Autumn Leaves Tour in Gunma on Watarase Gorge Railway

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Michi no Eki Maebashi Akagi

   After meeting your tour conductor, travel to Roadside Station Maebashi Akagi. This popular roadside station showcases local agricultural products, regional specialties, and souvenirs from the Akagi area. Enjoy time to browse the shops and experience one of Gunma's most talked-about roadside destinations. An included chicken bento lunch will be provided during the tour.

   30 minutes here

2. After approximately 80 minutes of travel, arrive at Godo Station, where you will board the Watarase Gorge Railway. Nestled among the mountains and valleys of northern Gunma, the station serves as the starting point for a scenic railway journey through one of the region's most beautiful autumn landscapes.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

3. Board the Watarase Gorge Railway and enjoy approximately 30 minutes aboard this charming local train. The route follows the Watarase River through forested valleys and mountain scenery that become especially spectacular during autumn. As the train passes through the gorge, colorful foliage blankets the hillsides, creating a picturesque journey that has made the railway one of Japan's favorite seasonal train experiences. Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-October through late November. Arrive at Omama Station and continue by coach to the next destination.

   5 minutes here

4. After approximately 20 minutes of travel, arrive at Hotokuji Temple. This temple is renowned for its limited seasonal display known as "floor reflections," during which colorful autumn leaves are reflected on a polished black lacquer floor. The result is a remarkable mirror-like scene that creates the illusion of floating within a landscape of brilliant red and orange foliage. The special autumn viewing period attracts photographers and visitors from across Japan, making it one of the region's most distinctive seasonal experiences. Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-October through late November.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Depart from Ueno

  Starting point: Parks Ueno Store, 7-47 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

• Depart from Tokyo

• Depart from Shinjuku

  Starting point: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Large Bus Parking Lot Entrance, 2-chōme-2-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

• Depart from Shibuya

• Depart from Ikebukuro

  Starting point: Ikebukuro Sunshine Bus Terminal, Japan, 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3-chōme−1−１ サンシャイン 文化 会館 1F

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

ja, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Club Tourism International Inc.

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
• Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement
• Delays, shortenings or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
• According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
• The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened. Typical Peak Season: mid October to late November.
• Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
• Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time listed.
• The section of the Watarase Keikoku Railway included in the tour may be changed due to operational circumstances.
• The order of the itinerary may be changed due to operational circumstances.
• For departures on November 7, the tour will be operated using a coach equipped with a restroom. Some passengers may be assigned seats near the onboard restroom. These seats are located across the aisle and are otherwise no different from standard seats.

Photos