A Guide to Seeing Autumn Leaves at Lake Kawaguchiko
Picture a scene where the mountain breeze is chill and crisp as you walk towards a lone temple shrine standing proudly in solemn silence in the woods. The warm autumn sunshine shines brightly through the trees, passing through a canopy of painted fall coloured leaves perfectly framing the temple in a halo of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
It’s an idealistic image fitting for any travel postcard!
Though it might sound like poetic overkill, in Japan an idyllic autumn setting as I described is not too far from the imagination.
Before Japan begins to suffer the winter blues, fall’s arrival brings the spectacular sight of the trees turning color also known as kōyō (紅葉). It’s a magnificent sight to behold and has inspired many artists and poets for centuries. Today, many locals eagerly anticipate when the momiji maple trees turn crimson red to hunt for the best viewing locations. For travelers to Japan, this autumn past time is definitely something to experience if you happen to be here during the November period.
The most popular and famous spot for many Tokyoites to visit is the Hakone area near Mount Fuji where Lake Kawaguchiko comes alive with the colours and festivities of momiji’s change.
Let’s dive into what autumn activities await you at Kawaguchiko Lake as we go hunting for momiji autumn leaves!
About Lake Kawaguchiko
Part of the famous Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko), Lake Kawaguchiko is an impressive scenic lake with some of the best views of Mount Fuji along its northern shore. It is the most popular of the five as it is easy to access and offers the most things to see and do compared to the other lakes that surround the area.
The Fuji Five Lakes were formed during ancient times from flowing lava when Mount Fuji was still an active volcano. During its many eruptions, the lava dammed up the rivers which now form the lakes.
Though Mount Fuji is now a dormant volcano, the natural hot water created from its geothermally-heated springs turned the area around Kawaguchiko into a popular onsen resort town with plenty of outdoor activities and local attractions to enjoy all year-long.
Where to See Autumn Leaves in Kawaguchiko
Momiji Corridor もみじ回廊
The Momiji Corridor is a walkway that runs along a small river leading into Lake Kawaguchiko. Though the walkway is 2km long, the viewing area for the autumn leaves is only at the front section closest to the lake. Still, it is the most popular place
to see the autumn leaves as it holds the local Momiji Festival, evening illuminations, and is lined with over 60 maple trees!
The colours are amazingly vibrant against the blue sky!
Some of the local treats you can eat during the Momiji Festival.
Momiji Tunnel もみじトンネル
About 3 km away from Momiji Corridor, the Momiji Tunnel is another popular photo spot for people who want to capture the autumn leaves with Mount Fuji in the background.
Despite what the name suggests, the “tunnel” reference is actually how the focal point is composed to make it appear that the momiji leaves surround and frame Mount Fuji in the distance.
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Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
Located on the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre is a rest point that offers a different autumn scenery with Mount Fuji.
At the centre people can enjoy a coffee break while walking around the lakeside
flower and herb garden or enjoy blueberry fruit picking and fruit-related souvenirs at the gift store. If you want to walk a little further to enjoy the scenery, Oishi Park is also nearby.
Vanilla and Blueberry Mix Soft Serve. Grown and made on-site!
Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village)
Not too far away from Kawaguchiko is Lake Saiko’s Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village), an open-air museum and craft village tucked away in the mountainside.
Originally, Iyashi no Sato was a farming village but was destroyed during a landslide caused by a typhoon in 1966. To revive the image of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses that were iconic of the village, the local Nenba community reconstructed more than twenty houses converted into museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
Some of the shops in the village offer workshops on how to make traditional washi paper, charcoal, and soba with each shop specialising in a traditional local craft such as pottery or weaving.
During the autumn season, the scene of the thatched-roof houses surrounded by coloured momiji trees and farm life creates a beautiful rural scene one would expect to find in a historical TV drama.
Mount Fuji in the clouds
Local houtou noodle soup.
BONUS: Lake View on Route 県道710号
Although not an official photo spot, while driving towards the Iyashi no Sato Nenba Village along route 県道710号 we stumbled upon by chance a stunning view of the
mountains and autumn colours reflecting clearly off the water’s surface. It was so mesmerising we just had to stop and have a look!
- Unlimited travel to anywhere in Japan affordably using the JR Pass! Pre-purchase a 7 day, 14 day or 21 day here before leaving Japan
- Get affordable unlimited 4G WiFi for Japan for less than AUD$11
- Unlimited travel ride pass on eight types of transportation in Hakone area using the Hakone Free Pass (2 Days, 3 Days)
- Enjoy an all-you-can-eat fruit experience at Kawaguchiko and see the local sights on this tour
Need a place to stay in Kawaguchiko? Use our handy widget to find the perfect stay:
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Lovely. Thanks for the tour, Siree; you are one of the best guides around!
[…] By Siree Last updated Nov 22, 2018 0 21 Share Looking for other places to visit in the Mount Fuji region? Check out our other travel guides: The Best View of Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko. […]