A Short Trip to Tokyo’s Suburbs: Explore Popular Autumn Attractions by Train

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 
The highly anticipated Japanese maple leaf season, which attracts numerous visitors every year, is about to begin. Along the various lines of Tobu Railway, which extend from Tokyo to four suburban prefectures and cities, early to mid-November is the best period to admire the autumn foliage. Tobu Railway has also introduced the convenient and affordable “DISCOUNT PASS” for the Nikko and Kinugawa areas, allowing travelers to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Nikko and Kinugawa” region from central Tokyo in just two hours by train to enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves.

■Nikko and Kinugawa Area
Renowned both domestically and internationally for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and numerous shrines and temples, this area boasts countless famous historical structures. With its naturally colorful scenery that changes with the seasons, it offers great appeal for visits and leisure at any time. It takes only about two hours from central Tokyo to reach this famous attraction in Tochigi Prefecture.

Lake Chuzenji (Early to mid-October)
Located at the entrance to the Oku-Nikko area amid natural beauty, Lake Chuzenji sits at an elevation of 1,269 meters and is the most beautiful lake in Nikko National Park. When red, yellow, and orange leaves drift onto the lake surface, the resulting stunning view, along with the many exotic ambassadorial villas scattered along the lakeside, has gained international fame. Boating on the lake is available, and during the autumn foliage season, there is also a limited-time “Best Foliage Viewing Cruise.” Gazing at the vividly colored, layered autumn leaves from the lake is a delightful surprise. There are also hiking trails around the lake perfect for a stroll to enjoy the foliage.

Oze Plain (Late September to Early October)
Oze Plain and Odashiro Plain are among the few wetland areas in Oku-Nikko, Japan. They offer the rare opportunity to admire red grasslands and feature hiking trails that make foliage viewing convenient. It’s a relaxing hiking trail that can be completed in about two hours through the wetlands.

■ Nasu Area
Nasu Ropeway (Late September to Mid-October)
Tochigi Prefecture’s Nasu District is home to the Nasu Ropeway, which has the largest passenger capacity in the Kanto region—accommodating 111 people—and offers a feeling like walking in the sky. In about four minutes, you can reach the 9th station of Mount Chausu, the representative active volcano of the Kanto region’s Mount Nasu. From the ropeway, you can enjoy views of famous Kanto mountains such as Mount Tsukuba, as well as peaks in southern Fukushima Prefecture’s Shiroishi City and Mount Yamizo in the Tohoku region. Especially during the autumn foliage season, you can admire the magnificent view of the mountains covered in red.