Autumn is here, and it’s time to admire the maple leaves—take in all 12 of Nikko’s most dreamy red leaf spots in one go!

Lifestyle Center / Comprehensive Report

Taipei’s Autumn Travel Exhibition officially kicks off on the 28th, making it the perfect time to plan your autumn foliage tour. Located just north of Tokyo and just a few hours’ drive away, Nikko is renowned for its lush, vibrant forests and is the ideal place to visit while in Tokyo,Rakuten Travel Japanhas specially released the “Nikko 12 Dreamy Red Leaf Spots,” so you won’t have to worry about where to go for foliage viewing—these 12 spots are more than enough!

▲ Ryuzu Falls. (Photo / Reproduced fromRakuten Travel, the same applies below)

1. Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Chuzenji Shrine – Ryuzu Falls
The Ryuzu Falls, which flows into Lake Chuzenji, is approximately 210 meters long. Within the waterfall area, the stream is naturally split into two by rocks, resembling a dragon head descending from the sky, hence the name “Ryuzu Falls” (Dragon Head Falls). There is an observation deck right in front of the waterfall. As one of the earliest spots in Oku-Nikko to see autumn leaves, the two cool streams of water add a moving charm to Nikko's fall scenery, surrounded by reds and yellows.
Foliage viewing period: Early October – Mid-October

▲ Lake Chuzenji.

2. Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Chuzenji Shrine – Lake Chuzenji
Nestled at an elevation of 1,269 meters, Lake Chuzenji is Japan’s highest natural lake. Strolling along the lakeshore while gazing at the scenery of the Nikko Mountain Range and Mount Nantai, and admiring the red and yellow foliage, is an endless delight. It’s also highly recommended to take a cruise to enjoy the autumn leaves.
Foliage viewing period: Mid-October – Late October

▲ Kegon Falls.

3. Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Chuzenji Shrine – Kegon Falls
One of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, alongside Nachi Falls and Shiraito Falls. The waterfall dramatically plunges 97 meters down from a cliff into the basin below. Taking the elevator (for a fee) allows you to get an up-close view of the falls.
Foliage viewing period: Early October – Late October

▲ Nikko Irohazaka Winding Road.

4. Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Chuzenji Shrine – Nikko Irohazaka Winding Road
The world-famous Nikko attraction “Irohazaka Winding Road” is also selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Roads.” Due to elevation changes, the autumn leaves on the mountain surface display rich layers of color, and you can even trace the “front line” of the foliage based on color distinctions. The scenery here is naturally spectacular, and the panoramic view from Chuzenjikoike (Lake Chuzenji) at Meiji-daira is especially magnificent and grand.
Foliage viewing period: Mid-October – Late November

▲ Senjogahara Plateau.

5. Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Chuzenji Shrine – Senjogahara Plateau
Formed by the blockage of the Yu River due to the eruption of Mount Nantai, sand and soil accumulated to form this vast wetland area. From June to October, you can enjoy various alpine plants such as irises, making it the most suitable spot for hiking. Every year from late September to early October, grassy red leaves dye the entire wetland with beautiful colors.
Foliage viewing period: Mid-October – Late October (grassy red leaves: late September – early October)

▲Odasawa Plateau (Lake Odasawa)

6.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Odasawa Plateau (Lake Odasawa)
Located on the western side of Senjogahara Plateau. Surrounded by wetlands, Japanese larch trees, and other woodlands, this area bursts into color in spring and summer with blooming alpine plants such as thistles and Japanese irises. Lake Odasawa is a temporary lake formed after heavy rainfall, making it a dreamlike body of water that appears only once every few years.
Autumn foliage season: Early to mid-October (grass foliage: late September to early October)

▲Lake Yu

7.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Lake Yu
A mountain lake situated at an altitude of 1,478 meters. Its crystal-clear surface emits a mysterious allure. The lakeshore, which stretches about 3 km, has a walking path that can be completed in roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. It is also a popular spot for trout fishing.
Autumn foliage season: Early to mid-October

▲Yu Falls

8.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Yu Falls
Located on the southern side of Lake Yu, this waterfall stands approximately 70 meters tall and is known for its impressive width of up to 25 meters. Cascading down the rock face and fanning out in a spectacular sheet, it offers a breathtaking view. An observation deck along the staircase pathway provides an up-close perspective of the falls.
Autumn foliage season: Mid to late October (grass foliage: late September to early October)

▲Shinkyo Bridge

9.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Shinkyo Bridge
One of Japan’s Three Most Unusual Bridges, Shinkyo is an iconic symbol of Nikko tourism. This bright vermilion-colored arched bridge spans the Daiya River and takes on stunning hues of red during the autumn season.
Autumn foliage season: Early to late November

▲Kegon Falls

10.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Kegon Falls
One of the Three Famous Falls of Nikko. It earned its name from the way the water crashes against the rocks and sprays like mist. The falls are most magnificent in late October to early November, when they are enveloped in vibrant red foliage.
Autumn foliage season: Late October to early November

▲Ryugado Gorge

11.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Ryugado Gorge
Located midway between Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen, the “Nature Study Path” along the Kinugawa River is a roughly 6-km walking trail. The white rocks adorned with autumn leaves contrast beautifully with the river, creating an enchanting autumn scene. The nearby “Nijimi Falls,” just a 10-minute walk from Ryugado Station, is one of the gorge’s highlights.
Autumn foliage season: Late October to early November

▲Seta Gorge

12.hNikko City, Tochigi Prefecture – Seta Gorge
This valley extends along the route from Kawaji Onsen to Kawaguchi Dam. In some sections, sheer cliffs rise nearly several hundred meters high, forming a dramatic landscape. In autumn, the rugged gorge is painted in vivid colors, offering a truly impressive sight. The striking contrast between the wild, exposed rocks and the colorful foliage is not to be missed.
Autumn foliage season: Late October to early November