Being able to fit Mt. Fuji and autumn leaves into a single photo is what makes autumn at Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako special. At Lake Kawaguchiko, the Maple Corridor runs for about 150 meters, and at Lake Yamanakako, a corridor of autumn trees lines the lakeshore.
This guide covers the autumn foliage spots around both lakes, along with when the leaves peak, the 2026 autumn leaves festival dates, and how to avoid the crowds.
It is written for anyone who wants to photograph Mt. Fuji with autumn leaves, anyone deciding which lake and which spots to visit, and anyone hoping to avoid the busiest times. Use it as you plan an autumn trip.
When Do the Leaves Peak at Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako? 2026 Festival Dates
Peak foliage and light-up dates and times
Lake Yamanakako peaks from late October to early November; Lake Kawaguchiko peaks in November
Lake Yamanakako Yuyake no Nagisa Autumn Leaves Festival: October 30 (Fri) to November 15 (Sun), 2026, with light-ups from 16:30 to 20:30
Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival: November 7 (Sat) to November 29 (Sun), 2026, with light-ups from sunset to 21:00
Lake Yamanakako sits higher and changes color earlier, peaking from late October to early November. Lake Kawaguchiko comes into its own in November, and the Maple Corridor and the Momiji Tunnel stay colorful into mid-November. If you are choosing between them, late October favors Lake Yamanakako and mid-November favors Lake Kawaguchiko.
The two festivals overlap for part of their run, so visiting in early November lets you see both. Festival dates and light-up times can change, so check each tourism association’s official information before you go.
7 Autumn Leaves Spots at Lake Kawaguchiko: Mt. Fuji and Fall Colors in One Frame
Most of the autumn color at Lake Kawaguchiko is on the north shore. Mt. Fuji is visible across the lake from there, so if you want photos that combine the leaves and the mountain, base your route on the north shore.
Maple Corridor: The Main Festival Venue, Lit Up at Night
The Maple Corridor (Momiji Kairo) follows the Nashi River on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, with maple trees along about 150 meters. It is the main venue of the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, when food stalls and a craft market set up along the path.
After sunset the trees are lit up, which gives the corridor a very different look from the bright red of the daytime. If you are taking the sightseeing bus, the nearest stop is Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.
| Name | Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor (Momiji Kairo) |
|---|---|
| Address | Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Peak season | Usually early to mid-November |
| Light-up | Sunset to 21:00 during the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (November 7 to November 29, 2026) |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Use a nearby parking lot |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum stop on the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus |
| Contact | Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division, 0555-72-3168 |
Momiji Tunnel: Autumn Leaves, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Mt. Fuji Together
Along Prefectural Road 21 on the north shore, maple trees form a canopy over the road, which is why the stretch is called the Momiji Tunnel. You can look through the leaves to Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji, which makes it a popular spot for photos.
The road is narrow, and both visitors and cars increase during the season. Do not park on the roadside; use a nearby lot and walk.
| Address | Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Peak season | Usually early to mid-November |
| Parking | 10 cars |
| Access | About a 20-minute walk from the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center stop on the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus |
| Contact | Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division, 0555-72-3168 |
Oishi Park: Kochia in October, Maples and Mt. Fuji in November
Oishi Park on the north shore looks across the lake to Mt. Fuji. From mid- to late October, the kochia bushes turn red, creating a striking contrast of red kochia, blue lake, and Mt. Fuji.
The maples change color in November, so you will see a different kind of autumn scenery whether you visit in October or November.
| Address | 2525-11 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times (free entry) |
| Parking | About 100 cars |
| Access | Right at the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center (Oishi Park) stop on the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus |
| On-site facility | Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center (9:00–17:15, October to March), 0555-76-8230 |
| Contact | Fujikawaguchiko Town Urban Development Division, 0555-72-1976 |
Around Rusugaiwa: Mt. Fuji and Autumn Leaves Without the Crowds
The area around Rusugaiwa, near the Momiji Tunnel, is a lesser-known spot where you can frame maples leaning far over the road together with Mt. Fuji.
It is less crowded than the main festival venue, which suits anyone who wants to take photos at a relaxed pace.
| Name | Rusugaiwa Beach (one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches) |
|---|---|
| Address | Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko) |
| Access | About a 15-minute walk from the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center bus stop |
| Contact | Fujikawaguchiko Town Agriculture and Forestry Division, 0555-72-1115 |
The Large Ginkgo in Front of Komaya: Yellow Leaves, Blue Lake, and Mt. Fuji
A large ginkgo tree by the lake turns bright yellow here. It feels quite different from the red maples, so stopping by when you want some variety in your photos adds a different kind of shot to the same day.
| Location | In front of Komaya (a guesthouse and soba restaurant) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2988 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Phone | 0555-76-7606 (Komaya) |
| Note | Komaya is private property. Please view the tree from the road without entering the grounds. |
Around Nagasaki Park: Autumn Leaves and Mt. Fuji with an Open View
There are fine maple trees around Nagasaki Park on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, and some stretches along the road have nothing blocking the view. It is easy to add to a route that takes in several north shore spots.
| Name | Nagasaki Park |
|---|---|
| Location | On the lake side of the first tunnel when heading from the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art area toward Oku-Kawaguchiko |
| Address | Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Access | Get off at the Sunnyde-mae / Nagasaki Park Entrance stop on the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus |
| Contact | Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division, 0555-72-3168 |
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine: Forest Foliage Away from the Lake
A short way inland from the north shore, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine offers forest foliage that feels very different from the lakeshore. The Tenku no Torii (the gate overlooking Mt. Fuji) and Haha no Shirataki Falls are nearby, so you can enjoy Mt. Fuji, the shrine, and a waterfall together with the leaves.
If the crowds by the lake become tiring, it is worth going a little farther for some quiet autumn color.
| Address | 1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00〜16:00 |
| Parking | 60 cars |
| Access | About a 25-minute walk from the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum stop on the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus |
| Phone | 0555-76-7186 |
7 Autumn Leaves Spots at Lake Yamanakako: Earlier Color from Late October
Lake Yamanakako sits at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and its leaves change earlier than at the other Fuji Five Lakes. Visit from late October to early November to see the lakeside foliage together with Mt. Fuji.
Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park: The Festival Venue, from Sunset into the Evening
Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park is the main venue of the Yuyake no Nagisa Autumn Leaves Festival. As you walk along the corridor of trees by the lake, the view changes from sunset to the evening light-up.
In 2026, the light-up runs every day from 16:30 to 20:30. The area around the venue gets crowded, so check the information on temporary parking before you go.
| Peak season | Late October to early November |
|---|---|
| Address | Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (south shore of Lake Yamanakako) |
| Walking | Open all day |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from the Yamanakako Asahigaoka stop on the Fujikko-go loop bus |
| Light-up | 16:30–20:30 (October 30 to November 15, 2026) |
| Contact | Yamanakako Tourism Association, 0555-62-3100 |
Nagaike Shinsui Park: Mt. Fuji Straight Ahead, with Autumn Leaves and Reflections
Nagaike Shinsui Park on the north shore of Lake Yamanakako is a free spot with Mt. Fuji directly in front of you. On calm days, the mountain may be reflected on the water, so you can photograph it together with the autumn leaves.
| Name | Yamanakako Shinsui Park (Nagaike Shinsui Park) |
|---|---|
| Address | Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Parking | About 80 cars |
| Access | Get off at the Nagaike Shinsui Koen-mae stop on the Fujikko-go loop bus |
| Contact | Yamanakako Village Tourism Division, 0555-62-9977 |
Parking, how long to stay, and other things to know before you go are covered in the article below.
Yamanakako Panorama Point: Golden Grass and Whole Hillsides of Color
From Yamanakako Panorama Point, partway up Mt. Myojin, you look down on Lake Yamanakako and Mt. Fuji. From mid-October to mid-November, golden pampas grass and the changing colors of the hills combine into a wide autumn landscape.
| Name | Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Point |
|---|---|
| Address | Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Peak season | Mid-October to mid-November (pampas grass and hillside foliage) |
| Parking | 7 cars (walking from the Mikuni Pass parking lot or the Kirara community plaza parking lot is recommended) |
| Contact | Yamanakako Tourism Association, 0555-62-3100 |
Yamanakako Literary Forest Park: Quiet Walks Among the Leaves
With a walking path through natural woodland past monuments to writers, Yamanakako Literary Forest Park is a calm, lesser-known spot. In contrast to the lively festival venues, you can walk here quietly while taking in the autumn color.
| Address | 506-296 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free (50 cars) |
| Access | Get off at the Bungaku no Mori Koen-mae stop on the Fujikko-go loop bus |
| Facilities in the park | Mishima Yukio Literary Museum, 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays and Tuesdays |
| Contact | Yamanakako Tourism Association, 0555-62-3100 |
Yamanaka Suwa Shrine: A Satellite Light-Up Venue During the Festival
At Yamanaka Suwa Shrine, the shrine grounds and the autumn leaves come together in one view. In past years, the shrine has served as a satellite venue during the festival, with a light-up that feels different from Asahigaoka. Check the Yamanakako Tourism Association’s latest information to confirm whether it is held and at what times.
| Address | 13 Yamanaka, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0555-62-3952 |
Mt. Ishiwari: Autumn Leaves on a Hike
If you would like to stay active while seeing the leaves, Mt. Ishiwari is a good choice. The colors change at a slightly different time from the lakeshore, and you can see whole slopes turn red and gold.
| Name | Mt. Ishiwari and Ishiwari Shrine |
|---|---|
| Address | 1979 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture (Ishiwari Shrine) |
| Parking | About 30 cars in front of the torii gate at the Mt. Ishiwari trail entrance |
| Time needed | About 65 minutes from the parking lot by the torii gate to the summit |
| Access | Get off at the Hirano or Ishiwariyama Hiking Course Iriguchi stop on the Fujikko-go loop bus |
| Contact | Yamanakako Tourism Association, 0555-62-3100 |
Ishiwari no Yu: Warm Up in an Open-Air Cypress Bath
After a day on your feet, stop at Ishiwari no Yu, a day-use hot spring in the same Hirano area as Mt. Ishiwari. The building is made of Yamanashi-grown cypress and chestnut, and you can soak in the open-air cypress bath while looking out at the trees in the garden. It gets cold from late afternoon, so warming up here before heading to your accommodation makes a chilly day much more comfortable.
| Name | Yamanakako Onsen Ishiwari no Yu |
|---|---|
| Address | 1450 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Hours | 11:00–19:00 (last admission 18:15) |
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Admission | Adults 900 yen, junior high and high school students 700 yen, elementary school students 350 yen |
| Parking | Free (150 cars) |
| Phone | 0555-20-3355 |
Tips for Avoiding the Crowds
Getting around in foliage season
For photos of Mt. Fuji, go out in the morning, when the air tends to be clearer
Lines for parking build up easily on weekend afternoons
Check the sightseeing bus for Lake Kawaguchiko and the temporary parking information for Lake Yamanakako in advance
During the festivals, and especially on weekends, traffic builds up around the venues as cars wait for parking. The sightseeing bus goes to the Maple Corridor at Lake Kawaguchiko, so leaving your car at your accommodation or by the station and taking the bus saves you from the traffic.
For photos of Mt. Fuji with the autumn leaves, the morning is best, when the air tends to be clearer. The light-ups start in the late afternoon, so photographing in the morning and seeing the light-ups in the evening lets you enjoy both in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which lake’s leaves change color first, Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanakako?
Lake Yamanakako, which sits higher, changes first and usually peaks from late October to early November. Lake Kawaguchiko comes into its own in November, and the Maple Corridor and the Momiji Tunnel stay colorful into mid-November.
- When are the 2026 autumn leaves festivals?
The Yuyake no Nagisa Autumn Leaves Festival at Lake Yamanakako is scheduled from October 30 (Fri) to November 15 (Sun), 2026, and the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival from November 7 (Sat) to November 29 (Sun), 2026. Dates may change, so check each tourism association’s official information.
- How late do the light-ups run?
At Lake Yamanakako the light-up runs from 16:30 to 20:30, and at the Maple Corridor at Lake Kawaguchiko from sunset until about 21:00. It gets cold at night, so dress warmly.
- Can I see the autumn leaves without a car?
Sightseeing buses run from Kawaguchiko Station, and the nearest stop for the Maple Corridor is Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Lake Yamanakako can also be reached by local bus, but a car is more convenient if you plan to visit several spots.
Summary
The autumn colors start at Lake Yamanakako in late October and move to Lake Kawaguchiko in November. Between the light-ups along the Maple Corridor and the lakeside corridor at Lake Yamanakako and the views that pair Mt. Fuji with the leaves, there is plenty to enjoy that you can only see in autumn.
You can see the leaves on a day trip, but if you want to photograph Mt. Fuji and the leaves in the clear morning air, stay near the lakes. At accommodation with a hot spring, you can warm up after a cold day and enjoy both the evening and morning views.
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