Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

NovemberFuji Five Lakes2026: Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun)
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Overview

Overview

A popular annual autumn event centered on the Momiji Corridor on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, where about 400–500 maple trees along the lake frame views of Mt. Fuji. Various events are held at and around nearby facilities during the festival, and at night the Momiji Corridor is beautifully illuminated. Admission is free.

Highlights

Highlights

The main highlight is the tunnel of red and yellow maples spreading their branches over the Momiji Corridor, with Mt. Fuji rising behind on clear days. At night, the illumination lights the trees all the way down to the water's edge, creating a dreamlike atmosphere quite different from the daytime.

Times

Times

Momiji Corridor illuminationSunset – 21:00

Per the 2026 announcement by the Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Federation. The English-language tourism website lists "sunset – 22:00"; as sources differ, follow the information on the day

Festival site (shops and events)9:00–19:00

As listed on the English-language tourism website (en.kawaguchiko.net)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The festival site and roads get very crowded on weekends, so visiting on a weekday or early in the morning is recommended (as the tourism association also advises)
  • ✓Mt. Fuji is often clearest in the morning when the air is crisp. For photos of Mt. Fuji with the autumn leaves, morning is your best bet
  • ✓From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus (Red Line) to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum stop, right by the corridor. A 1-day or 2-day sightseeing bus pass makes it easy to visit other lakeside spots such as Oishi Park
  • ✓If you're staying for the illumination, check the last sightseeing bus and the train and highway bus times from Kawaguchiko Station in advance
  • ✓It gets cold quickly after sunset, so bring near-midwinter gear such as gloves and a scarf
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Itchiku Kubota Art Museum bus stop (Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus, Red Line)About 1 min on footNearest bus stop to the Momiji Corridor
  • Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line)About 20 min by sightseeing busStarting point for lakeside sightseeing. Sightseeing buses depart from in front of the station
From major stations
  • Shinjuku Station: JR Limited Express Fuji Excursion direct to Kawaguchiko Station (all seats reserved), or transfer to the Fujikyu Line at Otsuki Station (About 2 hours)
  • Busta Shinjuku: Chuo Highway Bus (bound for Kawaguchiko / Mt. Fuji 5th Station) to Kawaguchiko Station (From about 1 hr 45 min (depending on traffic))
  • Kawaguchiko Station: Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus (Red Line) to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum stop (About 20 min)
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as Suica can be used on the Fujikyu Line. The sightseeing buses also accept digital passes and cash
Getting back
  • On weekend evenings, lakeside roads get congested and sightseeing buses often run late. Choose return limited express or highway bus times with plenty of margin
  • Highway buses to Tokyo can arrive much later than scheduled due to congestion on the Chuo Expressway, especially on weekend evenings
  • Taxis wait in front of Kawaguchiko Station, but they're hard to find near the festival site after the illumination ends
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekends and holidays in early to mid-November when the leaves peak (especially from daytime to around the start of the illumination in the evening)
Quieter times
Weekday mornings. The later part of the illumination is also relatively calm
Time needed
30 minutes to 1 hour to stroll the Momiji Corridor. 2–3 hours including the illumination, nearby museums, and a lakeside walk
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
The JMA normal low for Lake Kawaguchi in November is around 2°C. During the illumination hours it can drop to about 0–5°C, and some days in late November approach freezing
What to wear
A winter coat or down jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a knit hat. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for the temperature difference between day and night
Rain, snow & typhoons
No cancellation criteria have been published. Events and the illumination may change in bad weather, so check the information on the day
Where to check for cancellations
Fujikawaguchiko Tourism Federation (https://fujisan.ne.jp/ , 0555-28-5177), Fujikawaguchiko Town Office Tourism Division (0555-72-3168)
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Take your trash home or use the designated bins at the festival site
  • !Do not break maple branches or climb trees. Don't block the path when taking photos
  • !When using a tripod in the crowded corridor, be careful not to inconvenience others. Do not fly drones without permission
  • !Do not smoke while walking; smoke only in designated areas
  • !Do not enter nearby private property or residential land
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Toilets are available around the festival site and near the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. They get crowded on weekends
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available at Kawaguchiko Station. It's best to leave suitcases at the station or your accommodation before boarding the sightseeing bus (bringing them onto a crowded bus is a real hassle)
Paying at food stalls
Some shops and stalls are cash only, so bring cash
ATMs
There are few ATMs near the festival site. Withdraw cash beforehand at convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) around Kawaguchiko Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The Momiji Corridor is a relatively flat path, but weekend crowds make getting around with a wheelchair or stroller slow
Food

Food

Local favorites
Hoto (Yamanashi's local dish of flat noodles stewed in miso)Yoshida udon (firm, chewy local udon)Koshu wine and grape juiceGrilled snacks and sweets from the stalls
Vegetarian & halal
Stalls rarely show vegetarian or halal labels. Hoto is vegetable-based, but the broth often contains animal ingredients, so check with the restaurant
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

On weekends in early to mid-November when the leaves peak, accommodation around Lake Kawaguchi gets busy, and rooms with Mt. Fuji views fill up especially fast. Book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves FestivalPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Last checked: 2026-09-30