Mount Fuji: Peak Colors

A quick recap of the autumn color season so far, we started our autumn color reporting at the end of September with Schauwecker in Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido, and kept to the higher elevations for the first few reports. By now, the peak of the season is over in many places in the northern half of the Tohoku Region, while the southern half is at the peak. The colors have yet to reach the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but it should not be long before city dwellers can appreciate the changing season.

Today I went to the Fuji Five Lakes region, specifically to Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako to see how the autumn colors have developed. I arrived to find the colors at both lakes to be very attractive. I expect this weekend and next week to be the best time for viewing autumn colors.

I started my day bright and early at Momiji Tunnel, a small area with many maple trees. The leaves here were the least developed of all the ones I saw today, only around the 50 percent mark. I expect more green leaves to change colors over the next few days, and for the trees to reach their peak colors next week.

A ten minute drive from the Momiji Tunnel brought me the Momiji Corridor, a stretch of maple trees that flank a small canal, near the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. The exterior of the maple trees were blazing red, but the interior of the corridor were still mostly green. However, I thought the mix of colors made the momiji corridor very attractive, and enjoyed my visit a lot.

A stone's throw from the corridor are the cherry trees along the northern shore - a popular attraction in spring to see cherry blossoms. In the fall, the leaves of the cherry trees also turn copper-red and make for a nice autumn color addition to the maple leaves.

Until November 30, 2025, there is an autumn color festival near the Momiji Corridor. During the festival period, the trees are illuminated until 21:30. Handicraft shops and food vendors set up shop around the entrance of the corridor and along the main street.

Next, I headed over to Panorama Dai, an observation deck near Lake Yamanakako. The observation deck was renewed last year, and now offers visitors a comfortable place to see and appreciate the views. Pampas grass or susuki can be seen around Panorama Dai, and they were at their fluffy autumnal best when I visited. Note that there is limited parking at the observation deck and the road leading there may get congested on the weekends.

Finally, I made my way to Yuyake no Nagisa Park along the shore of Lake Yamanakako. The colors here were at their peak, and I felt like I had saved the best for the last. I recommend those planning a visit to go to the park sooner rather than later so as not to miss the peak of the season.

Until November 16, walking paths and trees in the park are illuminated from 16:30 to 20:30.