Fall in Hakone brings crisp mountain air and colorful landscapes. The comfortable weather makes exploring the region especially enjoyable.
Average daytime temperatures steadily drop from the mid-70s °F in early September to about 50°F by late November. Skies get clearer and rainfall drops as autumn moves along.
This shift creates some of the most pleasant conditions of the year for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You’ll notice cooler evenings, fewer muggy days, and shorter daylight hours as autumn progresses.
Rain falls more often in September, but by November, wet days are much less common. That means you get more chances to enjoy Hakone’s hot springs, hiking trails, and famous fall foliage without too much interruption.
Hakone’s varied terrain really shines in fall, from lake views to mountain paths, each spot showing a different side of autumn. With the right timing, you can catch not just great weather but also special events and natural displays that make Hakone stand out on Japan’s fall travel calendar.
Overview of Fall in Hakone
During fall in Hakone, temperatures slowly cool and skies become clearer. The landscape shifts into vivid seasonal colors.
You’ll notice steady changes in both the weather and scenery. This period feels distinct from the warmer, wetter summer and the colder, quieter winter.
Typical Weather Patterns During Fall
Fall in Hakone runs from September through November. Daily high temperatures drop from about 75°F (24°C) in early September to around 50°F (10°C) by late November.
Nights get much cooler, especially higher up, so it’s smart to bring layers. Rain falls less than in the summer rainy season.
September can still bring showers, but October and November are drier with more sunny days. The percentage of cloudy or overcast skies drops, so you get clearer views of the mountains and lakes.
Humidity stays lower than in summer, which makes the air feel crisp and refreshing. Winds usually stay light to moderate, though you might notice stronger breezes in open areas like Lake Ashi.
If you plan to hike or check out outdoor attractions, expect comfortable daytime conditions in October and early November. Be ready for chilly evenings, though.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to spring, fall in Hakone feels cooler and less humid. Both seasons have colorful landscapes.
Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas, while fall shows off maples and pampas grass. Summer is much warmer and wetter.
July brings the most rain, with frequent showers and high humidity, which can make sightseeing less comfortable. Fall offers more stable conditions, with fewer rainy days and less haze.
Winter gets colder and sometimes brings snow to higher elevations. The skies often stay clear, but temperatures drop sharply, especially at night.
Fall gives you a nice balance between comfort and scenery. That’s part of why it’s so popular.
If you want mild weather without the extremes of heat or cold, fall stands out as the most reliable season for outdoor travel in Hakone.
Notable Changes in Scenery
Hakone’s landscape changes dramatically during fall. From late October through November, the forests light up in red, orange, and yellow.
The peak foliage usually hits in early to late November, depending on elevation. You’ll spot Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and larches showing off their colors around Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Pampas grass blooms in Sengokuhara, turning into wide silver fields that sway in the wind. Clearer skies improve the view of Mount Fuji, especially in November.
That makes fall one of the best times to enjoy scenic views across the region. Festivals add to the atmosphere.
Events like the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu parade in early November bring traditional costumes and autumn leaves together. These scenery changes, along with mild weather, make fall in Hakone both visually striking and comfortable for travel.
Monthly Breakdown: September to November
Fall in Hakone brings steady changes in temperature, rainfall, and scenery. You’ll see heavy rain early in the season, clearer skies by mid-autumn, and crisp, cool air as winter gets closer.
The mix of weather shapes how you plan outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking or enjoying hot springs.
September Weather Highlights
September marks the switch from summer’s heat to cooler autumn conditions. Average daytime highs range from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), while nights cool to around 15°C (59°F).
Humidity stays high, and rain falls often. September is actually one of the wettest months, with rainfall often topping 250 mm (10 in).
Warm temperatures and heavy rain mean you should be ready for sudden showers. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is a must.
Trails can get muddy, so sturdy shoes help if you want to hike. Even with the rain, early autumn offers lush greenery and fewer crowds than summer.
If you like hot springs, the cooler evenings make outdoor baths especially inviting.
October Weather in Hakone
By October, Hakone weather settles down. Daily highs average 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), while nights drop to 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F).
Rainfall drops compared to September, though light showers still pop up. This month is famous for clear skies, making it a great time for sightseeing.
You can often see Mount Fuji from Hakone’s higher viewpoints. Lower humidity also makes hiking more comfortable.
October is when fall foliage starts. Maples and ginkgo trees change color in the higher elevations first.
Cooler evenings feel refreshing after daytime activities, so layering your clothes is a good idea.
November Weather Trends
November brings crisp, cool weather. Daytime highs average around 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to 5°C to 8°C (41°F to 46°F).
Rain falls even less, averaging about 130–140 mm (5 in), making it one of the drier months. This is peak foliage season in Hakone.
Valleys and lakeshores glow with bright red, orange, and yellow leaves. The clear, dry air makes for great mountain views.
Dress warmly, especially in the evenings. A light coat or insulated jacket comes in handy.
November’s weather makes outdoor sightseeing comfortable, and the cool air makes soaking in Hakone’s hot springs even better.
Regional Variations in Hakone During Fall
Hakone’s terrain creates real differences in weather across its valleys, hot spring towns, and higher ridges. Temperature, cloud cover, and foliage timing can shift depending on where you stay.
It helps to know how climate varies between low and high areas.
Sengokuhara Climate and Features
Sengokuhara sits on a plateau surrounded by grasslands and wetlands. In fall, the area cools off faster than lower towns, with daily highs often several degrees lower.
Nights can feel chilly, especially by late October. The pampas grass fields here are a highlight.
Tall silver stalks turn golden in mid to late fall, usually peaking earlier than the red maples elsewhere in Hakone. Clearer skies in November make the fields especially scenic.
Rainfall drops as the season goes on, but mornings can still feel misty. You’ll notice cooler dew points than in Yumoto, so the air feels drier as fall progresses.
Light jackets are a must, even for daytime walks.
Yumoto Autumn Weather
Yumoto, down at the base of Hakone, has a milder fall climate. Temperatures here stay warmer than upland areas, with daily highs often comfortable well into November.
Nights cool off, but not as much as in Sengokuhara or Gora. Because Yumoto sits lower, autumn colors arrive later.
Maple and ginkgo trees near the river usually reach peak color from early to mid-November. Yumoto ends up being one of the last places in Hakone to show strong foliage.
Humidity drops steadily through the season. Rain chances also fall after September.
If you like gentler weather and easy access from Tokyo, Yumoto offers a convenient base with more moderate conditions.
High-Elevation Versus Low-Elevation Areas
Hakone’s ridges, like those near Lake Ashi and Owakudani, cool down much faster than the valleys. At higher elevations, daily highs can get close to 10°C by late November, and lows often approach freezing.
These spots also see earlier leaf color changes. Maples and beeches at elevation often peak in late October, about two weeks before the valleys below.
Winds blow stronger at the ridges, and cloud cover can linger longer compared to Yumoto. In contrast, low-elevation towns like Yumoto stay warmer, wetter early in the season, and slower to show autumn colors.
This elevation gap gives you a staggered foliage season, so you can experience different stages of fall within a short distance.
Temperature, Rainfall, and Humidity
In Hakone, fall brings cooler temperatures, shifting rainfall, and a steady drop in humidity from September into November. These changes shape how comfortable you’ll feel outdoors and what to expect when you plan activities.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures in Hakone during fall start out in the mid-70s °F (around 24°C) in early September. By late November, they drop to the low 50s °F (about 10°C).
Nights cool off more sharply, starting near the mid-60s °F (18°C) and ending closer to the upper 30s °F (3–4°C). October brings the biggest change.
Daily highs average between 60–65°F (15–18°C) in October. Nights often dip into the 40s °F (7–9°C), so bring layers if you’re staying out after sunset.
By November, mornings and evenings can feel chilly, especially higher up. Frost sometimes appears late in the season, which might surprise visitors expecting milder autumn weather.
Temperature Range by Month (approximate):
- September: 75°F / 65°F (24°C / 18°C)
- October: 63°F / 47°F (17°C / 8°C)
- November: 52°F / 38°F (11°C / 3°C)
Rainfall Patterns and Rainy Days
Rainfall in Hakone drops through the fall, but September still brings a high chance of wet weather. Early in the season, you can see about 6–7 inches (150–180 mm) of rain in a typical month, with many days bringing showers.
October is less rainy, averaging 4–5 inches (100–130 mm), though rain often comes in short, heavy bursts. By November, totals drop to around 3 inches (70–80 mm), and rainy days are less common.
The chance of a rainy day falls from over 40% in early September to about 20% by late November. Typhoon season sometimes overlaps with early fall, so September storms may bring stronger winds and heavier downpours.
Rainfall Trend:
- September: frequent showers, highest risk of storms
- October: moderate rainfall, fewer rainy days
- November: lighter rainfall, clearer skies
Humidity and Fog
Humidity in Hakone starts high in September, usually above 70%, but steadily drops as temperatures cool. By November, the air feels much drier, with humidity levels closer to 50%.
This change makes late fall more comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Fog is common in early fall, especially in the mornings around lakes and valleys.
Warm ground and cooling air create mist that can limit visibility. By October, fog happens less often, and by November, clear skies dominate most days.
If you visit in October, you might still see damp mornings followed by crisp, dry afternoons. In November, the air feels noticeably clearer, giving you better views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains.
Humidity Trend:
- September: muggy, frequent fog
- October: moderate humidity, occasional fog
- November: dry, clearer skies
Seasonal Events and Natural Highlights
In fall, Hakone transforms as the landscape bursts into vibrant colors. Traditional festivals fill the region with history and culture that feels alive and right in front of you.
You’ll find both incredible natural scenery and seasonal celebrations that really show off Hakone’s unique character.
Fall Foliage and Silver Grass Viewing
Starting in mid-October, Hakone’s mountain slopes shift into a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Peak foliage usually arrives from late October through November.
Maple and ginkgo trees turn brilliant shades, and you get clear views across valleys and lakes that almost demand a second look.
The Sengokuhara area stands out for its silver grass fields. From early September to early November, tall golden plumes wave across the open plains.
Walking paths wind right through the grasslands, letting you get up close to this seasonal highlight.
You can catch autumn leaves at gardens and museums like Gora Park or the Hakone Museum of Art. Many travelers pair foliage viewing with a hot spring visit, soaking in the cooler air and those scenic views.
If you want a broader perspective, hop on the Hakone Ropeway or take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi. Both offer unique angles of the colorful hillsides, whether from above or right on the water.
Key Autumn Festivals and Celebrations
Hakone’s fall calendar overflows with cultural events rooted in history and local tradition. These festivals often bring together music, parades, and religious ceremonies that feel both lively and meaningful.
The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu parade is a real highlight on November 3 in Yumoto. Locals dress in Edo Period costumes and recreate a feudal lord’s procession.
In Sengokuhara, the Hakone Autumn Music Festival fills the area with classical performances. Local shrines also host smaller celebrations, like the Motomiya Reisai Festival at Komagatake and the Yumoto Kumano Shrine Festival in September.
You get a real sense of Hakone’s culture at these events, especially with the crisp fall weather and colorful scenery all around.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hakone in Fall
Fall in Hakone means cooler temperatures, fresh air, and a landscape that just pops with color. You’ll want to prepare for shifting weather, pick activities that fit the season, and know the best spots for vibrant foliage.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Weather in Hakone during October and November can be unpredictable. Daytime highs usually land in the mid-teens to low 20s °C, but evenings often dip below 10°C.
Light layers work best if you want to stay comfortable.
Bring a warm jacket, especially if you’re heading to higher spots like Owakudani. A light sweater or fleece is usually enough for daytime.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes since many attractions involve uneven paths or forest trails.
A small umbrella or rain jacket is a smart addition. Autumn showers aren’t common, but they can catch you off guard, especially in October.
If you visit in late November, gloves and a scarf will help with chilly nights.
A simple packing list:
- Light jacket or coat
- Sweater or fleece layer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella or rain gear
- Scarf and gloves (late season)
Recommended Activities and Attractions
Fall really is one of the best times to explore Hakone’s outdoor and cultural spots. Cooler weather makes walking through gardens and open-air spaces a lot more comfortable.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Museum of Art both showcase seasonal displays surrounded by autumn leaves.
You can unwind in hot springs, or onsen, which feel especially nice in the crisp air. Many ryokan offer open-air baths with views of the surrounding hills.
For more adventure, ride the Hakone Ropeway or Hakone Tozan Railway. Both give you sweeping views of mountains and valleys glowing with fall colors.
A cruise on Lake Ashi lets you see the scenery from a whole new angle, right out on the water.
Best Times and Places for Autumn Scenery
Peak foliage in Hakone really depends on elevation. Leaves up in Owakudani and Sengokuhara start changing around mid-October.
Down in places like Hakone-Yumoto, you’ll usually see the best color from early to mid-November.
It’s smart to plan your trip around this elevation difference. If you go earlier, check out the higher spots. If you’re visiting later, the gardens and attractions lower down should be at their best.
Some of the most popular viewing spots?
- Gora Park with its landscaped gardens
- Hakone Open-Air Museum—art and foliage together
- Lake Ashi where autumn colors reflect on the water
- Hakone Museum of Art and its moss garden framed by red maples
Late October through late November usually offers the most reliable color. With all the different altitudes in Hakone, you can almost always find good foliage somewhere during this stretch.