Explore Japan's Autumn Charm: Top Spots in October & November!

The turning of the leaves marks the beginning of a glorious season in Japan, and is a must-see on most itineraries for October and November. Referred to generally as Koyo, fall foliage is tinged in mellow hues of red and yellow in the early season during October. Maple leaves – known as Momiji – on the other hand, turn an intense red in the peak of Autumn and decorate the Japanese landscape with a brilliant scarlet hue during late November and early December. Together, Koyo and Momiji drape the scenery in a medley of glowing bronze and shimmering reds.

The calendar is packed with fall foliage viewing events and activities across the nation’s 9 regions, so you'll certainly be spoilt for choice on where to go. Sometimes, it can even be overwhelming to plan a trip just around fall viewing and find time for everything else. That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of suggestions just for you! If you’re visiting the major cities of Tokyo or Kyoto in October or November, read on to find out how you can make the most out of the season.

Where to go if you’re in Tokyo in October

Fall foliage is often most radiant from November to December in many parts of Japan. If you’re in Tokyo around mid to late October, however, you’re in luck! As Tokyo is situated in the Kanto region of the nation, the smaller city of Nikko is a stone’s throw away from the capital – by that, we mean a two-hour train ride. Nikko is home to many lakes, as well as the iconic Nikko National Park, making it a coveted fall destination.

Ryuzu Waterfall:

Due to its altitude and its sheltered location, the linden trees and maple trees that blanket Ryuzu Waterfall start bursting into full autumn colors ahead of time in early October. The gold and scarlet shades of the leaves reach their full glory in the second and third weeks of October. To view this regal landscape, you can head to a small observation deck situated at the back of a rest house. Entrance is free-of-charge, but you might want to bring some cash to grab souvenirs or local snacks!

How to get to Ryuzu Waterfall

By Bus: From JR or Tobu Nikko station, take a Tobu bus bound for Yumoto Onsen and get off at the Ryuzu no Taki bus stop. Ryuzu Waterfall is a short trek from then onwards!

As you might guess, the Yumoto Onsen town is also in the vicinity. We’d recommend you to make a pitstop at one of the hot springs, or Ryokans there. That way, you can relax after a hike while admiring the lovely view of Lake Yunoko in autumn. A hike up to the waterfalls, as well as navigating around a quaint little town, may seem daunting if you’re new and without a guide. But Google Maps (or any other map application) will work like a charm in getting you around as long as you have data roaming handy.

Kegon Falls:

Famed to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, the Kegon Falls are loved by locals and tourists alike. The waterfalls are located near Lake Chuzenji, and are the Ryuzu Waterfall’s more famous cousin. Still, the beauty of the location justifies its popularity during mid to late October, featuring fall foliage that makes for a display that is just as spectacular.

It’s free of charge to view Kegon Falls from a platform situated at the top of the hill, and you can get here on foot with ease. Although, it’s indeed worth the extra 570 Yen to take the elevator down to the base of the waterfall!

How to get to Kegon Falls

By Bus: Take a bus from the Tobu Nikko station to Chuzenji onsen. The location is a short walk away!

As Kegon Falls is within reach of other iconic spots such as the broader Lake Chuzenji area, as well as Onsen towns, you can maximize your time in Nikko by hitting one or more spots on the same trip– including Ryuzu Waterfall and Yumoto Onsen town. It's a good idea to set out for Nikko in the early morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds as best as you can. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy being in time for the golden hour? Make sure to familiarize yourself with landmarks and places you can turn to for information and directions, but we’d just get a reliable roaming data plan to ensure reliable access to the Internet anyway – such as via an eSIM for Japan Travel.

Where to go if you’re in Kyoto in November

The Kansai region experiences peak autumn in mid-November, leaving Kyoto a wonderful destination to visit around this period. Kyoto itself boasts of many temples that are flanked by the cozy warmth of fall foliage, but it also has within its proximity more rural destinations that nature lovers would rejoice over.

Eikan-do Temple:

When in Kyoto, you’re really spoilt for choice with the number of spots you’ll have for fall viewing– and it’s hardly the fault of these locations that they’re teeming with visitors to admire them during autumn. Eikan-do is one such temple alongside the likes of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Kitano Tenma-gu Shrine. But with its rich history, and the plethora of buildings and ponds it has to offer, Eikan-do is certainly worth both the visit and the entrance fee of 1000 yen for the autumn season.

Moreover, the Eikan-do Temple is even more picturesque during the evening illuminations from 17:30 to 21:00 that begin in early November. The glow of fiery red-yellow autumn leaves against the ink-dark night sky promises to take your breath away! With a separate entry fee of 600 yen, this unique seasonal experience is something you should run towards, not just walk.

How to get to Eikan-do Temple

By Bus: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 5 from Kyoto Station and get down at Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop. Eikan-do is a 5 minute walk away!

By Train: Get to Keage Station on the Tozai Line, by subway from Kyoto Station via Karasuma-Oike. Eikan-do is 15 - 20 minutes away by foot.

In addition, Eikan-do Temple is also close to the southern end of the famed Philosopher’s Path and a five minute walk from Nanzenji Temple, so you could make a day out of fall foliage hunting and photo-taking by conquering the area.

Sagano Scenic Railway

While not quite a single spot, the Sagano Scenic Railway combines the rustic charm of old-school train travel with the brimming vibrancy of fall colors in November. It actually has a pretty adorable story behind it: the train was brought from disrepair into a beloved local tourist attraction in 1990 by the Kyoto Prefecture.

The sightseeing train has the perfect view out the window during the fall, letting you glimpse the exquisite scarlet-gold canvas of the Hozugawa river that’s located between Arashiyama and Kameoka. Take a break from the city and admire the rural charm of Kameoka while you’re at it. The train goes at a leisurely pace, so you can get all the pictures you need to savor the moment!

How to get onto the Sagano Scenic Railway

By Train: Board the train from Kyoto Station to JR-Saga Arashiyama Station. Walk a short distance to Torokko Saga Station, where the sightseeing train departs!

Arashiyama is also famed for its Bamboo Grove, and you might be happy to learn that it’s also a short walk away from Torokko Saga Station. What better way to cool off after exploring the lush bamboo groves than to take a relaxing train ride around the river?

Make sure you’re always prepped and connected!

Whether you’re on a tight schedule that leaves you room for only one or two sightseeing spots during Autumn, or if you’ve got more time to explore, we’re sure these 4 exquisite spots can bring you unforgettable memories on that trip to Tokyo or Kyoto. In order to make the most out of your experience viewing the fall foliage, it’s important to keep up to date with opening hours, train arrival times, ticket prices, sunrise and sunset timings, fluctuations in the weather that can affect the forecast for red-leaves… whew, isn’t that a long list to keep track of? Plans can change rapidly over the day, and there’s no better way to stay connected with data than with an eSIM!

Not to worry, though. Jetpac has got the best roaming plan to offer you when you next travel to Japan. With our seamless connectivity, Jetpac’s single country pack for Japan can bring you anywhere you’d like to go. Be fearless–yes, even on a last minute detour to chase waterfalls while in Tokyo– ‘cause with 2GB of data, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Japan roaming. You’ll only get lost in the shades of Momiji, not because you lack directions from Google Maps. Give it a shot, will you?