India’s love for Japan is rising with no signs of slowing down. Data from earlier this year, published by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (INTO) Delhi Office, revealed a significant increase in the volume and value of Indian tourism to the Land of the Rising Sun in 2024. A total of 233,000 Indian travellers visited the country last year, contributing an estimated 56.1 billion yen (Rs3,366 crore) to the Japanese economy. 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.
Pair our Japanese obsession 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 Traveller 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.
5. Eizan Railway, Kyoto
With 2,572 Instagram tags capturing its beauty, the Eizan Railway is clearly a favourite 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.
4. Keihan Railway, Kyoto & Osaka
In fourth place is the Keihan Main Line connecting Kyoto’s Sanjō Station 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 neighbourhoods.
3. Tadami Line, Fukushima & Niigata
The 135-kilometre Tadami Line is one of Japan’s most scenic, with the wilderness beyond the window putting on a kaleidoscopic display as autumn arrives. The line boasts an impressive 4.6/5 TripAdvisor rating and more than 12,000 Instagram posts, as travellers turn a journey into an adventure with a view passed glassy lakes and forested hills.
AloJapan.com