3 Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage: Late November & Early December, 2026

Not only does Hondo-ji Temple boast over 740 years of history—having been founded as one of the major Buddhist temples of the Kamakura Period—it’s also known as a spot for enjoying the beauty of all four seasons in a classical Japanese setting. Found in the city of Matsudo, which borders Tokyo, Hondo-ji is a bit of a hidden gem, but at about a 10-minute walk from Kita-Kogane Station on the JR Joban Line, it’s also an easily accessible destination.

Naritasan Park can be found behind the grounds of Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered cultural sites. The temple is conveniently located near Narita International Airport, just one train station away via JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station. Once you get off the train, you can reach the temple complex in about 15 minutes by taking a stroll down the historic Omotesando temple road, which is lined with traditional shops and restaurants.

A beautifully complex valley running through the center of the Boso Peninsula, ‘Yorokeikoku’, or the Yoro Valley, is famous for its nature, waterfalls, hiking courses, and natural hot springs. It is also considered to be Chiba’s foremost foliage site, and one of the few places where the colors can last as late as mid-December. Here you can find stunning images of red and yellow leaves reflected onto the Yoro River and the streams that flow around it. One such scene can be found at the Awamata Waterfall, where the colorful leaves draping over the falls create one of Chiba’s must-see seasonal sights.

If you’re looking to travel in Japan like a local, then you’ll want to experience a ryokan like Shinra Yoro Valley, where refined hospitality, hot springs, and seasonal cuisine are part of the stay. Opened in March 2025, this adults-only retreat features private black-water onsen baths, serene valley views, and beautifully prepared kaiseki meals showcasing seasonal local ingredients. It’s the perfect way to slow down, unwind, and experience a deeper side of Japan while you’re visiting the Tokyo area.