10 Day Trips Near Tokyo to Enjoy This Autumn

Autumn is finally here in Tokyo and the rest of Japan! The air feels cooler, the soft leaves are starting to change, and everything just looks softer and cozier and more vibrant with warm foliage surrounding the entire country. It’s one of the best times to escape the city for a while and see a different side of Japan. If you like to venture into trips filled with historical towns  and lakeside views, here are ten day trips from Tokyo that are perfect for this season that you should not miss out on.

1. Kawagoe (Saitama)

Often called “Little Edo”, Kawagoe gives that nostalgic Kyoto-like vibe without traveling too far from Tokyo. The old kura buildings and the famous Toki no Kane bell tower make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

There’s also a Starbucks designed in a traditional Japanese style which blends perfectly with the old streets, and it’s honestly worth visiting just for the edo atmosphere. Stroll along Candy Alley, try the sweet potato snacks Kawagoe is known for, and explore the charming side streets. Also, there is a tourist bus that goes around the whole area which you can ride without limit if you purchase their 1 day pass.

2. Okutama (Tokyo)

Okutama is where you can really feel nature while still technically being in Tokyo. The mountains, rivers, and forests are stunning in autumn.
One of the most beautiful spots is the floating bridge at Lake Okutama, a series of plastic pontoons you can walk across while surrounded by calm water and fiery leaves. There’s also a dam nearby, and you can try freshly grilled salted fish by the riverside, which tastes even better after a long walk. Don’t forget the gorgeous gorges scattered around the small town not too far from central Tokyo. If you are interested in learning more, check out this article we have, tackling everything you need to include in your bucket list beforehand.

3. Hakone (Kanagawa)

Hakone is always a classic and as a matter of fact, an ideal destination for newlyweds and honeymooners, especially when the leaves start to turn. Beyond the famous Open-Air Museum, you can ride the Hakone Ropeway for an incredible view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji (if you’re lucky with the weather).
The pirate-style boat that crosses the lake looks like something straight out of a storybook. You can also get the Hakone Freepass — a two-day ticket that covers trains, buses, cable cars, and the ferry, making it super convenient for exploring.

4. Kamakura & Enoshima (Kanagawa)

Kamakura is known for its temples, hiking trails, and of course, the Great Buddha. It’s one of those places where you can see both history and the sea in one day.
Nearby Enoshima Island is another must-visit. The lighthouse, called the Sea Candle, lights up beautifully at night, and from the viewing deck you can see the coastline and even Tokyo in the distance on a clear day. Kamakura has one of the most visually appealing places if you are into traditional Japanese architecture. You can also find tons of souvenir items from magnets to keychains with colorful carvings of Kamakura on them in so many small shops lined up by the tiny streets of Kamakura.

5. Odawara (Kanagawa)

Odawara is a quiet coastal city that often gets overshadowed by its neighbor, Hakone, but it’s actually one of the most peaceful day trips you can take from Tokyo. The city’s highlight is Odawara Castle, surrounded by spacious gardens that glow with shades of gold and red in autumn. The castle itself is beautifully reconstructed and sits on a hill where you can get panoramic views of the town and the ocean.

Unlike the busier resort towns, Odawara keeps its charm simple and calm. You can walk along the castle moat, visit the small museum inside, or just enjoy the sound of the breeze through the trees. The coastal area is also perfect for a quick seafood stop as there are local restaurants near the station that serve incredibly fresh sashimi and tempura. Before heading home, you can check out the Odawara Fish Market Den, a lively local market where you can taste regional specialties and pick up souvenirs. It’s the kind of destination that feels unhurried, making it a relaxing choice for anyone needing a quiet autumn escape.

6. Fujisawa (Kanagawa)

Fujisawa is often paired with Enoshima since it’s the nearest station to the island. The area has a relaxing seaside atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back day.
Walk along the beach, visit small cafés, or just enjoy the salty breeze. The sunsets here are especially beautiful during autumn when the sky turns soft orange and pink.

7. Nikkō (Tochigi)

If you love fall colors, Nikkō is a dream come true. The shrines and temples here are beautifully ornate, and the surrounding nature is breathtaking.
It gets pretty cold, so make sure to bring a warm jacket. The mix of mountains, waterfalls, and golden trees makes it worth the longer trip.

The highlight of a fall trip to Nikkō is the drive or bus ride up to Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Falls to see some of the best autumn foliage in Japan. The journey itself is part of the experience, with winding roads lined by trees glowing in fall colors. Once you reach the top, you’ll find one of the most impressive waterfalls in Japan which is around a 97-meter drop surrounded by fiery foliage.

Beyond the natural beauty, Nikkō has a deep sense of history and spirituality. You can walk through cedar-lined paths that have existed for centuries, taste local specialties like yuba (tofu skin), and end your day with a relaxing soak in an onsen near the lake.

8. Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi)

Lake Kawaguchi offers one of the most famous autumn views in Japan — Mount Fuji standing tall behind a curtain of red and orange leaves. The Momiji Corridor, a path lined with maple trees, becomes especially beautiful in November when the trees are illuminated at night during the annual Momiji Festival.

You can take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for a bird’s-eye view of the lake or rent a bicycle to circle the area at your own pace. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Chureito Pagoda, where you can capture the iconic scene of Fuji framed by autumn leaves and the five-tiered pagoda which is easily one of Japan’s most photographed spots.

If you’re in the mood for something different, the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park nearby offers a fun adrenaline rush with record-breaking roller coasters. Kawaguchiko is also known for its cozy cafés and ryokan-style inns, where you can relax with a cup of coffee or soak in an outdoor onsen overlooking the mountain.

9. Atami (Shizuoka)

Located along the Izu Peninsula, Atami is a seaside onsen town that feels like a mini escape to another world. The town’s gentle sea breeze, palm trees, and yacht harbor give it a slightly Mediterranean feel. It’s famous for hot springs, ocean views, and a slower, nostalgic pace.

You can start your visit at Atami Castle, which sits on a hill overlooking the bay. The castle grounds and nearby gardens offer great spots for photos, especially as the leaves start changing color. A short walk away, the MOA Museum of Art features modern architecture and scenic ocean views, with a beautiful garden that turns vibrant in autumn.

Atami’s main charm, however, lies in its peaceful, coastal, and comforting atmosphere. You can walk along the Sun Beach boardwalk, visit the Kinomiya Shrine (home to a massive 2,000-year-old tree), and end your trip with a soak in an onsen while listening to the waves. It’s a perfect one-day retreat to unwind and recharge.

10. Karuizawa (Nagano)

Only about 70 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Karuizawa is definitely one of Japan’s most beloved resort towns. This town is vastly surrounded by forested mountains. and the air here feels crisp and clean which is a truly refreshing change from Tokyo’s day to day bustle.

Karuizawa combines nature and sophistication. You can enjoy cycling or walking through the old Ginza shopping street, full of cafés, bakeries, and local craft shops. The town also has a large outlet mall, perfect for shopping against the backdrop of autumn foliage. Many people who visit fall in love with its elegant, European-inspired charm. It’s true that Karuizawa is on the pricier side with hotels costing over 30,000-50,000 yen per night during a busy holiday, but the peaceful atmosphere, mountain scenery, and little luxuries make it a rewarding escape, especially when the leaves begin to fall.

Don’t Miss Out on These Awesome Autumn Destinations

Each of these places shows a different side of Japan in autumn, showcasing the magical and nostalgic streets of Kawagoe to the lakes and mountains of Okutama and Karuizawa. Whether you’re looking for hot springs, scenic views, or quiet walks surrounded by leaves, all of these can be done in a single day from Tokyo.

So before the season ends, grab your camera, your jacket, and maybe some snacks for the train because these are the best autumn escapes waiting just outside the city.

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