Japan Autumn Itinerary Ideas: 7–10 Day Routes for Leaf Peepers
Plan smarter for koyo season with flexible routes that blend cities, culture, hot springs, and Japan’s most photogenic foliage.
Why Visit Japan in Autumn (September–December)
Japan’s koyo (autumn leaves) season rolls south from Hokkaido to Kyushu as temperatures drop. Expect crisp skies, comfortable walking weather, temple night illuminations, and seasonal bites like roasted sweet potato, chestnut wagashi, and matsutake. Do note: this is one of the busiest travel periods—top gardens and temples can be crowded, and accommodations in hotspots (Kyoto, Nikko) book out months ahead.
Quick Timing Guide (typical windows):
- Hokkaido: late September–mid-October
- Tohoku (Aomori–Sendai): early–late October
- Kanto (Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone): late October–late November
- Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara): mid–late November, sometimes early December
- Chubu/Japanese Alps (Nagano, Kamikochi, Tateyama): mostly October (alpine peaks are earlier)
- Chugoku/Shikoku/Kyushu: late November–early December
Tip: If your dates are fixed, pick a route that matches where the colors will be best for those dates. If you’re flexible, “chase peak” by starting north/at altitude and heading south.
Fast Planner: Best Time to See Autumn Leaves by Region
| Region | Usual Peak Window | Example Leaf Spots | Ideal “Week” |
| Hokkaido | Late Sep–mid Oct | Daisetsuzan (Sounkyo/Kurodake), Jozankei | Week 1 (late Sep/early Oct) |
| Tohoku | Early–late Oct | Oirase Stream & Lake Towada, Naruko Gorge, Hirosaki Park | Week 2–3 (Oct) |
| Kansai | Late Oct–late Nov | Nikko (Chuzenji, Toshogu), Hakone (Open-Air Museum), Meiji Gaien ginkgo | Week 4–6 |
| Kansai | Mid–late Nov (to early Dec) | Kyoto (Eikando, Tofuku-ji, Arashiyama), Nara Park | Week 6–7 |
| Alps/Chubu | Mostly Oct | Kamikochi, Kiso Valley, Kenrokuen (Kanazawa) | Week 3–4 |
| West/South | Late Nov–early Dec | Miyajima (Momijidani), Minoo Park (Osaka), Kyushu onsen towns | Week 6–8 |
“Ideal Week” is a planning aide, not a forecast. Elevation and microclimates shift timing a bit each year
How to Use These 7–10 Day Routes
- Pick the route that fits your dates. Earlier trips lean Hokkaido/Tohoku/Alps; later trips skew Kyoto/Hiroshima/Kyushu.
- Slide days forward/backward. Each itinerary is modular; swap day trips depending on leaf progress.
- Rail vs. driving. Rail works great for most routes; rent a car only where it adds reach (Hokkaido/Tohoku).
- Luggage strategy. Use takuhaibin to forward big suitcases between cities; travel with a daypack.
7-Day Japan Autumn Itinerary (Cities + Mountains + Onsen)
Theme: Tokyo → Nikko → Hakone → Kyoto
Best for: First-timers in late Oct–early Dec who want iconic sights, hot springs, and manageable transfers.
Day 1 — Tokyo arrival: Check into a central base (Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Shibuya). If it’s late November, stroll Meiji Jingu Gaien’s ginkgo avenue or Rikugien’s evening illumination.
Day 2 — Day trip to Nikko: From Asakusa or Tokyo Station, head to Nikko. See Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge, then ride to Lake Chuzenji/Akechidaira for earlier, high-elevation color. Return to Tokyo.
Day 3 — Hakone: Forward luggage to Kyoto. Take the Romancecar or Shinkansen + local to Hakone. Loop Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, and Open-Air Museum. Overnight in a ryokan with onsen.
Day 4 — Kyoto transfer & evening walk: Arrive by Shinkansen. If color has begun, catch golden hour along the Philosopher’s Path or Eikando’s pond.
Day 5 — Kyoto East: Kiyomizu-dera at sunrise, Nanzen-ji aqueduct, Eikando mid-morning, and Gion lanes toward sunset. Consider a night illumination.
Day 6 — Kyoto South: Arrive at Tofuku-ji near opening to see the valley bridges blazing red. Later, Fushimi Inari (better post-3pm for thinner crowds), and a sake tasting on Fushimi’s canals.
Day 7 — Arashiyama & departure: Start at Okochi Sanso garden for elevated views, Jojakko-ji’s quiet maples, and riverside foliage before heading to Osaka or back to Tokyo.
Swap/Shorten options:
- Too early for Kyoto color? Swap Day 2 Nikko with Kawaguchi-ko (Mt. Fuji & Momiji Tunnel).
- Crowds heavy? Replace Tofuku-ji with Koetsu-ji or Takao (Jingo-ji) in Kyoto’s north.
8-Day Northern Colors (Hokkaido + Tohoku Express)
Theme: Sapporo/Daisetsuzan → Aomori/Towada → Sendai/Naruko → Tokyo
Best for: Early trips (late Sep–late Oct); hikers and photographers.
Day 1 — Sapporo: Odori Park, Mt. Moiwa night view; try soup curry.
Day 2 — Daisetsuzan National Park: Base in Asahikawa or Sounkyo. Ride the Kurodake ropeway/hike short sections for early crimson maples and larch.
Day 3 — To Aomori (Shinkansen or flight): Evening at the Nebuta Museum Wa-Rasse and the waterfront.
Day 4 — Oirase Stream & Lake Towada: Walk the most scenic stream sections (early start to beat tour buses). Overnight near Towada or back in Aomori.
Day 5 — Hirosaki Park: Castle views framed by maples; apple treats in season. Train to Sendai.
Day 6 — Naruko Gorge: Short rail trip from Sendai; suspension-bridge overlooks, then onsen soak in Naruko Onsen town.
Day 7 — Nikko (optional) or Tokyo: If color’s still strong, add Nikko overnight; otherwise, continue to Tokyo.
Day 8 — Tokyo: If late season, finish under Meiji Gaien ginkgoes or at Koishikawa Korakuen.
Driving note: In Tohoku, a rental car lets you time Oirase and Naruko better; roads can be busy on peak weekends.
9-Day Culture, Castles & Countryside (Kansai Core + Day Trips)
Theme: Osaka/Kyoto base with excursions to Nara, Uji, Hiroshima/Miyajima
Best for: Mid–to late-November trips focused on temples, gardens, and food.
Day 1 — Osaka arrival: Stroll Dotonbori and Shinsekai; sample kushikatsu.
Day 2 — Nara: Isuien Garden, Yoshikien, and Kasuga Taisha’s lantern-lined forest. Back to Osaka or move base to Kyoto.
Day 3 — Kyoto East: Eikando (often spectacular), Nanzen-ji, Philosopher’s Path, and Gion. Night illumination is optional.
Day 4 — Kyoto South: Tofuku-ji bridges near opening; Fushimi Inari later. Tea and sweets in Fushimi.
Day 5 — Kyoto North: Kinkaku-ji early, then Takao (Jingo-ji) for riverside color with fewer crowds.
Day 6 — Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove just after dawn, then Okochi Sanso, Jojakko-ji, and Gio-ji. River walk at sunset.
Day 7 — Uji: Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, tea streets, riverside maples.
Day 8 — Hiroshima & Miyajima: Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then ferry to Miyajima; explore Momijidani Park and the torii at high/low tide.
Day 9 — Osaka/KIX departure: Crowd hacks: Buy timed entries where offered; start early, take lunch late, use weeknights for illumination.
10-Day Japan Alps & Hot Springs Loop (Crowd-Lighter Leaf Hunt)
Theme: Tokyo → Matsumoto/Kamikochi → Nagano onsens → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Osaka
Best for: Repeat visitors who want gardens, samurai quarters, and alpine color.
Day 1 — Tokyo: Neighborhood strolls; consider Rikugien or Hamarikyu later in the season.
Day 2 — Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle, artisan streets, buckwheat soba.
Day 3 — Kamikochi (weather-dependent): Alpine larches along the Azusa River boardwalks (best in October). If late season or trails closed, pivot to the Kiso Valley (Magome–Tsumago).
Day 4 — Nagano Onsen: Stay in Yudanaka/Shibu; explore hillside baths and apple orchards.
Day 5 — Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens”), Higashi Chaya district.
Day 6 — Shirakawa-go day trip: Gassho-zukuri farmhouses framed by reds/golds; return to Kanazawa.
Day 7–8 — Kyoto: Mix and match from the Kyoto sections above based on color progress.
Day 9 — Osaka: Food tour and/or Minoo Park waterfall foliage.
Day 10 — Depart
Note: Alpine windows are short; this loop shines from mid–October to mid–November, then transitions to city gardens as leaves descend.
Alternative 10-Day Kyushu & West Honshu (Milder Weather)
Theme: Fukuoka → Yufuin/Beppu → Kumamoto → Nagasaki → Hiroshima**
When it shines: Late November–early December; perfect for warm baths and late-season maples.
Sample flow:
- Fukuoka ramen crawl → Yufuin/Beppu onsen countryside → Kumamoto Castle grounds → Nagasaki hillsides and history → Hiroshima/Miyajima (Momijidani Park) → Osaka fly-out.
Bestselling Autumn Tours in Japan
Booking & Logistics for Leaf Peeping
- Rail passes: Since national pass prices increased (Oct 2023), regional passes often beat the nationwide JR Pass for 7–10 days. Price out your exact hops before buying.
- Seat reservations: Reserve popular Shinkansen/limited-express routes (Tokyo–Kyoto, Kyoto–Hiroshima, Tokyo–Nikko) and consider Green Car for comfort during peak weekends.
- Driving vs. rail: Rail for cities; drive for Hokkaido/Tohoku or if you’re chasing sunrise/sunset in remote valleys.
- Luggage forwarding: Use takuhaibin (1–2 days). Bring a daypack for overnights in onsen towns.
- Accommodation lead times: Book Kyoto/Nikko 4–6 months out for prime weekends; ryokan with kaiseki dinners fill fastest.
- Temple illuminations: Many Kyoto temples run special night hours—weekday evenings are calmer.
What to Pack for Autumn in Japan
- Layers: Mornings/evenings can be 10–15°C in the north and Alps.
- Light down/softshell and merino base layer for early season or higher elevations.
- Slip-on shoes for temple floors; compact umbrella; polarizing filter for vivid foliage photos.
- Small towel for onsen; coin pouch/IC card for buses and snacks.
Responsible & Respectful Leaf Viewing
- Stay on marked paths and follow staff instructions—erosion is a real issue at popular temples and gorges.
- Be mindful of tripods and drones (often restricted).
- Support local tea houses and craft shops; carry away any trash (bins are rare).
Budget: What a 7–10 Day Trip Typically Costs (per person)
- Lodging:
- Business hotels: $80–$140/night
- Mid-range hotels/inns: $140–$250/night
- Ryokan with kaiseki: $220–$450/night (board basis)
- Transport: $200–$500 depending on passes vs. point-to-point fare.
- Admissions/Illuminations: $3–$12 per site; night events sometimes extra
- Food: $25–$60/day (casual) to much higher for kaiseki/specialty dining
(Costs vary by city and timing; Kyoto and onsen towns skew higher in peak weeks.)
Let the Maples Do the Mood Lighting
Book your must-dos early (Kyoto fills fast), ship that suitcase, and chase color like it’s a limited drop. Your autumn era in Japan? It starts now! Tap in and we’ll help you plan it, price it, and make it pure leaf-peeper bliss.
