Autumn Spots: Central Japan
In this guide, we're covering the Central Japan which includes areas that make for a 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
Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village, Toyama
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
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
