5 best day trips from Tokyo to see autumn leaves

Full of ancient shrines, gorgeous waterfalls and a stunning national park, Nikko exudes a sacred tranquillity that’s especially effective for autumnal rest and reflection. You can get to Nikko from Tokyo by taking a direct train from Kitasenju Station to Tobu-Nikko Station on the Nikko-Kinugawa Limited Express line. The journey will take just over an hour and a half.

When you reach Nikko, hop on the Tobu bus bound for Yumoto Onsen and ride for five stops (four minutes) to Shinkyo, where you’ll find the vermillion Shinkyo Bridge that is emblematic of the Nikko area. The bridge, along with the Nikko Futarasan Shrine that it belongs to, is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site comprising a number of Nikko’s shrines and temples. Autumn is arguably the best time to visit, as this is when the trees on either side of the bridge turn a dark shade of red, so that the palette of the natural landscape matches the ancient structure.

Next, get back on the bus bound for Yumoto Onsen and ride for 19 stops until you reach Chuzenji (approx. 40 minutes). Here, you’ll find the 97-metre-tall Kegon Falls – one of Nikko National’s Park’s most breathtaking assets. The waterfall is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning in autumn, when it is surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.

You can admire the falls from the Kegon Falls Lower Observation Deck, or take the Akechidaira Ropeway to view the scenery from a higher vantage point. Further away on the other side of the lake is the famous Ryuzu Falls (pictured above), otherwise also known as Dragon’s Head Waterfall, where you'll find more lush, vibrant autumn leaves.

Though Nikko is close enough to visit on a day trip, the sheer beauty of the region will want to make you stay for a whole weekend. Make the most of onsen season by booking a night or two at the Hoshino Resorts Kai Nikko hotel, where you can soak in open-air hot spring baths and dine on seasonal Japanese kaiseki meals.

Kawaguchiko makes for one of the most photogenic regions in Japan with its extraordinary backdrop of Mt Fuji. It takes about two hours to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo by train, but the picture-perfect landscapes at the height of autumn make it well worth the journey. To get to Kawaguchiko Station, take the Kaiji Express on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (three stops), then take the local Fujikyuko Line from Otsuki Station directly to Kawaguchiko (17 stops).

For a winning shot of Mt Fuji from the other side of Lake Kawaguchiko, take a half-hour bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station to Shizen Seikatsukan (19 stops) on the Fujikyu bus. The Shizen Seikatsukan bus stop is right next to Oishi Park, where the red, orange and gold flowers make the snow-capped volcano look all the more majestic. 

For an overnight stay, look no further than Hoshinoya Fuji, where you can curl up by a campfire in the middle of the forest with a freshly brewed mug of coffee, or gaze at the unobstructed view of Mt Fuji from the balcony of your guest room. This will give you ample time to explore the area after sundown, when areas like the Momiji Corridor are illuminated for a nighttime autumn spectacle, featuring shops, food stalls and more (October 28 to November 23).

Hakone is a haven of hot springs, art museums and nature, making it an ideal autumn day trip. To get to Hakone, hop on the Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes about 85 minutes.

Our first stop is the enchanting Hakone Shrine, known for its striking red torii gates standing serenely in Lake Ashi. This spiritual site offers tranquillity and picturesque views, perfect for contemplation and photography.

Next, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum. You'll need a couple of hours to fully appreciate its impressive array of contemporary sculptures by artists like Henry Moore and Taro Okamoto. With over 1,000 pieces, including roughly 300 works by Picasso in its dedicated pavilion, this museum melds art with nature. It's also family-friendly, with many parts of the facility doubling as a playground for children.

Venture next to the Pola Museum of Art, nestled amidst a verdant forest. This facility is renowned for its extensive collection of French Impressionist paintings, with works by luminaries such as Van Gogh. The museum’s serene setting enhances the experience, allowing art and nature to intertwine.

For a touch of tradition, visit the Okada Museum of Art. Here, ancient murals, folding screens and ceramics from Japan and across Asia are on display. Beyond its permanent collection of 450 pieces, the museum offers a unique experience with its stunning Japanese garden and outdoor café. Relax and unwind as you sip coffee and dip your feet in a natural hot spring bath – the perfect way to merge art appreciation with soothing leisure.

End your day by relaxing in one of Hakone’s many onsen. A soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

While its proximity to the sea makes it a popular summertime destination, Kamakura also shines brightly as a prime spot for autumn exploration. Beyond its sandy beaches, this historic town is dotted with traditional temples and shrines that take on a ruminative aura as the leaves change colours. To reach Kamakura from Tokyo, board the JR Yokosuka line from Tokyo Station, which takes about an hour.

Start the day by visiting the iconic Great Buddha Daibutsu at Kotoku-in Temple. This towering bronze statue is especially majestic during this time of year when it’s set against a backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves.

Next, make your way to the Hasedera Temple, famous for its beautiful gardens and magnificent view of the coastal town. During autumn, the temple grounds are a tapestry of warm colours, with maple trees turning shades of red and gold. Don’t miss the Kannon-do Hall, housing a massive wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. 

If you find yourself in need of a quick pick-me-up, head to the Kamakura Komachi-dori Street which is lined with an array of charming shops and cafes. 

In the afternoon, visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine. The approach to the shrine is particularly beautiful in autumn, with the ginkgo trees creating a golden pathway.

With an abundance of nature-filled attractions like the Moomin Valley Park, Saitama is an excellent stomping ground for nature lovers and families looking for some excitement in the great outdoors. To get to Chichibu, hop on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Limited Express from Ikebukuro Station and ride the train for about an hour and a half (five stops) to Seibu-Chichibu Station. 

Once you get to Saitama, consider hopping aboard the SL Paleo Express – a special steam locomotive that runs between Kumagaya and Mitsumineguchi stations once a day. Designed for sightseeing, this magnificent steam engine steadily chugs along a two-and-a-half hour track past the Arakawa River for optimal mountain foliage viewing. 

If a scenic train ride isn’t quite enough to convince you to leave Tokyo, Chichibu has more than a few activities for thrill-seekers, while still providing delightful autumn scenery. For instance, you can take a tour of the valleys of Chichibu by whitewater rafting down the Nagatoro rapids. 

Whitewater rafting tours are available from March to late November every year, but if you don’t fancy splashing around in cold water, you can always opt for an equally scenic (and much drier route) with a gondola trip up the Mt Hodosan ropeway, which boasts red and yellow foliage during the autumn months. To see the leaves at their best, aim to visit during the month-long autumn foliage festival in November, where the trees around Tsukinoishi Momiji Park and Hodosan Shrine are lit up every evening from 4pm to 9pm. 

There's more fun to be had at the Chichibu Forest Adventure park, where you can put on a harness and and take an aerial trek high in the trees, or take on one of the more challenging courses that involve ziplining between platforms.