3 Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage: Late November & Early December, 2024

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.

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. The Kominato Line starts at Goi Station, which can be reached from Tokyo by the JR Sōbu Line, and rides for about 80 minutes to Kazusa-Nakano Station. With a one-day pass, you can get on and off as you please, stopping to savor the autumn scenery found along the way.