Autumn is one of Japan’s most beautiful seasons as the landscapes transform into fiery crimson and orange hues.

Recently my family and I headed to Fuji Five Lakes, about a two-hour drive from Yokosuka City looking for the overwhelming fall foliage in its full glory.

Beautiful trees in seasonal colors line the lakes offering nice photo ops. It was cloudy during our visit, so Mt. Fuji wasn’t visible. We settled for the views of stunning leaves as we enjoyed a refreshing stroll around the lakes.

A must-visit attraction in the area is Nenba Village, on the west side of Saiko Lake, because it features traditional folk houses and (usually) a great view of Fuji. Inside the folk houses, visitors can check out art galleries, shop local crafts, or grab snacks like ice cream while enjoying a taste of old Japan.

In the evening, the Momiji Kairo, or Autumn Foliage Corridor, and its 400-500 maple trees are illuminated during the fall season through late November.

Although the illumination ends in late November, you can still enjoy autumn foliage in the area until early December, so don’t miss the chance to see the unique autumn view that the surrounding areas of Mt. Fuji have to offer!

Things to know:

The Fuji Five Lakes are in different areas surrounding the foot of Mt. Fuji. The two largest are Yamanakako and Kawaguchiko. The other three are Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko.

Read more about the area.

Fuji Five Lakes in autumn colors

Camp Fuji

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