# Nikko autumn leaves: from Okunikko down to the shrines 2026

Nikko has one of the longest autumn seasons near Tokyo, because the leaves start high up and work their way down. The marshes and lakes of Okunikko turn first, around the end of September, then [Lake Chuzenji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%AD%E7%A6%85%E5%AF%BA%E6%B9%96%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A0), Kegon Falls and the Irohazaka hairpins in October, and finally the shrines and gardens in town in early to mid November. That long spread is good news, but the peak weekends also bring some of the worst traffic in Kanto. Here is when to go where, how to get up the mountain without spending the afternoon in a jam, and where to stay; our Nikko guide covers the shrines and the town in general. The list below is updated daily with autumn festivals, light-ups and other events in Nikko.

## How the colour moves down the mountain

Nikko spans more than 800 m of altitude, from about 600 m around the shrines to nearly 1,500 m at the hot spring village of [Yumoto](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%A5%A5%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E6%B9%AF%E5%85%83%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E6%B9%AF%E5%85%83), and the colour follows the cold downhill. It starts in late September with the grasses of [Odashirogahara](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%B0%E4%BB%A3%E5%8E%9F%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A0) and the high marshes. In early to mid October it is the turn of [Lake Yunoko](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B9%AF%E3%83%8E%E6%B9%96%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E6%B9%AF%E5%85%83), Yudaki and [Ryuzu Falls](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AB%9C%E9%A0%AD%E3%81%AE%E6%BB%9D%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A0), and in mid to late October the larches of [Senjogahara](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%88%A6%E5%A0%B4%E3%83%B6%E5%8E%9F%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A0) turn gold.

Around Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the Irohazaka road the usual peak runs from mid October into early November. On the Irohazaka the upper bends turn first and the lower ones later, so even when the lake is past its best the drive down can still be bright. In town, the World Heritage shrines and temples usually peak in the first half of November, and Kirifuri Falls, on the plateau just east of town, in late October to early November.

All of this shifts by a week or more from year to year, depending on how fast the nights get cold. The [Nikko City Tourism Association](https://www.nikko-kankou.org/flowering/autumn-leaves) updates the status of every area through the season, and it is the thing to check a few days before you go.

- If the status says the lake is past its peak, go to the shrines; if the shrines are still green, go up to the lake. From mid October to mid November one of the two is almost always worth it.

- → [Autumn leaves in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-leaves.md)
- → [Nikko day trip from Tokyo: Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Chuzenji](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nikko.md)
- → [Flowers, autumn leaves and seasons in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/nature.md)
- → [Events in Tochigi](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tochigi.md)

## Okunikko: Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

[Kegon Falls](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%8F%AF%E5%8E%B3%E3%81%AE%E6%BB%9D%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A02479-2) drops almost 100 m out of Lake Chuzenji, and in autumn the cliffs around it are lined with maples and birch. The free viewpoint at the top is a few minutes' walk from the Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal, and a paid elevator takes you down to a platform facing the falls. On the south shore, the old summer villa of the Italian embassy, now the [Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%A4%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AA%E3%82%A2%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%BF%E9%A4%A8%E5%88%A5%E8%8D%98%E8%A8%98%E5%BF%B5%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A02482), is open until the end of November, and its veranda looks across the water at the coloured slopes.

The view on most posters, Mount Nantai rising over the lake above slopes of red and orange, is from the [Hangetsuyama observation deck](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%8D%8A%E6%9C%88%E5%B1%B1%E5%B1%95%E6%9C%9B%E5%8F%B0%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A0) high above the south shore. It is on the Chuzenji Lake Skyline road; the bus up runs only in some seasons and some years, so it is mainly a trip by car or taxi.

- The Akechidaira ropeway near the top of the Irohazaka is closed for a full renewal until around September 2027, according to the [tourism association](https://visitnikko.jp/spots/akechidaira-ropeway/).

- → [Taking photos at Tokyo events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/photography.md)
- → [Sento, onsen and saunas in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/onsen-sento.md)
- → [Flowers, autumn leaves and seasons in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/nature.md)

## In town: the shrines, Shoyoen and Kirifuri

Down at about 600 m the colour comes last, usually in the first half of November. The best single spot is [Shoyoen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B1%B1%E8%BC%AA%E7%8E%8B%E5%AF%BA%20%E9%80%8D%E9%81%A5%E5%9C%92%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B1%B1%E5%86%852300), the small Edo-period stroll garden of Rinnoji, where maples hang over a pond; it usually peaks from late October to early November and is busiest from late morning. Around [Toshogu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E6%9D%B1%E7%85%A7%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B1%B1%E5%86%852301) and the [Shinkyo bridge](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%A5%9E%E6%A9%8B%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%8A%E9%89%A2%E7%9F%B3%E7%94%BA1112) the maples mix with tall dark cedars rather than covering whole hillsides, which is a different, quieter kind of autumn.

Light-ups change from year to year, so treat them as a bonus. In recent years Rinnoji has opened Shoyoen on some evenings around early November; Light Up Nikko has lit the outsides of Toshogu, Rinnoji, Futarasan Shrine and the Shinkyo bridge for a few nights in early November, with no entry to the halls at night; and Light Up Okunikko has lit Kegon Falls and lakeside spots on autumn evenings, with the falls usually lit around mid November. Dates are announced in October on the [tourism association site](https://www.nikko-kankou.org/).

East of town, [Kirifuri Falls](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%9C%A7%E9%99%8D%E3%83%8E%E6%BB%9D%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E6%89%80%E9%87%8E) peaks in late October to early November, has a free car park and is on a road that avoids the Irohazaka. To the north, the gorge of [Ryuokyo](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%BE%8D%E7%8E%8B%E5%B3%A1%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E8%97%A4%E5%8E%9F) and the river around Kinugawa Onsen colour in late October to mid November, a good half day if you are staying at Kinugawa.

- → [Nikko day trip from Tokyo: Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Chuzenji](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nikko.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [The best Japanese gardens in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/japanese-gardens.md)
- → [Events in Tochigi](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tochigi.md)

## Irohazaka traffic and how to avoid it

The Irohazaka is a pair of one-way roads with 48 hairpins between them, climbing about 440 m from the edge of town to Lake Chuzenji. On a normal day the climb takes about 20 minutes. On peak autumn weekends the tourism association warns it can take two to three hours, and on holiday weekends it has taken much longer. Town gets stuck too: the drive from the stations to the Shinkyo bridge, normally about five minutes, can take an hour and a half.

The worst stretch is mid October to early November, above all the weekends and the long weekend around Culture Day on November 3; in the peak weeks even weekdays are busy. Jams usually build from about 9 am and last into the afternoon, until about 5 pm on autumn weekends. If you drive, go up before 7 am on weekends and holidays; on weekdays, going up after 3 pm is usually smooth. When the wait passes three hours, the [tourism association](https://www.nikko-kankou.org/features/72) suggests a long detour via the Kirifuri plateau.

Without a car, take one of the first buses from Tobu-Nikko or JR Nikko station, see the falls and the lake in the morning and start back down by early afternoon. The buses use the same road and sit in the same jams, and in the afternoon the queue at the Chuzenji Onsen terminal for buses back to the station gets long; Tobu has been testing web-booked priority boarding there on busy days. Buy a digital pass before you go, so you skip the ticket queue at the station.

- On peak days, walk from the stations to the shrines. It takes 30 to 40 minutes and is often faster than the bus.
- The Akechidaira car park halfway up has been closed on the busiest holiday days to ease the jam, so do not plan around stopping there.

- → [Getting around Tokyo: trains, Suica and taxis](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/getting-around.md)
- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)
- → [Tokyo events on the 3-day weekend (Nov 21–23)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/long-weekend.md)

## Getting there from Tokyo

The Tobu line from [Asakusa](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%AD%A6%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AB%E3%82%A4%E3%83%84%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%20%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E8%8A%B1%E5%B7%9D%E6%88%B81-4-1) is the main route. Spacia X and Revaty limited expresses reach [Tobu-Nikko](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%AD%A6%20%E6%9D%B1%E6%AD%A6%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E9%A7%85%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E6%9D%BE%E5%8E%9F%E7%94%BA4-3) in about 1 hour 50 minutes, also stopping at Tokyo Skytree and Kita-Senju. Seats are reserved and go on sale a month ahead, and the morning trains on autumn weekends fill up, so book early. Some trains run to Kinugawa-Onsen instead, or split at Shimo-Imaichi, so check the destination of your car.

By JR, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to [Utsunomiya](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E5%AE%87%E9%83%BD%E5%AE%AE%E9%A7%85%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E5%AE%87%E9%83%BD%E5%AE%AE%E5%B8%82%E5%B7%9D%E5%90%91%E7%94%BA1-23) and change to the JR Nikko Line, a little under two hours in all with the change, and covered by the Japan Rail Pass. A JR and Tobu through limited express also runs from Shinjuku via Ikebukuro and Omiya. JR Nikko and Tobu-Nikko stations are a few minutes' walk apart, and the buses up to the lake call at both.

Tobu sells digital area passes through [NIKKO MaaS](https://www.tobu-maas.jp/lp/nikko-maas) that combine the round trip on the Tobu line from Asakusa with local travel: a two-day World Heritage pass for the town, and four-day passes for the Chuzenji and Kegon area and for Okunikko and Yumoto that also cover the mountain buses. The limited express seat is extra. Visitors from overseas can also use Tobu's [NIKKO PASS](https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/).

- → [Is the JR Pass worth it for a Tokyo trip?](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/jr-pass.md)
- → [Asakusa: temple fairs, festivals and old Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/asakusa.md)
- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)

## Where to stay

Where you sleep decides how much of the jam you see. On the lake you are already up the mountain before the day traffic arrives, and Kegon and the shore are quiet at 8 am. The lakeshore has the classic [Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%AD%E7%A6%85%E5%AF%BA%E9%87%91%E8%B0%B7%E3%83%9B%E3%83%86%E3%83%AB%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A02482) and [The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%B6%E3%83%BB%E3%83%AA%E3%83%83%E3%83%84%E3%83%BB%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%88%E3%83%B3%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%AE%AE%E7%A5%A02482), plus smaller inns around Chuzenji Onsen. Higher up, [Okunikko Yumoto Onsen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%A5%A5%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E6%B9%AF%E5%85%83%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E6%B9%AF%E5%85%83) is a small village of milky sulphur baths on Lake Yunoko, best for the earlier colour in late September and early October.

In town you are a short walk from the shrines at opening time and can stay out for the evening light-ups. The [Nikko Kanaya Hotel](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E9%87%91%E8%B0%B7%E3%83%9B%E3%83%86%E3%83%AB%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%8A%E9%89%A2%E7%9F%B3%E7%94%BA1300), near the Shinkyo bridge, is one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels, and there are ryokan and guesthouses between the stations and the shrines. [Kinugawa Onsen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AC%BC%E6%80%92%E5%B7%9D%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%20%E6%A0%83%E6%9C%A8%E7%9C%8C%E6%97%A5%E5%85%89%E5%B8%82%E9%AC%BC%E6%80%92%E5%B7%9D%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E5%A4%A7%E5%8E%9F) has the most rooms, big onsen hotels along the gorge and direct trains from Asakusa, but it is about half an hour by train from Nikko and further from the lake, so it suits a trip built around the town and the Kinugawa gorge rather than Okunikko.

- → [Sento, onsen and saunas in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/onsen-sento.md)
- → [Where to stay in Tokyo: the best areas and how to choose](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/where-to-stay.md)
- → [Hakone autumn leaves: when, where and how to beat the queues](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/hakone-autumn-leaves.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Special Nighttime Viewing: Shoyoen Garden Autumn Illumination (2026)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/special-nighttime-viewing-shoyoen-garden-autumn-illumination-2026)** — Fri, Oct 23, 2026 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden (Nikko) · price on the official site
- **[Nikko World Heritage Light-Up 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nikko-2026)** — Fri, Nov 6, 2026 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · World Heritage 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko' (Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Futarasan Shrine, Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple) (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Guided Tour 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-guided-tour-2026)** — Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Nikko Botanical Garden (Nikko) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage Along the Aizu Kinugawa Line (Yagan Railway)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-along-the-aizu-kinugawa-line-yagan)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Yagan Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[[Autumn Foliage Peak] Setoai Gorge](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-peak-setoai-gorge)** — Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Setoai Gorge (Nikko) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Furumine Shrine](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-furumine-shrine)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Furumine Shrine (Kanuma) · ¥500
- **[Best Time to View Autumn Leaves on the Nikko-Shiobara Momiji Panorama Road](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/best-time-to-view-autumn-leaves-on-the)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Nisshio Momiji Line (Nasushiobara) · price on the official site
- **[Autumn Foliage at Setoai Gorge](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-setoai-gorge)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Setoai Gorge (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at the Former Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-the-former-italian-embassy-villa)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park (Nikko) · ¥300
- **[Autumn Foliage at Kofunegahara Plateau](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-kofunegahara-plateau)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Furumigahara Plateau (Kanuma) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Leaves at Oashi Gorge](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-oashi-gorge)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Oashi Gorge (Kanuma) · Free entry
- **[Irohazaka (Nikko) Autumn Foliage](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/irohazaka-nikko-autumn-foliage)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Nikko (Irohazaka) (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage on the Nikko-Shiobara Maple Route](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-on-the-nikko-shiobara-maple-route)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Nisshio Momiji Line (Nasushiobara) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Lake Chuzenji, Nikko](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-lake-chuzenji-nikko)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Nikko (Lake Chuzenji Shore) (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Kegon Falls](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-kegon-falls)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Kegon Falls (Nikko) · ¥600
- **[Autumn Foliage at Kirifuri Falls, Nikko](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-kirifuri-falls-nikko)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Nikko Kirifuri Falls (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Kegon Falls Illuminations](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kegon-falls-illuminations)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Mon, Nov 23, 2026 (JST) · Kegon Falls Prefectural Free Viewing Platform (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Leaves at Yunishigawa Onsen (Heike Clan Village)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-leaves-at-yunishigawa-onsen-heike-clan-village)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Yunishigawa Onsen (Nikko) · ¥700
- **[Autumn Foliage at Ginzan-daira Campground (Ginzan-daira Park)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/camp-the)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Camp the Ginzan-daira (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at the World Heritage Shrines and Temples of Nikko](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-the-world-heritage-shrines-and)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Nikko World Heritage Shrines and Temples (Nikko Toshogu, Nikkozan Rinnoji, Nikko Futarasan Shrine) (Nikko) · ¥1,600
- **[Autumn Foliage at Kanmangafuchi Gorge](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-kanmangafuchi-gorge)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Kanmangafuchi (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Ryuokyo Gorge](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-ryuokyo-gorge)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Ryuokyo Gorge (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Kawaji Hot Springs](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-kawaji-hot-springs)** — Sun, Oct 11, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Kawaji Onsen (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at the Kinugawa Suspension Bridge](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-the-kinugawa-suspension-bridge)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Fri, Nov 20, 2026 (JST) · Kinutateiwa Great Suspension Bridge (Nikko) · Free entry
- **[Autumn Foliage at Nikko Botanical Garden](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/autumn-foliage-at-nikko-botanical-garden)** — Thu, Oct 1, 2026 – Sun, Nov 29, 2026 (JST) · Nikko Botanical Garden (Nikko) · ¥500
- **[Kinugawa River Boat Ride: Autumn Foliage](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kinugawa-river-boat-ride-autumn-foliage)** — Wed, Oct 21, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · Kinugawa River Boat Ride (Nikko) · ¥3,500

## Questions people ask

**When are the Nikko autumn leaves at their best?**
It depends on the altitude. Okunikko and Yumoto peak in early to mid October, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the Irohazaka from mid October to early November, and the shrines in town in the first half of November. Check the [current status](https://www.nikko-kankou.org/flowering/autumn-leaves) a few days before you go.

**Can I see the Nikko autumn leaves on a day trip from Tokyo?**
Yes, with an early train. Go up to the lake first, come down by early afternoon and finish at the shrines. On peak weekends a jam on the Irohazaka can eat half the day, so a weekday or a night at the lake is much more relaxed.

**Are there autumn light-ups in Nikko?**
Usually, but the dates change every year: evening openings of the Shoyoen garden at Rinnoji, Light Up Nikko at the World Heritage shrines in early November, and Light Up Okunikko around Kegon Falls. The [tourism association](https://www.nikko-kankou.org/) announces them in October.

**Nikko or Hakone for autumn leaves?**
Nikko turns earlier, with its peak up high in October, bigger mountain scenery and waterfalls. Hakone is closer to Tokyo and peaks later, through November into early December. For a trip in late November, Hakone is the safer choice.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nikko-autumn-leaves