Each autumn, Lake Kawaguchi transforms into one of Japan’s most stunning fall destinations, with fiery maple leaves framing Mt. Fuji in breathtaking views.

At the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Momiji Matsuri (Autumn Leaves Festival), visitors can stroll through the famous Maple Corridor, enjoy magical evening light-ups, and sample local food from bustling stalls. In this article, Chen, our editor from Taiwan, joins travel writer Miyu Shimada to share the best sights and seasonal treats from this must-see festival.

About the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Fall Leaves Festival

The Fuji-Kawaguchiko Fall Leaves Festival takes place in Kawaguchiko from November 1 to 30, aligning perfectly with the peak foliage season. Around 400 to 500 “momiji,” or maple trees, line the shores of the lake, their brilliant red and yellow leaves reflected against the lake and Mt. Fuji.

The festival also features evening illuminations at the Maple Corridor, held daily from sunset until 9:30 PM.

The festival’s main venue is centered around the Kawaguchi Nashigawa area, featuring attractions like the Maple Corridor and Momiji Kaido (Maple Road). During the event, special autumn leaf light-ups create a magical atmosphere unique to this time of year.

Visitors can also enjoy local Yamanashi delicacies from certified food stalls and browse a craft market featuring a variety of original, handmade goods created by skilled craftspeople.

Below are the details for the 2025 festival. Updated information is released every autumn.

• Event Dates: November 1-30, 2025

• Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM (Light-ups end at 9:30 PM)

For more event details and updates, check the link below.

Fuji-Kawaguchiko Tourism Association Official Instagram

Getting to the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

The public transportation stop nearest to the festival venue is the Kubota Itchiku Museum bus stop on the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line).

From central Tokyo, you can reach the festival by car, train, sightseeing bus, and express bus.

By Car

From Shinjuku Station: Approx. 1 hr and 30 min.

From Chuo Expressway Kawaguchiko Interchange: Approx. 15 min.

Free parking available (spaces limited; paid parking also available).

By Express Bus

From Shinjuku Station / Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku): Approx. 2 hr.

Closest bus stops to venue are the Kawaguchiko Station and Kubota Itchiku Museum bus stops.

From Tokyo Station / Tokyo Yaesu Bus Terminal: Approx. 2 hrs to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, transfer to Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) and ride to Kubota Itchiku Museum bus stop.

By Train

If traveling by train, first ride to Fujikyu Railway Kawaguchiko Station, and from there, hop on the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) located in front of the station.

From Shinjuku Station

While local trains are an option, we recommend the Fuji Excursion Limited Express. This direct train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station takes as little as 1 hr and 53 min, operating three round trips per day. Please note that all seats are reserved, so we recommend booking in advance.

• JR Fujikyu Limited Express Fuji Excursion: Direct service from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko. (Fastest Travel Time: 1 hr 53 min)

• JR Limited Express Azusa or Kaiji + Fujikyu Railway: Ride from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station and transfer; from there, ride to Kawaguchiko Station. (Fastest Travel Time: Approx. 2 hr)

• JR Chuo Line + Fujikyu Railway: Ride from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station and transfer; from there, ride to Kawaguchiko Station. (Travel time: Approx 2 hr 45 min.)

JR Fujikyu LiFrom Tokyo Station

• JR Chuo Line + Fujikyu Railway: Ride from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station and transfer; from there, ride to Kawaguchiko Station. (Travel time: Approx. 2 hr 45 min.)

For this trip, we used the Fuji Excursion Limited Express. Designed for tourists, it offers a dedicated luggage space that holds even large suitcases. The train also provides free Wi-Fi, comfortable reclining seats, and wide windows for enjoying the view. However, note that autumns at Kawaguchiko are some of the busiest times of the year, so early reservations are essential.

Must-Do Activities at Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

1. Fall in Japan: Stunning Views of Fuji and Foliage

One highlight of the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is the stunning view of Mt. Fuji amongst the colorful autumn leaves, a truly breathtaking sight whether viewed from the main venue or along the lake. While clouds tend to obscure Mt. Fuji, the weather can change quickly, so don’t give up—keep an eye out, and you’ll be treated to the perfect view when the moment is just right!

Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy during our visit, and Mt. Fuji had not yet donned its snowy cap. However, during peak autumn season, you just may catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, beautifully capped with snow.

2. Enjoy Local Delicacies at Official Food Stalls

The main event features official food stalls certified by the health and fire departments. Over ten stalls offer a variety of options, including Yamanashi specialties, classic street foods, and traditional Japanese dishes.

One local Yamanashi favorite you’ll want to try is hoto, a hearty dish of wide, flat noodles simmered in a miso-based broth with pumpkin, mushrooms, and a variety of other vegetables. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness to the soup, resulting in a flavorful comfort dish that’s perfect for warming body and soul. And being packed with vegetables, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

This fun snack, known as the “Mt. Fuji Tornado Potato,” has become a staple at food stalls. A long, spiraled potato on a stick, it’s not just interesting in appearance—it’s incredibly tasty too! The potato’s natural flavor really shines through, offering something distinct from regular fries or chips. On clear days, you may even catch a great view of Mt. Fuji from the food stall!

When visiting the Mt. Fuji area, you’ll want to pay attention to local treats with “Fuji” in the name. One great example is Fujinomiya Yakisoba, a signature dish of Shizuoka, which, together with Yamanashi, works to preserve Mt. Fuji.

To be labeled as Fujinomiya Yakisoba, the dish must meet specific criteria, including using steamed noodles made in Fujinomiya, and incorporating “nikukasu,” a crispy pork lard residue. These noodles are firm and chewy in texture, with a rich flavor from the lard that sets it apart from your typical yakisoba.

(Fun fact: Mt. Fuji spans both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, with no clear border dividing the two.)

Tori motsuni is a traditional dish from Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Made with simmered chicken gizzard, liver, and hearts in a sweet and savory soy sauce, it’s a popular regional B-grade cuisine. The variety of chicken parts gives it an interesting mix of chewy, tender, and springy textures, making it an interesting dish. The rich flavor also pairs perfectly with drinks, making it a favorite for those indulging in a little sake with their meal.

3. Craft Market: Shopping for Unique Handmade Souvenirs

The craft market brings together artists from all over Japan, showcasing handmade works in a variety of categories. Each piece reflects the maker’s passion, creativity, and skill, making each piece the perfect choice for a souvenir.

Many of the items feature Mt. Fuji-inspired designs, adding a local Kawaguchiko touch.

Some artists return every year, while new exhibitors join the lineup to keep things fresh. A special part of the craft market is being able to interact directly with the creators, forming unique connections and learning the stories behind their creations.

Here is a potter who participates every year, selling their pieces exclusively at this market—no stores, no online shops, just direct sales. A few years ago during a personal trip, travel writer Miyu happened to fall in love with their one-of-a-kind designs and colors, buying a piece on the spot. Reuniting with the artist again was a wonderful reminder of how special and personal the craft market experience can be!

4. Unique Souvenirs from Fuji-Kawaguchiko

If you’re looking for a great souvenir, why not go for something you’ll only find here? For starters, check out these Mt. Fuji calendars, available at the main tent.

These large wall calendars feature stunning seasonal shots of Mt. Fuji, and are bestsellers every year. This year, they also introduced a desk calendar that doubles as postcards you send once the year ends, making it both practical and decorative.

One of our favorite finds at the craft market were these adorable hand-crocheted Mt. Fuji keychains, made with yarn. Their colorful, unique designs makes them a one-of-a-kind souvenir that’s so irresistible, even Chen couldn’t resist getting one for herself!

5. Special Light Displays You’ll Only See During the Festival

For about one month during the festival, both Maple Corridor and Maple Street are illuminated in stunning light displays, creating an enchanting, dreamlike atmosphere you won’t want to overlook! However, it does tend to get quite chilly at this time, so be sure to dress warmly.

Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor: A Stunning Sight You Won’t Want to Miss

The Maple Corridor of Kawaguchiko is one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s most famous spots for seeing the autumn leaves, with nearly 60 large maple trees lining both sides of the Nashigawa River, which flows into Kawaguchiko. In the summer, the trees form a lush green canopy, transforming into a stunning tunnel of red and orange in the fall.

Maple Corridor begins right next to the festival venue. The trees are planted right along the path, allowing visitors to admire them up close.

In 2024, the leaves began changing color later than usual. While most had just started to turn by early November, there were a few that had reached their full, vibrant hues.

Much More to See Beyond the Main Event!

Beyond the festival venue, the surrounding area is full of other incredible fall foliage spots. So take some time to explore around—you won’t be disappointed!

Oishi Park

Oishi Park, located along the shores of Kawaguchiko, is a fantastic spot for clear views of Mt. Fuji, thanks to its open space and sparse tree coverage. One of the area’s highlights is the kochia, which turns gorgeous shades earlier than the maples (usually mid to late October), creating a striking carpet of color against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji. In the summer, the park is adorned with colorful flowers, making it a beautiful photo spot in any season!

It takes about 25 minutes to walk from Oishi Park to the main festival venue, but the scenic stroll along the lake makes it totally worth it!

Oike Park

Oike Park is especially beautiful in the fall, when its poplar trees turn brilliant shades of yellow. It’s another fantastic viewpoint for capturing the full splendor of Mt. Fuji!

You can also see a great view of Kawaguchiko Bridge, along with of course, Kawaguchiko itself.

Autumn Leaves Tours Around Kawaguchiko

The area is packed with leisure activities on the lake, with these tours a seasonal highlight that’ll show you hidden spots and views you might not find on your own. It’s a great way to uncover the region’s own distinct charm!

Experience the Beauty of Fall at the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

The Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is one of the best ways to enjoy fall in Japan. You’ll take in stunning views of Mt. Fuji surrounded by colorful leaves during the day, and at night, experience the magical atmosphere of the fantastic foliage light-ups.

On top of that, you’ll find delicious local foods, unique souvenirs, and festival-exclusive treats, making it the perfect way to spend the day with family and friends! So if you’re looking for a way to get the full experience of Japan’s autumn season, this festival is not to be missed!

Via Live Japan

Camp Fuji

Yokota Air Base

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Camp Zama

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