Autumn Leaves Day Trip to Fukuroda Falls and Hananuki Valley

After meeting your tour conductor at Shinagawa Station, you’ll board the Limited Express Hitachi in reserved seats that departs between 7:00 and 8:00 AM and head north toward Ibaraki Prefecture—leaving Tokyo’s bustle behind for a day of vibrant autumn scenery. No traffic, no transfers—just a smooth and scenic ride through the countryside.

Upon arrival at Hitachi Station, you’ll transfer to a chartered bus and begin your journey through 3 of Ibaraki’s most spectacular fall destinations, each offering a unique experience of Japan’s seasonal beauty.

Important Notice: Train departure time and train number will be finalized one week before the tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages and email for updates. The meeting time listed is only an estimate, and the actual meeting time may vary.

Your first destination is Hananuki Gorge, one of Ibaraki’s most beloved autumn spots. Here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful mini hike of approx. 2km along a forest trail surrounded by brilliant red and orange maple trees. The path is mostly flat and easy to walk, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll through nature. A highlight of the area is the scenic suspension bridge that stretches across the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the valley below and the vibrant foliage that typically peaks from mid to late November. Even on cloudy or rainy days, the colors remain vivid, and the mist adds a mystical touch to the atmosphere.

A seasonal bento lunch will be provided during the tour, allowing you to enjoy a taste of Japan’s autumn flavors while surrounded by nature.

Next, you’ll visit the dramatic Ryujin Suspension Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Japan. Suspended high above a valley, the bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, which burst into color during the fall season. As you walk across, you’ll feel the thrill of the height while being surrounded by vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s a unique combination of excitement and serenity, and a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Your final destination is the majestic Fukuroda Falls, often ranked among Japan’s top three waterfalls. In autumn, the cliffs surrounding the falls are covered in colorful foliage, creating a breathtaking contrast with the cascading water. A series of observation decks allow you to view the falls from different angles, and the sound of rushing water combined with the crisp mountain air makes this a truly memorable experience. The fall colors here also peak from early to late November, and the mist from the waterfall adds a magical touch to the scenery.

After your visit to Fukuroda Falls, you’ll head to Katsuta Station, where you’ll board the Limited Express Hitachi or Tokiwa train back to Tokyo. You may choose to disembark at Ueno or Tokyo Station, or continue to Shinagawa Station, arriving between 8:00 and 9:30 PM.