Autumn, 2025｜At least once, you should visit! Complete Guide to Autumn Foliage Spots in Karuizawa Area: Best Time to Visit and Recommended Points of Interest
With the arrival of autumn, the Karuizawa area is enveloped in vivid autumn foliage, creating a beautiful, almost picturesque scene. The autumn foliage in Karuizawa is sure to captivate you once you visit. In this column, we will introduce in detail Karuizawa's attractive autumn foliage spots and how to enjoy them.
For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact each spot directly.
Table of Contents
The best time to see the autumn leaves in the Karuizawa area is
Karuizawa is known as a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons, especially during the fall foliage season. Karuizawa's high elevation allows the temperature to drop rapidly, which in turn causes the trees to change color all at once, resulting in a vibrant display of autumn foliage. The best time to view the autumn foliage in the Karuizawa area is usually from mid-October to early November.
However, the best time to view the autumn foliage may vary slightly depending on the climate of the year. It is recommended to check the local foliage information before visiting. Also, since there are many tourists during the fall foliage season, it is important to make reservations for lodging and make sightseeing plans early.
5 Popular Autumn Foliage Spots in Karuizawa Area
Here we will introduce five particularly recommended autumn foliage spots in Karuizawa. Please refer to them when planning your trip.
- Autumn leaves at Shiraito Falls
- Autumn leaves at Unba Pond
- Autumn leaves on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street
- Autumn leaves at Karuizawa Tagliassen
- Autumn leaves at the old Usui Pass gazebo
Autumn leaves at Shiraito Falls
As its name suggests, Shiraito Falls is a beautiful waterfall with water cascading down like a white thread, and is one of Karuizawa's most iconic autumn foliage spots. In autumn, when the surrounding trees change color, the contrast between the white of the waterfall and the autumn leaves creates a magnificent sight. Visitors can take a stroll around the waterfall and spend a relaxing moment with the autumn leaves and the sound of the waterfall. This place is especially recommended for nature lovers and those who want to refresh themselves in a quiet environment. It is also a good place to visit with your dog for a walk.
Shiraito Falls
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early Novemberbest time to see
Address: Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 20 minutes by car from the north exit of Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO25 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Autumn leaves at Unba Pond
Kumobaike Pond is one of Karuizawa's most popular autumn foliage viewing spots. It is also called "Swan Lake," and the sight of all the trees surrounding the pond changing color at once is breathtaking. The autumn leaves around the pond are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a beautiful, almost picturesque scene. A walking path is provided for visitors to enjoy the autumn colors as they circle the pond. There is no parking nearby, so please use public transportation.
Kumoba Pond
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early Novemberbest time to see
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
AccessASAMA KUZANBO38 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Autumn leaves on Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is an area where you can feel the history and culture of Karuizawa. Here, visitors can enjoy just strolling through the rows of long-established cafes, restaurants, and antique stores that have been here since the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Especially during the fall foliage season, the streets are dyed in beautiful autumn colors, enchanting visitors. The contrast between the historical buildings and the autumn leaves makes for a great photo opportunity, and a stroll with a camera is also recommended. Enjoy the autumn in Karuizawa as you stroll through the elegant streets.
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early November
Address Karuizawa, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano
Access 4 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO40 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Autumn leaves at Karuizawa Tagliassen
The Karuizawa Taliasen is a complex of art museums, restaurants, and activity facilities. In the fall, the expansive garden on the grounds is tinted with autumn leaves, creating a beautiful scene. This is a spot where families can enjoy themselves all day long, and is especially popular during the season of autumn leaves.
Karuizawa Taliesin
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early November
Address: 217 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 9 minutes from Karuizawa Station by car,ASAMA KUZANBO37 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
Autumn leaves at the old Usui Pass gazebo
Kyu-Usui Toge Miharashidai is located on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Asama, as well as the Southern Alps and Yatsugatake Mountains, and enjoy the brilliant autumn leaves in the clear autumn air. It is an ideal spot to stop by on a drive.
Old Usui Pass Gazebo
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early Novemberbest time to see
Address: Toge-cho, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 12 minutes by car from the north exit of Karuizawa Station,ASAMA KUZANBO47 minutes by car from
Google Maps Home Page
5 Popular Autumn Foliage Spots in Kita-Karuizawa Area
In Kita-Karuizawa, where Asama Kogen is located, the best time to view the autumn leaves is from mid-October to early November. Because of its higher elevation than Karuizawa, visitors can enjoy seeing the mountains and forests change color all at the same time.
- Autumn leaves at Onishidai-en
- Autumn leaves of Mt.
- Autumn Leaves in the Sky柁(da)ining (あさま空山望)
- Autumn leaves of Asama Great Falls and Uostome Falls
- Autumn leaves of Azuma-narrow
Autumn leaves at Onishidai-en
Onioshidashien is a spot where visitors can enjoy one of the most unique landscapes in Japan, a lava field formed by the eruption of Mount Asama. The Kannon-do (Goddess of Mercy) Hall in the park was built as a memorial service for the victims of the eruption, and visitors can feel the history of the area in the tranquil atmosphere. Especially during the fall foliage season, the black of the lava and the red and yellow of the autumn leaves create a beautiful contrast, offering a unique view that cannot be seen anywhere else. This is a perfect place for those who love history and nature, as well as for those who take their families and dogs for a stroll.
one of the six administrators of a Zen temple who substitutes for the chief priest
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early Novemberbest time to see
Address: 1053 Kamahara, Tsumakoi-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 30 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 20 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
Google Maps Home Page
Autumn leaves of Mt.
Koasama (小浅間山) offers a beautiful view where the entire mountain is tinged with the golden color of Japanese larch. This course is recommended for beginner climbers, who can reach the summit in about an hour from the Mine-no-chaya entrance, and can easily enjoy the majestic Mt. Asama and the surrounding autumn leaves from the summit. It is especially suitable for those who enjoy hiking, those who want to refresh themselves in nature, and families. This is a spot where you can enjoy the nature of Kita-Karuizawa in autumn while trekking and enjoying the spectacular scenery.
small Asama-yama (Mt. Asama)
Best time to see autumn leaves: mid-October to late October
Address [Mine-no-chaya entrance parking lot ] 2131-2 Nagakura, Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan
Access 30 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 20 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
Google Maps
Momiji in the Sky (あさま空山望)
Tenkuu(da)ining is a restaurant attached to the あさま空山望 villa resort. On the terrace with a spectacular view of Mt. Asama, you can enjoy barbecue, pizza, and pasta using local Shinshu and Gunma ingredients. Dining in the clear autumn air is especially special, and you can enjoy a luxurious moment with the mountains tinted with autumn leaves in the background. In addition, "classical concert events" are held during the fall foliage season, offering a special experience that combines beautiful scenery and music.
天空柁イニング
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early November
Address: 2032-2577 ASAMA KUZANBO, Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 40 min. drive from Karuizawa Station.
Google Maps Home Page
あさま空山望 presents Autumn Foliage Concert with Dogs
(1) Saturday, October 18, 2025 Evening performance
(2) Sunday, October 19, 2025 (Daytime performance)
*About 30 to 40 minutes of performance timeLocation: Terrace of the restaurant "Tenku Dining" in ASAMA KUZANBO
Capacity: 30 people each (*First-come-first-served basis)Instrumentation: Piano Trio
Performing artists: Momoko Arai (violin), Dai Sakakibara (piano/keyboards), Kohei Morita (double bass),
Benefit: "One" drink for each participating customer and his/her dog
Fee: Adults 1,500 yen (tax included) Children under elementary school age and dogs free *ASAMA KUZANBO guests freeReservation method: あさま空山望 official dedicated reservation page
Reservation start date: September 1, 2025 (Monday) 11:00 -Fees will be donated to CAHSA (Companion Animal Health Support Association), an animal welfare organization.
Autumn leaves of Asama Great Falls and Uostome Falls
Asama Great Falls and Fish Stop Falls are two beautiful waterfalls located in the rich natural area of Kita-Karuizawa. Especially during the season of autumn leaves, the surrounding trees change colors and the contrast between the waterfalls and the autumn leaves creates a spectacular view. Asama Great Falls is a powerful waterfall about 20 meters high, full of negative ions and recommended for those seeking the healing power of nature. Uostome Falls has a quiet atmosphere with a low drop and gentle flow. Both are perfect for those who enjoy hiking and nature walks.
Asama Otaki・Uodome Falls
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early November
Address: Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 38 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 4 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
Google Maps Home Page
Autumn leaves of Azuma-narrow
Agatsuma Gorge is a gorge located in Gunma Prefecture and is known as a nationally designated scenic spot. The beautiful scenery of the clear stream of the Agatsuma River and the autumn leaves attracts visitors especially during the autumn foliage season, which is from late October to early November, when you can enjoy the vivid autumn leaves up close while listening to the murmur of the river on the promenade through the gorge. This place is especially recommended for those who want to take the time to appreciate the beauty of nature and for those who enjoy taking pictures.
Azuma Gorge (Ichinoseki-shi, Iwate-ken)
Autumn foliage viewing season Mid-October to early Novemberbest time to see
Address: 873, Matsutani, Higashi-agatsumamachi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma
Access 1 hr. 3 min. drive from Karuizawa Station, 41 min. drive from ASAMA KUZANBO
Google Maps Home Page
Recommended Autumn Foliage Viewing Course in Karuizawa
Condensed popular spots! One-day Autumn Foliage Viewing Course
day trip Kumoba Pond → Old Karu Ginza area → Shiraito Waterfall → Restaurant 天空柁イニング → Onishidashi En → Usui Karuizawa IC
This is an efficient course to visit autumn foliage spots in Karuizawa area. Here is a recommended course to fully enjoy the autumn foliage in Karuizawa in one day. The route starts from Kumoba Pond, which is the most popular spot in Karuizawa, to stroll around Old Karu Ginza, Shiraito Falls, lunch at 天空柁イニング, and Onishidashien Garden before heading to the Usui Karuizawa IC. You can enjoy all the beauty of Karuizawa in autumn.
Enjoy autumn foliage resort for date or family trip! 2 days and 1 night driving course
Day 1 Karuizawa Tagliassen → Old Usui Pass Gazebo → Lunch at 天空柁イニング → Check-in → Sky Spa → Stay overnight at あさま空山望
2nd day あさま空山望→Asama Great Falls and Fish Stop Waterfall→Koasama trekking→Usui Karuizawa IC
We also recommend a relaxing 2-day/1-night tour of the Karuizawa area, visiting Karuizawa Tagliacen and the Old Usui Pass Gazebo, enjoy lunch at 天空柁イニング, and check in at あさま空山望. Relax at Tenku Spa and enjoy an overnight stay surrounded by nature.On day 2, stroll to Asama Great Falls and Uozome Waterfall, trek up Mt. Koasama to enjoy the autumn colors, and then exit at Usui Karuizawa IC to complete your trip. You will enjoy a luxurious autumn foliage resort experience, enjoying nature and food. This is the perfect date or family vacation.
Let's go to Karuizawa to enjoy autumn foliage viewing!
Karuizawa is an area that stands out especially for the beauty of its autumn foliage. The harmony of rich nature and historical spots attracts visitors. If you want to get away from your daily routine and experience the beautiful autumn leaves, why not plan a trip to Karuizawa this fall?
With so much to see and do, you can enjoy Karuizawa more deeply by planning a trip that includes one or two nights' lodging. If you are looking for a place to stay, please consider あさま空山望, a villa resort for rent. You can enjoy a quiet and relaxing time in a natural setting surrounded by autumn leaves, while enjoying a luxurious spa and dining experience. For more information and reservations, please click on the link below.
For the latest information on hours of operation, fees, and temporary closures, please contact the respective spots directly.
