1
Lake Chuzenji

Variety of autumn foliage viewing at the highest lake in Japan

Lake Chuzenji is located at the entrance to Oku-Nikko, just up the Iroha slope. At an elevation of 1,269 meters, the lake is the highest point in Japan. Mt. Nantai can be seen from its base, and there are numerous sightseeing spots in the surrounding area. A stroll around the lake while viewing the autumn leaves reflected in the lake, or a sightseeing boat ride on the lake is also recommended.

Best time to visit: Usually from mid to late October.

2
Nantaisan (Mt. Nantai)

From the top to the foot of the mountain, the beauty of the autumn leaves that change color daily is impressive.

Nantai-san (2,486 meters above sea level), located to the north of Lake Chuzenji, is a very impressive sight when reflected in the lake.
During the fall foliage season, the color of the leaves turns red and yellow with each passing day, and the view can be enjoyed together with the beauty of the mountain as it draws in its skirts.
The season changes as the leaves change colors, so you can enjoy a long period of time to see the colorful competition of the trees.
Note: Entry for mountain climbing is from April 25 to November 11.

3
Kegon Falls

Don't miss the dynamic waterfalls reflected in the forest of autumn leaves.

Kegon Falls is a 100-meter-high waterfall that cascades down the shore from Lake Chuzenji.
The waterfall is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan, and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Nikko. The elevator takes you down to the base of the waterfall, so you can enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves while viewing the waterfall up close.
Among the many places to view the autumn leaves in Nikko, Kegon-no-taki Falls is one that you should not miss.

Best time to visit: Mid-October to late October

4
Ryuzu Waterfall

A spectacular view of the graceful waterfall and autumn leaves that you will encounter during your stroll

Ryuzu Falls is located on the Yugawa River, which flows into Lake Chuzenji. The water cascades down to a point where the rocks form a staircase and finally falls into a cascade of two waterfalls.
The autumn foliage is the earliest in Oku-Nikko, and the best time to see it is from late September. There is a walking path next to the waterfall, so it is recommended to walk around and admire the flow and autumn leaves.

Best time to visit: Usually in late September.

5
Senjogahara

Take a stroll through a large marshland that turns golden in the autumn breeze

From early September to early October, the large marshland turns into a beautiful gradation of autumn leaves. The marshland is lined with wooden paths that lead visitors on hiking trails, allowing them to enjoy the color of the fields of Japanese pampas grass and the yellowing leaves of Japanese larch.

Best time to visit: Early September to early October

6
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

Admire the garden in autumn color at the dignified mansion

Tamozawa Imperial Villa has been mainly used as the official residence of Emperor Taisho.
The building and garden, with architectural styles from the late Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods, is a valuable Property that conveys the culture of the Imperial Family, and can be enjoyed all year round, with some rooms specially opened to the public at certain times of the year.
The garden is famous for its weeping cherry blossoms in spring, but the autumn leaves are also magnificent. This is a good spot for viewing the autumn leaves without too many tourists. Visitors can take a stroll in the garden and enjoy the colorful foliage from inside the residence.
However, be sure to bring warm clothes as there is no heating in the mansion.

Best time to visit: Late October to early November

7
Nikko Kiyotakiji Temple

Bright red maple trees adorn the vermilion shrine pavilions.

The first temple on the pilgrimage to the 33 Kannon temples in Shimono is Kiyotaki-ji Temple on Mt. Nikko.
The temple itself is small, but there are many maple trees, and it is a great place to view the bright red and orange autumn leaves.
From Nikko Station, take the bus to Kiyotaki Jyusho-mae (Kiyotaki Residential Office), which takes about 18 minutes, and then walk for about 2 minutes to get there. Direction is a little inconvenient, but why not stop by?

8
Kezoin Slope

The slope is covered with large trees in red and yellow colors, a famous spot for autumn foliage

Even though the best time to see the autumn leaves has ended at higher elevations such as Lake Chuzenji, the best time to see the leaves is finally in Nikko City.
The autumn leaves covering the slope at the entrance to Hanazoin Temple in Nikko City are magnificent.
The best time to view the leaves is from mid-November, but depending on the year, the leaves can be enjoyed until close to December.

Best time to visit: Usually in mid-November.

9
Ryuoukyo

The breathtaking beauty of the valley woven with brocade

The Ryuukyo Gorge is said to have been formed 22 million years ago by the erosion of volcanic rocks created by undersea volcanic eruptions and eroded by river currents. Located between Kawaji hot spring and Kinugawa hot spring, the gorge overlooks a clear stream with a spectacular view. As soon as you get off at Ryuukyo Station, you will immediately be in the Kinugawa River valley, and with promenades along both banks, it is a perfect course for strolling through the autumn foliage. It takes about one hour to walk along the path, crossing bridges along the way to view the autumn leaves. The blue autumn sky, colored leaves, and deep blue clear water make this a very popular spot.

Best time to visit: Late October to mid-November

Ryuoukyo Gorge

• Fujiwara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
• A short walk from Ryuoukyo Station on the Noiwa Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line
• 0288-76-4111 (Fujiwara Tourism Division, Nikko City)
• Free of charge

10
Nichishio Maple Tree Line

Enjoy a drive surrounded by the autumn colors of the leaves

The Nichishio Road, which passes through a plateau over 1,000 meters above sea level, is a 28-km long sightseeing road connecting Kinugawa Onsen and Shiobara Hot Spring. Also known as the "Momiji Line," it is a wonderful driving course during the season of autumn leaves.
It is a recommended paper spot to enjoy both the autumn leaves and the spectacular scenery that only a highland road can offer. mid to late October is the best time to visit, but if you visit in November, be prepared for icy road conditions and snowfall in the early mornings.

Best time to visit: Mid to late October

Traffic congestion in Nikko, Oku-Nikko and Kinugawa during the autumn foliage season

Since Nikko and Oku-Nikko are famous for their autumn foliage, the roads can get quite crowded and congested.
Especially on weekdays, the road up "Iroha slope" is congested even on weekdays, and on weekends and holidays, it starts to get crowded around 7:00 a.m., and the road stays congested until the afternoon. The road can be climbed in about 20 minutes when the road is empty, but during the autumn foliage season, it may take 3 to 4 hours. Therefore, it is important to start early in the morning.
It is recommended to go up in the evening when the downhill lane is crowded. After a smooth ascent, spend the night around Lake Chuzenji. If you visit the autumn foliage spots in Oku-Nikko that shine in the morning sun early in the morning, and come back down to see the autumn leaves on Iroha-zaka before the downhill traffic starts, you can fully enjoy the autumn leaves in Nikko, including those in Nikko City that have begun to change color.

The Kinugawa area also has many autumn foliage spots, so it is a little crowded, but not so much so that cars cannot move at all, and it takes about 15 minutes longer to get to your destination than in other seasons.