In the Greater Tokyo area, autumn foliage comes in two main colors: the fiery reds of Japanese maples and the golden yellows of ginkgo trees. This year, the peak for ginkgo leaves is expected around November 26, while maple leaves should reach their best around November 30. Mountainous areas will see the colors arrive a little earlier, making late November the prime time to enjoy the season’s full spectrum.

The scenery of Hakone, one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring regions, is best admired from above aboard the Hakone Ropeway.

From Shinjuku Station Expressway Bus Terminal, the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus takes you directly to the Ropeway’s Togendai Station—no transfers needed—making it an ideal autumn day trip from Tokyo.

The Ropeway has four stops: Togendai, Ubako, Owakudani, and Sounzan. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and its steep ascent through the highlands feels like gliding through the sky.

The best time to ride the Hakone Ropeway in autumn is mid-November, when the brilliant fall colors reach their peak.

On clear days, you can also catch sight of Mt. Fuji in the distance: a breathtaking view made even more striking in the autumn season.

The route passes directly over Owakudani, a volcanic valley formed by an eruption of Mt. Kamiyama. Even now, plumes of white steam rise from the rugged terrain, a powerful reminder of nature’s force.

Oyama-dera in Isehara, Kanagawa, is a historic mountain temple founded by Roben, the Buddhist monk who also established the legendary Todaiji Temple in Nara.

Its ancient main hall is known for the commanding presence of Acala—called Fudo in Japanese—whose statue has long been revered for its power.

Along the Onnazaka course from Oyama Cable Station to Oyama-dera, you’ll also find the “Oyama Seven Wonders,” adding an element of discovery to the journey itself.

Oyama-dera is also a renowned spot for autumn foliage around Tokyo, with the path to the main hall and its rows of prospering trees creating a natural “foliage tunnel.” The best time to see this is generally between mid to late November.

There is also an Autumn Leaf Festival held annually during November, whereby the entire garden is faintly illuminated at night in a spellbinding extravaganza.

When visiting Oyama-dera, take the time also to check out the Oyama Afuri Shrine, which sits upon the summit of Oyama and boasts stunning panoramas overlooking autumn scenery.

Access
The temple is a 3-minute walk from Oyama-dera Station on the Oyama Cable Car, though it can also be reached entirely on foot without using the cable car. To get there, take the Odakyu Electric Railway’s Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Isehara Station, then transfer to a Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus and ride to the final stop, “Oyama Cable.” From there, a 15-minute stroll along the lively Koma Sando Shopping Street leads you to the cable car station.

The Nagatoro Valley, nestled in the Chichibu region of Saitama, is a natural haven where visitors can unwind amidst pristine wilderness. Just a short trip from Tokyo, it is especially popular in autumn.

The valley’s highlight is the Nagatoro Iwadatami, a stretch of unique rock formations spanning 500 meters and designated as both a National Site of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.

Between early and late November, the Iwadatami cliffs are framed by vibrant autumn foliage, transforming the scenery into a breathtaking seasonal panorama.

Nearby, you can also visit Hodosan Shrine, which is said to have been founded by the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru, or explore Tsukinoishi Momiji Park, which offers stunning autumn views and evening illuminations.

And no trip to Nagatoro is complete without a boat ride along the Arakawa River. Drifting past the rugged cliffs, you will enjoy a fresh perspective on the valley’s striking rocks and dazzling fall colors.

Access
From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Seibu-Chichibu Station, then walk 5 minutes to Ohanabatake Station on the Chichibu Railway. From there, it is a 20-minute ride to Nagatoro Station, with the valley just a 5-minute walk away.

Nikko in Tochigi is one of Japan’s most celebrated destinations, famed for its mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko. Its easy access from Tokyo makes it a favorite autumn day trip.

Among Nikko’s most iconic sights is the Shinkyo Bridge, a striking wooden structure painted in vivid vermillion that serves as the gateway to the town’s historic temples and shrines. The bridge’s divine atmosphere is heightened by the surrounding wilderness, which transforms into a blend of fiery red and golden yellow from late October to late November. With the vibrant colors reflecting against the deep blue of the Daiya River, the view has become one of Nikko’s most treasured autumn landscapes.

Beyond the bridge, countless temples and shrines await exploration, each wrapped in the colors of fall. For those with extra time, Nikko also offers lesser-known seasonal gems such as the winding mountain roads of Irohazaka and the serene Ryuzu Falls, both enchanting in their own way.

Access
Tobu-Nikko Station is the closest station to Toshogu. From Asakusa Station in Tokyo, you can reach it in just under two hours on the Tobu-Nikko Line’s limited express train.

Located in Hachioji, Tokyo, Mt. Takao is one of the world’s most climbed mountains, cherished for its easy accessibility and modest 599-meter height that makes it welcoming to visitors of all ages.

A cable car offers a quick and convenient way up the mountainside, connecting Kiyotaki Station at the base to Takaosan Station at 472 meters in just six minutes.

Along with the smooth ride, cable car passengers are rewarded with sweeping views of Mt. Takao’s lush scenery. From mid-November to early December, the mountainside bursts into brilliant shades of red and yellow, forming radiant tunnels of autumn foliage.

Japanese maples can be admired from the windows, while the trails reveal an even greater variety of trees, including horned maple, painted maple, and beech. Each species brings its own distinct color and texture, turning a simple hike into an unforgettable journey through autumn splendor.

Access
From Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line directly to Takaosanguchi Station, the closest station to Mt. Takao. The ride takes just 50 minutes with no transfers.

Mogusaen in Hino, Tokyo, is a traditional Japanese garden that has been carefully tended since the Edo period. Entering its serene grounds feels like stepping into a timeless sanctuary.

The garden is celebrated for its seasonal beauty, with plum blossoms, wisteria, hydrangea, and other flowers blooming throughout the year.

In autumn, from early to late November, the grounds are transformed by dazzling foliage. Across its 26,000 square meters, ginkgo, maple, and doudan tsutsuji shrubs ignite the landscape with vivid shades of red and yellow, creating a breathtaking display at every turn.

Once the leaves begin to fall between late November and early December, the garden is blanketed in a rich carpet of red, adding another layer of seasonal enchantment. Strolling along this ethereal path, surrounded by timeless Japanese scenery, brings both serenity and delight.

Access
From Shinjuku Station, take a Limited Express or Semi-Express train on the Keio Line to Fuchu Station. Transfer to a local train and get off at Mogusaen Station. The garden is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Mt. Mitake, rising 929 meters in Ome in Tokyo’s Okutama area, has long been revered as a sacred mountain, leaving visitors with a deep sense of spiritual awe.

The hike from Takimoto Station at 407 meters to Musashi Mitake Shrine at the summit usually takes more than 90 minutes. By using the cable car, however, you can reach Mitakesan Station at 831 meters in just six minutes, reducing the climb to the summit to around 30 minutes.

Between early and mid-November, the cable car line is surrounded by brilliant autumn colors. Watching the car glide through tunnels of fiery foliage is a striking scene that draws photographers from far and wide.

At the summit, Musashi Mitake Shrine is wrapped in a vivid mantle of autumn leaves, offering visitors the chance to experience both the beauty of nature and the depth of history in a single setting.

There is also a hiking trail that lets visitors take in the scenery at a relaxed pace, passing through a natural garden of massive boulders. The route is gentle enough to be enjoyed by families and casual hikers while still showcasing the grandeur of the surrounding valleys.

Access
To reach Takimoto Station at the base of Mt. Mitake, take the JR Ome Line from Ome Station toward Okutama and get off at Mitake Station. From there, board the Nishi Tokyo Bus and ride to the Cable Shita Bus Stop, then walk about 5 minutes to Takimoto Station.

You haven’t fully experienced the beauty of Japan until you’ve seen its temples, mountains, cities, and parks draped in the vivid glow of autumn leaves.

While many imagine the best views are hidden deep in the countryside, there are countless famous spots easily reached from Tokyo by train or bus. Use this guide to add a touch of fall magic to your next Tokyo adventure.


Written by: Dali Corporation