5 hikes near Tokyo to admire the autumn leaves
- Published on : 12/11/2025
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Todoroki Valley
Flick/ Toshihiro Gamo
Mountains, valleys and momiji in the Kanto region
If Tokyo is famous for its parks and gardens, which turn red when the koyo season arrives, the Japanese capital is not the only place in Kanto where you can admire the beauty of autumn. Mountains, valleys and even ravines: eastern Japan is brimming with natural landscapes where it's a pleasure to stroll at the end of the year!
1. Todoroki Valley
Located 20 minutes from central Tokyo, the todoroki Valley valley is popular in autumn for its seasonal scenery. With its lush greenery, riverside paths and stone bridges, the valley is the ideal place to come and admire the momiji without having to travel too far from the capital. Also home to a Buddhist temple, a teahouse and a bamboo grove, Todoroki Valley may not appeal to avid hikers, but is sure to delight the hearts of nature lovers.
INFORMATION
Address: 1Chome-22 Todoroki, Setagaya City, 158-0082 Tokyo
Route: a few minutes' walk from Todoroki station (Oimachi line)
Average walking time: 1.2 km (about 20 minutes)
Todoroki
@kuremo on Shutterstock
2. Mount Takao
Located less than an hour from Shinjuku, Mount Takao is perhaps one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area ! With its signposted , concrete paths (some even have toilets), funicular railway, chairlift and Buddhist temple, Takao-san is one of the capital's most popular hiking destinations, as much for its ease of access as for its sublime scenery. Tokyo, Yokohama and Mount Fuji on a clear day, this is a beautiful part of the Kanto region for the keen hiker.
Entrée du Jingoji (Takao)
@inkelv1122 on Flickr
INFORMATION
Address: Takaomachi, Hachiôji, 193-0844 Tokyo
Route: get off at Takao station (accessible by Takaotozan cable from Takaosanguchi station, Keio line)
Average walking time: 3.8 km (one and a half hours)
3. Mount Mitake
Further from Tokyo than Mount Takao (and a little steeper), this mountain in central Kanto offers a lovely walk for seasoned hikers. With its gorges and 5 km-long path, Mount Mitake is a must-see destination for walkers in the region. Particularly at the end of the year, as it offers a multitude of striking landscapes.
Mont Mitake
@JNTO
INFORMATION
Address: Mitakesan, Oume, 198-0175 Tokyo
Route: get off at Mitakesan station (accessible by Mitaketozancable from Takimoto station, 10-minute bus ride from Mitake station, Ome line)
Average walking time: 5 km (two hours)
Need a break? Discover our activities to make the most of nature
4. Otama paths
Linking the towns of Kori and Okutama to the north of Mount Mitake, the Otama paths form a pretty 8 km hike through the forests and mountains of Kanto. Divided into three trails of increasing difficulty, they allow you to discover some of the region's lesser-known spots: the suspension bridges and rivers of the Hatonosu valley, the Kazuma ravine, and the Hikawa gorge, whose clear water contrasts with the red of the maple trees that line it.
Otama
@JNTO
INFORMATION
Address: Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama, Tokyo 198-0212
Route: from Okutama station (Ome line)
Average walking time: 8.3 km (three hours)
5. Kameyama Lake
Located on the Chiba Peninsula , Lake Kameyama is usually popular with fishing enthusiasts and hot springs. In autumn, however, it's the maple trees that catch the eye. Surrounded by shimmering trees, the lake offers a lovely seasonal tableau. With its surrounding footpaths , it's a great place for hiking through the Chiba woods. Particularly in November, during the Kameyama Autumn Festival, you can explore the lake by boat, with a hot drink in hand.
INFORMATION
Address: 8 Kawamata kyukawamata, Kimitsu, Chiba 292-0524
Itinerary: get off at Kazusa-Kameyama station (Kururi line)
Average walking time: 3.5 km (one hour) to 10.4 km (three and a half hours)
Kameyama
@pipika_photo on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
