紅葉 at Kawaguchiko and Saruhashi

Mid of November the autumn leaves festival at lake Kawaguchiko takes place - featuring light up of the maple corridor.

Though strolling around lake Kawaguchiko is a nice trip on a clear and bright autumn day, especially the maple corridor area is very crowded and maybe stressful.

Location2: From Kawaguchiko station a lot of busses do operate. Though I found it hard to figure out which is the right one. Given the bus takes 20 minutes according to google but given the traffic jam in high season I saw on the bridge I'd say 40 minutes plus 20 min figuring out which bus is the right one... just walk. 40min-1hr from station to Maple corridor and on your way already nice autumn views on Fujisan.

For the reasons mentioned (crowded, not quiet etc at Kawaguchiko in Koyo high season) I recommend on the way from Tokyo to stop at Saruhashi and head to Saruhashi bridge and the gorge there. Apart from the main spot (the bridge) the gorge was a quite lonesome but beatiful place to have a break. Kind of time management is necessary though.

Location 1: From Saruhashi Station it's a short 20 min walk to the bridge.