Introduction: Special Autumn Foliage Experience with Freedom
Waking up in a valley wrapped in morning mist, opening your window to find blazing autumn colors spread before you. Soaking in hot springs at dusk, savoring coffee under a starry sky at night—this is the essence of traveling to view autumn foliage in a camper van.
The Chugoku and Shikoku regions are a treasure trove of autumn foliage, with diverse terrain ranging from mountains over 1,700m in elevation to islands in the Seto Inland Sea. From mid-October to early December, you can enjoy the colors for an extended period thanks to elevation differences. The freedom from time constraints and the luxury of experiencing canyons at sunrise and stargazing at night are unique pleasures of staying overnight in your vehicle.
Chugoku-Shikoku Autumn Foliage Peak Calendar
🍁 Chugoku-Shikoku Autumn Foliage Peak Calendar
14 Autumn Foliage Spots to Visit by Camper Van
🏔️ Chugoku Region
(8 spots)
▼
Spot
Mid Oct
Late Oct
Early Nov
Mid Nov
Late Nov
Early Dec
Mt. Daisen / Kagikake Pass Tottori
Peak
Mt. Sanbe Shimane
Peak
Okutsu Valley Okayama
Peak
Hiruzen Highlands Okayama
Peak
Sandankyo Valley Hiroshima
Peak
Taishakukyo Valley Hiroshima
Peak
Jakuchi Valley Yamaguchi
Peak
Chomon Valley Yamaguchi
Peak
⛰️ Shikoku Region
(6 spots)
▼
Spot
Mid Oct
Late Oct
Early Nov
Mid Nov
Late Nov
Early Dec
Kankakei Gorge Kagawa
Peak
Mt. Tsurugi Tokushima
Peak
Mt. Ishizuchi Skyline Ehime
Peak
Omogo Valley Ehime
Peak
Nakatsu Valley Kochi
Peak
Shikoku Karst Kochi
Peak
Peak from mid-October
Peak late Oct – early Nov
Peak from mid-November
[Tottori] Golden Carpet of Hoki-Fuji—Mt. Daisen & Kagikake Pass
At “Hoki-Fuji” Mt. Daisen, the beech forests at 1,700m elevation turn golden in late October. The view of Daisen’s south wall from the observation deck at Kagikake Pass is spectacular. If you visit before dawn, you’ll encounter the mystical sight of yellow beech leaves glowing in the morning sun through the mist. After photography, enjoy the hot springs at “Goen Yuin” on the Daisen-ji temple approach, and in the evening, savor the silhouette of Mt. Daisen against the sunset over the Sea of Japan at “Sunset Hill Kanda.” Spend the night at a nearby RV park while enjoying Tottori’s famous “Inaba no Shirousagi” confection.
Kagikake PassMt. Daisen in Autumn
[Shimane] Mystical Autumn Colors Born from Volcano—Mt. Sanbe’s Muronochi
At Mt. Sanbe’s “Muronochi,” striped maple and rowan trees turn red from late October to mid-November, creating a stunning gradation with yellow beech leaves. The highlight is nighttime stargazing. The “Star-falling Lift” at Sanbe Nature Museum Sahimeru offers views of the Milky Way from over 1,000m elevation. Sipping hot cocoa while gazing at the starry sky from your camper van’s roof—this is the luxury unique to overnight vehicle stays.
Mt. Sanbe LiftStarry Sky at Mt. SanbeMuronochi Pond
[Okayama] Crimson Melody Echoing Through Valleys—Okutsu Valley & Hiruzen Highlands
Okutsu Valley’s peak season is late October to mid-November, with spectacular maple and foliage tunnels along the walking paths. The “Okutsu Valley Momiji Festival” from November 1-16 features evening illumination, allowing you to enjoy autumn colors reflected on the water like a mirror. The next day, move to Hiruzen Highlands and enjoy the superb view at Kijodai Observatory, where the ridgeline extending from Mt. Daisen to the Sea of Japan is dyed by the sunset.
Okutsu ValleyHiruzen Highlands
[Hiroshima] Embraced by Primeval Forest Valleys—Sandankyo & Taishakukyo
Sandankyo’s 18km valley is colored with maple and oak from late October to mid-November. Viewing autumn colors from a ferry boat looking up is exceptional. In the Mt. Osorakan direction, you can enjoy a sea of autumn colors and a starry sky from ridgelines exceeding 1,300m elevation. At Taishakukyo‘s Shinryu Lake, cruise boat viewing of autumn colors is popular. The maple reflections on the lake surface are like a painting. Shinryu Lake’s parking lot accommodates camper vans, allowing you to spend quiet nights by the lakeside.
Sandankyo ValleyTaishakukyo Valley
[Yamaguchi] Hidden Autumn Colored by Five-Dragon Waterfalls—Jakuchi & Chomon Valleys
Jakuchi Valley peaks from late October to early November, with maples and foliage coloring the valley along the “Five-Dragon Waterfalls” where five waterfalls cascade in sequence. Chomon Valley peaks from early to mid-November, offering the sensation of passing through maple tunnels. For evening snacks in your vehicle, we recommend Yamaguchi Uiro from Mihorido, made with bracken starch.
Jakuchi ValleyChomon Valley
Chugoku Region Autumn Foliage Spots & Activities
Carefully Selected Spots Across 5 Prefectures by Camper Van
Tottori Prefecture
Mt. Daisen / Kagikake Pass
View the south wall of Mt. Daisen, known as “Hoki-Fuji.” The spectacular landscape of golden beech forests becomes even more mystical when viewed through morning mist.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Early November
🌳
Trees: Beech, Oak, Maple, Rowan
🦌
Wildlife: Sika deer (encounters during twilight hours)
🌅
Sunset: Sunset over Sea of Japan from Sunset Hill Kanda
⭐
Stargazing: Night sky and cityscape toward Yumigahama from mountain top
♨️
Hot Springs: Goen Yuin on Daisen-ji approach
🍡
Local Sweets: Inaba no Shirousagi (with Daisen butter)
Shimane Prefecture
Mt. Sanbe
Unique terrain formed by volcanic activity. The “Muronochi” area between Male and Female Sanbe features magnificent gradations of striped maple and beech.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Mid November
🌳
Trees: Striped Maple, Rowan, Beech, Mizunara Oak
🦌
Wildlife: Sika deer (good for track observation)
⭐
Stargazing: Astronomical observation at Sanbe Nature Museum Sahimeru, Star-falling Lift
♨️
Hot Springs: Sanbe Onsen / Sanbe-so (abundant hot water)
🍡
Local Sweets: Wakakusa (Matsue / Saiundo)
Okayama Prefecture
Okutsu Valley
Valley beauty and dense maple spreads along walking paths. Evening illumination during the “Okutsu Valley Momiji Festival” in early November.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Mid November
🌳
Trees: Japanese Maple, Maple varieties, Ginkgo
🐦
Wildlife: Kingfisher and other stream birds
🏮
Event: Nov 1-16 Okutsu Valley Momiji Festival (illumination)
♨️
Hot Springs: Okutsu Onsen (beauty bath)
🍡
Local Sweets: Otema-manjyu (Bizen specialty)
Hiruzen Highlands
From Kijodai Observatory, enjoy the superb view of ridgelines stretching from Mt. Daisen to the Sea of Japan, dyed by sunset. Ideal for nighttime stargazing.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Early November
🌳
Trees: Oak, Zelkova
🌅
Sunset: Ridgeline sunset from Kijodai Observatory
⭐
Stargazing: Highland stargazing (excellent with Okutsu Valley)
Hiroshima Prefecture
Sandankyo Valley
18km primeval forest valley. Viewing autumn colors from a ferry boat around Kurobuchi, Sarutobi, and Nidandaki areas is exceptional.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Mid November
🌳
Trees: Maple, Oak, Zelkova, Beech, Mizunara
🦌
Wildlife: Deer (West Chugoku mountains are high-density areas)
Hot Springs: Yuki Onsen (Hiroshima’s inner sanctum)
🍡
Local Sweets: Momiji Manju (Miyajima)
Taishakukyo (Shinryu Lake)
Cruise boat viewing of autumn colors is popular. Maples and foliage reflected on the lake surface are like a painting in a mirror.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Early November
🌳
Trees: Japanese Maple, Maple varieties
🚢
Feature: View autumn colors reflected on lake from cruise boat
🚐
Parking: Camper van accessible
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Jakuchi Valley
Five-Dragon Waterfalls area is ideal for photography. Maple and foliage color the valley along five cascading waterfalls. Upper areas feature beech forests.
🍁
Peak: Late October – Early November
🌳
Trees: Maple, Japanese Maple, upper beech forest
🦎
Wildlife: Giant salamander (around stream areas)
⭐
Stargazing: Nearby highlands or open parking areas recommended
♨️
Hot Springs: Fukatani Gorge Onsen Seiryu no Sato
🍡
Local Sweets: Yamaguchi Uiro (Mihorido / bracken starch type)
Chomon Valley
Well-maintained trekking course with popular waterfall and autumn color tours. Experience passing through maple tunnels.
🍁
Peak: Early – Mid November
🌳
Trees: Japanese Maple
🥾
Feature: Maintained trekking course, maple tunnels
At Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima Island, iroha maples and mountain maples dye the mountain slopes crimson from early to late November. The autumn colors viewed from the ropeway are spectacular, with the Seto Inland Sea’s multi-island beauty spreading below. With a camper van, you can enjoy both sunset and sunrise views. Watch the Setouchi sunset from the mountain top in the evening, and monopolize the mystical sight of autumn colors wrapped in morning mist the next morning.
Kankakei Skyline
[Tokushima] Autumn Foliage Corridor to the Sky—Mt. Tsurugi’s Cloud World
At 1,955m Mt. Tsurugi, rowan, beech, and maple trees turn vibrant colors from mid to late October. The lift reaches 1,750m elevation, allowing views of ridgeline autumn colors from above. The highlight is nighttime stargazing. The ridgeline area has extremely low light pollution, and during new moon periods, the Milky Way is clearly visible. Parking your camper van at high-elevation parking and gazing at the 360-degree starry sky is a trip highlight.
Mt. TsurugiStarry Sky from Mt. Tsurugi
[Ehime] Brocade Autumn of Western Japan’s Highest Peak—Mt. Ishizuchi Skyline & Omogo Valley
At Mt. Ishizuchi from mid-October to early November, autumn colors transition from peak to base by elevation. Observation decks along the skyline offer panoramas of the Ishizuchi mountain range and autumn colors. In the Kamegamori direction, you can observe the starry sky from highlands at 1,800m class elevation. Omogo Valley peaks from late October to mid-November, featuring attractive valley beauty created by maple autumn colors and clear streams.
Mt. Ishizuchi SkylineMilky Way from Mt. Ishizuchi SummitOmogo Valley
[Kochi] Niyodo Blue Meets Autumn Colors & Heavenly Grassland—Nakatsu Valley & Shikoku Karst
Nakatsu Valley is famous for its superb views combining the blue water of “Niyodo Blue” with autumn colors from mid to late November. The area from “Momiji Falls” to “Ryugu Fuchi” features breathtaking beauty where red maples reflect in the clear blue Niyodo River. The final destination is Tengu Plateau in Shikoku Karst. The karst plateau at 1,400m elevation displays magnificent scenery from late October to mid-November with grassland autumn colors, called the “Switzerland of Japan.” Nighttime stargazing is the greatest attraction. Astronomical observation events at Hoshifuru Village TENGU and viewing the starry sky from your camper van are irreplaceable luxuries.
Nakatsu Valley Seven Lucky GodsNakatsu ValleyShikoku KarstStarry Sky at Tengu Plateau
Shikoku Region Autumn Foliage Spots & Activities
Carefully Selected Spots Across 4 Prefectures by Camper Van
Tokushima Prefecture
Mt. Tsurugi
Western Japan’s second highest peak. Autumn colors spreading across the 1,955m ridgeline feature high-mountain vibrancy. Lift provides access to high-elevation areas, with 360-degree starscapes.
🍁
Peak: Mid-Late October (lift access to high-elevation areas)
🌳
Trees: Rowan, Beech, Maple, Sumac
🐾
Wildlife: Ridgeline is wind-exposed (limited large animal encounters)
Hot Springs: Iya Onsen (cable car to valley open-air bath)
🍡
Local Sweets: Awa Wasanbon (Hattori Seito-sho / Okada Seito-sho)
Kagawa Prefecture
Kankakei Gorge
Scenic spot on Shodoshima Island. Spectacular contrast of Seto Inland Sea and autumn colors from ropeway windows. Sunset views with town lights through autumn colors are photogenic.
🍁
Peak: Early-Late November (ropeway windows are classic)
Wildlife: Japanese Macaque (caution near ropeway line)
🌅
Sunset: Superb Setouchi sunset, autumn colors with sea and town lights
♨️
Hot Springs: Shodoshima Onsen (Yuhigaoka Hotel, etc.)
🍡
Local Sweets: Oiri (Sanuki traditional confection)
Ehime Prefecture
Mt. Ishizuchi Skyline
Western Japan’s highest peak (1,982m). Summit area from late September, mid-slope to base from early-late October with autumn colors transitioning by elevation.
🍁
Peak: Summit area late Sept~, mid-slope to base early-late Oct
⛴️ Mini cruise experience on ferry – camper van accessible
Runner-up recommendations: Okutsu Valley in Okayama (valley beauty with night illumination), Taishaku Gorge in Hiroshima (foliage viewing from pleasure boat)
For advanced travelers: Mt. Tsurugi in Tokushima (1,955m elevation, serious hiking and stargazing), Mt. Ishizuchi Skyline in Ehime (Western Japan’s highest peak with magnificent foliage) offer challenging and highly satisfying experiences!
📅 What’s the autumn foliage calendar and altitude-based peak viewing times for Chugoku-Shikoku?
Chugoku-Shikoku region offers approximately 2 months of foliage viewing from mid-October to early December thanks to altitude variations!
📍 Mid to late October (1,500m+ high mountain areas):
Mt. Tsurugi, Tokushima: 1,955m elevation – Mountain ash, beech, maple
Mt. Ishizuchi, Ehime: 1,982m elevation – Beech, maple, progressing from summit to base
🌾 Early November to early December (200-500m low mountains and lakesides):
Kankakei Gorge, Kagawa: Early to late November – Japanese maple varieties
Taishaku Gorge, Hiroshima: Around Shinryu Lake – Maple, beautiful water reflections
Nakatsu Valley, Kochi: Mid to late November – Niyodo Blue water × autumn foliage
Chomon Gorge, Yamaguchi: Early to mid-November – Maple tunnel
💡 2025 Forecast: Warm autumn trend may delay peak viewing by 5-7 days. Leverage your camper van’s flexibility by checking latest foliage updates and adjusting your itinerary accordingly!
⭐ Which spots offer the double experience of autumn foliage and stargazing?
Exclusive camper van luxury! Best spots for autumn foliage and stargazing double experience:
🌟 Premier spots (Milky Way and starry skies):
Shikoku Karst, Tengu Plateau, Kochi: 1,400m elevation – Zero light pollution, crystal-clear Milky Way / Stargazing events at “Hoshi-furu Village TENGU” / 360-degree starry sky from camper van roof / Spectacular grasslands day and night
Mt. Tsurugi, Tokushima: 1,955m elevation – Minimal light pollution on ridgelines / Overwhelmingly bright Milky Way during new moon / Stargazing from high-altitude parking / Daytime: Cloud-level autumn foliage via lift
Mt. Ishizuchi, Kamegamori, Ehime: 1,800m+ highlands / Starry skies from summit area / Nighttime sky viewing while staying along Skyline
✨ Runner-up spots (Stargazing also available):
Mt. Sanbe, Shimane: “Star-falling lift” at Sanbe Nature Museum Sahimel / Milky Way observation from 1,000m+ / Autumn foliage and starry sky collaboration at Muronochi
Mt. Osorakan, Hiroshima: 1,300m+ ridgeline / Combine with Sandankyo autumn foliage / Starry skies at night
Mt. Daisen, Tottori: 1,700m beech forest in golden colors / Nighttime stargazing (note moonlight)
🎯 Stargazing tips:
Best timing: New moon ±3 days for Milky Way observation
Check weather forecast for cloud cover – aim for high clear-sky probability days
Observe from camper van roof or viewing deck
Hot cocoa or coffee during stargazing time is ultimate luxury
Essential cold-weather gear (high altitudes can drop below 5°C at night)
💡 Real example: At Mt. Tsurugi in late October: afternoon foliage photography → evening new moon Milky Way observation → next morning morning mist foliage photography – this is the essence of camper van travel!
🚙 What are the best camper van parking and roadside stations in Chugoku-Shikoku?
Recommended overnight spots and RV parks by foliage location:
🏔️ Tottori Prefecture:
Michi-no-Eki Daisen Megumi-no-Sato: Base for Mt. Daisen Kagikake Pass, near Goen Yuin hot spring
RV Park Daisen: Full facilities for camper vans
Hot spring: Goen Yuin on Mt. Daisen temple approach for autumn foliage bath
🌄 Shimane Prefecture:
Mt. Sanbe parking area: Base for Muronochi foliage and stargazing
Michi-no-Eki Road Ginzan: 30min from Mt. Sanbe, with hot spring facilities
Hot spring: Mt. Sanbe Onsen for recovery
🍁 Okayama Prefecture:
Michi-no-Eki Okutsu Onsen: Near Okutsu Valley, foot bath available
Hiruzen Highland SA parking: Base for Kijodai Observatory with Mt. Daisen views
Hot spring: Okutsu Onsen village for bathing while enjoying valley beauty
🌊 Hiroshima Prefecture:
Sandankyo main entrance parking: Base for gorge foliage, camper van compatible
Taishaku Gorge Shinryu Lake parking: Quiet lakeside camping, near pleasure boat dock
Hot spring: Taishaku Gorge Onsen by the lake
🏞️ Yamaguchi Prefecture:
Michi-no-Eki Pure Line Nishiki: Base for Jakuchi Valley
Chomon Gorge parking area: Starting point for maple tunnel
Hot spring: Nishiki Palace for recovery
🌴 Kagawa Prefecture:
Shodoshima RV Park: Base for Kankakei, electricity and water available
💡 Overnight tips: Popular spot parking lots fill up during foliage season, so weekday or early morning arrival recommended. Planning with hot springs increases satisfaction! Don’t forget cold-weather preparations for nighttime chill.
🍂 How to fully enjoy autumn foliage, hot springs, and local gourmet food in a camper van?
Triple experience of foliage × hot springs × gourmet to fully enjoy Chugoku-Shikoku autumn!
🎯 Tips for full enjoyment: Early morning photography → Morning travel → Lunch with roadside station gourmet → Afternoon arrival at next spot → Evening hot spring → In-van local gourmet → Night stargazing creates the perfect rhythm!
Conclusion: Wheels Connecting 14 Autumn Stories
A journey through 14 autumn foliage spots from Mt. Daisen in Tottori to Shikoku Karst in Kochi. What the camper van made possible was freedom from timetables, encounters with sunrise and starry skies, and rich time colored by hot springs and local sweets in each area.
Autumn colors are once in a lifetime. If you think “I want to stay here a little longer,” extend your stay. If you think “I want to see the sunrise from that pass,” move before dawn—such capricious journeys create the most memorable experiences. Thanks to elevation differences, autumn colors in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions can be enjoyed for about two months from mid-October to early December. 2025 may see warm autumn trends with delayed peak seasons, but the ability to flexibly plan routes while checking weather forecasts is another strength of camper van travel.
Why not embark on a journey circling autumn colors, starry skies, and hot springs with autumn’s scroll paintings on your wheels? Brocade scenery flowing past your windows, starry skies, smiles beyond steam—surely an unforgettable autumn story awaits.
I have always wanted to travel in a campervan and have moved from staying in a minivan to buying a campervan. I am currently doing a lot of research for the purchase of a campervan. I am still a new guide, but I will use this opportunity to learn more and share this information with you.
This column introduces basic knowledge and enjoyment related to campervans. This article is based on the knowledge and experience of working in the related industry and the points of view that have caught my attention, and is written while reconstructing it together with information obtained from various websites and AI. Please understand this in advance. If there is any incorrect knowledge or information, please point it out to us via the ‘Contact Us’ link.
