When thinking of autumn in Japan, the first thing that comes in mind is the beautiful autumn leaves. Let’s discover some sightseeing spots best suited for an RV!
Tohoku Region
Bandai Azuma Lake Line
Address
Inawashiro, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture
Autumn Foliage
Mid October to Early November
Access
Route 115/459 from Inawashiro Bandai Kogen IC of the Banetsu Expressway.
About 45 minutes via Bandai Azuma Lake line.
The Bandai-Azuma Lake Line is a scenic road that runs from the Lake Onogawa to the Lake Hibara. The Nakatsugawa Valley, which lies about halfway along the road, gives a wonderful view of the autumn leaves. As such, it is very popular with photographers.
Nearby Accommodation: RV Park Road Station Inawashiro
About 50 minutes from Furukawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway
This valley was designated as a scenic spot of the Miyagi prefecture. It is a famous landmark for the autumnal leaves. The Nakayamadaira entrance, in particular, has a spectacular view.
About 20 minutes from Takahagi IC on the Joban Expressway
Hananuki Valley is one of the most popular spots to watch the autumn leaves in the Ibaraki prefecture. The view from the suspension bridge is quite spectacular: surrounded by trees and their changing foliage, it looks like you are walking through a red tunnel.
From the Gotemba IC on the Tomei Expressway, take the Hakone Skyline (toll road) in direction of the Kojiri Pass area. About 15km by car.
Lake Ashinoko, which is adjacent to one of Japan’s leading hot spring resort – Hakone, has many autumn foliage sightseeing spots. Among them, the Lake Ashinoko Skyline is particularly recommended. It also has a magnificent view of the Mount Fuji.
Nearby accommodation: Lake Aishi Camp Village Lakeside Villa
From the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, take the National Route 33 to the Haruna Lake. About 23 km by car
Mount Haruna, one of the three famous mountains in Gunma Prefecture, and the eponymous caldera lake at its foot, are entirely surrounded by autumn foliage from late October to early November. It is also possible to reach the summit using the ropeway. From there, the view overlooking the Kanto plain is exceptional.
About 40 minutes from the Ichihara Tsurumai IC on the Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway, via National Route 297 / 465, Chiba Prefectural Road 168 / 81
Yoro Valley is both famous as one of Chiba’s best hot spring resorts and autumn leaf spot. The season starts later than in other areas, making it possible to enjoy the autumn foliage until early December. During that period, a fall festival is also traditionally hosted.
From the Ome IC on the Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway, take the National Route 411 to Lake Okutama. About 38km by car.
The autumn leaves shine on the lake surface. The pedestrian bridge that floats on top of the water is one of the best spots to admire the surroundings. In addition, autumn leaves can be enjoyed in the numerous valleys located in the vicinity.
Nearby accommodation: RV Park – Road Station Kosuge
From the Nishinasuno Shiobara IC on the Tohoku Expressway, it takes about 25 minutes via the National Route 400
There are many beautiful autumn leaves spots in the area, such as the Nichien Momiji Line – a road known to have a lot of maple trees along it -, or the large suspension bridge that gives a magnificent view over the Shiobara valley.
Nearby accommodation: RV Park Nasushiobara Etsurin
It takes about 60 minutes from the Ina IC on the Central Expressway via the National Routes 361 and 19.
It takes about 60 minutes from the Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway, via National Route 19 / Kiso Fukushima Road / Kiso Ohashio / National Route 361.
This highland is located at the foot of Mount Ontake, and is home to the Kiso Village. During the autumn season, the whole plateau is beautifully dyed in red and gold colors.
Nearby accommodation: RV Park Kiso Furosato Kaiten-kan
About 20 minutes from the Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway.
About 60 minutes from the Fuji/Gotemba IC on the Tomei Expressway.
Famous sightseeing spot for its view over the Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko is also popular for its autumn leaves. Two large spots are especially well-known: The Momiji corridor, where the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held, and the Momiji tunnel.
Nearby accommodation: Fuji Mangan Village Camp Site
About 40 minutes from the Kofu Showa IC on the Chuo Expressway
Shinkyo Gorge, which is said to be one of Japan’s most beautiful valley, is famous as an autumn leaves sightseeing spot. The contrast between rocks, waterfalls and golden foliage is beautiful.
About 15 minutes from the Otsuki IC on the Chuo Expressway
Due to its unique architecture, Saruhashi is known as one of “Japan’s three strange bridges”. During the autumn season, the surrounding trees will turn the Katsuragawa canyon into a beautiful scenery.
About 40 minutes from the Kyoto Minami IC on the Meishin Expressway, via National Route 1.
The Arashiyama area is one of Kyoto’s most representative sightseeing spot. With many temples, the Togetsu Bridge and the mountains in the background, it is also a perfect place to take memorable pictures in autumn.
Nearby accommodation: RV Park Kyoto Minami Kamogawa RV Site
About 5 minutes from the Sayama IC on the Yonago Expressway
Located in the border of Okayama and Tottori prefectures, the Hiruzen plateau is surrounded by mounted ranges on three sides. The Hiruzen Oyama Skyline is a recommended scenic spot that allows you to enjoy autumn leaves while driving.
Nearby accommodation: RV Park Yubara Yuttari Hiroba