Our love for Japan shows no signs of slowing down. More than 2.7 million Americans visited Japan in 2024, a whopping increase of 33% over 2023, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). From Tokyo’s neon nightlife and incredible food scene to Kyoto’s laid-back charm and cultural sights, up to the mountain onsens, there are plenty of reasons we’re returning time and time again. Indeed, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Japan as their number-one favorite country in our Readers’ Choice Awards this year.
Pair this obsession with Japan with the ongoing renaissance of train travel, and you’ve got a bucket list adventure like no other. While the scenes out of Japan’s windows get notably picturesque around cherry blossom season, there’s another time we adore visiting, saving a fair amount of cash in the process: during autumn. Noticing the vast amount of global monthly searches for “autumn in Japan,” the experts at JR Pass have compiled a list of the best train journeys in Japan for leaf-peeping. Using inclusions and mentions from publications including Condé Nast Traveler and a handful of competitors, TripAdvisor reviews, social media hashtag frequency, and weather data from Climate Japan, JR Pass has revealed a selection of the best autumnal adventures through the country.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
Japanese train in a maple tunnelGetty Images
5. Eizan Railway, Kyoto
With 2,572 Instagram tags capturing its beauty, the Eizan Railway is clearly a favorite among leaf-peepers. Its most scenic stretch features a natural tunnel created by maple trees that arch over the track, creating a fiery display that passes in a flash as you zoom out of Tokyo as you head to Kyoto.
4. Keihan Railway, Kyoto & Osaka
In fourth place is the Keihan Main Line connecting Sanjō Station in Kyoto with Yodoyabashi Station in Osaka. Sunny skies for almost half of the autumn season allow the orange and brown hues of the landscape to reflect into carriages as the train whizzes past famous temple gardens and traditional neighborhoods.
