FebruaryNagasaki Lantern Festival
Kyushu ・ Nagasaki
Usually around February, at the time of the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) (17 days from February 5 to 21 in 2027)
2027: Feb 5 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun), 17 days
Autumn Leaves · Kyushu
Unzen Nita Pass
Unzen, NagasakiMountain & highland🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Mid Nov
Overview
Overview
Above Unzen Onsen, Nita Pass at over 1,000 m is one of Kyushu’s finest spots for autumn leaves. Take the ropeway up Mt. Myoken and look down on slopes covered in autumn leaves.
- Address
- Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen, Nagasaki 854-0621
- Official website
- https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/guide/528
Area weather
NagasakiWeather and what to wear in Nagasaki →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late October to mid-November
September
October
November
December
The Unzen Ropeway gives early to mid-November as the usual peak. At a high elevation, it colors earlier than the lowlands
🍁 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 autumn foliage forest of Mt. Fugen is designated a National Natural Monument. From the Nita Pass Loop Road you can also enjoy views of the Ariake Sea and Tachibana Bay.
📷 Best views
Unzen Ropeway
About 3 min from Nita Pass to Mt. Myoken. Look down on the autumn foliage forest from the gondola
Second Observation Point
An observation point with a close view of Heisei Shinzan
Hours
Opening hours
Nita Pass Loop Road (November–March)8:00–17:00
8:00–18:00 from April to October
Unzen Ropeway (11/1–3/31)8:51–16:51 (last ascent)
Last descent 17:11. May be suspended in stormy weather
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Nita Pass Loop RoadFree
Visitors are asked to make an environmental conservation contribution (about ¥100)
Unzen Ropeway round tripAdults ¥1,500, children ¥750
One way: adults ¥830, children ¥420
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓To avoid traffic, skip weekends and holidays at the peak and go early on a weekday
Access
Getting there
- From major stations & airports
- Isahaya IC: Car to Unzen Onsen (About 1 hour)
- Unzen Onsen town: Car to Nita Pass (About 15 min)
- By car & parking
- Parking at Nita Pass. Cars must leave by 18:30 (no sleeping in cars)
- Getting back
- The loop road is open until 17:00 in winter (November–March)
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- On holidays at the peak the Nita Pass Loop Road gets congested, and in the past waits have reached up to 120 min
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Nagasaki: high 18.5°C, low 11.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Nita Pass is at about 1,000 m or more and much colder than Nagasaki City
- What to wear & bring
- The wind on the mountain is cold, so bring a down or windproof jacket and gloves
Rules
Photography & visitor rules
- !Pets may ride the ropeway only in a cage
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Unzen Nita PassPR
PR8.9雲仙福田屋
★★★★Check rates on Agoda690 reviews2.6 km from center
PR8.6雲仙温泉 東園
★★★★Check rates on Agoda294 reviews2.3 km from center
PR8.6雲仙温泉 青雲荘
★★★Check rates on Agoda260 reviews2.9 km from center
PR9.2雲仙宮崎旅館
★★★★★Check rates on Agoda177 reviews2.3 km from center
PR8.2湯快リゾート 雲仙温泉 雲仙東洋館
★★★Check rates on Agoda267 reviews2.3 km from center- PR9.5
雲仙九州ホテル
★★★★Check rates on Agoda101 reviews2.4 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Nagasaki
February
OctoberAttractions
Attractions in Nagasaki
AquariumNagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Kyushu ・ Nagasaki
An aquarium specializing in penguins, keeping 9 of the world's 18 penguin species. It's said to keep the most penguin species in the world and has one of Japan's largest penguin pools. Admission is an affordable ¥800 for adults, and it can be reached by bus from central Nagasaki.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Kyushu
Temple
Gorge
Gorge
Temple
Shrine
Gorge
Castle
Garden
CastlePeak 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