Yamanashi Autumn Leaves: Higashizawa Bridge and Yatsugatake Train

Yamanashi Autumn Leaves: Higashizawa Bridge and Yatsugatake Train

Duration10h

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 42 travelers

Overview

Enjoy a day of autumn scenery, local flavors, and countryside charm in the Yatsugatake Highlands. Visit some of the region's most scenic viewpoints, including the striking red arch of Higashizawa Bridge and the sweeping mountain views from Seisenryo, a beloved symbol of the Kiyosato Plateau. Experience a ride on the Koumi Line, known as the Yatsugatake Highland Train, as it travels through one of Japan's highest railway regions surrounded by seasonal color.
The tour also includes local culinary treats throughout the day, from Marumasa's popular Tenmusu station lunch box to a sweet whipped anpan snack. As a special bonus, take home approximately 1 kg of seasonal fruit, including Shine Muscat grapes, La France pear, persimmon, apple, and Shinano Gold apple.

Options

Shinjuku Departure

Starting point:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Large Bus Parking Lot Entrance, 2-chōme-2-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

Ueno departure

Starting point:
Parks Ueno Store, 7-47 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

Ikebukuro departure

Starting point:
Ikebukuro Sunshine Bus Terminal, Japan, 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3-chōme−1−１サンシャイン文化会館 1F

Tokyo Departure

What's included

Set of 4 seasonal fruits: 1 bunch of Shine Muscat grapes, 2 Apples, 1 La France pear, 1 Persimmon
Beef stew lunch and homemade cheesecake for dessert
Train journey between Kiyosato and Nobeyama stations
Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
Round-trip bus transportation

Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

What to expect

30m

After meeting your tour conductor, you will travel toward the Yatsugatake area.
Your first stop is Roadside Station Kobuchisawa, located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake mountains. Here, you can browse a selection of local agricultural products and regional souvenirs. The area reflects the rural charm of the highlands, offering a glimpse into local life and seasonal produce.

During the day, you will enjoy a lunch featuring Marumasa’s soba shop style tempura rice balls, along with a light evening snack of sweet whipped anpan.
Higashizawa Bridge
20m

Travel approximately 25 minutes to reach Higashizawa Bridge, a vivid red arch bridge that spans a deep forested gorge. During the autumn season (mid-October to early November), the surrounding trees explode in color, creating a dramatic contrast with the bright red of the bridge. The view from the bridge is breathtaking, with layers of golden and crimson leaves stretching across the valley below.

This is one of the most photogenic spots on the tour, and a favorite among nature lovers and photographers. Whether you’re capturing the scene with your camera or simply taking it in with your eyes, it’s a moment you won’t forget.
Seisen-Ryo
40m

After approximately 5 minutes, continue to Seisenryo, a beloved symbol of the Kiyosato Highlands. Located on a wide-open plateau, this area offers panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Mountains and the surrounding countryside. On clear days, you can see for miles across the landscape, with the autumn colors adding even more beauty to the scene.

Seisenryo is also known for its charming shops and local products. You’ll have time to browse for souvenirs, snacks, and handmade goods, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
7m · Admission ticket included

From Seisenryo, you’ll head to Kiyosato Station for approx. 10 minutes, where you’ll board the Koumi Line (Yatsugatake Kogen train), a scenic local train that runs through the Yatsugatake Highlands. This short but memorable ride takes you through forests and fields, with views of the mountains and seasonal foliage along the way.

The train is known as one of Japan’s most picturesque rural lines, especially during autumn (mid-October to early November) when the trees along the tracks are glowing with color. It’s a peaceful and nostalgic experience that captures the charm of countryside travel in Japan.
5m

After a scenic train ride through the Yatsugatake Highlands, you’ll arrive at Nobeyama Station, one of Japan’s highest-altitude train stations. Surrounded by open skies and fresh mountain air, this quiet rural stop marks the final leg of your journey before heading back to Tokyo.

Before returning to the city, you’ll receive a set of 4 seasonal fruits to take home—a thoughtful gift that reflects the richness of Japan’s autumn harvest. The selection includes a bunch of Shine Muscat grapes, known for their sweetness and crisp texture, along with a La France pear, a persimmon, and 2 apples.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet inside the bus terminal on the first floor of the Bunka Kaikan Bldg. inside Sunshine City. Approx. 20 min walk from Ikebukuro Station. Please arrive at least 10 min before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet in front of Shibuya Cross Tower (1st floor, outside), East Exit of JR Tokyu Shibuya Station. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet at Terminal Tokyo Yaesu (B1F), near the restrooms located beside Bus Stop A05 on Basement Level 1 of TOFROM YAESU TOWER. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet near the "Parks Ueno Store" Park Information kiosk at JR Ueno Station Park Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet inside the Metropolitan Government Large Bus Parking Lot at JR Shinjuku Station West Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Ikebukuro it will end also near Ikebukuro Station. Arrival expected around 5:40 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Shibuya it will end also near Shibuya Station. Arrival expected around 5:40 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Tokyo it will end also near there. Arrival expected around 5:50 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Ueno it will end also in Ueno. Arrival expected around 6:00 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Shinjuku it will end also in Shinjuku. Arrival expected around 5:40 PM.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
Lunch will be served early, around 11:00 AM.
Wearing clothes and shoes that let you move easily and comfortably is strongly recommended
According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may have to be changed
The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened. Typical Peak Season: Mid-October to Mid-November
Delays and changes made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
If the tour operator has to cancel the tour because of a typhoon, heavy snow or other circumstances beyond their control, this will be decided by 3pm the day before tour departure; you will be informed by e-mail and suggested a new departure date or receive a full refund
The Yatsugatake mountains may not be visible in case of bad weather.
The Yatsugatake Highland Train (Koumi Line) may be suspended due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will either guide you to an alternative sightseeing spot or refund the equivalent portion of the tour cost. The train route may be adjusted depending on crowd levels. Seating is non-reserved, so you may be required to stand if seats are unavailable
Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement.
On departures for October 12, 24, 31, and November 1, a bus equipped with a restroom will be used. Please note that you may be seated near the onboard restroom. However, the seat will be across the aisle, and there is no significant difference from standard seats.
Please note that we are currently unable to accept reservations from residents of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) due to reservation system restrictions related to data protection regulations (GDPR). Country of residence will be confirmed after booking. If we are unable to process your reservation, it will be rejected and a full refund will be provided.
Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, it has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.