Fujikawaguchiko Town in Yamanashi Prefecture is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful lakes like Lake Kawaguchi and the popular amusement park, Fuji-Q Highland. In this charming town, where the iconic Mount Fuji is often in view, autumn offers a perfect time to witness the mountain framed by vibrant autumn foliage.
This time JapanRAR introduce the famous attraction in the vicinity of Lake Kawaguchi - "Maple Tunnel" (もみじトンネル). We'll share the best time to enjoy autumn foliage in 2023, the events held there, and how to get to the Maple Tunnel.
A Scenic Area with a Tunnel of Maple Trees
Throughout the year, Fujikawaguchiko Town in Yamanashi Prefecture welcomes numerous visitors. Located near Mount Fuji, it's a place for relaxation and rejuvenation, making it a favorite among Chinese tourists.
As autumn arrives, the surrounding areas transform into a brilliant display of red and gold foliage. While the autumn leaves themselves are beautiful, the charm of Fujikawaguchiko Town lies in the splendid view of Mount Fuji. To experience the true essence of "Japan," this town sees an even livelier crowd during the fall.
Maple Tunnel is one of the most popular autumn leaf viewing spots, characterized by a tunnel of maple trees that extends along both sides of the road.
In autumn, the leaves in the tunnel have turned a fiery red, a sight to behold. On sunny days, when sunlight filters through the foliage, the interior of the tunnel sparkles like a jewel.
Kawaguchiko Hotel & Homestay：Booking.com | Agoda.com | Hotels.com
What Are the Highlights of the Maple Tunnel?
Inside this tunnel, you'll find an expansive grove of maple trees that seem to arch over the road, and the colorful leaves scattered on the path behind are an added delight. With the entire tunnel bathed in the crimson hues of autumn, it's a breathtaking sight that can only be experienced in the fall.
The Maple Tunnel has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with its presence on social media contributing to its newfound fame as a "must-photograph" spot.
Around the Maple Tunnel, there are several other scenic areas. Approximately 150 meters from the lakeshore, one of the most popular autumn leaf viewing spots is the "Maple Corridor" (もみじ回廊), also known as the "Maple Leaf Promenade." This is a walking path lined with over 60 maple trees, their leaves displaying the vibrant colors of autumn. The trees with red, yellow, and orange leaves stretch for about 2 kilometers, creating a captivating scene.
Every evening after sunset (around 4:30 PM to 10 PM), they hold a maple leaf illumination event, allowing visitors to enjoy the festival even after dark.
Maple Corridor (もみじ回廊)
Maple Corridor (もみじ回廊) is the focal point of the annual Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival. During the autumn season, you can witness the maple tree tunnel that surrounds the lakeside road. This landscape undergoes seasonal changes, displaying the gradient of colors, vibrant red leaves, and a river surface tinged with the red of the maple leaves.
Around Lake Kawaguchi, approximately 400 to 500 maple trees change color each year. Along both banks of the Nashigawa River, which stretches for about 150 meters, there are around 60 maple trees.
There are also food stalls and local product shops in the vicinity, making it a delightful experience to enjoy the lively atmosphere while admiring the autumn foliage.
After sunset, the area is illuminated, creating a dreamlike setting. You can leisurely observe the scenery that transforms at night, capturing picturesque photos and leaving behind memories of your trip.
What is the Best Season, Time, and Way to Visit for Viewing the Spectacular Autumn Foliage?
Recommended Viewing Season: Early November to Mid-November
Fujikawaguchiko Town is also a summer retreat, and around early November, the autumn leaves begin to appear, reaching their peak from mid to late November.
Every year during the prime viewing period, the "Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival" is held. This is a popular local festival where you can enjoy autumn foliage in many restaurants and product shops.
The festival grounds are not far from the Maple Tunnel, making it an activity you'll definitely want to consider attending while in the area.
Best Viewing Time: Sunny Daytime to Dusk
The highlights of the Maple Tunnel are the vibrant red foliage and Mount Fuji. To experience the perfect combination of both, it's advisable to visit on a sunny day. Under a clear autumn sky, the scenery of the red leaves and Mount Fuji is particularly stunning.
Another great time to view them is during dusk. The maple tree tunnel, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, becomes even more vivid, and you'll witness scenes that are absolutely Instagram-worthy.
Recommended Transportation: Take a bus from JR Fujikyuko Line Kawaguchiko Station
To reach the Maple Tunnel, you can take the JR Fujikyuko Line to "Kawaguchiko" Station and then board a bus for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can alight at the "Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsu-kan" bus stop and walk about 20 minutes from there.
You can also reach it by car, exiting at Kawaguchiko IC from the Chuo Expressway, which takes about 20 minutes.
However, during the peak autumn leaf season when tourists flock to the area, parking can be challenging. Despite being a bit farther from the station, it's recommended to use public transportation and walk.
- Maple Tunnel (もみじトンネル) Information
- Address: Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan
- Access:
- [Public Transport] Take a bus for about 30 minutes from JR Fujikyuko Line Kawaguchiko Station, alighting at "Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsu-kan" bus stop, then walk for about 20 minutes.
- [Car] About 10 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway, and from Fujiyoshida IC on the East Fuji Five Lakes Road.
- Phone: 0555-28-5177
- Website: 富士河口湖町観光連盟
- Opening Hours: Maple Tunnel is accessible all day, while the Autumn Leaves Festival runs from October 28 to November 23.
- Best Viewing Season: Early November to Late November
- Hotel Booking: Booking.com | Agoda.com | Hotels.com
