Nikkō National Park transforms each autumn into a masterpiece of red maples, golden ginkgo and copper beeches framing its historic shrines and waterfalls. The foliage around Kegon Falls — a 97-metre waterfall feeding Lake Chuzenji — is particularly dramatic, with colour peaking in mid-October at higher elevations and moving down through late November. The 35-kilometre cedar-lined avenue of Nikko Sugi Namiki, designated a national natural monument, turns russet and golden in the low autumn light. The combination of UNESCO World Heritage sites and spectacular natural colour makes this one of Kanto's most rewarding day trips or overnight stays.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid-October to mid-November
- Region
- Kanto
- Prefecture
- Tochigi
- City
- Nikkō
Highlights
- ◆Peak autumn colour around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls from mid-October
- ◆Historic cedar avenues turning golden along the approach roads
- ◆Combined sightseeing with UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples
- ◆Ryokan accommodation with kaiseki dining available in Nikko town
- ◆Easily reached by Tobu Nikko Line limited express from Asakusa, Tokyo