Tours

Autumn Leaves Tour in Gunma on Watarase Gorge Railway

Tokyo, Japanby Club Tourism International Inc.

10 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 41 travelers
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Guide: Japanese, English

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Overview

Discover the beauty of Gunma’s autumn on this unforgettable day trip from Tokyo. Enjoy a picturesque ride on the Watarase Gorge Railway, known for its stunning views of colorful foliage along the river and mountains. Visit Hotokuji Temple, famous for its unique floor reflections that showcase vibrant autumn leaves mirrored on a polished black lacquer floor. The journey also includes a delicious chicken bento boxed lunch. - Scenic ride on the Watarase Gorge Railway through autumn landscapes - Visit Hotokuji Temple for its breathtaking seasonal floor reflections - Stop at a roadside station for local souvenirs and treats - Tour includes a chicken bento lunch and a full day of sightseeing

What's included

Chicken bento box (no drinks included)
Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
Watarase Keikoku Railway ride
Round-trip bus transportation

Food and drinks (unless specified)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

Itinerary

1
Michi no Eki Maebashi Akagi
30 min
After meeting your tour conductor, travel to Roadside Station Maebashi Akagi. This popular roadside station showcases local agricultural products, regional specialties, and souvenirs from the Akagi area. Enjoy time to browse the shops and experience one of Gunma's most talked-about roadside destinations. An included chicken bento lunch will be provided during the tour.
2
Stop 2
30 min
After approximately 80 minutes of travel, arrive at Godo Station, where you will board the Watarase Gorge Railway. Nestled among the mountains and valleys of northern Gunma, the station serves as the starting point for a scenic railway journey through one of the region's most beautiful autumn landscapes.
3
Stop 3
5 min
Board the Watarase Gorge Railway and enjoy approximately 30 minutes aboard this charming local train. The route follows the Watarase River through forested valleys and mountain scenery that become especially spectacular during autumn. As the train passes through the gorge, colorful foliage blankets the hillsides, creating a picturesque journey that has made the railway one of Japan's favorite seasonal train experiences. Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-October through late November. Arrive at Omama Station and continue by coach to the next destination.
4
Stop 4
1 hour
After approximately 20 minutes of travel, arrive at Hotokuji Temple. This temple is renowned for its limited seasonal display known as "floor reflections," during which colorful autumn leaves are reflected on a polished black lacquer floor. The result is a remarkable mirror-like scene that creates the illusion of floating within a landscape of brilliant red and orange foliage. The special autumn viewing period attracts photographers and visitors from across Japan, making it one of the region's most distinctive seasonal experiences. Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-October through late November.

Meeting and pickup

Meet in front of Shibuya Cross Tower (1st floor, outside), East Exit of JR Tokyu Shibuya Station. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meet inside the bus terminal on the first floor of the Bunka Kaikan Bldg. inside Sunshine City. Approx. 20 min walk from Ikebukuro Station. Please arrive at least 10 min before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meet at Terminal Tokyo Yaesu (B1F), near the restrooms located beside Bus Stop A05 on Basement Level 1 of TOFROM YAESU TOWER. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meet near the "Parks Ueno Store" Park Information kiosk at JR Ueno Station Park Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meet inside the Metropolitan Government Large Bus Parking Lot at JR Shinjuku Station West Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Shibuya it will end also near Shibuya Station. Arrival expected around 5:10 PM.

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Ikebukuro it will end also near Ikebukuro Station. Arrival expected around 6:00 PM.

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Tokyo it will end also near there. Arrival expected around 5:50 PM.

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Ueno it will end also in Ueno. Arrival expected around 5:50 PM.

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Shinjuku it will end also in Shinjuku. Arrival expected around 6:00 PM.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement

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Delays, shortenings or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened. Typical Peak Season: mid October to late November.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time listed.
The section of the Watarase Keikoku Railway included in the tour may be changed due to operational circumstances.
The order of the itinerary may be changed due to operational circumstances.
For departures on November 7, the tour will be operated using a coach equipped with a restroom. Some passengers may be assigned seats near the onboard restroom. These seats are located across the aisle and are otherwise no different from standard seats.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Tokyo, Japan

1.5 hours

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