Japan Autumn Foliage 2-Day Tour | Karuizawa, Manza, Fukiware Falls & Kusatsu Onsen Pilgrimage & Snow Monkey Park Experience (Departing from Shinjuku)
- Visit Fukiware Falls and Kusatsu Onsen to enjoy magnificent autumn foliage and natural beauty
- Shiraito Falls in autumn is intoxicating; experience the poetic waterfall scenery in the forest
- Stroll through Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, immerse yourself in the European atmosphere and historical culture, and enjoy the nostalgic charm and shopping fun in the town
- Manza Kogen Onsen is known as the 'hot spring closest to the starry sky', where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves intertwined with the starry sky
Sightseeing Tours
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
Product Info
- Shiraito Falls, located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, is a popular natural landmark known for its unique appearance. Unlike typical waterfalls that cascade from a great height, Shiraito Falls is formed by groundwater seeping through volcanic rock layers, creating a 70-meter-wide arc of delicate, thread-like streams that resemble white silk. Standing about 3 meters high, the gentle flow is especially enchanting during the cool summer months and against the backdrop of autumn foliage. It is beautiful in every season: adorned with fresh greenery in spring, cool and serene in summer, picturesque with autumn leaves, and uniquely charming in winter. It is a popular spot for short trips, photography, and sketching in the Karuizawa area.
- Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is one of the most popular historic districts in Karuizawa, boasting a rich European atmosphere and deep cultural heritage. Blending natural beauty with humanistic charm, it is a must-visit destination in Karuizawa. Whether you are strolling, shopping, or tasting local delicacies, it offers a unique experience. Features include red-brick pavements, European-style architecture, old churches, jam shops, cafes, and souvenir stores.
- Jigokudani Monkey Park was established in 1964 and is located in the Yokoyu River valley of the Joshin'etsukogen National Park at an altitude of approximately 850 meters. Due to frequent geothermal activity, steam and boiling water often rise from ground fissures, earning it the name 'Hell Valley'. The Japanese macaques here have developed the habit of bathing in hot springs during the cold winter months by imitating humans. The park has built a dedicated hot spring pool for the monkeys and feeds them daily to keep them in the area for visitors to observe up close. In autumn, the temperature is moderate and the monkeys are more active; it is common to see mother monkeys with their babies foraging or playing in the forest. Although most monkeys do not bathe in the hot spring, you can still observe their natural state and social behavior at close range.
Autumn Foliage: The forest surrounding the park gradually turns shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a layered autumn landscape. The combination of autumn leaves, valley views, hot spring steam, and lively monkeys makes it an ideal subject for photography enthusiasts.
- Kusatsu Onsen Street is unique in autumn and is one of the most popular hot spring towns in Japan. It offers not only a rich hot spring culture but also stunning autumn foliage and streets perfect for strolling. Yubatake: The symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. Steam rises from the 'hot water field' in the center, which is surrounded by autumn leaves, creating a picture-perfect scene. Kusatsu Netsunoyu (Thermal Performance): Experience the 'Yumomi' performance (a traditional temperature-cooling method) to immerse yourself in the unique hot spring culture of Kusatsu.
- Fukiware Falls, located in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, is a spectacular waterfall known as the 'Niagara of the East'. The waterfall is about 7 meters high and 30 meters wide, with water carving a unique V-shaped crack into the rocks of the Katashina River, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. In autumn, the forests on both sides of the waterfall are covered in red, orange, and yellow hues, forming a gorgeous autumn scroll.
- Accommodation Hotel (Choose one) -
- Manza Prince Hotel is located in the Manza Onsen area of Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, making it one of the highest year-round hot spring resorts in Japan. Every autumn (late September to mid-October), the surrounding mountains are covered in red, orange, and yellow colors, creating a spectacular autumn foliage landscape. Known as the 'hot spring closest to the starry sky', it features an open-air bath with a stunning view and has been voted the number one secret hot spring.
- Manza Kogen Hotel is located in the Manza Onsen area of Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, making it one of the highest year-round hot spring resorts in Japan. Every autumn (late September to mid-October), the surrounding mountains are covered in red, orange, and yellow colors, creating a spectacular autumn foliage landscape. The hotel's 'Sekitei Open-Air Bath' consists of 8 outdoor pools using 4 different types of spring water, some of which are mixed-gender. In addition, there is the 'Hyakusen-no-Yu' with various indoor and outdoor baths, totaling 12 pools for guests to enjoy a diverse hot spring experience.
Red leaves rendering
Purchase Notice
【Travel conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Tokyo, Nagano Prefecture/Gunma Prefecture
Travel duration: 2 days
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Safety Operator Service and other bus companies
Meals: 1 breakfast, 0 lunches, 1 dinner
Accommodation facilities: Yes
Manza Prince Hotel or Manza Kogen Hotel
Minimum number of people in a group: 15
Team leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【Travel planning/implementation】
Operating company name: Toshiro Corporation
Address: 3-8-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 304
License exemption number: Mr. Guangguang Tourism Registration No. 2-7088
Travel industry association name: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 15 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 10 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 15:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Due to time delays caused by force majeure factors such as traffic and weather, we may adjust the time of attractions or delete attractions. Please understand that no refund will be given.
You need to make a note in advance if you want to bring luggage. One person can bring one piece of luggage for free. If you don't make a note in advance or the excess luggage exceeds the limit, you will need to add 2,000 yen per piece.
This tour does not accept individual registrations by tourists under the age of 18. If you wish to register, please ask your guardian to register for this tour together. For senior citizens over 75 years old, the family members and the participant must sign a waiver agreement for senior citizens.
Due to time delays caused by force majeure factors such as traffic and weather, we may adjust the time of attractions or delete attractions. Please understand that no refund will be given.
If there are less than 12 people, the driver will be the tour guide and will not get off the car to give a tour. Please understand.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. In the Karuizawa area, what are the unique sightseeing features and experiences of Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and Shiraito Falls?
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is renowned for its European charm and historical culture, where you can stroll through the nostalgic atmosphere and sample specialty shops and local delicacies. Shiraito Falls, named for its delicate, silk-like stream, is particularly breathtaking in autumn when the surrounding maple leaves turn crimson, offering a perfect spot to experience the tranquility of the mountains and enjoy the natural scenery.
2. Approximately what month is the best time to view the autumn foliage in Karuizawa, Manza-Fukiware Falls, and Kusatsu Onsen?
The autumn foliage season in Karuizawa, Manza-Fukiware Falls, and Kusatsu Onsen typically occurs in the fall, roughly from October to early November. During this period, the mountains and valleys are adorned with vibrant maple leaves, creating a magnificent autumn spectacle. The exact peak viewing time may vary slightly depending on the year's climate, so it's advisable to plan your trip within this timeframe.
3. What are the recommended unique experiences or activities when visiting Kusatsu Onsen?
The most famous experiences at Kusatsu Onsen include the steamy views of Yubatake, the hot spring source with its strong sulfurous aroma and unique atmosphere. You can also witness the traditional 'Yubari' performance, which showcases the ingenuity of cooling the hot spring water. Additionally, the hot spring town offers several footbaths and public bathhouses, allowing for a deep immersion into Japan's onsen culture.
4. What are the special viewing experiences and important points to note when visiting the Snow Monkey Park?
The Jigokudani Monkey Park offers a unique opportunity to observe Japanese macaques bathing in outdoor hot springs up close. When viewing, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance, refrain from feeding or touching the monkeys to preserve their natural habitat and ensure their safety. The park trails may be slippery and icy in winter, so wear non-slip footwear and dress warmly.
5. What is unique about the landscape of Manza-Fukiware Falls, and what are the key highlights when visiting?
Manza-Fukiware Falls is hailed as the 'Niagra of the East' due to its distinctive feature where the river splits into three powerful waterfalls as it cascades through rock crevices, creating a spectacular sight. The main highlights of a visit include experiencing the thundering power of the falls up close along the walking trails and admiring the natural scenery of the surrounding valley. In autumn, the falls are even more stunning, with the red maple leaves complementing the cascading water.
6. In a two-day itinerary covering Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen, and the Snow Monkey Park, how is the time typically allocated at each attraction?
The two-day itinerary is carefully structured to ensure ample time for exploring each location. For instance, Karuizawa might include free time for strolling along Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and a brief visit to Shiraito Falls. Kusatsu Onsen will have allocated time for experiencing the hot spring town and footbaths, while the Snow Monkey Park will allow sufficient time for observing the monkeys. The overall plan aims to let travelers fully appreciate the unique characteristics of each place, with adequate time for travel between them.
7. Why is Manza Kogen Onsen called the 'Onsen Closest to the Stars,' and what are its characteristic experiences?
Manza Kogen Onsen is renowned as the 'Onsen Closest to the Stars' due to its high altitude, clear air, and minimal light pollution, allowing for spectacular views of the starry night sky. Its characteristic experiences include enjoying the high-quality, sulfur-rich hot springs for their therapeutic benefits, and in autumn, soaking while admiring the breathtaking scenery where autumn foliage meets the night sky. It's a unique experience that combines nature and relaxation.
8. How can I book a two-day tour for Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen, and the Snow Monkey Park, and what services are typically included in the itinerary?
You can easily book a two-day tour for Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen, and the Snow Monkey Park through KKday. On the KKday website, you can browse various tour packages to find detailed information about what each package includes, such as round-trip transportation, accommodation, some attraction tickets, and professional guide services. KKday offers a convenient booking process and multiple payment options, making your travel planning smoother and saving you the hassle of arranging transportation and accommodation yourself.
