Japan is known for the beauty of its four seasons. The autumn foliage season, when the leaves of the trees turn shades of red and yellow, is a particular favorite of tourists. This time, we would like to introduce some spots in the suburbs of Tokyo where you can see the beautiful colors of fall for yourself. First is the Narita area in Chiba Prefecture, well-known as a gateway to Japan for international air travelers. From there is the Akigawa area in the western Tama region of Tokyo. All of the locations are around one hour from central Tokyo, making them a great choice for short trips out of the city. These spots are all lovely places to visit in the fall and early winter when the trees are adorned with rich shades of color.
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Start at Keisei Main Line/JR Narita Line Narita Airport Terminal 2-3 Station ➡ Get off at Keisei Main Line Keisei-Narita Station or JR Narita Line Narita Station ➡ Approx. 20-min. walk ➡ Naritasan Park ➡ Approx. 10-min. walk ➡ Hankyu Dojo ➡ Approx. 10-min. walk ➡ From JR Narita Station, take the JR Narita Line (direct to the Sobu Line (Rapid)), transfer to the JR Chuo Line and JR Ome Line (direct to the JR Itsukaichi Line), and get off at Musashi-Itsukaichi Station ➡ Approx. 45-min. walk ➡ Akigawa Valley Iwase Gorge ➡ Approx. 60-min. walk ➡ Ishibune-Bashi Bridge ➡ Approx. 5-min. walk ➡ Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa
Naritasan Park
With a history spanning more than 1,080 years, Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple draws more than 10 million visitors annually. Naritasan Park, which can be found within the precincts of the temple, boasts an area of 165,000 square meters and is a popular place for many people seeking to witness the ever-evolving expressions of the four seasons. The expansive site is dotted with trees of many varieties, such as sawtooth oak, oak, and ginkgo, that display beautiful autumn foliage, making it a popular place for those wanting to take photos of the fall colors. Every November, it is also the setting for the Naritasan Park Foliage Festival, with tea ceremonies and live performances held during the weekend of the event. This park is an ideal destination for when you want to enjoy a quintessentially Japanese autumn atmosphere while admiring the colors of the trees.
Address: 1 Narita, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture
https://www.naritasan.or.jp/english/
Hankyu Dojo
Kyudo Dojo, a spot located on the approach to Naritasan where you can casually try your hand at Kyudo, is garnering much attention lately. Kyudo is an ancient Japanese martial art that trains both the mind and body through archery, in which the archer shoots arrows at a target using a traditional Japanese bow. The bows used at this dojo are smaller than the usual size, and participants also sit down to shoot the arrows. The targets are also closer than the standard distance, which makes them easier to hit. The staff carefully teach you the proper form when drawing the bow and how to release it, so even first-timers can try it with ease. The feeling and sound of hitting the target delivers quite a thrill, which makes for many repeat visitors. Please feel free to take on this fun challenge during your visit to Naritasan.
Address: 387 Nakamachi, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture (inside Sabonsama)
https://www.instagram.com/hankyu.narita/
Iwase Gorge (Akigawa Valley)
The Akigawa Valley is known as one of Tokyo’s premier natural sightseeing spots. The clear waters of the Aki River that flow through the western part of Tokyo’s Tama region and the seasonally changing beauty of the mountains are breathtaking, and the majestic nature that one would not expect to find in Tokyo soothes all who visit here. A recommended course for trekking during the fall foliage season runs along the river, starting from JR Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, which can be reached from Shinjuku Station in 60 minutes. Along the way, in the vicinity of the Kagetsu and Sawado bridges, is Iwase Gorge, where the fall colors adorn both banks of the clear-flowing Aki River. There are plenty of other interesting places in the vicinity such as Kotokuji Temple, which is famous for its large ginkgo trees. A peaceful walk while taking in the rich natural scenery of the Akigawa Valley will surely be an extraordinary experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Address: Vicinity of Kagetsu Bridge and Sawado Bridge, Akiruno City, Tokyo
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/54/index.html
Ishibune-Bashi Bridge (Akigawa Valley)
Ishibune-Bashi Bridge is considered to be the symbol of the Akigawa Valley. This pedestrian suspension bridge is 96 meters long. The bridge itself is also a wonderful observation point, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the Akigawa Valley. The period from mid-November to early December, when the trees turn red and yellow, is an especially good time, as you can see the magnificent view of trees intertwining with the pristine waters of the river. If you look down over the Aki River from the bridge, you can also see the beautiful scenery of the foliage reflecting off of the clear water surface. Additionally, an observation deck nearby offers a panoramic view of Ishibune-Bashi Bridge. The view overlooking the mountains vividly colored with autumn leaves, the clear stream that weaves through them, and the vermilion-colored Ishibune-Bashi Bridge combine to create a stunning scene that is a definite must-see.
Address: Otsu District, Akiruno City, Tokyo
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/698/index.html
Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa
Complete your trip to Akigawa Valley with some hot spring bathing to relieve your fatigue. Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa is a hot spring bathing facility that offers magnificent views of the valley below. Visitors can relax in both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths while they enjoy the seasonal changes in the scenery: fresh new greenery in the spring, deep green colors in the summer, the colorful foliage of fall, and wintertime snow. The hot spring water, which flows from a source 1,500 meters underground, is highly alkaline and is known for its skin-beautifying properties. In addition to day-trip bathing, there are also cottages where you can stay overnight. Plus, the on-site restaurant, surrounded by its large windows, is a great place to admire the breathtaking scenery while enjoying a meal. There is also an outdoor footbath available for use free of charge.
Address: 565 Otsu, Akiruno City, Tokyo
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/397/index.html
