Take a unique trip this year to see the maple leaves in Tateyama, Kurobe Gorge, Kamikochi, and Shirakawa-go

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Xiangsheng Travel

As autumn arrives, it’s time to go leaf-peeping Up！Tateyama in Japan is one of the earliest places to enjoy autumn foliage, with the best viewing season from September to November each year. Depending on when you visit, you can witness different stages of the fall colors—from the first hints of red among the greenery to mountains blanketed in crimson. In late autumn, fresh snow on the peaks contrasted with drifting red leaves at the foothills creates a picturesque scene like a lyrical melody, as nature’s canvas continually transforms into a poetic masterpiece.

Take the Kurobe Gorge Railway deep into the valley for an adventure

Known as the “sister railway” of Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway, the Kurobe Gorge Railway is a must-do for leaf-peeping travelers. The Kurobe Gorge was formed between the Northern Alps' Tateyama Mountain Range and the Hida Mountain Range, surrounding the Kurobe River. Stretching 86 kilometers with an elevation change of 3,000 meters, its deep V-shaped valley extends all the way to the Sea of Japan, making it Japan’s largest and deepest gorge. Due to its rugged terrain and the powerful flow of the Kurobe River, the gorge boasts a majestic atmosphere, but its challenging accessibility has also earned it a reputation as a “mountain of mystery” among the Japanese, shrouded in legend and listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Mysterious Places. The Kurobe Gorge Railway, originally built for hydropower development along the steep cliffs, unveils the stunning beauty of this alpine canyon, offering spectacular views and delightful surprises—making it a favorite among travelers.

The small train runs from Unazuki Onsen Station to the terminal “Kurobe Dam,” covering a total distance of 20.1 kilometers with 41 tunnels and 22 bridges. The scenery along the way transitions from towering mountains to deep river valleys. Each time the train passes through a tunnel, it feels like watching a short film—each frame more breathtaking and awe-inspiring than the last. It's like a painting, a short movie, and you’re the star of the story.

▲ Kurobe Gorge Railway

Explore Tateyama’s Natural Park with Various Modes of Transportation

To fully experience the “Japanese Alps”—the majestic natural landscapes and cultural wonders of Tateyama in Kurobe—you’ll need to take advantage of various transportation options, including electric cable cars, trolley buses, plateau buses, underground cable cars, and aerial lifts. Only then can you truly appreciate the most authentic and magnificent facets of Tateyama.

Climbing Tateyama isn’t just about hiking on foot—it also involves a variety of mountain transport modes. One moment you’re burrowing through the earth, the next you’re floating above it. Imagine yourself as Peter Pan or Harry Potter, with grand dams, lush green mountain vistas, and babbling streams all laid out before you. It’s a true test of your endurance. Join Xiangsheng Travel on this adventure.

▲ Okuhida Onsen Ropeway

Visit a Shirakawa-go Village to See Maple Leaves and Weave a Romantic Fairy Tale

Nestled among mountain peaks, the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village often welcomes autumn earlier than other places. Thanks to the wisdom of their ancestors, the villagers built their thatched-roof houses in the traditional gassho-zukuri style with thick wooden pillars, creating safe, warm in winter and cool in summer homes in this harsh climate. The rustic design resembles gingerbread houses from Western fairy tales, but for the Japanese, these structures symbolize the spirit of resisting nature—earning the village a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Shirakawa-go’s Ogimachi district preserves over a hundred gassho-style houses, creating an open-air museum. Especially from mid-October to early November, the village is at its most vibrant—golden rice fields, snow-dusted mountaintops, newly red autumn leaves at the foothills, and green trees blend into a serene autumn harvest landscape. Being there feels like stepping into a fairy tale or a romance.
, a sense of happiness, tranquility, and a heart full of peace.

▲ Shirakawa-go Village

The Home of the Gods—A Stroll Through the Kamikochi Wonderland

Located in western Nagano Prefecture at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, the Kamikochi basin boasts rich biodiversity, making it an exceptional natural habitat. Surrounded by the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mount Yake, and the Chouosen Mountain Range, Kamikochi features scenic spots like Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, and Myojin Pond, all complementing each other beautifully. Known as the “Japanese Alps,” it is considered by the Japanese to be the home of the gods, designated as a national cultural property, and beloved as a secret paradise even by the Japanese Emperor.

Kamikochi offers various ecological walking trails along the Azusa River. Among them, the 36.6-meter-long and 3.1-meter-wide wooden suspension bridge “Kappa Bridge” is the area’s landmark. Standing on Kappa Bridge, you can admire the towering green Hotaka Mountain Range and gaze at the distant smoke rising from Mount Yake to the south—making it the perfect spot for photos and Instagram moments.

▲ Kappa Bridge

How do you want to write this autumn’s fairy tale? Xiangsheng Travel offers the ‘Autumn Maple Leaf Dragon Route, Tateyama, Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, and Kurobe Gorge Railway with Onsen 5+1 Day’ tour, designed to help you create a unique story. The tour guarantees a ride on the Kurobe Gorge Railway to enjoy rare and breathtaking scenery. The itinerary enters via Toyama and exits via Nagoya, departing early and returning late to give you a fulfilling five days packed with experiences. You’ll savor exquisite local cuisine featuring Flying Cow beef specialties, with no backtracking or visits to duty-free shops—allowing you to fully relax and become one with the mountains and forests. This autumn’s final worthwhile leaf-peeping experience awaits your discovery.

More related information
▲ Autumn Maple Leaf Dragon Route – Tateyama, Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, Kurobe Gorge Railway & Onsen 5+1 Day Tour　https://goo.gl/yk5NHD
★ Departing October 23rd, this exclusive one-time tour is now open for booking and reservations.

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Xiangsheng Travel Agency (02) 2507-4688
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