Top 11 Mt. Fuji Autumn Foliage Spots: Best Places to Experience Fall Colors in 2025
Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, attracts countless tourists who visit Japan specifically to witness its majestic presence. However, given Mount Fuji's massive size and the numerous tourist attractions scattered around its vicinity, we've created this guide to help you explore the Mount Fuji area efficiently.
Additionally, Magical Trip, which won the #1 spot for all tours on Tripadvisor in 2024, has recently launched the Mount Fuji tours.
The "Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide" offers a stress-free experience exploring the Mount Fuji area, complete with private car transportation from Tokyo.
Even if you have limited time to explore the Mount Fuji region, this tour allows you to visit all the must-see spots with detailed guidance from your tour guide.
If you're interested in efficiently experiencing the essential locations while gaining deep insights from a knowledgeable local guide who knows the area inside and out, we highly recommend joining the "Mt. Fuji Full-day Nature Guided Tour with a Private Chartered Car & Guide."
We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything Mt.Fuji has to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!
Introduction
Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain and a registered World Heritage site, is globally recognized as an iconic Japanese landscape. The area surrounding Mt. Fuji is known for its abundant nature, including forests and highlands.
The area around Mt. Fuji features various tourist attractions, including nature-based activities, lakes, and theme parks, drawing many visitors throughout the year. This region is famous for its numerous scenic spots where visitors can enjoy some of Japan's most spectacular views.
The area is also known for its beautiful autumn foliage, with many places offering stunning views of the fall colors. In this article, we'll introduce scenic spots around Mt. Fuji where you can enjoy the collaboration of autumn leaves and the mountain's majestic presence.
What exactly does "Koyo" (autumn leaves), popular in Japan, mean?
"Koyo" in Japan refers to the phenomenon where deciduous broadleaf trees' leaves turn red and yellow each autumn. As temperatures falls in autumn, these leaves transform into beautiful colors, creating stunning scenery. These trees are commonly found in gardens, shrines, and parks.
Japanese autumn foliage is known for its rich colors. In fall, mountains and parks are dyed in red and yellow, creating artistic landscapes. The charm of autumn leaves can be appreciated not only in mountains and parks but also at temples, shrines, lakes, and Japanese gardens.
The best time to view autumn leaves is from mid-October to early December, and these spots become very crowded during this period. Depending on the location, you can enjoy the fall colors while hiking or soaking in open-air baths, making it a must-visit experience when traveling to Japan in autumn.
Fujiyoshida - Lake Kawaguchi Area
Northern Shore of Lake Kawaguchi (Autumn Leaves Festival Venue)
Source:Home of Fujisan Yamanashi
The "Maple Corridor" located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi is a famous autumn foliage spot in Yamanashi Prefecture. Along the Nashigawa River flowing toward Lake Kawaguchi, about 70 maple trees line both sides of the road, making it a popular photography spot for tourists every fall.
The Maple Corridor extends approximately 350m, and its beauty will make you lose track of time while taking photos.
Around the Maple Corridor, the "Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival" is held annually during the peak foliage season in November. The area becomes crowded with tourists enjoying food stalls, souvenir shops, and craft markets.
To photograph Mt. Fuji with the autumn leaves, you can capture both from Prefectural Road 21. During the festival period, the leaves are illuminated from sunset until 21:30, creating a magical scene of beautifully lit foliage.
The festival also features events like jazz festivals, making it a perfect place to visit if you want to see Mt. Fuji alongside beautiful autumn colors.
Address: Kawaguchi, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes by Kawaguchiko Loop Bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line), get off at "Kubota Itchiku Art Museum" bus stop
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-72-3168 (Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division)
Admission: Free
Oishi Park
Source:Home of Fujisan Yamanashi
Oishi Park, located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, is a spectacular place that offers stunning views of both Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Famous as a flower viewing spot, the park blooms with various flowers throughout all seasons, making it a popular photography spot where many photographers gather to capture Mt. Fuji.
From mid to late October, Oishi Park is renowned for the Kochia plants that turn bright red in autumn. These round, fluffy plants create perfect photo opportunities with Mt. Fuji in the background on clear days.
The Kochia plants are grown facing Mt. Fuji, so when you point your camera towards Lake Kawaguchiko, you can capture a dreamlike scenery combining both Mt. Fuji and the Kochia. It's just a 5-minute drive from the previously mentioned Momiji Corridor, so be sure to visit both places.
Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
Access: About 25 minutes by Kawaguchiko Loop Bus from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Line, then 6 minutes walk from "Kitahamaso-mae" bus stop
Hours: Open 24 hours / Shop 9:00-17:45 (until 17:15 from October to February) / Café 9:00-16:45 (until 16:15 from October to February)
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-76-8230
Admission: Free
Momijidai (Maple Platform)
Source:Home of Fujisan Yamanashi
Momijidai in Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, is an observation deck offering 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji and the Aokigahara Forest. From this 1,164-meter-high platform, visitors can see Lake Motosu and Lake Saiko among the Fuji Five Lakes, creating such breathtaking views that you might lose track of time.
From late October to early November, the place attracts many tourists who come to see the beautiful autumn scenery where Mt. Fuji appears to be dyed red by the fall foliage. Since Mt. Fuji is located opposite Lake Saiko, position yourself with your back to the lake to capture both Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves.
Momijidai features the Tokai Nature Trail, a hiking route famous for its beautiful fall colors, where you can enjoy hiking while admiring the autumn foliage. If you want to photograph Mt. Fuji with the brilliant red autumn leaves, make sure to fully experience Momijidai.
Address: 8527 Narusawa, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
Access: About 30 minutes by Motosu Lake Loop Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to "Momijidai Entrance" bus stop
Hours: 8:30-17:30 (Rest House)
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-85-2252
Admission: Free
Tenkachaya
Source:Google Maps
Tenkachaya is a spectacular Mt. Fuji viewing spot located at an elevation of 1,300 meters on Misaka Pass. The name "Tenkachaya" refers to a teahouse serving Yamanashi's famous Hoto noodles and sweet sake, and it earned its name due to the extraordinary views of Mt. Fuji from its location.
In autumn, Tenkachaya offers beautiful views of Mt. Fuji alongside fall foliage. Behind the teahouse spreads a tapestry of autumn leaves, creating perfect photo opportunities with the wooden Japanese architecture against the colorful backdrop. From the observation deck, you can capture Mt. Fuji, the autumn colors, and Lake Kawaguchiko all in one frame.
The tatami room on the second floor offers artistic views combining Mt. Fuji with the fall colors through its windows. The best viewing time is from late October to early November, and sunny days are particularly recommended for capturing vibrant autumn colors with Mt. Fuji.
Address: 2739 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
Access: About 30 minutes by Fujikyu Bus bound for "Tenkachaya" from Kawaguchiko Station, get off at the last stop
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Open year-round (May close during winter depending on weather conditions)
Phone: 0555-76-6659
Official Website: https://www.tenkachaya.jp/
Admission: Free
Lake Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park
Lake Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park is a natural park located near Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko). It's a place where visitors can observe various wild birds up close. You can watch different species like varied tits and Japanese white-eyes, and use telescopes in the bird watching huts within the park to observe the birds.
The park features a vast grass plaza where you can enjoy the colorful autumn falls foliage. In the center of the park stands a large maple tree, making it one of Yamanashi Prefecture's most renowned autumn foliage viewing spots that attracts many visitors during the season.
From the grass plaza, you can see the beautiful Mt. Fuji, and on clear autumn days, you can capture stunning photographs combining the maple tree with Mt. Fuji. If you want to enjoy the autumn foliage while surrounded by wild birds and grassy fields, be sure to visit the Lake Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park.
Address: 2068 Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: About 43 minutes by Lake Saiko Loop Bus from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Line, get off at "Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park"
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 0555-82-2160
Admission: Free
Lake Yamanakako Area
Nagaike Waterfront Park
Located on the north side of Lake Yamanakako, one of the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko), is Nagaike Waterfront Park. This place is famous as Mt. Fuji photography spot, particularly known for the "Reversed Mt. Fuji" reflection in Lake Yamanakako visible during winter from November to February.
When autumn arrives, the park's foliage begins to change color simultaneously, creating a magical atmosphere alongside Mt. Fuji. From late October to mid-November, the "Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival" is held, featuring nighttime illumination of the autumn foliage that enhances its beauty.
The autumn foliage can be found around the parking area, with Mt. Fuji visible in the north-northeast direction from Lake Yamanakako. Standing along the road and facing north-northeast, you can capture perfect photos combining Mt. Fuji with the autumn falls colors.
During the festival period, souvenir shops and food stalls are set up, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage while sampling various foods.
Address: 3222 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: About 5 minutes from Yamanakako IC on Higashi-Fujigoko Road / 40 minutes by Fujikko Bus from Fujisan Station on Fujikyu Line, get off at "Nagaike Waterfront Park"
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-62-9997
Admission: Free
Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park
Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park is a tranquil park situated on the shores of Lake Yamanakako. Located on the opposite shore from the previously introduced Nagaike Waterfront Park, this place is also known for its autumn foliage. The best viewing season is from mid-October to mid-November, featuring various trees including maples and zelkova.
During the autumn foliage season, the "Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival" is held here as well, featuring food stalls and illuminated foliage similar to Nagaike Waterfront Park. The tree-lined path with autumn colors extends approximately 1,000 meters and can be explored in about an hour at a leisurely pace.
The lakeside at Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park is selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches, offering spectacular views. Looking left while facing the lake, you can capture both the autumn foliage and Mt. Fuji in the same frame.
Additionally, from the Sunset Beach Observatory, you can view Mt. Fuji head-on, allowing for even more beautiful photographs.
Address: 506-296 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: About 35 minutes by bus from Fujisan Station on Fujikyu Line / About 45 minutes by bus from Gotemba Station on JR Gotemba Line
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-62-9977
Admission: Free
Nijumagari Touge Observation Terrace
Source:Google Maps
The Nijumagari Touge Observation Terrace, located in Oshino Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a spectacular viewing spot that opened in September 2022 offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. Situated at an elevation of 1,150 meters, this observation deck is surrounded by pine trees and has become popular as a place where visitors can capture beautiful photos of Mt. Fuji framed between the pine trees.
Every autumn, the area transforms into a stunning landscape as the fall foliage turns brilliantly red, creating a magnificent scene alongside Mt. Fuji. Sometimes, a sea of clouds surrounds Mt. Fuji, creating an absolutely breathtaking view when combined with the autumn colors.
The observation terrace is directly facing Mt. Fuji, with red autumn leaves in the immediate foreground, making it easy for anyone to capture both Mt. Fuji and the fall colors in one shot. This unforgettable view is truly worth experiencing in person.
Address: Uchino, Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: About 35 minutes by car from Yamanakako IC on Higashi-Fujigoko Road
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-84-7794
Admission: Free
Around Fujinomiya
Lake Tanuki
Source:WEATHER NEWS
Lake Tanuki, located in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is an artificial lake famous for its "Reverse Mt. Fuji" - where Mt. Fuji's reflection can be seen on the water's surface. The lake is also a renowned autumn foliage spot, with the surrounding area completely transformed by beautiful fall colors each year.
The best photography spot is around the lakeside observation deck on the western side of Lake Tanuki, where you can capture both the autumn colors and Mt. Fuji in one frame, as the observation deck is positioned directly opposite the mountain.
While Lake Tanuki's proximity to Mt. Fuji offers incredible views in good weather, perfect conditions including clear air are necessary to capture the combined beauty of Mt. Fuji and the autumn foliage.
The lake is also famous for cycling, fishing, and boating activities, making it an ideal place to enjoy autumn colors while engaging in outdoor activities.
Address: Inokashira, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: About 50 minutes by bus from JR Fujinomiya Station
Hours: March-November/9:00-17:00, December-February/8:00-16:00 (Management Office hours)
Closed: Never
Phone: 090-4234-8039 (Lake Tanuki Campground)
Official Website: https://tanukiko.com/
Admission: Free
Mt. Fuji Fujinomiya 5th Station
Source:Yahoo! News
Every autumn, the Fujinomiya hiking trail, known as one of Mt. Fuji's climbing routes welcome stunning fall colors. The area called the 5th Station, located at an elevation of 1,500-2,000m, becomes particularly crowded with photographers who gather to capture the autumn foliage against the snow-capped Mt. Fuji.
One of the most beautiful places to view the fall colors is along the Fuji Skyline road leading to the Fujinomiya entrance. Located at the base of the Fujinomiya climbing route, visitors can photograph Mt. Fuji glowing red with autumn leaves from the trailhead. While mountain climbing is not permitted in autumn, the parking area remains open, making it accessible by car.
Around the 5th Station, unlike the city areas, temperatures can drop to single digits in autumn. In the early morning and evening, temperatures may fall below freezing, so make sure to dress warmly when visiting to see the fall colors.
Address: Awakura, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: About 90 minutes by car from JR Fujinomiya Station
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0544-22-1155 (Fujinomiya City Tourism Division)
Official Website: https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/
Admission: Free during autumn foliage season
Mt. Kenashi
Source:Shizuoka Shimbun
Mt. Kenashi (elevation 1,946m), situated on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, is famous as an autumn viewing spot known for its beautiful red fall foliage. The forest road on Mt. Kenashi is a popular hiking spot, and in autumn, the path becomes ablaze with red leaves.
The trailhead is located beyond "Fumotoppara," a well-known vast camping ground, where visitors can enjoy hiking surrounded by crimson autumn colors. The mountain's most famous view is the 100-meter-tall Fudo Falls. The combination of the waterfall and autumn foliage, when viewed from the front, makes for an excellent photo opportunity.
As temperatures drop, the fall colors become more vibrant, so the higher elevation you reach, the more vivid autumn leaves you'll see. Since there are some steep mountain paths along the way, remember to bring proper hiking equipment when visiting to view the fall foliage.
Address: Minobu Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture / Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Fujinomiya Station
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Admission: Free
