Kanagawa Autumn Foliage 2026: Hakone, Tanzawa & Kamakura

Autumn Foliage in Kanagawa

Kanagawa Prefecture gathers some of the finest autumn foliage destinations in the Kanto region. Hakone's mountain resort, the grand natural landscapes of Tanzawa, the historically rich temples and shrines of Kamakura — each presents a completely different autumn color palette. From early October to late November each year, the colors progress sequentially from the mountain ridgelines down to the temples and shrines of the valleys, and the slow southward march of the foliage front through the prefecture is one of Kanagawa's autumn pleasures.

The beauty of the red, orange, and yellow gradients layering upon each other is impossible to fully describe in words. "Autumn foliage in Kanagawa?" — those who are slightly surprised by that may be the very people most astonished by its richness. The blazing mountain slopes viewed through the steam of a hot spring, the red leaves falling on the stone paths of ancient temples, the reflection of autumn colors in the clear mountain lakes — Kanagawa has all of this.

The typical season runs from early October (high elevation areas in Hakone) to late November (Kamakura lowland temple areas), with the most reliable peak of color occurring in mid-to-late November across most of the prefecture.

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Hakone

The mountain resort area of Hakone, with its multiple lakes, volcanic scenery, and celebrated hot springs, offers some of the most dramatic autumn foliage in Kanagawa against a backdrop of sweeping mountain and lake views.

Lake Ashi (Ashino-ko)

The sight of Mount Fuji rising above the autumn-colored forest, perfectly reflected in the still surface of Lake Ashi, is one of Japan's most iconic scenic compositions. The lake, formed in a volcanic caldera, is surrounded by maples and other deciduous trees that turn brilliant red and yellow in late October and November. The Hakone Sightseeing Boat (pirate ship) cruise on the lake in autumn is a memorable experience.

Best period: Late October to mid-November

Hakone Open Air Museum

The permanent outdoor sculpture collection of the Hakone Open Air Museum — spread across a hillside with Mount Fuji visible on clear days — becomes a natural gallery of autumn color when the surrounding trees turn. The combination of contemporary sculpture and autumn landscape is unique and photogenic.

Hakone Ropeway

The gondola ropeway running from Sounzan to Togendai crosses the volcanic landscape of Owakudani, offering sweeping aerial views of autumn color across the Hakone mountains with Mount Fuji in the background on clear days.

Access: From Odakyu Line "Odawara Station" or "Hakone-Yumoto Station," take the Hakone Tozan Line to Gora, then Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan, then Hakone Ropeway.

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Tanzawa Mountains

The Tanzawa mountain range in the west of Kanagawa Prefecture — designated as Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park — offers superb autumn hiking with vivid foliage. The mountains range from accessible peaks like Mount Oyama (1,252 m) to the more challenging Mount Tanzawa (1,567 m), with trails suited to various fitness levels.

Mount Oyama (Isehara City)

Famous for its historic Oyama Afuri Shrine and the approach path lined with stone lanterns and tofu restaurants, Mount Oyama is one of the most accessible mountain hikes from Tokyo and Kanagawa. The cable car to the mid-station area makes it easy to reach the autumn foliage zone without a difficult climb, and the view looking down over the Kanto plain and across to Tokyo Bay on clear days is exceptional.

Best period: Mid-October to early November

Access: From Odakyu Isehara Line "Isehara Station," take a bus to "Oyama Cable Car Shita" (about 25 minutes). Cable car to mid-station, then hike up.

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Kamakura

The ancient capital of Kamakura — filled with Zen Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and the famous Great Buddha (Kotoku-in Daibutsu) — is also a magnificent autumn foliage destination. The combination of historic architecture and autumn trees makes for particularly photogenic scenes.

Engakuji Temple

One of Kamakura's most important Zen temples, Engakuji is spectacularly beautiful in autumn. The ancient temple buildings framed by towering camphor trees and Japanese maples in full color create images of exceptional beauty. The temple's broad grounds include multiple sub-temples (tatchuu), each with their own gardens and autumn atmosphere.

Best period: Late November

Zuisenji Temple (Kamakura's Secret Garden)

Slightly off the beaten tourist path, Zuisenji Temple is a hidden gem of autumn beauty in Kamakura. The temple's "Musoukokushi Garden" — a classic Zen dry-landscape garden designed by the renowned monk Muso Soseki in 1327 — is at its most magical in autumn, surrounded by ancient trees turning brilliant red and gold.

Best period: Late November

Access: From JR Yokosuka Line "Kamakura Station," about 20 minutes on foot to Zuisenji (via Egara Tenman-gu Shrine).

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Travel Tips for Kanagawa Autumn Foliage

Best Overall Timing: Late October is best for Hakone's high-altitude areas; late November is best for Kamakura's temple gardens. Planning a two-weekend visit covering both offers the most comprehensive experience.

Crowds: Hakone and Kamakura are extremely popular during autumn foliage season and can be very crowded on weekends. Weekday visits are significantly more peaceful. The Odakyu Romance Car (limited express) from Shinjuku to Hakone/Odawara should be booked in advance.

Transportation Passes: The "Hakone Free Pass" (Odakyu issue) offers unlimited use of Hakone's ropeway, cable car, sightseeing boats, and buses — excellent value for a full day of autumn foliage sightseeing.

Hot Springs: Hakone's onsen are a perfect complement to autumn foliage viewing — soak in an outdoor rotenburo surrounded by colored maples for a quintessential Japanese autumn experience.