Autumn leaves in Kanto outside Tokyo in 2026
- Mt. Tsukuba and Nagatoro peak in November, while night viewing at Hase-dera in Kamakura begins November 21.
- Adult fares are ¥930 one way for the Mt. Tsukuba cable car, ¥400 at Hase-dera and ¥700 at Sankeien.
This page lists 10 autumn leaf spots in Kanto outside Tokyo, in order of when the color peaks. According to the Nikko City Tourism Association’s update of November 3, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls in Oku-Nikko are past their peak, while the upper part of the Irohazaka road and Ryuokyo Gorge are at their peak. Still to come are the shrines and temples of Nikko (early to mid November), Mt. Tsukuba and Nagatoro (November), Hase-dera in Kamakura (night viewing from November 21) and Yoro Keikoku (late November to early December). The entry fees and access for each place are compared too. Colors change daily, so the status quoted below is as of the date given.
In short
- Early November: Irohazaka (upper part), Kirifuri Falls and Ryuokyo (Nikko). Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls were past their peak on November 3.
- Early to mid November: Nikko shrines and temples, Mt. Tsukuba, Nagatoro.
- Late November to December: Hase-dera (night viewing from November 21), autumn events at Sankeien, Yoro Keikoku.
Checked with official pages on November 1, 2026 (Japan time; Nikko and Nagatoro colors as reported November 2 and 3).
Read next7 pages, swipe sideways
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First Sunrise 2027 in Kanto Outside Tokyo: 13 Places from Cape Inubosaki to Oarai, with Times and AccessPlay
Kamakura and Enoshima in One Day: 3 Winter Model Routes for Temples and the Sea with the Enoden Day PassPlay
Nikko in a Day or One Night: 2 Model Routes for Toshogu and Kegon Falls in Short Winter HoursPlay
Narita and Sawara Day Trip: 2 Model Routes, Naritasan Goma Ritual and Eel, or Sawara Boat Ride (¥1,300)Play
12 Castles and Castle Ruins in Kanto: Odawara Castle ¥1,000, Honmaru Palace ¥100, and 100 Famous Castles StampsPlay
1. Peak time and access for 10 places
In the Nikko City Tourism Association’s update of November 3, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls are past peak, the upper Irohazaka and Ryuokyo are at peak, and the Nikko shrines and temples are just starting to color. Tap a place name to jump to its section.
| Place | Peak | Fee | Nearest station and walk | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls | Mid Oct to early Nov (past peak on Nov 3) | Not stated | Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station | Not needed |
| Irohazaka | Mid Oct to early Nov (upper part at peak on Nov 3) | Not stated | Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station | Not needed |
| Kirifuri Falls | Late Oct to early Nov (just starting to peak) | Not stated | Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station | Not needed |
| Shrines and temples of Nikko | Early to mid Nov (just starting to color on Nov 3) | Varies by shrine or temple | Bus from Tobu-Nikko Station | Not needed |
| Ryuokyo Gorge | Late Oct to mid Nov (at peak on Nov 3) | Not stated | Right outside Ryuokyo Station | Not needed |
| Mt. Tsukuba | Before coloring on Oct 25 | Cable car adults ¥930 one way | Miyawaki Station (cable car) | Not needed |
| Nagatoro | Coloring on Nov 2 | Light-up ¥500 | 5 min from Kami-Nagatoro Station (Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park) | Not needed |
| Hase-dera (Kamakura) | Night viewing Nov 21 to Dec 6 | Adults ¥400 | About 5 min from Hase Station | Not stated by the temple |
| Sankeien (Yokohama) | Autumn events Nov 8 to Dec 13 | Adults ¥700 | Bus from Negishi Station, Sakuragicho Station and others | Not needed |
| Yoro Keikoku | Usually late Nov to early Dec | Awamata parking ¥500 | Bus from Yoro-Keikoku Station | Not needed |
For autumn leaves inside Tokyo, see our Japanese guides: Autumn leaf light-ups in Tokyo 2026 and Ginkgo avenues in Tokyo.
2. Things to know when choosing in Kanto
- In Nikko, the peak moves in order from high ground to low: from Oku-Nikko (mid October to early November) to the town area (early to mid November). The Nikko City Tourism Association’s color report shows the update date on the page.
- In Nikko in the leaf season, traffic on the Irohazaka road often barely moves. The association recommends shifting to less crowded hours, and around Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge parking at a less busy lot and getting around by bus or on foot.
- Nagatoro, Mt. Tsukuba and Kamakura have many sights within walking distance of a station, so they are easy by train. The car parks at Yoro Keikoku and Sankeien are small and charge a fee.
- At Yoro Keikoku, as of the October 20, 2026 update, parts of the walking trails are closed. Check which parts you can walk before choosing it.
3. Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls (Nikko City)
In the Nikko City Tourism Association’s update of November 3, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls are “past peak” (leaves are falling but can still be seen), and the predicted peak is mid October to early November. The October 26 update said the mountainsides seen from Senjugahama were vivid and Hatcho-dejima had started to peak.
The Kegon Falls light-up is from Saturday, November 14 to Monday, November 23 (a national holiday). The time and fee are not given in the association’s autumn leaves guide. For parking, a common one-day ticket valid at Oku-Nikko car parks is available (Oku-Nikko common one-day parking ticket, Japanese). Current colors can be seen on the Nikko City autumn leaves page (Japanese).
| Name | Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls |
|---|---|
| Address | Nikko City, Tochigi |
| Hours / Closed | Always open (Kegon Falls light-up is November 14–23) |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
4. Irohazaka (Nikko City)
In the November 3 update, the upper part of Irohazaka is at peak and the lower part is just starting to color. The predicted peak is mid October to early November.
The Nikko City Tourism Association says traffic on Irohazaka often barely moves in the leaf season and recommends going at less crowded times. The current bus positions and traffic delays can be seen on the Tobu Bus location search. The Nikko traffic and crowding guide (Japanese) has a calendar of expected traffic jams.
Photo: Japan, Tochigi, Nikko – Irohazaka 2013.jpg (Wikimedia Commons), by Kzaral, CC BY 2.0
| Name | Irohazaka |
|---|---|
| Address | Nikko City, Tochigi |
| Hours / Closed | Always open (road) |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
5. Kirifuri Falls (Nikko City)
Kirifuri Falls was “just starting to peak” on October 26, and the predicted peak is late October to early November. Kisuge-daira Park on Kirifuri Plateau is at the end of its peak (Nikko City autumn leaves status, Japanese).
Photo: Nikko Kirifuri Falls 20211103-IMG 7813.jpg (Wikimedia Commons), by Kurofune, CC BY 4.0
| Name | Kirifuri Falls |
|---|---|
| Address | Nikko City, Tochigi |
| Hours / Closed | Always open |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
6. Shrines and temples of Nikko (Nikko City)
The World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” were just starting to color in the November 3 update, and the predicted peak is early to mid November. Around Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge, it is crowded not only on the roads but also in the search for parking. The Nikko City Tourism Association recommends parking at a relatively empty lot and getting around by bus or on foot.
Parking vacancies can be seen on Nikko City’s crowding status site. Temporary car parks are announced in the notice on temporary car parks around the Shrines and Temples of Nikko (Japanese).
| Name | Shrines and Temples of Nikko |
|---|---|
| Address | Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi |
| Hours / Closed | Varies by shrine and temple |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
7. Ryuokyo Gorge (Nikko City, Kinugawa)
Ryuokyo was at peak in the November 3 update, and the predicted peak is late October to mid November. If you get off at Ryuokyo Station on the Yagan Railway Aizu-Kinugawa Line, the gorge is right in front of you. Niji-mi Falls is about a 12-minute walk from the station.
The trail walking from Kawaji Onsen is about 7 km and takes about 3 to 4 hours. By car, it is about 35 minutes from Imaichi IC on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road. Details are on the Nikko City Tourism Association’s Ryuokyo page (Japanese).
| Name | Ryuokyo Gorge |
|---|---|
| Address | Fujiwara, Nikko City, Tochigi |
| Hours / Closed | Always open (walking trail) |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
8. Mt. Tsukuba (Tsukuba City, Ibaraki)
The official guide of October 25 said the leaves on Mt. Tsukuba were “mostly still green, before coloring”, and the cable car runs at night on weekends and holidays until November 29. The Autumn Night Ride runs the cable car until 20:00 (17:00 to 20:00) on weekends and holidays from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, November 29, and on weekdays from Tuesday, November 24 to Friday, November 27.
The cable car fare is ¥930 one way and ¥1,860 round trip for adults, and ¥470 one way and ¥940 round trip for children (revised on October 1). See the Tsukuba Kanko Railway cable car fare page (Japanese). Color status is updated on the Mt. Tsukuba autumn leaves information page (Japanese).
Photo: Mt Tsukuba Cable Car.jpg (Wikimedia Commons), by Nyao148 (edited by Kzaral), CC BY 3.0
| Name | Mt. Tsukuba (Cable Car) |
|---|---|
| Address | Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki |
| Hours / Closed | Cable car 8:40–20:00 (until 20:00 on Autumn Night Ride days) |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
9. Nagatoro (Nagatoro Town, Saitama)
The Nagatoro Autumn Leaves Festival runs from November 1 to 30, and the November 2 report says Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park, Hodosan Shrine and other spots are “coloring”. (Nagatoro Tourism Association autumn leaves report, November 2, 2026, Japanese) The Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park light-up is from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 29, 16:00 to 21:00, and the entry pass is ¥500 (junior high school students and older) (Nagatoro Autumn Leaves Festival 2026 page, Japanese). Dates may shift depending on the color status.
Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park is a 5-minute walk from Kami-Nagatoro Station. There is a paid car park next to the park, but it gets crowded during the light-up period. The Hodosan Ropeway is closed for regular inspection from Monday, December 7 to Saturday, December 26, after the festival (notice of October 26 from the Nagatoro Tourism Association, Japanese). A notice of a road closure on part of National Route 140 for the removal of fallen trees has also been issued.
| Name | Nagatoro (Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park) |
|---|---|
| Address | Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama (Tsuki-no-Ishi Momiji Park) |
| Hours / Closed | Light-up: November 6–29, 16:00–21:00 |
| Phone | 0494-66-3311 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
10. Hase-dera (Kamakura City)
The autumn night viewing and leaf light-up at Hase-dera is from Saturday, November 21 to Sunday, December 6, from sunset until the gate closes at 19:00. The admission is ¥400 for adults and ¥200 for elementary school students, and the usual visiting hours are 8:00 to 16:30 (the temple closes at 17:00).
It is about a 5-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden. The car park holds 30 regular cars at ¥350 for 30 minutes, and it cannot be used only for parking or reserved. The night viewing notice (Japanese) does not say whether a reservation is needed, so ask Hase-dera (0467-22-6300).
| Name | Hase-dera |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa |
| Hours / Closed | 8:00–16:30 (temple closes at 17:00). Special night viewing November 21–December 6 from sunset until gate closes at 19:00 |
| Phone | 0467-22-6300 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
11. Sankeien (Yokohama)
Sankeien is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30). In autumn there is a special opening of the Important Cultural Property “former Tokei-ji Buddha hall” from November 8 to December 13, and “Autumn Colors at Play with Handcrafts” from November 13 to 15. The chrysanthemum exhibition runs until November 23. Admission is ¥700 for adults and ¥200 for elementary and junior high school students. The official site’s top page does not give the autumn leaf peak.
Bus routes are listed from the east exit of Yokohama Station, Sakuragicho Station, Motomachi-Chukagai Station and JR Negishi Station. There is a car park next to the main gate: ¥1,000 for up to 2 hours from entry, then ¥200 every 30 minutes, with no daily maximum. It cannot be reserved and gets crowded in the leaf season, so public transport is recommended (Sankeien access, Japanese).
| Name | Sankeien |
|---|---|
| Address | 58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa |
| Hours / Closed | 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Phone | 045-621-0634 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
12. Yoro Keikoku (Otaki Town, Chiba)
The leaves at Yoro Keikoku usually peak from late November to early December, and as of the October 20, 2026 update, parts of the walking trails are closed. The Nakase trail can be walked from the Kyoei Bridge side up to 600 m, until just before the second stepping stone, and the Kannon Bridge side is closed. The Waterfall Tour trail turns back 100 m from the Awamata Falls side, and the Ozawamata side is closed. The Omoshiro-kyo trail is fully closed.
Only the area around Awamata Falls can be walked. The Awamata car park (run by the town) has 37 regular car spaces, ¥500 for regular and light cars, and is about a 10-minute walk from Awamata Falls. After rain, trails may close because of high water. You can ask the Otaki Town Tourism Association (0470-80-1146) on weekends and holidays and the Commerce and Tourism Division (0470-82-2176) on weekdays (Yoro Keikoku trail restrictions, Yoro Keikoku autumn leaves, both Japanese).
Photo: Awamata Falls – panoramio (1).jpg (Wikimedia Commons), by Kurofune, CC BY 3.0
| Name | Yoro Keikoku (Awamata Falls) |
|---|---|
| Address | Awamata, Otaki Town, Isumi District, Chiba (Awamata Falls) |
| Hours / Closed | Walking trail is always open (passage restrictions apply) |
| Phone | 0470-80-1146 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
↑ Back to the comparison table
13. Choosing by date
- From November 1: Oku-Nikko (Lake Chuzenji, Irohazaka, Kirifuri Falls) and the Nagatoro Autumn Leaves Festival (November 1 to 30).
- Early to mid November: Nikko shrines and temples, Ryuokyo, and the Mt. Tsukuba cable car at night (weekends and holidays).
- November 14 to 23: the Kegon Falls light-up.
- November 21 to December 6: Hase-dera night viewing.
- Late November to early December: Yoro Keikoku (check which trails are open first).
FAQ
Which spots are best to visit by train?
Nagatoro, Mt. Tsukuba and Kamakura have many sights within walking distance of a station. The car parks at Yoro Keikoku and Sankeien are small and charge a fee.
Is there a fee to see Nikko’s autumn leaves?
The association’s guide gives no fee for the natural spots. Fees for the shrines and temples differ by site. Color reports are as of the dates given and change daily; fees and hours can change.
Sources
22 pages we checked
- Oku-Nikko common one-day parking ticket
- the Nikko City autumn leaves page
- Nikko traffic and crowding guide
- Japan, Tochigi, Nikko – Irohazaka 2013.jpg
- CC BY 2.0
- Nikko Kirifuri Falls 20211103-IMG 7813.jpg
- CC BY 4.0
- notice on temporary car parks around the Shrines and Temples of Nikko
- Nikko City Tourism Association’s Ryuokyo page
- Tsukuba Kanko Railway cable car fare page
- Mt. Tsukuba autumn leaves information
- Mt Tsukuba Cable Car.jpg
- CC BY 3.0
- Nagatoro Tourism Association autumn leaves report, November 2, 2026
- Nagatoro Autumn Leaves Festival 2026 page
- Nagatoro Tourism Association
- night viewing notice
- Sankeien access
- Yoro Keikoku trail restrictions
- Yoro Keikoku autumn leaves
- Awamata Falls – panoramio (1).jpg
- Japanese version of this page (日本語版)
Checked with official pages on November 1, 2026 (Japan time).
