Ropeways, Trains, and Autumn Displays: Ways to Explore Japan’s Autumn Scenery

A new season is on the horizon, with the hustle and bustle starting to calm down as school starts up again, and the hot & humid air finally starting to cool off (hopefully). But while the thermostat may be slowly creeping out of the red, there will certainly be no shortage of the color covering the rest of the country. Just like how winter has snowy landscapes and spring has the streets lined with sakura, autumn brings with it long stretches of red & orange foliage for viewing – and what better way to do so up close than on a train? Or even better, seeing miles of it at once via a ropeway! This article will cover a short collection of some of the best journeys that will take you through Japan’s autumnal scenery in style.

Sagano Scenic Railway, Kyoto

Running between Torokko Saga Station in Kyoto City and Torokko Kameoka Station in Kameoka, the Sagano Scenic Railway, also commonly known as the Sagano Romantic Train, is a route that takes its passengers along the Hozu River and Hozugawa Valley. As the old diesel freight train makes its journey through the luscious landscapes and tunnels of trees, it will become clear how this route earned its nickname.

In the autumn months, the rows of red & yellow trees form a kind of tunnel, with the sunlight helping the colours stand out even more. Those who ride the train later in the afternoon may also have the privilege of witnessing the sunset through the Hozugawa Valley, and see how the sunset colours can create a much more vivid scene. At nighttime, it’s possible to see the autumn scenery in a whole new light – literally. The track has lighting set-ups at several points along the way, which allow the autumn colours to shine through even in the darkness, making for a seasonal experience that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. These illuminations are offered in the latter half of October. For those who aren’t content with just looking, the train has the “Rich” car – a windowless open-air carriage that grants riders a full sensory experience, which will make you truly feel like a part of your surroundings.

The entire trip between the terminal stations is 7km, and takes approximately 25 minutes.

Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/

Kurobe Gorge Railway, Toyama Prefecture

One of the highlights of Toyama Prefecture is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, which connects numerous natural landmarks, including the Kurobe Gorge Railway. The line stretches between Unazuki and Nekomata Station (in the past, the Railway has included stops at Kanetsuri & Keyakidaira, though these are currently not in operation due to the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake). It carries its passengers over the Kurobe and Kuronagi Rivers over a series of bridges via the Torokko Electric Train. The main carriages are windowless with 4-person bench seating, though for those who do not desire the 4D experience, select services do offer a First Class carriage with windows to shield from the elements (denoted with an R on the timetable). For the best autumn views, it is recommended that visitors ride the train between October 20th and November 10th.

The round trip between Unazuki and Nekomata takes approximately 2 hours, which includes a break in the middle.

Website: https://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/

For those who wish to explore beyond Kurobe, the city is connected to Tateyama Town via the Alpine Route. While most famous for its snow wall during the springtime, this wintery landscape is replaced in autumn with long expanses of autumn foliage. Most of the Alpine Route uses buses and cable cars, with several hikable areas along the way, but special mention goes to the Tateyama Ropeway between Kurobedaira and Daikanbo – the only one in all of Japan that has no supporting pylons, granting travellers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Kurobe Lake, and the stunning nature that surrounds it.

Website: https://www.alpen-route.com/en/

Hakone Ropeway, Kanagawa Prefecture

Many travellers who come to Japan want to know the best way to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji – with this trip, you get the best of both worlds! Connecting Togendai Station to Sounzai Station, the main draw of this route is the vast views of Owakudani, considered to be the most famous tourist spot in Hakone, with many different views along the way.

Your first sight is Lake Ashi, right next to Togendai Station. As the journey begins, you’ll get an extensive panorama of the lake and its surroundings. Between the second and third stops of Ubako & Owakudani Stations, you will have your chance to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji! The snowy peaks, contrasting with the fading greenery, will make for a true autumn picture. The third stop of Owakudani Station sets you at the highest point on the ropeway before passing over a valley 130 metres below your feet. The autumn leaves begin to appear in late October and remain visible until mid-November.

For those who want to see even more of the area’s natural beauty, there is also the Hakone Tozan Railway, one of Japan’s few mountain railways, to allow for a much more up-close viewing. There is an option to purchase the Owakudani 2-Day Pass, which gives unlimited usage of both the ropeway and railway!

The ropeway journey between Togendai and Sounzai lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Website [ropeway]: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/transportation/hakone-ropeway

Website [train]: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/transportation/hakone-tozan

Eizan Electric Railway, Kyoto Prefecture

With this trip, you’re spoilt for choice, as the Eizan Electric Railway offers two different trains, each of which covers different routes. Those who are interested in passing by the most popular sightseeing spots in the area can take the green Eizan line to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station via the HIEI train. As for those who are keen to experience a wide variety of natural views, there is the red Kurama line to Kurama Station on the Panorama Train Kirara. Both routes depart from Demachiyanagi, diverging at Takaragaike Station.

The HIEI train continues its journey to pass by sights such as Ichijoji Temple and the Koya River, before concluding at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, beyond which point travellers have the option to continue the 100-year-old pilgrimage route up to the top of Mt. Hiei via ropeway. Meanwhile, on the Panorama Train Kirara, you can make the most of the train’s large glass windows to take in the variety of landscapes – from expansive fields and mountainous landscapes, to the 250 metre long maple tree tunnel. The tunnel is best experienced in November for optimal autumn colours, while during peak season, the tunnel is lit up to allow further enjoyment! Whichever route takes your fancy, there will be no shortage of breathtaking autumn views!

The Kurama Line takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, while the Eizan Line lasts 15 minutes.

Website: https://eizandensha.co.jp/en/

Shinhotaka Ropeway, Gifu Prefecture

The Kurobe Gorge Railway and Alpine Route offer one angle of the Northern Alps; for another angle, there is this ropeway in Gifu. Reaching more than 2km above sea level, the Shinhotaka Ropeway is the only one in Japan that has double-decker gondolas. As the foliage reaches its peak in mid-October, you will ride the ropeway up to the top of the slopes, treated to stunning views along the way.

If the views on the way up to the top aren’t enough, then you can see even more from the Summit Forest, Itadaki-no-Mori. The Oshirabo Path leads you through the rows of alpine trees, with the serenity at the peak of the mountain providing ample opportunity for forest bathing. The full extent of Gifu’s autumn panorama can be witnessed from numerous viewing points – the Nishi-Hotaka Terrace offers a prime photo spot, while the Yari Corridor has a protruding net to make you feel like you’re floating over the Alps.

The uninterrupted trip from Shinhotaka Onsen Station to Nishihodaka Station, including the transfer from the No. 1 Ropeway to the No. 2, takes roughly 25 minutes.

Website: https://shinhotaka-ropeway.jp/en/about/

Kobe Nunobiki Railway

Visitors to Kobe who are interested in quieter and more peaceful landmarks might want to pay a visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, accessible exclusively by a ropeway journey that takes you 400 metres above ground level. The trip up lets you get a panoramic view of the city below you, with some more natural hotspots such as Nunobiki Gohonmatsu Dam also visible, potentially even catching a glimpse of neighbouring Kyoto and Osaka on the way up!

At the Herb Gardens, there is plenty to see at the top – from the autumn blooming flowers such as roses and cosmos flowers, to the newly forming reds on the leaves of the trees. The contrast of the autumn tones of the trees with the rest of the city below can be observed all around, whether while relaxing on the grass in the recreation area, lounging in one of the hammocks, or even over a snack on The Veranda. The journey up may only be short, but there is more than enough at the top to make your stay a long one.

The ropeway journey up to the Herb Gardens lasts 10 minutes.

Ropeway Website: https://www.kobeherb.com/en/ropeway-and-location/

Garden Website: https://www.kobeherb.com/en/

And with that, hopefully, you’re more familiar with all the different places you can get up close and personal with Japan’s autumn scenery! As beautiful as being up close and personal with nature can be, hiking through a lengthy forest isn’t the only way you can experience this particular time of year – perhaps using trains and ropeways might be the way to observe a whole new type of autumn scene you aren’t used to. No matter how you may decide to do it, be sure to get out there and take it all in while it lasts!

Featured Photo Credit: Aleksandar Todorovic

Looking for more Autumn fun to be had this season? Check out our Recommended Autumn Tours to find the perfect experience to help you get swept up in the magic of Fall!