Local Guide
The 12 Selected Autumn Foliage Spots to Love in Hakone in Autumn

Starting from Lake Ashi, Sengokuhara, Gora, and Kowakudani, Hakone's autumn foliage is in transition. Because of the difference in elevation from Hakone Yumoto, which is about 110 meters above sea level, to Owakudani, which is nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, the trees begin to change color about one month earlier in the higher elevation areas than in Tokyo. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy the autumn colors, from the panoramic view of the mountains of the outer rim of Hakone, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Fuji to the serene autumn scenery found in ancient temples, gardens, and art museums.

Enjoy the beauty of the valley in brocade autumn at the Dezan Railway Bridge, a superb viewpoint

The Hakone Tozan Railway connects Hakone to Gora via Hakone-Yumoto, a distance of about 15 km. The train line is full of variety, with switchbacks and sharp curves as the train travels up steep grades.
One of the highlights is the view from the Dezan Railway Bridge (official name: Hayakawa Bridge), a steel bridge that crosses the mountains. A train departing from Hakone-Yumoto Station passes the Tonosawa Station and comes to the Deyama Tetsudo Bridge. The view from the railway bridge is magnificent, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves weaving a gradation of red and yellow from the bottom to the top of the mountain.
The "Allegra," a 3100-type train, also offers a close-up view of the autumn leaves through its large windows and observation windows on the side of the train.

Start of fall colors: Usually in early November.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually mid to late November.
Kind of foliage】Momiji, Ginkgo, etc.

Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Address Hayakawa Bridge, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Hours of Operation Operating area: Odawara─Gora
    Travel time: Approx. 50 minutes (Hakone-Yumoto─Gora)
    Operating days: Everyday
  • Admission Fee Fare: Hakone-Yumoto - Gora / 460 yen
    How to make reservations and purchase tickets: Purchase at the boarding station

Hakone in brocade from the lake

Lake Ashinoko, about 7 km from north to south and 20 km in circumference, is a caldera lake surrounded by the outer rim of Hakone. From the sightseeing boats on the lake, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Hakone's mountains, and during the season of autumn leaves, you can enjoy the scenery of the surrounding area colored with brocade.
Especially on a clear day, the view of Lake Ashi, the mountains of Hakone with their autumn leaves, and snow-capped Mount Fuji in the distance is like a painting. Fuji in the distance. If you go up to the observation deck on the upper deck, you will have the magnificent unobstructed view all to yourself. There are two types of boats: a regular boat that cruises to the Hakone Sekisho Ato Port near Hakone Sekisho and the Moto Hakone Port near Hakone Shrine, and a cruise boat that departs from each port, cruises on the lake, and returns to the port from which it started. If you want to disembark and enjoy the sights, use a free ticket for the regular boat; if you have your own car, the excursion boats are more convenient.

The beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in late October.
Usually from early to mid-November.
Kind of foliage】Momiji, dodan tsutsuji, etc.

Hakone Ashinoko sightseeing boat
  • Address 45-3 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction Take a bus from Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station of Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at "Moto Hakone" stop.
  • Hours of Operation Operating hours: 10:00-16:40 *Varies according to the season.
    Section: Hakone Sekisho Ato Port - Moto Hakone Port - Hakone-en Port
    Travel time: 40-45 minutes round trip
    Operating days: Everyday
  • Admission Fee Fare: 2,000 yen for round trip and excursion
    Reservations/boarding tickets: Purchase at the port of embarkation

Driving through three mountain passes where you will be greeted by the powerful autumn foliage

This sightseeing toll road is located on the west shore of Lake Ashinoko at an elevation of about 900 m and connects the border between Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefectures. The road runs along the ridge line of the outer rim of the mountain, and visitors can enjoy dynamic autumn foliage everywhere.
Among them, three mountain passes with spectacular views of the autumn foliage are must-sees. The first one is Yamabushi Pass, which appears first after entering the toll booth on the Hakone Pass side. From the observatory next to the Lake Ashinoko Skyline Rest House Lakeview, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Ashinoko and Komagatake with the autumn leaves. At the Shakushi Pass, located at the midpoint of the tour, you can enjoy a wide autumn view that extends to the entirety of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Southern Alps in the back. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and even the city of Gotemba.
Since there are not many parking spaces at Shakushi Pass, if the pass is full, head for Mikuni Pass.

The beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in early November.
Usually from early to late November.
Kind of foliage】Maple trees, etc.

Ashinoko Skyline
  • Address Ashinoko Skyline, Kumomuna, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • Hours of Operation 7:00-19:00 *Special sections are open free of charge outside of business hours.
  • Admission Fee General section (Hakone Pass - Kojiri Pass): 1,000 yen, special section (Kojiri Pass - Kojiri Water Gate): 200 yen

The whole area is golden. Be healed by the Japanese pampas grass rustling in the wind.

Sengokuhara, which stretches to the north of Lake Ashi, is said to have once had a lake called Lake Sengokuhara. The lake was divided into two parts by an eruption, with one part becoming Lake Ashinoko and the Sengokuhara side becoming the only marshland in Kanagawa Prefecture. One of the lakes was divided into two parts by the eruption, and one became Lake Ashi, while the Sengokuhara side became the only marshland in Kanagawa Prefecture. The sooty meadows that stretch along the foot of Mt. The vast amount of sooty pampas grass covers the slopes as far as the eye can see. The silver-colored ears of sooty pampas grass in early autumn turn to gold as autumn deepens. Whenever the wind blows, the ears sway in unison, reminding one of a golden sea field.
There is a walking trail that leads visitors along a straight path, turning around and returning to the field of pampas grass. The meadow is rich in ups and downs, and there is no shortage of photo opportunities, including a hill from which you can see the entire area, paths that seem to be buried under the soot that covers the meadow from both sides of the boardwalk, and panoramic views of the mountains and the soot meadow.

Beginning of color change] Usually in mid-September.
Best time to see the color change is usually from mid-October to mid-November.

Sengokuhara Susuki Meadow
  • Address Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • TEL 0460-85-5700（Hakone Town Tourist Information Center)
  • Parking Free of charge (September 1-November 30, 9:00-16:00)
  • Memo URL information is from the Hakone Tourist Association's official website.

Relax and enjoy the peaceful autumn scenery at an ancient temple.

Chouan-ji Temple, an old Soto sect temple, was founded in 1658. Like Susuki-kusabara, it is a famous spot for viewing the autumn leaves in Sengokuhara. Located just a short walk from the Sengoku bus stop and only one side street off Route 138, the temple is conveniently located for easy Direction, but once inside the temple grounds, you will find a tranquil atmosphere.
The temple is one of the "Hundred Flower Temples of Toukoku" in the Kanto area, and the scenery is as beautiful as the flowers in each season, and the maple trees in the fall are just as magnificent. The majestic hall, which is said to have been built at the time of the temple's founding, and the maple trees that turn red and yellow in the surrounding area create an atmospheric and refreshing scene. The path leading to the hill at the back of the temple and other places on the temple grounds are lined with 500 arhat statues with rich expressions, and the scenery of their peaceful expressions and autumn leaves is also unique to Choyasuji Temple.

The first changing of the colors usually occurs in late October.
Usually from early to mid-November.
Kinds of autumn leaves】Iroha-momiji, zelkova, beech, azalea, and other azaleas.

Provided by Hakone Zenzan
Provided by Hakone Zenzan
Choanji Temple
  • Address 82 Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 14 minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station or Gora Station, get off at "Sengoku" and walk about 1 minute.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • Memo URL information is from the official website of Hakone Tourist Association

The competition of crystals and autumn leaves. Be intoxicated by the splendor of autumn.

The first museum in Japan dedicated to Venetian glass in Sengokuhara. The Western-style building, which is a reproduction of a European aristocrat's mansion, exhibits about 100 masterpieces from the 15th to 19th centuries. The garden with a large pond on the grounds is an excellent spot for viewing autumn foliage, with Owakudani Valley in front and Mount Daigatake and Mount Kozuka on either side. On the southwest side of the garden, there is a "path of autumn leaves" that extends to the Hayakawa River, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the path surrounded by colored trees.
In addition, a 9-meter-high, 10-meter-long crystal glass arch has been installed on the bridge that crosses from the garden to the museum. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic view of approximately 160,000 crystals sparkling in the autumn breeze and the ears of silver grass, which are only available in autumn, shining in the sunlight. The unique autumn foliage viewing at this location is well worth seeing, as the autumn leaves and the glass combine to make the autumn season even more colorful and spectacular.

Beginning of the changing of the colors: Usually in mid-October.
Usually from late October to mid-November.
Maples, mountain maples, etc.

Hakone Glass Forest Museum
  • Address 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes by car from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station, get off at Tawaraseki/Hakone Glass Forest and walk about 1 minute, or take a bus from Gora Station and get off at Hakone Glass Forest.
  • Hours of Operation 10:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:00)
  • Regular holiday January: 11 days from the day after Adult's Day
  • Admission Fee Adults 1,800 yen, 65 years old and over 1,700 yen, college and high school students 1,300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 600 yen
  • TEL 0460-86-3111
  • Parking Parking lot No. 3 (5 min. walk) is free.

Walking on the carpet of autumn leaves in the sky

The Hakone ropeway takes passengers from Sounsan Station, the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, through Owakudani Station and Ubako Station to Togendai Station near Lake Ashi, where they can enjoy a walk in the air.
The time required between each station is approximately 8 minutes. Departing from the 757-meter-high Sounzan Station, the ropeway quickly ascends to the 1,044-meter-high Owakudani Station. Below you is the powerful landscape of Owakudani, and if you look around you, you will see a panoramic view of the outer rim of Hakone dyed in brocade. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy a large scale view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji in front of you, as well as the autumn leaves of the surrounding mountains, while changing ropeways at Owakudani Station and heading for Ubako Station. The ropeway descends along the slope of the mountain, passing close to the forest, so you can enjoy the sensation of sliding down a carpet of autumn leaves.

Beginning of the changing of colors] Usually in late October.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually early to late November.
Kinds of autumn leaves】Yamaboshi(Yamaboshi)、Mizunara oak、Iroha maple, etc.

Hakone Ropeway
  • Address 1300 Gora, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (Sounzan Station) MAP
  • Direction Hakone Tozan Cable Car "Sounzan Station" stop (Sounzan Station)
  • Hours of Operation February - November: 9:00 - 16:45 (Owakudani Station only: 17:00)
    December - January: 9:00 - 16:15
    Approx. 45 minutes (not including the time required to change trains at Owakudani Station and the time required to stop at each station)
  • Regular holiday (Operation may be suspended due to inclement weather, periodic maintenance, etc.)
  • Admission Fee One-way 1,500 yen (Sounzan - Togendai)
  • TEL Weekdays 0465-32-2205 Weekends & Holidays 0460-84-8439
  • Memo Operating section: Sounzan Station ─ Owakudani Station ─ Ubako Station ─ Togendai Station
    Purchase tickets at the boarding station.

A spectacular spot with a panoramic view of Hakone in the autumn

It connects Hakone-En, a Resort Property Complex by Lake Ashi, with the summit of Komagatake, the third highest mountain in Hakone at 1,356 meters above sea level. The total length of the tour is approximately 1,800 meters, and the aerial walk takes approximately seven minutes.
The first thing that catches the eye as one departs Hakone Garden is the red and yellow trees that seem to fill the slopes, as if painted on a canvas. It is as if paint has been applied to a canvas, and the colorful foliage spreads out. The view from the midpoint looking back toward Hakone Garden is breathtaking. The entire view of Hakone, with Lake Ashi in the center, can be seen like a box garden, and you can really feel the autumn colors of Hakone. At the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a dynamic view of Hakone's mountains in their autumn foliage and Mt.

The first color change is usually in mid-October.
Usually from late October to mid-November.
Types of foliage: Japanese maples, maple trees, etc.

Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
  • Address 139, Moto Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (Hakone-en Station) MAP
  • Direction Approximately 30 minutes by car from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Hakone-en.
  • Hours of Operation Up 9:00 - 16:30 Down - 16:50
    Travel time: approx. 7 min.
  • Admission Fee Fare (round trip): Adults 2,200 yen, Children (elementary school students) 1,100 yen
    *Train service may be suspended due to inclement weather or periodic inspections and maintenance.
  • TEL 0460-83-1151（Hakone-en)
  • Memo Purchase tickets at the boarding station.

Enjoy a footbath in a space where art and autumn leaves are in harmony

The first open-air art museum in Japan, it exhibits about 120 works by famous sculptors on its vast grounds of about 70,000 m2. Visitors can enjoy an artistic autumn with the collaboration of the trees that change color with the deepening autumn leaves and the sculptures that have a strong presence.
To stimulate your senses and enjoy the autumn leaves, visit the "Symphony of Happiness Sculpture" by French sculptor Gabriel Rohr. Inside the 18-meter-high tower, the stained glass windows on all sides are illuminated by the light from outside, creating a magical space. Climbing up the spiral staircase inside, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Hakone mountains in the distance as well as the whole of the Hakone Open-Air Museum in the fall.
When you get tired of strolling, take a dip in the footbath with 100% free-flowing hot spring water gushing from the grounds. While soaking your feet in the hot spring, you can enjoy the harmony of the sculptures and the autumn leaves. The true joy of autumn, which can only be experienced here, will warm your heart and soul.

Beginning of the changing of the colors: Usually in late October.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually from mid to late November.
Kinds of leaves: Japanese maples, cherry trees, zelkova trees, azalea trees, Japanese flowering dogwoods, quercus serrata, etc.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • Address 1121 Ninohira, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 2 min. walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Kakkonomori Stn.
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station, get off at Ninohira Entrance and walk 5 minutes.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults 2,000 yen, college and high school students 1,600 yen, junior high and elementary school students 800 yen
    Discounts are available for advance purchase of web tickets.
  • TEL 0460-82-1161
  • Parking Charged

Enjoy the competition of maple leaves and autumn roses in the historic garden

Japan's first French-style garden, which still retains its original appearance more than 100 years after its opening in 1914. Located on a slope along the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, the west gate is about 40 meters higher than the main gate, and the elevation is higher, making most of the walking paths stairs and slopes a major feature of the garden. The garden from the fountain pond in the center of the park to the west gate has many deciduous trees, and autumn leaves, mainly maple trees, color the park. In the same area, there is also a rose garden, where autumn roses and trees dyed in autumn are a spectacular sight to behold.
Near the fountain pond, the Hakuundo Tea Garden, a tea ceremony house with an impressive and quiet atmosphere, and the red maple trees provide an autumn scene with a rich Japanese atmosphere.

Beginning of the changing of colors] Usually in late October.
Usually from early to late November.
Kind of foliage】Yama-momiji, Iroha-kaede, etc.

Hakone Gora Park
  • Address 1300 Gora, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 1 minute walk from Koenkoshita Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car (Main Gate), 1 minute walk from Koenjo Station (West Gate)
  • DirectionTake a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station or Gora Station and get off at Gora Koen Bus Stop.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
    Cafe PIC 10:00-16:00(L.O.15:30)
    Opening hours may change depending on weather, maintenance, etc.
  • Regular holiday Open year-round *Subject to temporary closure due to weather, maintenance, etc.
  • Admission Fee Adults 650 yen, elementary school students and younger free of charge
    Re-entry on the same day or the following day is permitted (please present your receipt at the ticket counter).
  • TEL 0460-82-2825
  • Parking Charged

Stroll through the graceful autumn scenery of moss and maple trees

Located next to Gora Park, the museum opened in 1952 and is the oldest museum in Hakone. The museum exhibits a collection of rare "pottery" such as Jomon earthenware, Kofun-era haniwa (clay tombs), Kamakura and Muromachi era jars and pots, and Chinese era plates.
The museum's garden, "Shinsengo," is known as one of the best places in Hakone to view the autumn leaves. The elegant scenery of 130 species of moss and 200 maple trees in red is breathtaking. Visitors can experience the serenity of Japanese autumn by strolling along the stone-paved walkway that winds through the garden. In the teahouse at the back of the garden, visitors can spend a peaceful time enjoying powdered green tea while gazing at the garden.

Beginning of the changing of colors] Usually in early November.
Usually from early to mid-November.
Kinds of foliage: Japanese maples, mountain cherry trees, etc.

Hakone Art Museum
  • Address 1300 Gora, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 1 minute walk from Koenjo Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car.
  • Direction Take a bus from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Hakone Museum of Art.
  • Hours of Operation Apr-Nov 9:30-16:30, Dec-Mar ~16:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
    Shinwatei" tea ceremony room 10:00-15:30
  • Regular holiday Thursdays (open on national holidays), year-end and New Year's holidays
  • Admission FeeAdults 1,430 yen, High school and university students 660 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
    Discounts are available for online ticket purchases.
    Tea ceremony room "Shinwatei" 800 yen per tea ceremony
  • TEL 0460-82-2623
  • Parking Free of charge

The large trees in the vast garden are magnificent in brocade.

It is said that in the early Taisho period (1912-1926), Kyozo Enomoto, the founder of Mikawaya Ryokan in Owakudani Hot spring ryokan, transplanted azaleas from Okubo Park in Tokyo and created this garden. Many tourists visit in May, when over 30,000 azaleas of dozens of varieties are in full bloom, but in fact, the beauty of the autumn foliage is second to none. The trees, mainly maple trees, are all tall, with branches reaching high into the sky. Looking up at the trees from the walking trail, you can see the blue sky through the red and yellow leaves, and the sunlight spilling between the trees makes for a photogenic view.

Beginning of color change] Usually in early November.
Usually in mid-November.
Kinds of foliage】Keyaki(Keyaki)、Omomiji(Omomiji)、Iroha-momiji(Iroha-momiji), etc.

Hakone Kowakuen Horaien Garden
  • Address 1297 Ninohira, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 11 minutes on foot from Kowakudani Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station and get off at Horaien.
  • Hours of Operation Free to walk around
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0460-85-0261（Hakone Kowakuen Mikawaya Ryokan)
  • Parking None *Parking is available at the Hakone Kowakuen Unessan parking lot (free within 2 hours)
  • Memo URL information is from the official website of Hakone Tourist Association

MAP

Hakone-Yumoto, Tonosawa, and Ohidai areas
Lake Ashinoko Area
Sengokuhara/Owakudani Area
Gora and Kowakudani Area
Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.