Top 5 Places to Visit in Japan This Fall By Train – A Complete Guide for Autumn Lovers
Japan in autumn is a spectacular display of vivid reds, warm golds, and fiery oranges. From late September to early December, the country transforms into a painter’s masterpiece, with crisp weather perfect for sightseeing and seasonal foods that warm the soul. If you’re planning to visit Japan this fall, here are five must-see destinations where you can experience the best of the autumn foliage and seasonal culture — all with train access explained and JR Pass coverage clarified.
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Josh K
9/25/20254 min read
1. Kyoto – The Timeless Autumn Capital
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Kyoto is Japan’s crown jewel when it comes to fall foliage. Its temples and gardens are framed by a kaleidoscope of colors, and the city’s historical charm makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
Top spots for autumn in Kyoto:
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Offers panoramic views of the city surrounded by crimson maple leaves.
Eikan-do Temple: Known for its glowing red maples and evening light-up events.
Arashiyama: Combine the bamboo grove walk with a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple’s stunning gardens.
How to get there by train:
From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station (about 2 hr 15 min on the Nozomi, 2 hr 40 min on the Hikari).
JR Pass coverage: JR Pass covers Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen, but Nozomi trains are not covered.
Regional pass option: JR West Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers travel from Osaka to Kyoto but not from Tokyo.
2. Nikko – Nature Meets Spirituality
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with lavish shrines and lush mountain scenery. In autumn, the combination of ornate temple architecture and vibrant leaves is breathtaking.
Top spots for autumn in Nikko:
Shinkyo Bridge: The bright vermilion bridge framed by golden and red foliage is an iconic photo spot.
Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls: The reflections of autumn leaves on the lake and the waterfall backdrop make this area a must-see.
How to get there by train:
From Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station (about 50 min), then transfer to the JR Nikko Line for Nikko Station (about 45 min). Buses from Nikko Station connect to shrines, the lake, and the falls.
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass.
Regional pass option: JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) and JR Tokyo Wide Pass both cover this route.
3. Fuji Five Lakes – Mt. Fuji’s Fiery Frame
Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November
The Fuji Five Lakes region, especially Lake Kawaguchi, is one of the most photogenic autumn destinations in Japan. Seeing Mount Fuji framed by vibrant red maples and golden ginkgo trees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Top spots for autumn in Fuji Five Lakes:
Maple Corridor (Momiji Kairo): Rows of fiery red maple trees create a postcard-perfect view.
Oishi Park: Offers a panoramic shot of Mt. Fuji with colorful foliage in the foreground.
How to get there by train:
From Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station (about 70 min), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchiko Station (about 55 min).
JR Pass coverage: Covered until Otsuki Station; Fujikyu Railway segment requires a separate ticket.
Regional pass option: JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers the entire journey, including the Fujikyu Railway segment.
Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto
Nikko
Kawaguchiko Lake
4. Miyajima – An Island of Seasonal Magic
Best time to visit: Mid to late November
Miyajima, near Hiroshima, is famous for its floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, but in autumn, the island becomes even more magical. The deer roaming the streets, combined with the surrounding fiery leaves, make it unforgettable.
Top spots for autumn in Miyajima:
Momijidani Park: A serene spot filled with hundreds of maple trees.
Miyajima Ropeway: Ride up to Mt. Misen for a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea framed by autumn colors.
How to get there by train:
From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 30 min), then board the JR ferry to Miyajima (10 min).
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass, including the ferry.
Regional pass option: JR West Sanyo-San’in Area Pass and JR West Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Pass both cover this trip.
5. Hida Takayama – Autumn in the Japanese Alps
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Takayama’s old town retains its Edo-period charm, and the surrounding mountains turn into a golden and crimson sea in autumn.
Top spots for autumn in Takayama:
Hida Folk Village: Traditional thatched-roof houses set against a vibrant fall backdrop.
Shiroyama Park: Offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding foliage.
How to get there by train:
From Nagoya Station, take the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama Station (about 2 hr 30 min).
JR Pass coverage: Fully covered by the JR Pass.
Regional pass option: JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass covers this trip and is ideal if you also plan to visit Kanazawa or Toyama.
Miyajima
Hida Takayama
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Transportation Tip: Most of the places listed here are accessible by JR trains and may be covered by a Japan Rail Pass if you have one.
You might also like this: Discover the Japan Rail Pass