Nikko vs. Kamikochi for Autumn Late Oct

Hi everyone! 😊

I�fm traveling to Japan this October 2025 and would really appreciate some advice on where to spend more time for the best autumn foliage experience.

Here�fs my current itinerary for the Tokyo �� Nikko �� Kamikochi �� Matsumoto stretch:

📅 Rough Itinerary:
• Oct 17–20: Tokyo + day trips to Enoshima & Kamakura
• Oct 20: Travel to Nikko in the evening, stay overnight in central Nikko
• Oct 21: Take the first bus to Okunikko and explore Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, Senjogahara Marsh, Ryuzu Falls, and Yudaki �� Stay overnight in Yumoto Onsen
• Oct 22: Take bus back to Nikko town and explore there and later return to Tokyo from Yumoto, and at night take the overnight bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi
• Oct 23: Full day in Kamikochi, overnight at a mountain stay (need to find a stay there)
• Oct 24: Travel to Matsumoto, explore the city and stay overnight

🍁 I�fm now reconsidering whether I should drop Nikko altogether and instead add one more day in Kamikochi and Matsumoto — giving me extra time to hike and relax in the Alps region.

Could you help me decide:
1. Which has better peak foliage around Oct 20–24: Nikko/Okunikko or Kamikochi?
2. Is it worth the travel time to visit both? Or would I have a better experience by doing 2 nights in Kamikochi and skipping Nikko?
3. How are the hiking and scenery differences between the two?

Thank you so much in advance for your insights! 🌿🙏

Given the travel time involved, focusing on Kamikochi and Matsumoto might offer a more relaxed pace. Two nights in Kamikochi allows for sunrise views, light hiking, and some quiet time in nature, which can be hard to match.