Autumn Leaves · Chubu & Hokuriku

Narai-juku

Narai, Shiojiri, NaganoAvenue & old town🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Mid Nov
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Overview

Overview

A post town right at the midpoint of the Nakasendo, once so lively it was called “Narai of a thousand houses.” In autumn the surrounding mountains change color, creating autumn leaves scenery typical of the Kiso Road.

Peak Time

When to See the Leaves

Typical peakUsually mid-October to mid-November
September
October
November
December

Varies with each year’s temperatures

🍁 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

The townscape, about 1 km long and retaining the look of the Edo period, is a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The appeal is the view of colored mountains beyond the old rows of houses.

📷 Best views
Post town streetscape

About 1 km of traditional houses, with mountains of autumn leaves behind

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Early in the morning there are fewer people, making it easier to photograph the streetscape
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Narai Station (JR Chuo Main Line)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
Daytime on autumn leaves weekends
Quieter times
Weekday mornings
Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures
November normals for Nagiso: high 13.7°C, low 3.2°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
What to wear & bring
Mornings and evenings are quite cold, so bring a coat and gloves
Rules

Photography & visitor rules

  • !People live in this town, so do not enter private property or doorways
Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves in Chubu & Hokuriku

Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak

Shiga Kogen Highlands

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shiga Kogen, Nagano

🍁 Typical peak: Early Oct – Late Oct

Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak

Kamikochi

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Matsumoto / Kamikochi

🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct

Gorge🍁 Typical peak

Kurobe Gorge Railway

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Unazuki, Toyama

🍁 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

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