Kanto in Fall: A Short but Sweet Love Affair.

Kanto in Fall: A Short but Sweet Love Affair.

Fall is upon us, people, and honestly, I am not okay. According to the news, autumn this year is going to be criminally short. Like, blink-and-it’s-gone short. How dare they? But even with this sad news, I can’t stay mad at autumn. This season is hands down my favorite here in Japan. From the crisp air that doesn’t melt your edges off like summer, to the cozy-but-not-too-cold breeze that lets you actually enjoy being outside without overthinking “do I need sunscreen or three layers of heat-tech?”, it’s perfection.

And let’s not even get started on the fashion. Autumn is the season where fashionistas truly rise. Trench coats, boots, oversized sweaters, scarves that double as blankets, you name it. Fall outfits and scenic views? That’s content creation heaven right there. The streets and mountains become your runway, and nature is your backdrop. Imagine strolling through golden ginkgo leaves with your outfit popping in contrast. Chef’s kiss.

So, because I am who I am (a lover of vibes, aesthetics, and doing God’s work by blessing y’all with travel tips), I did some digging and came up with a list of Kanto region gems worth visiting this fall. Some I’ve been to, others I’m definitely planning to check out soon. Either way, consider this your autumn survival guide.

Let’s go exploring.

🔆Nikko (Tochigi)

Nikko in autumn is basically a painting. The leaves turn all shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the views from the Akechidaira Ropeway? Unreal. It’s giving “desktop wallpaper goals.” Plus, Nikko has that mix of nature and history with its shrines and waterfalls, so you can get a little culture in while snapping your shots.

🔆Hakone (Kanagawa)

Hakone is one of those places that just never disappoints. Lake Ashi surrounded by mountains with autumn colors reflecting on the water? It’s like nature knows how to pose better than half of us. Pair that with a hot spring dip while watching the leaves fall, and you’ve basically unlocked autumn nirvana.

🔆Mount Takao & Okutama (Tokyo)

For my fellow day-trippers who don’t want to wander too far, these two are perfect. Mount Takao is super popular in autumn, and for good reason, the hiking trails are lined with fiery foliage. Okutama, on the other hand, feels like Tokyo’s hidden nature escape. The lake, the mountains, the leaves, it’s giving peace and quiet away from the city chaos.

🔆Showa Kinen Park (Tokyo)

This park is an autumn festival in itself. November is when it hosts the Yellow Autumn Leaves Festival, which is literally rows and rows of golden ginkgo trees. They also do illuminations at night, so if you’re the type who wants your content to sparkle, this is your spot.

🔆Meiji Jingu Gaien (Tokyo)

Tokyo girls (and boys), listen: if you haven’t walked down Meiji Jingu Gaien’s ginkgo avenue in autumn, are you even living? This road turns into a golden tunnel of leaves, it’s basically Tokyo’s version of Paris in the fall. And yes, everyone is there taking pics, so just embrace it and get your content.

🔆Fukuroda Falls (Ibaraki)

Now this one is dramatic. Fukuroda Falls is one of Japan’s “Three Great Waterfalls,” and when autumn hits, the whole place looks like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie. If waterfalls and leaves are your thing, this is the place to be.

🔆Ikaho (Gunma)

A hot spring town nestled in the mountains, do I even need to say more? The combination of cozy ryokans, warm baths, and crisp autumn air is unbeatable. This is for the soft life seekers.

🔆Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)

Yes, it’s famous for its wisteria in spring, but in autumn the park glows with fiery colors. If you’re into year-round beauty, Ashikaga never misses.

So, whether you’re a fashionista looking for your next content location, a nature lover chasing fall vibes, or just someone who wants to eat hot sweet potatoes under a golden canopy of leaves, Kanto has you covered.

Fall may be short this year, but that just means we’ve got to make every leaf count. Put on your favorite boots, grab your camera, and go let autumn romance you.