Japan Autumn Tour Ideas: 3 Fall Foliage Itineraries in 10 Days

Japan's most enchanting season comes with the chilly breeze, when the red and gold autumn foliage light up the mountains and streets like flames. For your delightful autumn Japan tour, we've selected 3 distinct fall foliage itineraries in 10 days, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the peaceful mountain trails of the Kumano Kodo, capturing all of Japan's autumn colors between city and nature.

Itinerary 1: Classic Fall Foliage Tour With Mt. Fuji

Through the Golden Route from Tokyo to Kyoto, paired with iconic Mt. Fuji, as well as those tranquil villages below the Japan Alps, this classic 10-day fall foliage itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors to enjoy some of the best autumn beauty in Japan.

Day 1 - 2: Tokyo

Your wonderful Japan autumn tour starts in Tokyo. Begin by visiting Meiji Shrine and its outer garden, settling in the forest in its orange and gold. Continue to the Tsukiji Outer Market for some fresh taste of seafood and local snacks for lunch, before your next autumn foliage stroll along the East Garden of the Imperial Palace.

The next day, visit the popular Senso-ji Temple, where you can try drawing an omikuji fortune slip to foretell your future. Leave some free time to explore famous districts like Harajuku and Ginza, and experience daily life in Japan.

Day 3: Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Head to Lake Kawaguchi with your guide and driver. Admire the majesty of Mount Fuji on a cruise, or take the ropeway up to the observation deck to capture both the mountain and the lake.

You can find a popular fall foliage viewing spot here called Maple Corridor, ideal for your stroll and photo. Next, drive to Arakurayama Sengen Park to capture the layers of autumn foliage, which well match the Chureito Pagoda and Mount Fuji in the distance. Finally, soak in the soothing hot spring after your driver drops you off at your Hakone hotel.

Mt. Fuji in Autumn

Day 4 - 5: Takayama

After a comfortable Shinkansen ride from Hakone to Takayama, your Japan autumn tour continues at the Morning Market of Takayama. Enjoy local culture by walking, eating, and shopping for local produce and traditional crafts.

Make those retro wooden houses and sake breweries along Sanmachi Street your next drop by, and don't miss the Kusakabe Folk Museum and Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan if you prefer more about Hida ceramics and Takayama Festival floats.

Shinkansen

Day 6: Shirakawa-go

After an approximately 1-hour drive from Takayama, with your guide, is the fairy tale-like village of Shirakawa-go. You can walk around those traditional gassho-style farmhouses built without nails, or take off your shoes inside the Wada House to witness the authentic lifestyle of the past.

If possible, join the Doburoku Festival in mid-October to sample locals' unrefined sake. Back to Kanazawa after the grand harvest ceremony.

Day 7: Kanazawa

Continue your Japan autumn collection in Kanazawa, one of the best places to see autumn foliage.

Admire those rich layers of leaves that decorate the ponds, bridges, and teahouses of Kenrokuen Garden in the morning. A 3-minute walk from the garden is the nearby 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can experience its traditional gold leaf craftsmanship.

After Kanazawa Castle sightseeing, your guide will drop you off at Kanazawa Station for your Shinkansen to Kyoto.

Day 8 - 9: Kyoto

For the best autumn leaves in Kyoto, it is recommended to visit Arashiyama first, for both the vivid, wide nature and classic temple autumn scenery.

The first is Jojakko-Ji Temple, one of the most famous, which captures the well-balanced combination of wooden buildings and autumn foliage. Walk through Sagano Bamboo Grove, still in its verdant state, then admire the tranquility of Tenryuji with a serene pond and surrounding mountains.

Finally, board the Yakatabune boat around Arashiyama as a leisurely conclusion. As for the second day in Kyoto, focus on the Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto's best autumn leaves spots. After the day's sightseeing, go back to Gion for a relaxing tea ceremony or an authentic Kaiseki dinner.

Day 10: Osaka

Climb the Osaka Castle and take a walking food tour for some local and seasonal delicacies in Dotonbori, and enjoy your final self-guided day in Osaka before departure.

Osaka Castle With Red Leaves Falling

Itinerary 2: Autumn Foliage Tour With Kumano Kodo Hike

This 10-day autumn itinerary in Japan extends from Tokyo and Kyoto to the Kumano Kodo, taking you through the golden ginkgo streets of the city and the red maple forests of the mountain trails. Switching between the pace of urban bustle and natural tranquility, you'll admire the autumn colors with your eyes and feel the rhythm of the earth with your feet, capturing the diverse autumn scenery of Japan along the way.

Day 1 - 2: Tokyo

Starts at Meiji Jingu Gaien, where the ginkgo avenue shines golden under the blue sky. You can also visit the nearby Meiji Jingu Museum or stroll to Shinjuku Gyoen to see the chrysanthemum exhibition, which is about a ten-minute walk from the shrine.

For the next day, continue with Senso-ji Temple. Walk through Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori, enjoy food, and try your luck with a fortune slip. Then, head to Tsukiji Market to learn how to make sushi. Finally, capture the autumn foliage in Rikugien Garden, one of the best fall leaf viewing spots in Tokyo.

Day 3 - 4: Hakone

Enjoy Japan's typical volcanic landscape in autumn beauty after about a 2.5-hour drive to the Hakone area. Start from Oshino Hakkai village beneath Mt. Fuji, follow a short climb to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine with color-changing foliage, as well as a leisurely panoramic ropeway to see Mt. Fuji up closer.

After your sound sleep with a hot spring soak, explore more about Hakone's nature, from the Lake Ashi boat ride to the steaming Owakudani sightseeing with a bite of the onsen boiled black egg. In the afternoon, take advantage of the Shikansen train ride to Kyoto.

Day 5 - 6: Kyoto

An autumn trip to Japan would be incomplete without experiencing the fall foliage splendor of Kyoto.

Today, rent a kimono and stroll through the Nijo Castle, admiring the ancient architecture adorned with autumn leaves. Enjoy your lunch at the bustling Nishiki Market, Kyoto's Kitchen, offering seafood and produce for your fresh taste. In the evening, ascend Kiyomizu-dera Temple to overlook the illuminated autumn foliage cast on the wooden stage.

Visit the Arashiyama area on your second day. Both the serene Jojakko-ji Temple and the majestic Tenryu-ji Temple show the vibrant colors of autumn in their gardens. Conclude your day with a traditional cruise ship ride along the river, admiring Togetsukyo Bridge and the stunning riverside autumn scenery.

Nishikidori Market

Day 7 - 9: Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Hiking

For the next three days, you will delve into the Nakahechi trail of Kumano Kodo, experiencing the autumn charm of this pilgrimage route.

• Day 7: from Takijiri to Takahara (4 km, 2 to 3 hours)
• Day 8: from Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji (13 km, 5 to 8 hours)
• Day 9: from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (21 km, 4 to 5 hours)

Conclude the hike with a relaxing soak at Yunomine Onsen, soothing your tired muscles from the hike before transferring to a train to Osaka.

Kumano Kodo Trail Signpost

Day 10: Osaka

The final day in Osaka is free for your sightseeing. Self-guide yourself to Osaka Castle for the continued sightseeing, or a leisurely walking food tour as a full charge. If time and energy are possible, a day trip to Kobe (for authentic Kobe beef tasting) and Himeji (for White Egret Castle sightseeing) is also a good try from Osaka.

Kobe Beef

Itinerary 3: Family-Friendly Japan Autumn Tour

This is a relaxed 10-day itinerary in Japan, covering Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, perfectly designed for a family trip and senior travelers. No need to rush or worry about exhaustion; enjoy leisurely park strolls, breathtaking autumn foliage, and delicious food, creating unforgettable fall memories.

Day 1 - 3: Tokyo

You can take a glimpse into the locals' everyday life in Tokyo at the Tsukiji Outer Market, wander through the lively alleys filled with seafood, and sample those authentic snacks according to your interest. Continue to the lively Harajuku for a glimpse of Japan's street culture before the panoramic view of Tokyo from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.

For the next day, walk through Shinjuku Gyoen with its vivid red and orange, then head to the Asakusa area for the ancient Sensoji prayer. If possible, leave your afternoon for the nearby Akihabara to experience the anime culture of Japan.

Day 3 is a self-guided day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. For family members, spend your full day at Tokyo Disney and DisneySea, while for more sightseeing options, a day trip to Odaiba or Yokohama is also possible.

Tokyo Skytree Surrounded by Autumn Foliage

Day 4 - 5: Hakone

Make Hakone your next base for the perfect autumn foliage and Mt. Fuji combination. Upon arrival, stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park first for its iconic postcard view, then head to the Maple Corridor (Momiji Kairo) for its festive atmosphere with rows of maple trees. Another spot to capture both Mt. Fuji and fall color is Oishi Park, with pick kochia and seasonal blossoms as a perfect backdrop.

Continue to explore Hakone's volcanic landscape the next day. Take the Hakone Ropeway and visit the Owakudani Valley, which is always steaming. Slow down your pace at the Hakone Open Air Museum, and capture the autumn scenery with a Hakone Tozan Switchback Train ride from Odawara to Gora.

Day 6 - 10: Kyoto

After your breakfast, transfer from Odawara Station to Kyoto.

Your Kyoto journey begins with Heian Shrine, which features a large Soryu Pond, where the red leaves reflect on the water, creating a surreal scene. The nearby Okazaki Park is perfect for a family stroll, with autumn leaves adding a relaxing atmosphere. You can also try samurai armor there for an immersive cultural experience.

Follow a day trip to Arashiyama. You'll take the Sagano Scenic Railway through the autumn foliage valley, enjoying the views of red leaves and streams passing by. It's a novel experience for children. Afterwards, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the green of the bamboo stands out as a highlight amidst the red leaves, and then head to Togetsukyo Bridge to enjoy the riverside scenery.

Continue the highlights collection by visiting the iconic Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Shrine and then exploring the autumn colors of the Japanese garden at Tofuku-ji Temple, including visits to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion. Renting a kimono for photos is highly recommended.

Girls in Kimono at Gion

Plan Your Japan Fall Foliage Tour With Odynovo

Still worried about how to plan your 10-day itinerary in Japan for red leaves viewing? Contact us now, and Odynovo will tailor the perfect itinerary for you. Join us for an unforgettable fall foliage journey, designed to suit your pace and preferences, ensuring you experience Japan's autumn beauty in comfort.