Nikko, home to Nikko National Park, offers a wide variety of autumn scenery thanks to its large area and differences in elevation. The shore of Lake Yunoko (湯ノ湖), where vivid foliage is reflected on the surface of the water, is one such sight.
Nikko is one of the Kanto region's leading foliage destinations and draws many visitors every autumn. The Nikko and Okunikko area, with spots such as Irohazaka (いろは坂) and Kegon Falls (華厳滝), is especially well known, but the city has many other places that suit an autumn trip. Along with the classic spots, touring different parts of Nikko makes for a foliage trip full of variety. The Nikko City Tourism Association (日光市観光協会) has put together a selection of recommended spots and events that show off Nikko's autumn appeal.
Tips for Avoiding Traffic During Nikko's Foliage Season
Popular foliage spots, including Irohazaka, get crowded in autumn. There are four tips for enjoying Nikko in this season.
1. Travel outside the peak traffic hours
Traveling early in the morning, before congestion builds, leaves more time to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
2. Buy tickets online in advance
For crowded spots such as Nikko Toshogu (日光東照宮), buying online tickets or admission tickets in advance allows for smoother entry.
3. Use transportation that avoids congestion
Rental bicycles and walking are good ways to get around road traffic.
4. Look for hidden scenic spots
The city has many lesser-known foliage spots, and searching for a different kind of scenery is also recommended.
The sections below introduce how to enjoy the foliage in each of the city's five areas, together with recommended spots.
Nikko and Okunikko Area (日光・奥日光エリア)
Historic sites and old shrines and temples set amid majestic mountains and lakes make for a truly magnificent sight. The photo shows Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park (イタリア大使館別荘記念公園) wrapped in autumn colors.
This area has many of the city's classic foliage spots, including Irohazaka and the shores of Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖). The trees color in the cool climate, producing vivid and impressive foliage. Another major draw is the autumn scenery around the historic shrines and temples, including the World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" (日光の社寺). The area is usually crowded during foliage season, so preparing well for the crowds is the key to a pleasant visit. That means traveling early in the morning or using electric rental bicycles to avoid road congestion, and buying admission tickets for shrines and temples in advance.
Recommended Foliage Spots (in Order of Peak Season)
Odashirogahara (小田代原) Grass Foliage – Late September to Early October
Located at an elevation of about 1,400 meters, this is one of the first places in Okunikko to show autumn color. The highlight is the "grass foliage" (草紅葉), when the entire meadow turns red. The red of the grasses and plants, set against majestic mountains, contrasts with a white birch with a pure white trunk standing in the middle of the meadow, known as the "Lady of Odashirogahara" (小田代原の貴婦人). Visiting at dawn, in the quiet of the morning mist, is recommended for enjoying the scenery in peace.
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖畔) – Mid-October to Early November
At 1,269 meters above sea level with a circumference of about 25 kilometers, this lake rich in water sits at one of the highest elevations in Japan. The autumn scenery, with Nikko's famous peaks such as Mount Nantai (男体山) and Mount Hangetsu (半月山) and the trees along the shore turning vivid colors, has captivated people for years. Visitors can enjoy the foliage in a variety of ways: from the water aboard a Lake Chuzenji sightseeing boat (中禅寺湖遊覧船), from the Hangetsuyama Observation Deck (半月山展望台) overlooking the lake, or by electric rental bicycle while visiting the old shrines and temples along the shore.
Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park (田母沢御用邸記念公園) – Early to Mid-November
Details: Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
This imperial villa was used by emperors and crown princes over three generations starting in 1899 (Meiji 32), and its architecture blends three eras: Edo, Meiji, and Taisho. The garden's foliage, viewed from inside the elegant residence, is especially beautiful. The building is designated a national Important Cultural Property, and visitors can spend a relaxed time while getting a glimpse of the imperial court culture of the period. Seasonal events and other programs are held often, so taking part while visiting is also recommended.
Recommended Events (in Order of Dates)
Light-Up NIKKO (ライトアップNIKKO) and Light-Up Okunikko (ライトアップ奥日光)
Details: Light-Up NIKKO / Details: Light-Up Okunikko
- Light-Up NIKKO: Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8
- Light-Up Okunikko: Scheduled for the second half of November
These are the area's classic autumn light-up events. At Light-Up NIKKO, old shrines and temples are illuminated, including the World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko": Nikko Toshogu, Nikkozan Rinnoji (日光山輪王寺), and Nikko Futarasan Shrine (日光二荒山神社). At Light-Up Okunikko, scenic spots such as Kegon Falls, one of Nikko's Three Famous Waterfalls (日光三名瀑), are lit up, adding a dreamlike touch to the long autumn nights. It is a major autumn event that lets visitors see Nikko's landmarks in a different light from the daytime.
Kinugawa and Kawaji Area (鬼怒川・川治エリア)
Here, colorful and charming foliage and autumn attractions can be enjoyed together on a stroll through the hot spring towns.
The Kinugawa and Kawaji area, home to Nikko's renowned hot spring towns, is another foliage destination, surrounded by many mountains including the noted Mount Keicho (鶏頂山). Its elevation is lower than that of the Nikko and Okunikko area, so the mountains and fields have a wide variety of tree species, and the foliage is colorful, with red, orange, yellow, and yellow-green leaves mixed together. The risk of crowding is relatively low, and visitors can enjoy sightseeing around the station using only walking and public transportation. Light-up events and gourmet events are also held in early autumn. The area suits those who want to enjoy plenty of attractions while taking in the foliage at a relaxed pace.
Recommended Foliage Spots (in Order of Peak Season)
Nichien Momiji Line (日塩もみじライン) – Early October to Mid-November
This road, which connects Kinugawa Onsen and Shiobara Highland at an elevation of over 1,000 meters, is a recommended spot for those who want a foliage drive without worrying about crowds. As the name "Momiji Line" suggests, vivid maple trees line both sides of the road. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including Taiko-oroshi Falls (太閤下ろしの滝), Shirataki (白滝), and Hunter Mountain Shiobara (ハンターマウンテン塩原), which runs a foliage gondola in autumn.
Ryuokyo (龍王峡) – Late October to Mid-November
Ryuokyo is said to have taken its present form when volcanic rock ejected by submarine volcanic activity was eroded by the flow of the Kinugawa River. True to its name, a steep gorge winds on like a writhing dragon, and vivid foliage adds to the spectacular scenery. A hiking course links the viewpoints scattered along the gorge, letting hikers enjoy views that appear only in autumn. Near Ryuokyo Station (龍王峡駅) on the Yagan Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line (野岩鉄道会津鬼怒川線), there are many restaurants, so visitors can enjoy local food along with their hike.
Kinugawa River Boat Ride (鬼怒川ライン下り) – Late October to Mid-November
Details: Kinugawa River Boat Ride
The Kinugawa River boat ride (鬼怒川ライン下り), a signature attraction of Kinugawa Onsen, is a very popular activity among visitors to the hot spring town. Riding a boat down the rapids of the Kinugawa Gorge is a thrilling experience that makes a lasting trip memory. Both banks of the gorge turn vivid colors, offering autumn-only scenery. The skilled boatmen's oar work and clever commentary are also worth watching. The landing is near the station, making it easy to try the exciting boat trip.
Recommended Events (in Order of Dates)
Kinugawa Onsen Tsukiakari Hanakairo (鬼怒川温泉 月あかり花回廊) – Saturday, October 3 to Monday, October 12 (a national holiday)
Details: Kinugawa Onsen Tsukiakari Hanakairo
An autumn tradition in which Japanese-style umbrellas and lighting add color to the cool autumn nights. The venue usually has food stalls, and market (marché) and gourmet events linked to Tsukiakari Hanakairo are also planned. Visitors who time their trip to the dates of "Hyakka Ryoran Hanabi – Kinugawa Homura-bi" (百華繚乱花火 ～鬼怒川焔火～), a fireworks event held around the same time, can enjoy both the event and the fireworks. The beautiful night lighting is the kind visitors will want to photograph.
Yunishigawa, Kawamata, and Oku-Kinugawa Area (湯西川・川俣・奥鬼怒エリア)
Details: Yunishigawa Onsen / Feature: Yunishigawa Onsen in depth
This secluded hot spring town is said to have been founded when Heike clan fugitives who escaped after losing the Battle of Dan-no-ura found a hot spring welling up on the riverbed and healed their wounds there. In autumn, the surrounding mountains turn beautiful colors, and the hot spring town takes on the atmosphere of a small miniature garden. Besides soaking in the hot springs in a quiet town watched over by historic sites and old shrines and temples tied to the Heike legend, visitors can go a little farther to reach scenic spots in the remote countryside. The area suits those who want to relax without worrying about traffic.
Recommended Foliage Spots (in Order of Peak Season)
Setoai Gorge (瀬戸合峡) and Watarasshai Great Suspension Bridge (渡らっしゃい大吊橋) – Mid-October to Early November
This scenic spot has overwhelming foliage spreading to envelop a gorge formed by the erosion of tuff. From the Watarasshai Suspension Bridge (渡らっしゃい吊橋), built across the rock face in front of Kawamata Dam (川俣ダム) inside the gorge, visitors can take in the dam's majestic form and maple leaves falling into the stream of the gorge, which is tinted turquoise blue. The spot is well loved as a foliage destination and has also been selected as one of "Tochigi's 100 Scenic Spots" (とちぎの景勝100選).
Heike no Sato (平家の里) – Mid-October to Mid-November
Heike no Sato is a folk village that recreates a former settlement by relocating thatched-roof farmhouses from within the village, in order to pass the lifestyle of the Heike fugitives on to later generations. It was built in 1985 (Showa 60), exactly 800 years after the Heike lost the Genpei War. Foliage envelops the thatched-roof houses and carefully maintained gardens, creating a spot full of atmosphere. Inside the village stands Akama Shrine (赤間神宮), the only branch shrine split from Akama Shrine in Shimonoseki (Dan-no-ura), the site of the Heike's downfall, and it still quietly watches over the village.
Lake Ikari (五十里湖) – Mid-October to Mid-November
Details: Ikari Dam / Details: Michi-no-Eki Yunishigawa / Details: Yagan Railway
Lake Ikari (五十里湖) is said to be named for lying 50 ri (五十里) from Edo. Known as one of Yunishigawa's leading foliage spots, it has trees around its shore that turn brilliant colors, like a brocade carpet. Good viewing spots are near Ikari Dam (五十里ダム) and Michi-no-Eki Yunishigawa (道の駅湯西川). Riding the Yagan Railway (野岩鉄道) also lets visitors see the changing foliage and the water-rich dam lake of Yunishigawa from the window of a slow-moving train.
Recommended Events (in Order of Dates)
Yunishigawa Onsen Heike Akari – Autumn Colors (湯西川温泉 平家あかり～秋彩～) – October 18 to Monday, November 23 (a national holiday)
Details: Yunishigawa Onsen Heike Akari
This light-up event is held on the Yunishigawa riverbed in the hot spring town. Between Yuhei Bridge (湯平橋) and Yumae Bridge (湯前橋) in the hot spring town, the round, warm glow of bamboo balls (竹鞠) lights up the river. Staying overnight in the hot spring town and walking its streets at night lets visitors feel the autumn night breeze and unwind amid the faint lights and the gentle sound of the river rippling through the darkness.
Ashio Area (足尾エリア)
During foliage season, the area is in its best season for enjoying the historic sites scattered around it along with quiet yet powerful autumn scenery. The photo shows the Kotaki settlement (小滝集落, Kotaki no Sato), where the ruins of the Ashio Copper Mine's miners' bathhouse and smelter remain.
Ashio supported Japan during its period of industrial development and was once known as "Japan's number one mining town" (日本一の鉱都). Historic sites related to the copper mine, hidden by vegetation in summer, become easier to see as the leaves fall, so autumn is in fact the ideal season for touring them. Many of the trees planted in the mine's tree-planting efforts also turn color, and the Ashio area itself, with its steep mountains and powerful nature, has many hidden foliage spots. After enjoying the mining-related historic sites and the unadorned charm of nature, visitors can soothe their tired bodies in the Ashio hot springs, so the area suits those who want to enjoy the foliage actively.
Recommended Foliage Spots (in Order of Peak Season)
Mount Koshin (庚申山) – Early to Late October
This famous Ashio peak has also been selected as one of "Tochigi's 100 Scenic Spots" (とちぎの景勝100選). Its appeal is rugged scenery, with sheer rock walls and trees stretching their powerful branches over them. Rare plants live on the mountain, including Koshinso (コウシンソウ) in spring, and its autumn foliage is also beautiful, with magnificent colors that carry a certain elegance within the ruggedness. After a climb, soaking in the Ashio hot spring "Koshin no Yu" (庚申の湯), located inside Ashio no Yado Kajika (四季の彩りに風薫る足尾の宿 かじか), is also recommended.
Ginzandaira Park (銀山平公園, CAMP THE 銀山平) – Early to Late October
This campground is surrounded by the nature-rich mountains of Ashio. The campsite, where a clear autumn breeze blows through, has many maple trees, making it one of the Ashio area's recommended foliage spots. Around it are the historic sites of the Ashio Copper Mine as well as many activity spots such as mountain climbing. Visitors can spend an autumn night in the midst of nature, and the barbecue site also makes it possible to enjoy day camping among the foliage.
Watarase Keikoku Railway (わたらせ渓谷鐵道) – Early October to Late November
Details: Watarase Keikoku Railway
The Watarase Keikoku Railway connects Mato Station (間藤駅) in the Ashio area to Kiryu Station (桐生駅) in Gunma Prefecture. The route threads between the Watarase River gorge and the mountains surrounding Ashio, with many foliage-viewing spots along the way. In addition to regular trains, the railway runs a "torokko train" (トロッコ列車) with no window glass, which gives an open-air feel and lets passengers see the foliage and scenery from what feels like arm's reach. The line offers a scroll of foliage scenery found only in autumn.
Imaichi Area (今市エリア)
Visitors can enjoy local food and foliage while touring the shrines and temples around town. The photo shows Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine (報徳二宮神社), also a venue for the Imaichi-juku Hachifukujin Tour Stamp Rally (今市宿八福神めぐりスタンプラリー).
Imaichi is the gateway to Nikko and a post town that has prospered since long ago as a base for pilgrimages to Nikko, with three highways (the Nikko, Reiheishi, and Aizu-Nishi routes) and many shrines and temples. It is a strongly agricultural area within the city, with long-established sake breweries and pickle shops as well as many restaurants including soba shops, and farm stands are well stocked. Using the Imaichi-juku Hachifukujin Tour Stamp Rally or Imaichi rental bicycles (いまいちレンタサイクル) to tour the town and enjoying the foliage encountered along the way is recommended. The area suits those who want to enjoy foliage and food together, a perfect match for the autumn appetite.
Recommended Foliage Spots (in Order of Peak Season)
Rokuhozawa (六方沢) – Early to Mid-October
A beautiful bridge spans Rokuhozawa along the Kirifuri Highland Road (霧降高原道路), which links Kirifuri Highland and Osasa Farm, and its white arch stands out against the foliage. It is a scenic stop on the way to Nikko Kirifuri Highland Osasa Farm (日光霧降高原大笹牧場) or Nikko Kirifuri Highland Kisuge-daira Park (日光霧降高原キスゲ平園地). The view takes in Kuriyama Dam (栗山ダム) and, in the distance, Mount Tsukuba (筑波山), and early risers can watch the sun rise over the Kanto Plain. The foliage in the gorge as seen from the bridge is especially wonderful and worth a look.
Nikko Cedar Avenue Park (日光杉並木公園) – Early to Late November
Details: Nikko Cedar Avenue Park
This park was developed to protect the Nikko Cedar Avenue (日光杉並木街道) and pass on local culture. It has many waterwheels, which have been used for making cedar incense (杉線香), an industry that thrives in the Imaichi area, as well as for pounding rice and milling soba flour. Visitors can take a peaceful stroll through the park, hearing the sound of water turning the wheels, with the red and yellow of the foliage standing out vividly against the deep green of the cedar avenue. The foliage can also be enjoyed from the veranda seats of Soba-dokoro Hotokuan (そば処 報徳庵) inside the park.
Nikko Daiyagawa Park (日光だいや川公園) – Early to Late November
"Daiya no Mori Shunsaikan" (だいやの森旬菜館), which sells local products from around Nikko and fresh farm produce, is popular here. The park has a range of facilities, including an auto campground, a new sports field, and a field athletic course, and every autumn the foliage typically colors the lush green grounds. Visitors can try outdoor activities, look for souvenirs, and view the foliage at their own pace, making it a recommended spot for families. Besides foliage, various autumn flowers and plants can also be seen in the park.
Recommended Events (in Order of Dates)
Imaichi Yatai Festival (今市屋台まつり) – Saturday, October 17
Details: Imaichi Yatai Festival
Carved yatai floats (彫刻屋台) and flower yatai (花屋台) preserved in the districts of central Imaichi parade through town, and a festival music contest known as "buttsuke" (ぶっつけ) takes place. Two or more yatai approach each other on the road until they almost touch, then face off and compete through the rhythm and sound of their festival music. Seen up close, each neighborhood's yatai is highly impressive, and the decorations, which differ from neighborhood to neighborhood, are worth a look. The warm glow of the lanterns on the flower yatai and the sound of the festival music, glamorous yet somehow nostalgic, color Imaichi at night in this major autumn event.
More Information From the Nikko City Tourism Association
The Nikko City Tourism Association's official website, Nikko Tabi Navi (日光旅ナビ), regularly posts information that makes sightseeing in Nikko even more enjoyable. The photo shows Irohazaka (いろは坂), with a panorama of foliage.
The association publishes useful information on avoiding traffic, columns introducing foliage spots by theme, and model courses well suited to autumn. They are handy when planning an autumn trip to Nikko.
Many Ways to Enjoy Nikko's Autumn Foliage
Nikko's large area and the distinctive tourism resources of each area make it possible to enjoy a wide variety of foliage scenery. The photo shows Jao Falls (蛇王の滝), where a graceful waterfall drops quietly among the foliage-covered mountains.
This article has introduced how to enjoy the autumn foliage and its highlights in each area of Nikko. Visitors can prepare well and enjoy the stunning views of the classic spots, or seek out hidden, secluded scenery. Being able to enjoy the foliage through a variety of styles and attractions is possible because Nikko has a large area and appealing sightseeing spots in each area. This autumn, Nikko, with its five distinctive areas, offers a way to take a foliage trip in a style of one's own.
