Autumn foliage in Tokyo and the surrounding areas usually begins around mid-October at Lake Chuzenji in Nikko and continues through mid-December at Shinjuku Gyoen, giving visitors roughly two months to enjoy the colors. This guide brings together 23 top autumn foliage spots across central Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, Chichibu, and more, with highlights, the best viewing periods, and the 2026 foliage forecast. Whether you are strolling through central Tokyo or planning a day trip to the suburbs, you can quickly find the right place to enjoy the autumn colors.
Kanto region
This guide to independent travel in Kanto region includes information on attractions, itineraries, accommodation and local cuisine.
Complete Hakuba Village, Nagano Guide: Ski Resorts, Happo Onsen, Transportation, and Stunning Scenery in Every Season
Hakuba, located at the foot of the Northern Japanese Alps in northwestern Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading mountain and ski resort destinations and was also a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. In winter, visitors can ski and soak in hot springs; in summer, Happo Pond is ideal for hiking; in autumn, the mountains are covered in colorful foliage; and attractions such as Iwatake Mountain Harbor offer spectacular alpine views. This guide covers transportation, accommodation, hot springs, ski resorts, and seasonal attractions to help you plan an independent trip to Hakuba.
Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor Guide: Autumn Leaves Festival, Night Illuminations, and Transportation
If you want to see autumn foliage at Lake Kawaguchi, one place you should not miss is the popular Maple Corridor. It is not only the main venue of the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, but also attracts around 200,000 visitors every November. This guide covers the best foliage season, festival and nighttime illumination information, as well as how to arrange transportation back after enjoying the illuminated autumn leaves. Read this before you go to make your foliage trip smoother!
Zojoji Temple Guide: See Tokyo Tower from the Tokugawa Family Temple — Tickets, Amulets, and New Year’s Eve Worship in One Complete Guide!
Zojoji Temple, located in Shiba Park in Minato City, Tokyo, is the head temple of the Jodo sect and stands at the foot of Tokyo Tower. Known as a temple of “victory and good fortune” because of its historical connection with Tokugawa Ieyasu’s military success, it also serves as the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. With several nearby stations, it is an easy historical attraction to explore in a relatively short time. Here is a complete look at Zojoji’s must-see highlights, distinctive sacred items, seasonal festivals, and essential visitor information.
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Guide: Tenku no Torii Viewpoint, Transportation, Omamori, Goshuin, and Opening Hours
Located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a must-visit landmark for first-time visitors to Mount Fuji, alongside the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The shrine has a long history, while the “Tenku no Torii” Mount Fuji Worship Site on the mountain behind it has become a hugely popular scenic photo spot in recent years. This guide covers transportation to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, the thousand-year-old Seven Sacred Cedars, goshuin and unique omamori, photography rules at the Tenku no Torii, and seasonal scenery. It also includes a recommended day-trip route featuring Oishi Park, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, and other nearby attractions—essential reading before planning your Lake Kawaguchi trip.
Complete Guide to Kanda Shrine: IT Amulets, Goshuin, Kanda Matsuri, and an Akihabara Side Trip
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) is a shrine with more than 1,000 years of history, located near Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo’s famous hub of subculture. It is worshipped for blessings in relationships and business prosperity, and is also widely known as an “information security shrine.” This guide takes an in-depth look at the highlights of Kanda Shrine, access and worship information, its colorful amulets and other sacred items, eye-catching festivals, and nearby attractions that are easy to combine with your visit.
Complete Kawagoe Travel Guide: Hikawa Shrine, Must-Try Food, Top Attractions, and Transportation for a One-Day Trip
From Tokyo, it takes as little as about 30 minutes to reach Kawagoe in Saitama, known as “Little Edo.” In addition to classic day-trip attractions such as the Kurazukuri Old Town, Toki no Kane Bell Tower, Kashiya Yokocho, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and Kitain Temple, visitors can also rent a kimono and enjoy eel rice and sweet potato desserts. This guide covers transportation from Tokyo to Kawagoe, recommended one-day itineraries, food, seasonal events, and accommodation to help you plan your trip with ease.
Lake Suwa, Nagano Guide: Lake Fireworks, Your Name-Inspired Scenery, Suwa Taisha Shrine, Hot Springs, and Transportation
Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, is surrounded by mountains, with Kamisuwa Onsen along its shore and different scenery in every season. In summer, visitors can enjoy fireworks over the lake; in winter, they can discover the legend of Omiwatari. The panoramic lake view from Tateishi Park has also attracted attention because of its resemblance to Lake Itomori in Your Name. Kamisuwa Station can be reached from Shinjuku by limited express in about 2 hours, making Lake Suwa ideal for either a day trip or a hot-spring getaway. This guide introduces the area's attractions, fireworks, transportation, and more.
Tokyo Nezu Shrine Guide: Senbon Torii Gates, Azalea Festival, Annual Grand Festival, Omamori, and Goshuin
Nezu Shrine, one of the Tokyo Ten Shrines, is home to seven Gongen-zukuri shrine buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Thousand Torii Gates at Otome Inari Shrine and the Bunkyo Azalea Festival in April are must-see highlights, and the shrine is also an essential stop on a Yanesen walking tour. This guide covers Nezu Shrine's top sights, sacred items, seasonal events, and more.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Guide: Yatagarasu, Money-Washing, White Snake Blessings, Omamori, and Goshuin
When visiting Kawagoe, besides exploring the Kurazukuri Old Town and seeing the Toki no Kane Bell Tower, don't forget to add Kawagoe Kumano Shrine to your itinerary. It is only about a 5-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station and offers a spiritual atmosphere filled with many unusual and interactive ways to worship. Let's take a look at what makes Kawagoe Kumano Shrine worth visiting.