The Nikko area in Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, is celebrated for its history and breathtaking natural scenery. At its heart stands the ornate Nikko Toshogu, part of the UNESCO-listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Though beautiful year-round, autumn is when Nikko truly shines. From late September to early November, the mountains and valleys glow with brilliant colors, with plenty of viewing spots designed for visitors to enjoy the spectacle.

It takes about two hours by car or train to reach Nikkō from Tokyo, but we'd definitely recommend the drive!

Taking the train to Nikko is straightforward and recommended for people who would prefer to avoid metropolitan area traffic. If you decide on the train, the nearest stations to this area are Nikko Station on the JR Nikko Line or Tobu-Nikko Station on the Tobu Railway.

Rental car agencies, such as 2525 Rental Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, and Nippon Rent-a-Car, are available around JR and Tobu Nikko stations, making it easy to reach the best fall foliage spots with a shorter drive while still enjoying the flexibility of exploring by car.

Nippon Rent-a-Car is especially convenient, offering a 10% discount and nationwide English customer service for international visitors. Make your booking at the link below and start your autumn journey with ease.

You can’t say you’ve experienced Nikko’s autumn leaves without a drive along the famous Irohazaka Slope. This winding road connects Nikko City with Lake Chuzenji, with the downhill stretch called Daiichi Irohazaka and the uphill Daini Irohazaka.

Each of the 48 curves is named after a character from the classical Japanese poem “Iroha,” giving the slope its name. In autumn, the twisting route becomes a tunnel of fiery reds and golds, with the view from the Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck on Daini Irohazaka especially breathtaking.

The ever-changing altitude brings fresh perspectives at every turn, making the drive as exciting as the scenery. Just be prepared for traffic during peak season—and remember to keep your eyes on the road while enjoying the view.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Mid-October – Early November
・MAP Code: 367 242 093*50

As you descend Irohazaka Slope into Nikko, the vast and majestic Lake Chuzenji comes into view—a must-see in any season. At 1,269 meters (about 4,163 feet) above sea level, it is Japan’s highest natural lake, long cherished as a summer retreat and still retaining its pristine charm.

The lake’s scenery is defined by Mount Nantai towering above, its slopes ablaze with autumn colors from mid-October to early November. Many visitors describe the sight as nourishment for the soul. Sightseeing boats operate during the peak season, offering another way to enjoy the vivid landscape from the water.

Parking is available nearby (fees apply), and the views awaiting you are more than worth the stop.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Mid-October – Early November
・MAP Code: 947 294 835*46

On the second day of your Nikko trip, make your way to Kirifuri Falls for another unforgettable stop. Just a 10-minute drive from Nikko Town followed by a short walk from the free car park brings you to the observatory deck.

Counted among the “Three Famous Waterfalls of Nikko” alongside Kegon and Urami Falls, Kirifuri impresses with its 75-meter drop cascading over two tiers. The powerful white torrents framed by autumn foliage create a striking contrast—dynamic yet serene.

The falls sit near the Kirifuri Plateau, home to rare plants and peaceful hiking trails, making it a perfect spot to linger if you want to experience more of Nikko’s natural beauty.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Late October – Early November
・MAP Code: 367 405 217*57

These three lodging facilities come highly recommended by us to get the most out of your Nikkō trip, both for their convenient access to popular tourist hotspots and foreign language guest services support.

The first one is the historic Nikko Kanaya Hotel. There's also Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko, a stylish-looking building located in the midst of a peaceful natural environment. Finally, Nikko Astraea Hotel is situated right inside the Kōtoku Onsen area, and it features classic Japanese-style rooms for those who want to go all-out with cultural immersion!

Each hotel has unique characteristics that will appeal to visitors of all backgrounds.

Our next recommended fall foliage road trip from Tokyo takes you to Tochigi Prefecture's Nasu area. It's about a 3.5-hour drive via expressway from Tokyo.

Many visitors associate Nasu with summer retreats or winter hot springs, but spending autumn here should absolutely be on the cards as well.

The combination of good weather and fantastic fall colors here makes it an excellent destination for hiking and other outdoor activities.

You can also take a gondola up the mountain to admire a panoramic view of the majestic and spacious region from a vantage point. We haven't even touched on the many interesting farms and art galleries to be explored in the region yet. Two days may not be enough to cover all the fun activities that can be experienced here!

Hop on a Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo and get off at Nasushiobara Station on the JR Lines after about 1.5 hours.

Most of Nasu’s main sightseeing spots can be reached within a 30-minute to 1-hour drive from the station, with rental shops like Eki Rental Cars, Nasukogen Car Rental, and Nippon Rent-a-Car nearby. Renting a car makes it easy to explore the area’s scenic highlights at your own pace. Make your booking at the link below to plan ahead.

Your first stop should be the Momijidani Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan at about 320 meters (1,050 feet). It stretches across a vast valley, offering sweeping views that make it one of the area’s most popular attractions year-round—especially in autumn, when fiery foliage transforms the entire landscape.

Recognized as a “Lover’s Sanctuary” in April 2013, the bridge is also a favorite date spot. After carefully crossing the open span with your heart in your mouth, don’t miss the chance to take a commemorative photo at the mountain hawk-eagle monument on the other side, with the brilliant autumn-tinted valley as your backdrop.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Late October – Early November
・Main types of trees: Japanese maple
・MAP Code: 121 720 207*41

Mount Jeans Nasu is more widely known as a winter ski resort, but in autumn it becomes a favorite for leaf peepers thanks to its mountaintop views of the season’s colors. The Chauso Observatory Deck offers a sweeping panorama, and even the gondola ride up is spectacular as the forested slopes unfold below.

For those who prefer to be closer to nature, there are several walking and hiking routes, and we highly recommend taking at least one on your visit to fully experience autumn in Nasu. At the summit, pet owners will find a free dog-run area, and since the gondola is pet-friendly, you can even bring your dog along for the ride. The mountaintop plaza is family-friendly too, equipped with hammocks, slacklines, swings, and other play equipment for a fun and relaxed time outdoors.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Early October – Early November
・Main types of trees: Quinquefolium azalea, Japanese maple
・MAP Code: 203 422 876*10

At the base of Nasu’s mountains lies a tranquil forest with two main areas to explore: Fureai Forest, where you can experience nature in its raw form, and Manabi Forest, a guided walk designed to teach visitors about the environment. Along the way, don’t miss Komadomeno Falls, framed in autumn by a brilliant mix of red, yellow, and orange leaves.

Once part of the Nasu Imperial Villa grounds, the forest is home to many rare plants. Field center staff often lead guided walks, and special seasonal programs are held depending on the time and location—some requiring advance reservations, so be sure to check the official website. These experiences allow you to learn more about the area’s natural treasures while savoring the autumn scenery, making the journey itself just as meaningful as the destination.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Mid-October – Late October
・Main types of trees: More than ten types of Japanese maple, maple, azalea, beech, and others
・MAP Code: 203 391 708*86

Our top three picks for lodgings in Nasu are sure to make your trip even more memorable. Since the region is famous for hot springs, choosing accommodations with bathing facilities is a must.

Blancvert Nasu stands out for its direct access to Nasu’s spring sources, allowing the hotel to offer a full suite of baths on-site. Surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, it’s the perfect place to relax at your own pace.

Hotel Epinard Nasu is a pet-friendly option with facilities designed for active travelers, offering a wide range of activities and experiences alongside comfortable stays.

Hotel Sunvalley Nasu is expansive, with multiple lodging wings, each designed around a different theme. A highlight here is the dozens of baths and hot spring pools that guests can enjoy throughout their stay.

The final stop on our list is the Otaki and Kimitsu area, one of the best places in Japan to witness autumn leaves in their full glory. Located in the heart of Chiba Prefecture’s Boso region, it offers a mix of scenic mountain and coastal landscapes alongside plenty of leisure spots.

A highlight is the Yoro Ravine in Otaki, which even has its own hot spring resort. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature’s unspoiled atmosphere.

Peak foliage here comes a little later than most Kanto spots—typically from mid-November to early December—making it an excellent option if you missed the main season elsewhere.

The area is about a 1.5-hour drive via Tateyama Expressway or Aqua-Line boat ride from Tokyo. Either stop at Yorokeikoku Station on the Kominato Tetsudo to get to Yōrō Ravine or Kazusa-Kameyama Station on the Kururi Line to get to Kameyama Lake.

Meanwhile, you could also choose to stop at a larger terminal station that's a little bit farther and rent a car to drive to your destinations while taking in the sights along the way. In fact, this is what we'd recommend maximizing your time and enjoyment here.

To do this, take a bus from Tokyo or stop at Kisarazu Station on the JR Lines, where you can rent a car from nearby shops such as 2525 Rental Cars or Nippon Rent-a-Car. From there, it’s an easy drive toward the Ōtaki and Kimitsu area. Make your booking at the link below to secure your car in advance.

The area around Yoro Ravine is one of Chiba’s most popular spots for spiritual healing and an unforgettable place to view autumn leaves. At peak season, the entire valley seems ablaze with fiery hues, creating a breathtaking panorama.

A highlight is the Awamata Waterfall, where the 100-meter (330-foot) cascade thunders into the basin below. Framed by deep red foliage, it is a powerful sight by day—and after sundown in peak season, the illuminated falls glow with a fantasy-like atmosphere that is not to be missed. Staying overnight nearby allows you to enjoy this magical nighttime collaboration at your leisure.

Well-maintained recreation trails follow the Yoro River downstream from the waterfall basin, offering a relaxing walk through abundant nature.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Mid-November – Early December
・Main types of trees: Japanese maple, Chinese lacquer tree, beech, and others
・MAP Code: 309 772 788*73

Yoro Ravine Autumn Leaves Illumination
・Where: Awamata Waterfall / Oikawa Crossroad / Nakase Trail / Others
・Period: Late November – Early December
・Time: 5 PM – 9 PM

This hidden valley earns its name — “Momiji,” or “red leaf” — because in peak season the surrounding slopes blaze as if on fire. Located not far from Awamata Waterfall, it is counted among the Eight Scenic Sights of Yoro, alongside historic landmarks such as Shussei Kannon, Kannon Bridge, Kobundo-ato, and Kengaikyo, a testament to its natural beauty and cultural significance.

The approach is part of the adventure: the roads are narrow and sometimes hard to find, making this a true off-the-beaten-track destination. Yet once the valley’s brilliant foliage comes into view, every effort to get here feels worthwhile. If you’re in Otaki, this is a must-see spot.

Please drive with caution, as some roads are too narrow for two vehicles to pass side by side.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Mid-November – Early December
・Main types of trees: Japanese maple, Chinese lacquer tree, beech, and others
・MAP Code: 309 768 828*14

Kameyama Lake, about a 70-minute drive from Tokyo, sits in Kimitsu, Chiba — often called the backyard of the Boso Peninsula —surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. As the largest dam lake in the prefecture, it’s well equipped with parks, nature trails, and facilities that make it easy to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, and camping year-round.

During autumn, two experiences stand out: bridge-hopping and the momiji-gari lake cruise. With numerous bridges crossing the lake, each offers a unique angle for photographing the fiery foliage—finding your perfect shot becomes part of the fun. Local fishing boat operators also run special leaf-viewing cruises, guiding visitors to the lake’s best hidden views. Some panoramas can only be seen from the water, making this a must-try activity for anyone seeking rare and memorable photos.

・Best time for viewing (typical season): Mid-November – Early December
・Main types of trees: Japanese maple, ginkgo, oak, mountain lacquer trees—the surrounding mountains are entirely covered in autumn colors
・MAP Code: 309 790 802*73

After a full day of exploring, unwind at one of these three comfortable lodgings before setting out again the next morning.

If your focus is Yoro Ravine and its surroundings, Tenryu-so in the ravine’s hot spring village is ideal, offering easy access to scenic spots along with seasonal cuisine prepared from fresh local ingredients—not to mention soothing hot springs.

For those planning to explore the Uchibo area, Okura Akademia Park Hotel in Kisarazu makes a convenient base. Meanwhile, in the Sotobo area, KAI Ichinomiya in the town of Ichinomiya is a top choice for comfort and style.

Beyond leaf hunting, the Boso region is filled with other attractions worth seeing. Use your second day to explore Uchibo and Sotobo more widely for a well-rounded tour of Chiba before heading home.

True, there are countless places within Tokyo itself where you can enjoy equally beautiful autumn sights as well, but it's always nice to spread your wings and try something new for a change once in a while.

Although slightly out of the way, Chiba's rich nature is a great complement to the region's fall foliage, and a two-day trip should be just the right amount of time needed to enjoy the places that interest you without needing to rush.

Are you ready to join a delightful fall foliage road trip from Tokyo? This autumn, enjoy hunting the best places to experience some of the most stunning autumn leaves Japan has to offer!

Text by: Clink
English translation by: Huimin Pan