Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 15, 2026
When you think of autumn leaf viewing in Japan, where comes to mind? Every autumn, Lake Kawaguchi, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, transforms into one of Japan's premier autumn foliage viewing spots. This article provides a clear and thorough explanation of the hugely popular "Lake Kawaguchi Autumn Leaves Corridor," photo spots for capturing the reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake's surface, and autumn leaf viewing routes around Mount Fuji! We offer a complete guide to capturing the breathtaking scenery created by the vibrant autumn leaves and Mount Fuji beginning to be covered in snow during its most beautiful season.
table of contents
While many people associate autumn foliage in Japan with Kyoto, the area around Mt. Fuji, including Lake Kawaguchi, is actually a unique and unparalleled spot for viewing autumn leaves. Because of its moderate altitude and vast lake surface, in autumn, maple, oak, and ginkgo trees turn a beautiful red and yellow, creating a magnificent scene as their reflections unfold on the water's surface. Furthermore, the contrast of the three colors—the crisp white snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji visible in the clear autumn air, the red and yellow of the trees, and the blue of the lake—is a special landscape you simply cannot find in the urban areas of Kyoto or Tokyo.
| Item | Key Points | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Best season for autumn leaves | Early to mid-January | It varies slightly depending on the temperature of that year. |
| Major spots | Kawaguchiko Autumn Foliage Corridor | A magnificent tunnel of autumn leaves stretching for approximately 150 meters. |
| Must-see breathtaking shots | Autumn leaves + the inverted reflection of Mt. Fuji | A calm, windless early morning is best. |
| A very popular event | Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival | A magical light-up event will be held at night. |
| Recommended modes of transportation | Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing bus (Green Line) | Get off at the "Momiji Kairo" bus stop and it's right there. |
The Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Corridor is the most popular area in the Mt. Fuji region. Giant, ancient maple trees line both banks of the Nashikawa River, creating a "tunnel of autumn leaves" that resembles a sea of fire in the fall.
The autumn foliage in the Koyo Corridor typically begins to change color in early November, reaching its most beautiful peak in mid-November. The highly popular "Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival" is held for approximately two weeks during this period. Since it gets extremely crowded with tourists after 10 AM on weekends, those who want to photograph the quiet, uncrowded tunnel of autumn leaves are advised to visit early in the morning.
During the autumn foliage festival, as the sun sets, the entire corridor is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant autumn leaves floating in the dark night. In stark contrast to the refreshing atmosphere of the daytime, the fantastical lights reflected on the river surface and the shadows of the autumn leaves create a dreamlike scene. It's no wonder that many photography enthusiasts stay until evening, given its breathtaking beauty.
Around the venue of the Autumn Leaves Festival, many food stalls will be set up, selling piping hot grilled dumplings, miso dengaku, and sweet rice wine to warm you up on a chilly day. Enjoying delicious local food while looking up at the magnificent Mt. Fuji is a luxurious experience unique to Lake Kawaguchi. Families with children can also stroll around with peace of mind, buying hot spring buns and limited edition souvenirs featuring Mt. Fuji.
If you take a direct express bus from Shinjuku Station (Busta Shinjuku), you will arrive at Kawaguchiko Station in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route is extremely popular during the autumn foliage season, so advance online seat reservations are essential.
If you have a JR Pass, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line and head towards Kawaguchiko Station. You can enjoy views of Mount Fuji and the mountainsides painted in autumn colors from the train window, making it perfect for train travel enthusiasts.
For seniors and families with young children, chartering a car or renting a car is the most comfortable option. However, the surrounding roads become very congested during the peak of the autumn foliage season, so be sure to set an early departure time. Once you arrive at your destination, the smoothest option is to take the convenient "Kawaguchiko Loop Bus" and get off at the "Momiji Kairo" (Autumn Leaves Corridor) bus stop.
Access from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi is very convenient. In addition to local and express trains, you can also access it by highway bus. Highway bus fares are approximately 2,200 yen on most routes, and the routes are mainly divided into the following three types.
In addition, many lines accept cashless payment methods such as credit cards, PayPay, and Alipay. Please check the following website for details.
The area around Oishi Park and Nagasaki Park, located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is a sacred place for viewing "inverted Fuji," where Mount Fuji is reflected symmetrically on the lake's surface. On a calm, windless early morning, the sight of the autumn leaves and Mount Fuji reflected simultaneously on the mirror-like surface of the lake is truly postcard-perfect. In autumn, at Oishi Park, you can also photograph the adorable, fluffy appearance of the bright red kochia plants.
Standing in the center of a tunnel of autumn leaves, with the bright red maple leaves on either side acting as a "frame," and Mount Fuji towering in the background, makes for a particularly eye-catching and popular photo on social media. When taking the photo, bring your camera or smartphone closer to the autumn leaves in the foreground to create foreground blur (slightly blurring the leaves in the foreground), which will emphasize Mount Fuji in the distance and result in a three-dimensional photograph with depth.
For those who want to enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage in a more tranquil setting, Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko, which are among the Fuji Five Lakes, are recommended as they tend to have fewer tourists. In particular, the "Momijidai Observation Deck" at Lake Saiko offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast expanse of autumn leaves, the lake stretching out beyond, and Mount Fuji in all its glory.
This newly opened luxury glamping facility in the Lake Kawaguchi area offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and autumn foliage at the same time. It features a variety of dome-shaped tents, and all rooms are equipped with luxurious private baths using precious natural mineral spring water (high-concentration vanadium spring) from the foot of Mount Fuji. Furthermore, it offers a private sauna and a bar with free drinks, perfect for those who enjoy alcoholic beverages. For dinner, guests can enjoy luxurious sukiyaki using shoulder loin of the premium Koshu beef, or an authentic BBQ set. At dusk, guests can gather around a campfire on the premises and enjoy a blissful resort experience while admiring the beautiful autumn leaves.
Located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi near Mount Fuji, this luxury glamping resort is perfect for large groups. In addition to spacious dome tents, private cottages are available for exclusive use. The resort boasts a luxurious all-weather dining area where guests can enjoy authentic grilled BBQ featuring tender, top-quality Koshu beef ribs and premium domestic beef loin. Canoeing and kayaking are available on the lakeshore, about a 10-minute drive from the resort, and guests can enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage while exploring the surrounding mystical forest, making it ideal for activity-loving travelers.
Located in the Fuji Five Lakes area (Lake Yamanaka) in southeastern Yamanashi Prefecture, this facility offers a special stay in stylish private cabins. From check-in to check-out, you can spend all your time in the completely private space provided in each cabin.
Not only can you experience a variety of outdoor activities at Lake Yamanaka, but each cottage is also equipped with a private barbecue (BBQ) space. You can enjoy private meat dishes with family and friends. There are also many beautiful autumn foliage spots in the surrounding area, making it perfect for an autumn trip.
A1. Typically, the best time to see the autumn foliage is from early to mid-November. However, this can vary depending on the autumn temperatures each year, so be sure to check real-time information on the foliage blooming before you go to plan your trip so you don't miss the most beautiful time.
A2. The most effective way to enjoy the autumn foliage is to avoid the weekend and go early on a weekday morning. Also, if you venture a little further away from the crowded Lake Kawaguchi to the Lake Saiko or Lake Shojiko areas, you can take photos of the autumn leaves in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The best insider tip is to stay overnight at the foot of Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy the illuminated scenery at night after the day-trippers have left, and the breathtaking view of the tranquil lakeside the next morning, all to yourself.
A3. No, the area around Lake Kawaguchi is well-maintained, so it can be enjoyed safely even with elderly people. However, the lakeside gets cold in autumn, so be sure to bring warm clothing. There are many benches along the lakeside promenade, and there are plenty of clean public restrooms, convenience stores, and cafes nearby, so you can take a leisurely stroll while taking frequent breaks.
Aiming for the peak of the most beautiful autumn foliage in mid-November, a route that takes you through Lake Kawaguchi's "Autumn Foliage Corridor" and the "Inverted Fuji" on the north shore, while also extending your trip to visit "Arakurayama Sengen Park" and "Oshino Hakkai," is the perfect autumn travel plan for Mount Fuji. To fully enjoy this beautiful season, we recommend staying overnight at the foot of Mount Fuji rather than just a day trip, and having the uninhabited autumn foliage reflections all to yourself in the refreshing early morning air. Book one of the special accommodations introduced here, such as "KAWAGUCHIKO BASE DOME GLAMPING NOBORISAKA" or "Glamping B&V Mt.Fujikawaguchiko," now and enjoy the exquisite autumn scenery created by Mount Fuji and the autumn leaves to your heart's content with your loved one!
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
