Best Places to See Autumn Leaves Around Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji’s foothills turn fiery from late October through November, with the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, Motosuko, Yamanakako) typically peaking in mid–late November. Higher places blush earlier while lower lakeside paths hold color a bit longer—so you can often “chase” koyo across elevations for ~3–4 weeks.
When is Osaka Peak for Koyo (autumn leaves)?
Expect best color in the Fuji Five Lakes area around mid–late November; higher-elevation spots (like the Fuji 5th Station) usually start in early October, and valleys and lakeshores follow into late November. Exact timing varies each year with weather, so always check the current year’s festival/forecast before you go.
Top Places to See Autumn Leaves Around Mt. Fuji
1) Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor & “Momiji Tunnel” (Fujikawaguchiko)
Why go: The classic—rows of maples arching over a stream, with evening light-ups during the annual Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (typically late Oct–late Nov). Free to stroll.
Tips: Go at dusk to catch lights switching on; visit the north-shore “Momiji Tunnel” for Fuji framed by crimson leaves.
2. Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida)
Why go: That postcard view—Mt. Fuji + five-storied pagoda + scarlet canopy—shines in early to mid-November. Arrive for sunrise to beat crowds (398 stairs to the deck).
3. Oishi Park (Kawaguchiko North Shore)
Why go: Open Fuji vistas with maples and seasonal plants (including red kochia), easy access on the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus. Great all-day photography spot.
4) Yamanakako Panorama-dai Lookout & Sunset Beach (Lake Yamanaka)
Why go: Pampas-grass hills glow gold in autumn at Panorama-dai; down by the lake, the Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival features lit-up trees along the shore in November.
Access: Short drive/bus from Yamanakako village; parking is limited at Panorama-dai.
5) Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Healing Village)
Why go: Thatched-roof houses backdropped by Fuji and colorful maples—an open-air museum with craft studios and cafes; typically open 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Admission applies.
6) Oshino Hakkai (between Yamanakako & Kawaguchiko)
Why go: Spring-fed ponds of glacier-clear Fuji water ringed by maples that turn amber in autumn—plus old farmhouses and views to Fuji on clear days.
7) Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (Kawaguchiko “Kachi-Kachi”)
Why go: A quick climb to Tenjozan for lake-and-Fuji panoramas above the hillsides’ fall color; stations are walkable/busable from Kawaguchiko Station.
8) Koyodai (Narusawa / Tokai Nature Trail)
Why go: A superb vantage over the Aokigahara forest and multiple lakes; foliage usually best from late Oct to mid-Nov. Short hikes lead to an observatory with wide Fuji views.
9) Lake Tanuki (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka side)
Why go: Calm-water reflections of Fuji with pops of lakeside color; sunrise is prime for mirror-like photos.
10) Shiraito Falls (Fujinomiya)
Why go: A UNESCO-listed waterfall where maple reds pop against white “silk thread” cascades; some years feature night illuminations—check the current schedule.
Sample 1-day & 2-day Foliage Plans
One Perfect Day (Fuji Views + Festival):
Morning: Chureito Pagoda (sunrise → mid-morning).
Midday: Oishi Park (north shore Kawaguchiko).
Afternoon: Stroll the Momiji Tunnel → Itchiku Kubota Art Museum area.
Golden hour → evening: Maple Corridor light-up.
Two days (Five Lakes + Shizuoka side):
Day 1: Kawaguchiko loop—Ropeway → Oishi Park → Maple Corridor light-up.
Day 2 (option A): Yamanakako Panorama-dai + Sunset Beach festival.
Day 2 (option B): Fujinomiya—Shiraito Falls → Lake Tanuki (aim for sunrise/sunset).
Practical Tips
- Crowds & timing: Peak weekends in mid–late November are busy—go early/late in the day.
- Altitude matters: Higher spots turn first (e.g., Fuji 5th Station in early Oct), lakeside paths later. Plan routes from high to low.
- Weather & color: Cool, dry snaps intensify hues; warm/wet spells can dull them. (Timing shifts by ~1–2 weeks year-to-year.)
- Transit & driving: Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako are well served by local buses; Panorama-dai parking is limited. If driving, allow extra time.
- Festival hours & light-ups: Dates change yearly—confirm the latest schedules before you go (especially Kawaguchiko and Shiraito illuminations).
From Neon to Maple Season
Autumn here is all about big-sky Fuji views framed by gold and crimson. Aim for mid–late November, tie in a light-up, and you’ll have peak vibes and photos to match. Ready to lock it in? Save the itineraries and book your fall experiences before those prime weekends disappear.
