Autumn Spots: Central Japan
We've got areas that make for the perfect day trip or short stay away from Tokyo to getaway from the city for a bit and immerse yourself in the autumn colours and nature!
Where to Find Them
Jigokudani Valley, Nagano
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 1 hour from Nagano Station
By bus: Take the 急行志賀高原線（ほたる温泉・渋峠・白根火山行き）bus from Nagano Station (East Exit) to Snow Monkey Park and walk for 30 mins to the park
Best time to visit: Throughout October
Entry fee: ¥800
Although named Snow Monkey Park in English, outside of snow season the park is beautiful and full of autumn leaves
Take in the golden hues of the valley and wait for the monkeys to come out as the weather cools down a bit, but isn't freezing cold yet
Shorinzan, Gunma (Daruma Temple)
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 15 mins from Takasaki and parking is available
By bus: Take the 1 ぐるりん少林山線 bus from Takasaki Station (West Exit) to Shorinzan Temple Entrance and walk for 4 minutes
Best time to visit: End of November to early December
Said to be the birthplace of the iconic Japanese daruma dolls, this temple is complimented perfectly with red autumn leaves
All the lucky red daruma dolls piled high in the temple will be sure to bring you luck on your fall travels!
Choenji, Nagano
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 1 hour from Matsumoto Station and parking is available
By train: Take the Shinonoi Line to Chino Station, then take the Izumino Tamagawa bus to Nakassawa and walk for 17 mins
Best time to visit: Mid to late November
Choenji is a hidden maple leaf paradise, tucked away in rural Nagano
The giant cedar trees and vibrant maple leaves will inspire a sense of wonder and take your breath away
To make the journey a little easier you can take a 15 minute taxi ride from Chino Station
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba, Yamanashi
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 2 hours from Shinjuku Station and parking is available
By bus: Take the Chuo Expressway bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, then take the Omni Green Line to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba
Best time to visit: Late October to mid November
Entry fee: ¥500
It doesn't get any more autumn in Japan than the pampas green (susuki) and traditional thatched roof houses with a view of Mt. Fuji in the background
At Saiko Iyashi no Sato, this open house museum has a plethora of activities, from crafts to enjoying tea in a traditional tea house
Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village, Toyama
Best time to visit: End October to mid November
Entry fee: ¥1,000 per car
Of all the gassho thatched roof house areas in Japan, Ainokura in Toyama is perhaps one of the most remote, allowing it to preserve its traditional character and charm
Surrounded by mountain ranges, the landscape comes alive with colour during the autumn months
Takeda Shrine, Yamanashi
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 2 hours from Shinjuku Station and parking is available
By bus: Take number 10, 11, 12 bus from Kofu Station North Bus Terminal to Takeda-jinja Shrine
Best time to visit: Late November
Dedicated to one of the most legendary Japanese historical figures and Lord of all time, Takeda Shingen, Takeda Shrine is beautiful in autumn
Impressive Ginko trees frame the open air noh stage in the fall
Kofu Station is roughly 90 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station and is known as the Jewelry Capital of Japan! If you're interested in making your very own jewelry piece, check out our exclusive experience here!
Naraijuku, Nagano
How to get there:
By car: 3 hours from Tokyo or 1 hour from Matsumoto (Nagano) and parking is available
By train: From Tokyo, take the Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku Station to Shiojiri Station, then the local Shinonoi line to Narai Station
Best time to visit: Mid October to mid November
This beautifully preserved Edo townscape marks the traditional midpoint for travellers taking the mountain route between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo)
Enjoy the same autumn scenery and atmosphere as travellers walking the same path hundreds of years ago!
