紅葉 at Agatsuma Gorge/ Fudono Falls

Gunma Koyo: A wonderful quiet stroll from Iwashima station to Kawarayu-Onsen Station with autumn leaves, lakes, bridges and splendid views without crowds. Early November should be good but depends on year and weather.

It's quite trip from Tokyo but it's absolutely worth it. Get to Iwashima station which is roughly 2:30h from Tokyo station. Then go down to the river and follow the river (no path down at the river but along the street uphill through a small village. No need to take route 375). Along your way to the gorge there will be a couple of bridges with nice views on the river and in general you will have a nive view on surrounding mountains and autumn leaves.

As always for Koyo: prefer bright and sunny days!

On your way you’ll come across Agatsumafureai Park where you can buy some local food, enjoy again some nice views from another bridge and rest. Follow the street south and then cross the next bridge or stay on the same side of the river to arrive at Junisawa Parking lot. Either way you then descend to the gorge. Though this might be the key tourist point I’d say the views and sights on your way to the gorge and after will be nicer than the actual spot but anyway. On the north side of the river it should technically be possible to follow the street 145 (nice views again!) to the dam. There should also be a hiking course on south side of the river but in my case the last part of the road as well as the hiking course were closed/ blocked. So I followed route 375 on south side of the gorge through a 2.2km long tunnel (but with a walkway on the side, so safe and no problem) to arrive close to Kawarayu-Onsen. From the tunnel to the next bridge you’ll again have nice views but the next highlight will be the bridge beyond the station with views on Fudono falls and the whole valley and lake. Breath taking. Then take a train back to Tokyo (well no direct connection) but check train connection in advance.