3 Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage: Late November & Early December, 2023

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.

You’ll find this park behind the grounds of Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, one of the most revered temples in Japan. The temple complex is conveniently located near Narita International Airport, and can be accessed just one train station away from the airport via JR Narita or Keisei Narita Station. Visitors here can take a stroll down the historic temple district road, called the Omotesando, which leads you to the temple and park in about 15 minutes from the train station.

The local Kominato Railway is a great way to journey through the countryside landscapes outside Tokyo, and the diesel-powered trains and unmanned stations provide you with a true Japanese retro train experience. Due to a recent typhoon, a portion of the line is currently not operational, but you can still ride the Kominato Line from the JR transfer point at Goi Station to Tsukizaki Station. Come to help support this local railway as it recovers from the recent typhoon damage and enjoy views of the fall leaves as you leisurely cruise through the hills of the Chiba peninsula.