Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed

河口湖(もみじ回廊)の紅葉 — Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi (Koshinetsu)

The Maple Corridor on Lake Kawaguchi's northern shore is the classic shot of Japanese autumn: a tunnel of huge crimson maples with snow-capped Mt. Fuji rising behind the lake. Leaves typically peak from early to late November, conveniently later than most mountain spots, and the Fuji Kawaguchiko Momiji Festival runs the whole month with nightly illumination from sunset to 9:30pm. Entry is free, and food stalls line the corridor during the festival. It is one of the most popular foliage destinations in Japan for international visitors.

Background

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, formed by ancient eruptions of Mt. Fuji and long a base for pilgrims climbing the sacred mountain. The area became a resort in the early 20th century, and in 2013 the lake was inscribed as part of the Fujisan World Heritage designation.

Getting there

From Shinjuku, take a direct highway bus (about 2 hours) or the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki and transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station. The Maple Corridor is on the northern shore near the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum — reach it on the Omni Bus (Red Line) sightseeing loop from the station.

Tips

• The festival draws serious crowds, especially on November weekends — arrive before 9am for a clear shot of the corridor, or come on a weekday.
• Admission is free, so budget your yen for the festival food stalls and the sightseeing loop bus instead.
• Mt. Fuji is most reliably visible in the early morning; clouds often build by midday, so shoot the lake-and-Fuji combination first and save the corridor for later.
• Combine with the Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park, two stops away on the Fujikyuko Line, for the other iconic Fuji autumn photo.