to Tanabe City in southern Wakayama Prefecture. The first leaf viewing site, Kizekkyo Gorge, is about 80 minutes from Wakayama City on the highway.

Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division
Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division

Kizekkyo Gorge is in the mountains about 15 minutes from central Tanabe City and is dotted with unique rock formations, large and small. The fall leaves around “Takimibashi” are excellent, and there’s a nearby parking area (with space for about 5 cars) equipped with toilets.

In addition to the autumn leaves, the famous Fudo Waterfall at the end of the bridge, Fudo Myodo partially covered by the huge stone behind it, and Magai-san Zondaisekibutsu, which opened in 1966.

Photo: PIXTA
Photo: PIXTA

Magai-san Zondaisekibutsu is a 16-meter high, 22-meter wide monolithic Buddha carved into the stone by painter Insho Domoto. It’s an impressive sight even when viewed from the prefectural road across the river.

Best time for foliage: Mid-November

  • Kizetsu-kyo Gorge
    奇絶峡
    • Address Kamiakizu, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama 646-0001
    • ・0739-26-9929 (Tanabe Tourism Association, 8:30 - 17:15)
      ・Admission: Free entry
      ・Parking: 3 free parking areas (for about 25 cars in total)
      ・MAP Code: 184 409 324 * 01

Autumn leaf location 2: Fukusada’s Great Ginkgo (Fukusada no Oicho - Tanabe City, Wakayama)

Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division
Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division

About a 45-minute drive east of Kizekkyo Gorge, Fukusada’s Great Ginkgo grows in the precincts of Hosenji Temple. The giant ginkgo tree, thought to be about 400 years old, is about 22 meters high, has a trunk circumference of more than 5 meters, and is designated as a natural monument in Tanabe City.

Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division
Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division

A parking lot next to Hosenji can accommodate about 10 cars, but it’s often full in fall, and the surrounding roads are narrow, so tourists who are unfamiliar with them should be cautious. When viewed from National Highway No. 311, the large golden ginkgo stands out amidst the green mountains accentuating its beauty.

Best time for foliage: Mid-November to early December

  • Hosenji Temple
    宝泉寺
    • Address 275 Nakahechicho Fukusada, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama 646-1432
    • ・0739-64-1470 (Kumano Kodokan, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed year end and New Year holidays)
      ・Admission: Free entry
      ・Parking: free parking area (for about 10 cars)
      ・MAP Code: 615 817 895 * 46

Autumn leaf location 3: Koya Ryujin Skyline (Tanabe City, Wakayama)

Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division
Photo courtesy of Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division

From Fukusada’s Great Ginkgo, head north in the mountains toward Mt. Koya. In the latter half of the 2-hour drive, you’ll be able to enjoy the autumn leaves of the “Koya Ryujin Skyline.”

The Koya Ryujin Skyline is a 42.7-kilometer long mountain road. The route connects Mt. Koya and Ryujin Onsen, and the autumn mountains are completely blanketed with colorful leaves.

Best time for foliage: Late October to mid-November

  • Koya Ryujin Skyline
    高野龍神スカイライン
    • Address Ryujinmura, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama
    • ・0739-78-2222 (Ryujin Tourism Association, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
      ・Toll: Free (Nighttime closures and motorcycle restrictions in winter apply)
      ・MAP Code: 205 462 477 * 54 (Koyasan Nakanohashi Parking Lot)

Autumn leaf location 4: Koyasan (Koya-san-Koya-cho, Wakayama)

Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple
Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple

Your final destination for the first day is Mt. Koya itself. After checking in at the shukubo – the temple pilgrims’ lodging – take a stroll through the town. Around sunset, you’ll be able to see the illuminated leaves.

Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple
Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple

Koyasan, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, is a Buddhist sanctuary with a history spanning more than 1,200 years and was founded by Kukai. The entire temple mountain is collectively known as Sohonzan Kongobuji Temple.

Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple
Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple

From the entrance to the temple, there’s a path (Jabara Michi) leading to the original temple construction site (Danjo Garan), where Kukai founded the temple. As you walk the path, you can admire the beautiful autumn leaves that cover it and create a tunnel of color.

Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple
Photo courtesy of Kongobuji Temple

There are many other places in Koyasan where you can enjoy the stunning autumn colors. The parking lots in the center of the mountain are often crowded, but there are several parking lots that are free. If you park a little further away and take a stroll, you may be able to see some unexpected scenery.

It takes about 80 minutes from Koyasan to JR Wakayama Station via expressway, and about 90 minutes to Kansai International Airport.

Best time for foliage: Late October-early November

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Coin trays used - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Limited capacity/increased space between seats - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Masks required/temperature check enforced

Foods to try in Wakayama

Recommended accommodation on Mt. Koya

The autumn leaves signal a change in climate perfect for exploring the outdoors. While driving through the red and yellow scenery, open the windows and be refreshed by the cool wind on your cheeks.

At the popular leaf viewing spots, there are shops and temporary parking lots, making tourism easy. However, keep in mind that holidays tend to be crowded, so take your time and enjoy a slow pace as you experience the beauty of autumn.

*The information in this article is accurate as of October 2021. Please check official websites for the latest information.

English translation by Gabriel Wilkinson

Written by:

WESTPLAN

WESTPLAN

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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