Kamikochi ＆ Norikura Autumn Leaves: Peak Season Guide (Sep–Nov) | Keiryuso Siorie
- Keiryuso Siorie
- 23 minutes ago
- 4 min read
When planning a trip to Kamikochi or Mt. Norikura in the autumn, the most common question we receive is: "When is the best time to see the autumn leaves?"
To answer simply: In this area, you can enjoy stunning autumn foliage anytime from late September through early November—a span of about a month and a half.
The secret behind this long season lies in the difference in altitude. Starting from the high peaks at 3,000 meters above sea level down to Sawando Onsen (1,000 m) and along the route toward Matsumoto, the leaves change color progressively from top to bottom.
Here is a detailed guide to the "Autumn Foliage Relay" across different times and altitudes!
The "Autumn Foliage Relay" by Altitude
1. Late September ~ : Altitude 2,000m – 3,000m 【Mt. Norikura (Tatamidaira) ＆ Karasawa】
Autumn arrives first in the high alpine zone around 3,000 meters. From late September, rowan (nanakamado) and Erman's birch (dakekanba) begin turning vibrant red and yellow around Mt. Norikura's Tatamidaira and its hiking trails, as well as at the breathtaking Karasawa Cirque—a dream destination for mountaineers. It is a fleeting yet magnificent display of mountain autumn.
2. Early to Mid-October : Altitude 1,500m 【Kamikochi, Norikura Kogen ＆ Shirahone Onsen】
As October arrives, the autumn colors move down to the main sightseeing areas at around 1,500 meters in altitude.
Kamikochi: The Japanese larch trees (karamatsu) glow in brilliant gold. The contrast between these golden trees, Taisho Pond, the Azusa River, and the soaring Hotaka Mountain Range is breathtaking.
Norikura Kogen & Shirahone Onsen: The Great Maple Tree at Ichinose Meadow and the vibrant slopes surrounding Shirahone Onsen reach their peak beauty.
【Maime Pond in Norikura Kogen】 Vibrant autumn foliage reflected on the tranquil water’s surface. 【Great Maple Tree in Ichinose Meadow】 An iconic giant maple tree standing vividly against the autumn 【Taisho Pond in Kamikochi】 A signature autumn landscape combining withered trees, golden slopes, and
3. Mid to Late October : Altitude 1,000m 【Sawando Onsen (Around Our Ryokan)】 ★ Hidden Gem!
Once the larch trees in Kamikochi finish turning golden, the area around Sawando Onsen—home to our ryokan, Keiryuso Siorie—reaches its peak.
【Keiryuso Siorie viewed from across the river】 Our ryokan surrounded by colorful mountain slopes and 
【Sister Day-trip Onsen "Azusa Kohan no Yu"】 A day-use hot spring facility located near Nagawado Dam 【Autumn colors near Sawando Bus Terminal】 Located just a 5-minute walk from our ryokan, the gateway
While climate change has caused variations in winter snowfall over the past decade, the timing of autumn foliage has remained remarkably consistent over the years (with 2025 being a rare exception).
In fact, our ryokan's owner has confidently claimed for years that "the peak of Sawando's autumn foliage is always October 25th!" While very specific, keep late October in mind as a reliable benchmark for visiting Sawando Onsen!
Unlike Kamikochi, which is dominated by evergreens and larch trees, Sawando Onsen is rich in deciduous broadleaf trees. This creates a lush, vivid gradation of red, yellow, and green across the mountainsides. The hills surrounding Sawando Bus Terminal (just a 5-minute walk from us) also transform into a gorgeous tapestry of colors as autumn deepens.
4. Late October to Early November : Altitude 800m ~ 【Route 158 ＆ Dam Area】
Even as autumn foliage in Sawando Onsen winds down, the season isn't over yet. Along Route 158 connecting Matsumoto IC and Sawando, as well as around the Nagawado Dam gorge, the autumn colors peak through early November. You can enjoy scenic canyon views on your drive back home.
Tips for a Comfortable Autumn Foliage Trip
Autumn in Kamikochi and Norikura is extremely popular, so a little planning goes a long way toward enjoying a peaceful trip.
Avoid Peak Congestion (Holidays):
Parking lots and buses become very crowded on holiday weekends during peak foliage season. If possible, visiting on weekdays or regular weekends will allow you to enjoy the quiet autumn scenery more comfortably.
For guests planning an early morning departure, we offer a "Special Breakfast Bento Box" exchange service (advance reservation required). Handed to you the previous evening, you can warm it up using the microwave in your room and enjoy breakfast on your own schedule before heading out smoothly to Kamikochi early in the morning.
Also, autumn in Kamikochi gets very cold in the morning and evening. Please be sure to bring sufficient warm clothing!
Enjoy Autumn Moments at Sawando Onsen "Keiryuso Siorie"
Keiryuso Siorie is an 8-room Japanese hot spring inn located just a 5-minute walk from Sawando Bus Terminal, the primary transfer hub for shuttle buses to Kamikochi.
Warm your body in our open-air baths while listening to the soothing murmur of the river, and indulge in seasonal Japanese kaiseki cuisine featuring local autumn flavors of Shinshu.
Reservations fill up quickly during the peak autumn leaf season, so early planning is highly recommended!
Excellent Access to Kamikochi (5-minute walk to Sawando Bus Terminal)
Early Departure Friendly (Breakfast Bento Box option available)
Relaxing Moments with natural hot springs and seasonal kaiseki dining
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