A Journey of Sensory Wonders ~Discovering the Beauty of Japan~

Autumn Foliage and Breathtaking Views You Can Only See This Season, Including Easy Day-Trip Spots

▲From the official website of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts 「Dazzling autumn foliage」

Autumn Foliage and Breathtaking Views You Can Only See This Season, Including Easy Day-Trip Spots

Autumn in Japan is a season of breathtaking scenery, where fiery foliage and natural beauty come together.

From the autumn leaves of Irohazaka in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, to the vivid red kochia of Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, and the historic foliage of Eikando in Kyoto, we've handpicked outstanding sightseeing spots from across the country.

Let's set out on a journey that combines activities like hiking and driving with unforgettable autumn scenery.

Tochigi, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Nagano, Niigata, Aichi, Kyoto, Nara, Miyazaki, Kochi

Recommended for these people!

  • Autumn Foliage
  • Day Trip
  • Breathtaking Views

Updated: October 13, 2025

Destination of this trip

Recommended Breathtaking Views and Autumn Foliage Spots in Kanto,
Including Easy Day Trips

  1. Tochigi Prefecture

    1 Nikko (Irohazaka, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls)

    • Kaminarimon Gate

      ▲From photoAC 「Ryuzu Falls」

    Nikko is one of the Kanto region's finest destinations for autumn foliage, with "Irohazaka," "Kegon Falls," and "Ryuzu Falls" all counted among its most celebrated spots.

    Irohazaka's 48 hairpin bends climb through changing shades of color, offering a gradient of autumn hues as you ascend.

    Kegon Falls, with its dramatic 97m drop, forms a stunning contrast with the surrounding foliage. Besides the observation deck reached by elevator, the view from Akechidaira Observatory, which looks out over the falls from a distance, is simply breathtaking.

    Ryuzu Falls is a mountain stream cascade near Lake Chuzenji, where autumn leaves frame roughly 210m of flowing water, making it a popular photo spot.

    The best time to view the foliage is typically from mid-October to early November.

    Irohazaka

    Address
    Chugushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
    Business Hours
    24 hours
    Admission Fee
    Free

    Kegon Falls

    Address
    Chugushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
    Business Hours
    Kegon Falls Elevator Business Hours
    March 1 – November 30: 8:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.
    December 1 – February 28: 9:00A.M. – 4:30P.M.
    Admission Fee
    Kegon Falls Elevator Fee
    Adults: ¥600
    Elementary school students: ¥400
    ※Preschool children ride free.
    ※A fee applies to use the elevator to the observation deck.
    ※Akechidaira Observatory is free to visit.

    Ryuzu Falls

    Address
    Chugushi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
    Business Hours
    24 hours
    Admission Fee
    Free
  2. Ibaraki Prefecture

    2 Ryujin Gorge

    • Ryujin Gorge

      ▲From PIXTA 「Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge」

    Ryujin Gorge is one of the Kanto region's leading autumn foliage destinations, where a beautiful ravine blends into a gradient of fall colors.

    The gorge is home to not just one but many breathtaking viewpoints.

    A particular highlight is the view of the autumn foliage from Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge, which spans about 375m and rises roughly 100m above the gorge.

    The sweep of red and yellow leaves stretching from your feet into the distance is truly spectacular.

    If you're lucky, you may even catch a sea of clouds below. The best time to visit is typically from mid- to late November.

    Ryujin Gorge

    Address
    Kemonono-cho, Hitachiota-shi, Ibaraki 313-0351, Japan
    Business Hours
    [Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge]
    8:30A.M. – 5:00P.M. (last admission 4:40P.M.)
    ※Access may be restricted in the event of strong winds, thunder, or other conditions.
    Admission Fee
    [Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge]
    Adults: ¥320
    Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥210
  3. Ibaraki Prefecture

    3 Hitachi Seaside Park

    • Autumn-colored kochia

      ▲From photoAC 「Autumn-colored kochia」

    Autumn at Hitachi Seaside Park belongs to kochia bushes and cosmos flowers.

    Kochia are known for their charming, round, bushy shape. Their leaves gradually turn from green to a vivid red, reaching full color typically from late September to early October.

    Come October, the cosmos flowers begin to bloom all at once.

    The park is awash in deep pink, pale pink, and white cosmos. The bright contrast between the cosmos and the reddened kochia is the highlight of autumn at Hitachi Seaside Park.

    Hitachi Seaside Park

    Address
    605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki 312-0012, Japan
    Business Hours
    [March 1 – July 18, September 1 – October 31]
    9:30A.M. – 5:00P.M.

    [July 19 – August 31]
    9:30A.M. – 6:00P.M.

    [November 1 – end of February]
    9:30A.M. – 4:30P.M.

    Closed: Tuesdays (following day if a public holiday), December 31, January 1, and from the day before the first Tuesday of February through the Friday after
    ※The park is open every day during the spring (March 26 – May 31), summer (July 21 – August 31), autumn (October 1 – October 31), and winter (December 25 – 30, January 2 – 7) seasons.
    Admission Fee
    Adults (high school students and above): ¥450
    Senior (65 and older): ¥210
    ※Junior high school students and younger are free.
    ※On Respect for the Aged Day, visitors aged 65 and older are admitted free. In addition, everyone is admitted free on September 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun).
    ※Visitors with a physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, or mental disability health and welfare certificate, plus one accompanying guest, are admitted free. Please present your certificate or the "Mirairo ID" disability certificate app at the entrance ticket counter.

    [Peak Season for Spring Nemophila and Autumn Kochia]
    During certain periods and on specific dates, a seasonal surcharge applies to the admission fee below. Please check the official website for the dates on which this pricing applies.
    Adults (high school students and above): ¥800
    Senior (65 and older): ¥560
    ※Junior high school students and younger are free.
  4. Kanagawa Prefecture

    4 Sankeien Garden

    • Choshukaku and autumn foliage

      ▲From photoAC 「Choshukaku and autumn foliage」

    The Japanese garden at Sankeien, located in Naka Ward, Yokohama, spans 175,000㎡ and is skillfully arranged with historic structures, including a three-story pagoda and tea houses.

    Come autumn, the striking combination of red and yellow foliage with these historic buildings delights every visitor.

    The area around "Choshukaku," a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is considered especially beautiful, with its colorful surrounding trees and the pagoda rising beyond forming a scene like a painting.

    The annual nighttime illumination is also a popular draw.

    Sankeien Garden

    Address
    58-1 Honmoku-Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
    Business Hours
    9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M. (last admission 4:30P.M.)
    Closed: December 26 – December 31
    Admission Fee
    Adults (high school students and above): ¥900
    Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥200
    Yokohama residents aged 65 and older: ¥700
    ※Yokohama residents aged 65 and older must present identification showing their address and date of birth (driver's license, passport, My Number Card, etc.).
    ※Visitors with a Sankeien discount voucher distributed at accommodations in the city, a Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) card, a Kanagawa Prefecture Mutual Aid Wakaba Card, a Benefit One membership card, or a Yokohama City Transportation Bureau Minato Burari Ticket can enter for ¥800 (adults, high school students and above) or ¥100 (children, elementary and junior high school students).
    ※Visitors with a disability certificate should present it at the reception desk. The certificate holder and one accompanying guest are admitted free.
  5. Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone

    5 Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland

    • Yukamomiji

      ▲From photoAC 「A field of silver grass」

    Sengokuhara, located in Hakone at an elevation of about 700m, sees its silver grass reach peak beauty as autumn deepens.

    From around October through November, the foot of the mountain gradually shifts in color from golden to silver.

    The silver grass glowing under a clear autumn sky is beauty beyond words, and combined with Hakone's grand natural scenery, it creates a truly magical landscape.

    Walking the promenade that winds through the grass, taller than head height in places, offers the extraordinary sensation of wading into a sea of silver.

    Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland

    Address
    Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
    Business Hours
    Always open
    Admission Fee
    Free
  6. If you want to enjoy Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland

    H Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel

    • Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel

      ▲From the official website of Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel 「The entrance, with views of the autumn foliage」

    • Guest room

      ▲From the official website of Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel 「Guest room」

    • An open-air bath surrounded by magnificent nature

      ▲From the official website of Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel 「An open-air bath surrounded by magnificent nature」

    • Sensory-stimulating French cuisine at the main dining room, 'Plat du Jour'

      ▲From the official website of Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel 「Sensory-stimulating French cuisine at the main dining room 'Plat du Jour'」

    • Limited-time offer

      ▲From the official website of Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel 「[Limited-Time] An Edible Autumn Art Experience」

    • Enveloped in golden silver grass

      ▲From the official website of Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel 「Enveloped in golden silver grass」

    Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel sits just moments from Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

    Surrounded by beautiful nature, the hotel offers a relaxing escape where you can enjoy the hot springs and dining.

    In autumn, the hotel, which stands as one with Sengokuhara's magnificent natural surroundings, offers a breathtaking view of the autumn foliage.

    Why not stroll through Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland, within walking distance of the hotel, for the extraordinary experience of being enveloped in a sea of golden silver grass?

    Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel

    Address
    1246 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
  7. Gunma Prefecture

    7 Houtokuji Temple

    • Yukamomiji (floor-reflected autumn leaves)

      ▲From PIXTA 「Autumn leaves reflected on the floor during the nighttime illumination」

    Houtokuji Temple in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, is home to more than 100 maple trees on its grounds, which reach peak color around mid-November each year.

    Combined with the autumn colors of the surrounding mountains, the entire area is transformed into a stunning display of red and yellow.

    The temple is also famous for its "yukamomiji" — the reflection of the garden's autumn leaves in the temple's polished wooden floors, creating a scene like a painting.

    A special viewing of the yukamomiji is held every year from mid-October through December.

    Houtokuji Temple

    Address
    5-1608 Kawauchi-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma 376-0041, Japan
    Business Hours
    [Regular Hours]
    9:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.

    [2025 Autumn Yukamomiji Special Viewing (October 18 (Sat) – December 7 (Sun))]
    9:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.
    ※Depending on the condition of the foliage, the viewing may be extended through December 11 (Thu).

    Closed: Open every day
    Admission Fee
    Free admission during regular hours

    [2025 Autumn Yukamomiji Special Viewing]
    Adults (October): ¥800
    Adults (November, December): ¥1,200
    Free for high school students and younger

Recommended Breathtaking Views
and Autumn Foliage Spots Across Japan

  1. Shizuoka Prefecture

    1 Mt. Katsuragi Ropeway

    • Autumn foliage viewed from the ropeway

      ▲From photoAC 「Autumn foliage viewed from the ropeway」

    The 452m summit of Mt. Katsuragi, near Izu-Nagaoka Onsen, is a popular spot for its autumn foliage and sweeping views that take in distant Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay below.

    You can easily reach the summit by ropeway, departing from Izu Panorama Park at the mountain's base.

    During the roughly 7-minute ride, you can take in the autumn scenery below along with views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji.

    The summit also has well-maintained walking trails, including one leading to Katsuragi Shrine, making for a memorable stroll amid vivid fall colors.

    The best time to visit is typically from mid-November to early December.

  2. If you want to enjoy Mt. Katsuragi Ropeway

    H Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen

    • Exterior

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Exterior」

    • Viewing the autumn leaves from inside the hotel

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Viewing the autumn leaves from inside the hotel」

    • Interior reminiscent of an imperial villa

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Interior reminiscent of an imperial villa」

    • VIP suite in the main building

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「VIP suite in the main building」

    • Japanese-style room in the new building

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Japanese-style room in the new building」

    • Enjoying the scents of autumn with the 'Matsu' course

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Enjoying the scents of autumn with the 'Matsu' course」

    Nestled in the embrace of Mt. Genji in Izu-Nagaoka, "Sanyo-so" is a hot spring inn with the refined air of a traditional Japanese estate.

    It began as the villa of Hisaya Iwasaki, eldest son of Yataro Iwasaki, founder of the former Mitsubishi zaibatsu.

    Set amid abundant nature, the property offers a beautiful Japanese garden of roughly 3,000 tsubo, where guests can feel the changing beauty of the four seasons.

    In autumn, you can admire the foliage by daylight and, at night, enjoy the sound of insects and the moon rising over the sky, for a blissful experience reminiscent of a former imperial villa.

    Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen

    Address
    270 Mamanoue, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka 410-2204, Japan
  3. Shizuoka Prefecture

    3 Otago Coast

    • Striking rock formations silhouetted against the sunset

      ▲From photoAC 「Striking rock formations silhouetted against the sunset」

    The sunset at Otago Coast has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best sunset spots.

    Beyond the beauty of the sunset itself, the combination with the offshore rock formations of various shapes creates a scene found nowhere else, drawing many photography enthusiasts.

    As the sun sinks into the sea, the deepening orange light dramatically silhouettes the small islands and rocks in the foreground.

    The best time to visit is around the spring and autumn equinoxes in March and September, when the sun sets exactly between Otago Island's "male rock" and "female rock."

    Otago Coast

    Address
    2649-2 Tago, Nishiizu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka 410-3515, Japan
    Business Hours
    Always open
    Admission Fee
    Free
  4. Nagano Prefecture

    4 Akasawa Forest Railway

    • The railway passing through a tunnel of colorful trees

      ▲From photoAC 「The railway passing through a tunnel of colorful trees」

    Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture, is regarded as one of Japan's three most beautiful forests.

    Running through it is the "Akasawa Forest Railway," one of Japan's leading forest railways.

    Today it remains in the park as a preserved railway, operating for a limited season from spring through autumn.

    In autumn, riding through a tunnel of brilliantly colored trees brings an exhilarating sense of excitement found only on a forest railway.

    The best time to visit is from mid-October, when you can fully enjoy the tunnel of red and yellow autumn leaves.

    Akasawa Forest Railway

    Address
    Ogawa-iri National Forest, Ogawa, Agematsu-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano 399-5607, Japan
    Business Hours
    [Early April – early November]
    ※For detailed operating hours, please check the Agematsu Town tourism website.

    Suspended operation days: Typically three days each in May, July, and September for track maintenance.
    Admission Fee
    Adults (junior high school students and above): ¥1,000
    Ages 4 through elementary school students: ¥600
    ※Visitors with a disability certificate, plus one accompanying guest, receive a ¥100 discount.
  5. Niigata Prefecture

    5 Naeba Dragondola

    • Naeba Dragondola amid the autumn foliage

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「Naeba Dragondola amid the autumn foliage」

    The "Naeba Dragondola" is Japan's longest ropeway, spanning 5,481m.

    Rising and dipping along the mountain slopes, it connects Naeba and Tashiro in about 25 minutes.

    The ride offers an overwhelming aerial journey past walls of stunning autumn foliage rising up before you.

    Along the way, you'll pass the mystical "Nii-ike," a lake that shifts through a spectrum of colors depending on the weather and water level, as well as "Tower 14," a thrilling spot where the gondola drops steeply as if plunging straight into a world of autumn color — all part of an exhilarating aerial adventure.

    Naeba Dragondola

    Address
    202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6212, Japan
    Operating Season & Hours
    October 10 (Sat) – November 8 (Sun), 2026
    ※The Tashiro Ropeway, Panorama Lift, and Rakuraku Lift end operation on November 3 (Tue, holiday)

    9:00A.M. – 3:00P.M. (last descent 4:00P.M.)

    ※Operating details are subject to change.
    Fare
    Adults: ¥4,000
    Children (elementary school students): ¥2,300

    ※The fare covers the "Tashiro Ropeway," "Naeba Dragondola," "Rakuraku Lift," and the "Naeba–Tashiro shuttle bus." It does not include the Panorama Lift fare.
    ※One preschool child may ride free per accompanying adult. A child fare applies from the second preschool child onward.

    ※Visitors with a Class 1 or Class 2 physical disability certificate and their caregiver (including a companion), or a Class 1 or Class 2 intellectual disability certificate (Ai no Techo, Midori no Techo, etc.) and their caregiver (including a companion), can ride at half the regular fare. Please present your certificate at the time of purchase.
  6. If you want to enjoy Naeba Dragondola

    H Naeba Prince Hotel

    • Exterior

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「Exterior」

    • Around the hotel

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「Around the hotel」

    • Guest room

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「Guest room」

    • Hiuchi no Yu hot spring

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「Hiuchi no Yu hot spring」

    • A menu full of local ingredients

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「A menu full of local ingredients」

    • The 'Fuji Rock no Mori' Boardwalk

      ▲From the official website of Naeba Prince Hotel 「The 'Fuji Rock no Mori' Boardwalk」

    At Naeba Prince Hotel, you can savor autumn in Naeba to the fullest, surrounded by vivid fall foliage.

    With the Naeba Dragondola right on the property, plus hiking and trekking trails nearby, it's the perfect base for actively enjoying the mountain in autumn.

    From your comfortable guest room, you can gaze out at the mountains of Naeba adorned with autumn leaves, and enjoy a satisfying dinner featuring local ingredients in the evening.

    Experience a resort getaway embraced by nature, with autumn foliage by day and a sky full of stars by night.

    Naeba Prince Hotel

    Address
    202 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6212, Japan
  7. Aichi Prefecture

    7 Chausuyama Highlands

    • Illuminated autumn foliage

      ▲From photoAC 「Illuminated autumn foliage」

    Chausuyama Highlands is a 1,415m plateau spanning Aichi and Nagano Prefectures.

    You can enjoy breathtaking scenery throughout the seasons — cherry blossoms in spring and fresh greenery in early summer — but its autumn foliage is what truly stands out.

    Mountains dyed in red and yellow, with silver grass swaying in the breeze, offer a soothing escape for every visitor.

    The autumn foliage typically begins in early October and reaches its peak in late October.

    Another advantage of Chausuyama Highlands is its long foliage season.
    During the season, the nighttime illumination of the autumn leaves creates a magical scene.

    Chausuyama Highlands

    Address
    70-185 Gosho-daira, Sakauba, Toyone-mura, Kitashitara-gun, Aichi 449-0405, Japan
    Business Hours
    Weekdays: 8:30A.M. – 5:00P.M.
    Saturdays and holidays: 8:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.
    ※Hours differ for individual facilities and activities within the highlands.
    Admission Fee
    Free
    ※A separate fee applies for facilities and activities within the highlands.
  8. Kyoto Prefecture

    8 Eikando (Zenrinji Temple)

    • Autumn foliage at Eikando

      ▲From photoAC 「Autumn foliage at Eikando」

    Eikando is so celebrated for its autumn foliage that it is known as "the Eikando of maples."

    Its beauty was even celebrated in verse in the Kokin Wakashu, a classical anthology of Japanese poetry.

    Eikando is the head temple of the Seizan Zenrinji school of Jodo Buddhism, said to have been founded by a disciple of Kobo Daishi as a training hall for the Shingon sect.

    Around 3,000 maple trees color the temple's gardens and grounds, and from the Tahoto Pagoda, the highest point on the grounds, you can take in a sweeping view of the city of Kyoto.

    At night, the grounds are illuminated for an atmospheric scene quite different from its daytime beauty.

    Eikando (Zenrinji Temple)

    Address
    48 Eikandocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 606-8445, Japan
    Business Hours
    9:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.
    ※Visiting hours differ during the "Autumn Temple Treasures Exhibition," held from early November to early December. Please check the "Notices" section of the official website for details.
    Admission Fee
    General: ¥600
    Elementary, junior high, and high school students: ¥400
    ※A discount is available for visitors with a disability certificate. Please present your certificate.
    ※Admission fees differ during the "Autumn Temple Treasures Exhibition," held from early November to early December. Please check the "Notices" section of the official website for details.
  9. Nara Prefecture

    9 Soni Highlands

    • Silver grass shimmering in the sunlight

      ▲From photoAC 「Silver grass shimmering in the sunlight」

    Soni Highlands, a vast 38-hectare plateau at 700m elevation at the foot of Mt. Kuroso and Mt. Kameyama in the center of the Kii Peninsula, is famed as a destination for silver grass.

    In autumn, the mountain slopes are blanketed in golden silver grass, and many visitors come to witness the scene, where the overwhelming scale of the landscape meets the delicate sway of the grass in the wind.

    The best time to visit is from early October to late November.

    After sunset, the "Soni Kogen Yama Akari" lights around 200 lanterns along a 900m stretch near Okame-ike Pond on the highlands, creating a magical scene.

    Soni Highlands

    Address
    Tarohji, Soni-mura, Uda-gun, Nara 633-1202, Japan
    Business Hours
    Always open
    Admission Fee
    Free
  10. Miyazaki Prefecture

    10 Takachiho

    • Manai Falls framed by autumn foliage

      ▲From PIXTA 「Manai Falls framed by autumn foliage」

    At Takachiho Gorge, vivid red and yellow autumn leaves create a striking contrast with the deep green ravine.

    The best time to visit is from November through December.

    Manai Falls, standing about 17m tall, is especially captivating as the water cascades between trees ablaze with autumn color.

    Don't miss the spectacular sight of the gorge's distinctive columnar-jointed cliffs set against the autumn foliage.

    As you stroll the walking trail, you can enjoy the ravine's beauty steeped in fall color, along with the powerful falls and the gentle murmur of the clear river.

    Takachiho

    Address
    Mukoyama, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki 882-1103, Japan
    Boat Rental Hours
    8:30A.M. – 5:00P.M. (last reception by 4:30P.M.)
    ※If wait times occur, the reception deadline may be moved earlier.

    Closed:
    ・During high water levels on the river
    ・During regular safety inspections (January, April, July, October — some days may be closed all day. Please note that inspection months require caution, as the exact schedule is announced once decided.)
    ・During emergency safety inspections
    Fee
    One boat (capacity 3 people): from ¥4,100
    ※Rates vary by day of the week; please check the fee calendar for details.
  11. Kochi Prefecture

    11 Niyodo River

    • Autumn foliage at Yasui Gorge

      ▲From photoAC 「Autumn foliage at Yasui Gorge」

    The Niyodo River, a Class A river flowing through western Kochi Prefecture, draws a steady stream of visitors from afar, captivated by its mysteriously clear blue water.

    The best time to visit is from mid-August, after the height of summer, through around January, when the water shows its most beautiful blue, known as "Niyodo Blue."

    In autumn, at Yasui Gorge and Nakatsu Gorge along the river, you can enjoy the contrast between the surrounding mountains changing color and the blue water.

    From around late October, the riverbed downstream bursts into bloom with 1.5 million cosmos flowers — a sight unique to autumn on the Niyodo River.

    Niyodo River

    Address
    Kochi Prefecture
    Business Hours
    Always open
    Admission Fee
    Free

Experience Japan's Autumn in Luxury Simply by Staying,
at Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen

  1. 1 An Autumn Evening on the Moon-Viewing Terrace Overlooking the Garden

    • The garden on a moonlit night

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「The garden on a moonlit night」

    • View from 'Hatsune,' a VIP suite in the new building

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「View from 'Hatsune,' a VIP suite in the new building」

    Autumn at "Sanyo-so."

    Here you can experience a quintessentially Japanese autumn — gazing at the moon rising in the night sky from your room, or listening closely to the chirping of insects.

    In May 2026, Sanyo-so restored its "Tsukimidai" (moon-viewing terrace) overlooking the garden, based on the atmosphere of the property when it first opened.

    A tsukimidai is a space built for admiring the moon, rooted in the moon-viewing culture that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times.

    A tranquil moment woven by the moon and the garden. An autumn evening spent gazing at the moonlit garden will make your memories of Sanyo-so all the deeper.

    ※Seasonal events are held on the moon-viewing terrace. The 2026 "Moon Terrace Lounge," a lounge event held to coincide with the harvest moon, has ended. Please check the official website for the latest information.

  2. H An Open-Air Bath with a Timeless Atmosphere

    • Open-air bath

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Open-air bath」

    • Large communal bath

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「Large communal bath」

    • In-room indoor bath

      ▲From the official website of Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen 「In-room indoor bath」

    The water at Izu-Nagaoka Onsen is a highly alkaline spring with a pH of 9.1.

    Colorless, odorless, and gentle, its silky-smooth texture leaves the skin feeling moisturized without irritation.

    Because it is so gentle on the skin, it's reassuring for pregnant women and small children as well.

    Said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and poor circulation, it's a hot spring popular with women for its beautifying effects on the skin.

    Izu-Nagaoka Onsen is said to have opened roughly 1,300 years ago, and it even appears in the historical chronicle Azuma Kagami.

    Soak slowly and let yourself be soothed while sensing that long history.

    Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen

    Address
    270 Mamanoue, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka 410-2204, Japan

Summary

For the Best Autumn Views, Choose Prince Hotels

We've introduced breathtaking autumn spots from Kanto to Kyushu, spanning all of Japan.

Autumn is a season full of activities that let you become one with nature — from viewing autumn leaves to walking through fields of silver grass and hiking through gorges.

The best time to view the autumn foliage typically peaks from mid-October to early November, though timing varies by location, so please check the latest information before your trip and enjoy your autumn journey.

And for the best autumn views, make Prince Hotels across Japan your travel companion.

The breathtaking scenery and relaxation found only at these hotels will make your autumn trip an even more memorable one.

  • [Kanto Area]
    Recommended Breathtaking Views and Autumn Foliage Spots
  • [Other Areas]
    Recommended Breathtaking Views and Autumn Foliage Spots
  • A Luxurious Autumn Stay
    Sanyo-so, Izu-Nagaoka Onsen
  • *The photo is for illustrative purposes only. The actual content may differ.
  • *The content may be subject to change.

The best views are at Prince.

Experience breathtaking scenery with all your senses.

Enjoy breathtaking rooms with significant views.
Unwind in hot springs beneath an incredibly close starry sky.

Savor dinners surrounded by enchanting night views.

Experience unique "spectacular nature" that makes your trip special.
Come and immerse yourself in unforgettable natural beauty.