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Autumn Leaves · Chubu & Hokuriku

Kamikochi

Matsumoto / KamikochiMountain & highland🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct
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Overview

Overview

A scenic area at about 1,500 m, surrounded by the peaks of the Northern Alps. In autumn the larches along the Azusa River turn golden, and you can enjoy them with the snow-capped Hotaka mountains behind.

Address
Closed
Closed for winter from November 16, 2026 until the following spring (roads fully closed)
Time needed
Half a day to a full day
Official website
https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/
Peak Time

When to See the Leaves

Typical peakUsually mid- to late October (larches along the Azusa River)
September
October
November
December

Timing shifts with elevation, and mountain areas such as Karasawa color much earlier. Check the official Kamikochi website for the latest conditions

🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.

Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Highlights

From around mid-October the larches along the Azusa River turn yellow, and around Myojin Pond Erman’s birches and larches turn gold. Farther in at Tokusawa, katsura trees and white birches add color, followed finally by the larches.

📷 Best views
Kappa Bridge

The gateway to Kamikochi, looking out on the Azusa River and the Hotaka mountains

Myojin Pond

A pond surrounded by conifers. Erman’s birches and larches change color in October

Tokusawa

Yellow larches peak from around mid- to late October

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓In 2026 the private car restriction and bus service run until November 15. If you go late in the autumn leaves season, check your dates carefully
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Kamikochi Bus TerminalPrivate cars are not allowed at any time of year. Take a shuttle bus or taxi from Sawando or Hirayu
From major stations & airports
  • Matsumoto Station: Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line to Shin-Shimashima Station, then a local bus to Kamikochi Bus Terminal (About 30 min by train + about 1 hour by bus)
  • Takayama: Local bus to Hirayu, then a shuttle bus to Kamikochi (About 1 hour + about 25 min)
By car & parking
Private cars cannot enter Kamikochi. Park at Sawando or Hirayu (Akandana) and take the shuttle bus
Getting back
  • Return buses get crowded in the evening, so head back early
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
The bus terminal and the area around Kappa Bridge get crowded on autumn leaves weekends
Quieter times
Weekday mornings
Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures
October normals for Matsumoto: high 19.8°C, low 9.2°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Kamikochi is at about 1,500 m and much colder than Matsumoto
What to wear & bring
Mornings and evenings can be as cold as winter. Bring a down jacket, gloves and comfortable walking shoes
☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Photography & visitor rules

  • !Private cars are not allowed (year-round restriction)
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near KamikochiPR

PRSee more places to stay near Kamikochi on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Matsumoto / Kamikochi

August

Matsumoto Bonbon

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Matsumoto / Kamikochi

Usually the first Saturday of August

See all events →
Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves in Chubu & Hokuriku

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🍁 Typical peak: Early Oct – Late Oct

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Kurobe Gorge Railway

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🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Mid Nov

Avenue & old town🍁 Typical peak

Narai-juku

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🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Mid Nov

Castle🍁 Typical peak

Matsumoto Castle

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Matsumoto / Kamikochi

🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov

Garden

Kenrokuen Garden

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kanazawa

🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov

✦ Illumination
Gorge

Korankei Gorge

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Asuke, Toyota, Aichi

🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov

✦ Illumination
See all autumn leaves spots →

Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-05

PRKlookKamikochi & Taisho Pond Day Hiking Tour (from Nagoya)Guided bus tour from Nagoya Station with free time to walk Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, Kappa Bridge, Myojin Pond and moreView