Stunning autumn foliage at the foot of Mount Fuji:

Each fall, the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi offers leaf peepers something exciting to look forward to: a stunning display of seasonal color, highlighted by Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival. The scenery here is truly a visual masterpiece and spending time among the brilliant colors of autumn is an awe-inspiring experience. Being among the swirling leaves as they put on one last gorgeous show is an experience you won’t soon forget. In fact, before visiting Kawaguchiko for the first time in 2019, I had never experienced such beautiful foliage. Not surprisingly, visitors from all over the world flock to the shores of Lake Kawaguchi to enjoy the display of some 400 to 500 autumn trees. This year’s festival is the 26th and will be held from October 26 to November 20. Admission is free.

Leaf viewing spots

The festival is more than just fall foliage; it also features craft markets, food stalls and trucks, and stage performances including traditional drumming performances on Saturday and Sunday. Most sightseers briefly browse the market stalls, but spend most of their time admiring the foliage and taking photos in the vibrant reds red leaves (maple) and yellow That (Ginkgo) leaves.

On a clear day, Mount Fuji overlooks Lake Kawaguchi like a castle in the sky. Although the scenery is mesmerizing, you would be wise to continue exploring, either on your own or with the help of the festival brochure, which has a map with photo-worthy spots in the area. Places you shouldn’t miss include the Momiji Street and Momiji Street in the main festival area, as well as the Momiji Tunnel a little further away. You probably already know what to expect at the Autumn Leaves Tunnel—pictures of Mount Fuji’s red autumn leaves appear in many travel brochures and Instagram posts. This collaboration between vibrant autumn foliage and Japan’s tallest mountain also appeals to artists, who you’ll often see holding a sketchbook or easel wielding an array of vibrant acrylics to capture this beautiful scene.

If after touring the various venues you’re not quite sure you’ve found the final view, just follow the people carrying large camera lenses the size of telescopes. Remember: From late afternoon into the night, several of the festival’s venues will be illuminated, providing another way to marvel at the beauty of nature.

Creative and gastronomic fun at craft market and food stalls

Some of my all-time favorite market stalls can be found at the bustling Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Market. In this market focused on crafts and handmade goods, you’ll find a wide range of carefully crafted items, including local pottery, wooden musical instruments, glass kaleidoscopes, jewelry, sculptures, and handmade hats and clothing.

Food lovers will not be disappointed as the festival attracts a wide variety of food vendors. Food stalls are located around the market, offering fresh lemonade, yakiimo (roasted sweet potatoes), roasted chestnuts, pickles, pizza, and more. Along the Kawaguchiko shoreline (across the road from the market) there are a variety of cafes selling delicious desserts and lunches.

My favorite craftsman is an older gentleman who creates uniquely shaped, one-of-a-kind mugs. The lightweight drinkware is specially designed to make your morning tea or coffee a grounding experience. In addition to the cups, you will also find the most beautiful hand-painted plates, shaped like unrolled paper scrolls. The artworks come in a variety of sizes and are interspersed with vivid depictions of abstract birds, cats and other animals. My personal favorite is the smaller jewelry tray – I find myself smiling at the end of each day when I take off my earrings and see the colorful lovebirds winking at me.

This craftsman attends the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaf Festival Market every year as well as the Fujikawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival Market in the spring, but you’ll find that he’s always elusive.The rest of the year: He doesn’t have a permanent shop, choosing instead to work out of his shed studio.

Specialties of Lake Fujikawaguchi

In addition to the usual keychains and refrigerator magnets, many souvenir shops around Lake Kawaguchi sell a variety of Fuji-style items. These interesting products include Mount Fuji blue curryA blue curry that, when drizzled in just the right way, can make a pile of white rice look like Mount Fuji. This blue curry contains peach puree from “Momojo” in Yamanashi Prefecture. Fuefuki City. The puree is carefully cooked with chicken and coconut milk for over three hours to develop depth and umami flavour.

In addition to the Mount Fuji blue curry set, you can also find a variety of Mount Fuji-shaped biscuits, senbei, chocolate, and biscuits, any of which would make the perfect souvenir to take home to friends and family.

How to Get to the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Foliage Festival

Kawaguchiko Station is only 1 hour and 45 minutes away by bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal near Shinjuku Station (¥2,200 one way). Alternatively, take the limited express JR Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station in less than 2 hours (4,130 yen one way). The bus is probably the first choice, it’s slightly faster than the train and costs nearly half as much.

For those who drive, it’s both free There is paid parking near the market area, but spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early.

Local buses departing from Kawaguchiko Station can be a bit difficult to navigate, especially during rush hours. It’s also packed with travelers with suitcases, so try to arrive before mid-morning to avoid the worst crowds. To get to Momiji Kailou and other major venues, take the Red Line bus and get off at the Itchiku Kubota Museum bus stop in about 20 minutes.

On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the festival, a free shuttle runs between Oike Park and the parking lot near the market from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Shuttles depart hourly from Oike Park and the market parking lot. Half an hour every hour.

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