Japan’s Early Winter Foliage: A 14-Day December Campervan Tour

Stop 1: Lake Kawaguchiko & Northern Izu Peninsula

Collect your campervan in Chiba and begin your adventure by driving west past the Tokyo skyline toward the iconic base of Mt. Fuji. Early December offers incredible atmospheric clarity, making it the best time of year to view the snow-capped peak framed by lingering autumn leaves around Lake Kawaguchiko.

After enjoying lunch and a scenic lakeside stroll, turn south into the mild coastal climate of the Izu Peninsula. Heading toward Ito or Shuzenji allows you to ease into driving your campervan on gentle highway routes while getting fully acquainted with the vehicle setup before your first overnight stay.

Stop 2: Lake Hamana (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Spend a peaceful morning exploring West Izu’s coastal roads, where dramatic cliffs and quiet bays offer breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji across Suruga Bay. Take a relaxing walk along the gentle lakeside path of Lake Ippekiko, where deep red maples often reflect off the calm water well into early December.

In the afternoon, join the Tomei Expressway heading west along Shizuoka’s Pacific coastline toward Lake Hamana (Hamanako). This warm lakeside area is famous across Japan for its natural thermal hot springs and local culinary specialty, fresh grilled eel (Unagi). Park at a lakeside campsite or RV park to enjoy sunset over the water and a relaxing thermal bath.

Stop 3: Kumano Region & Nachi Falls (Wakayama Prefecture)

Drive along the scenic coastal route into the heavily forested Kii Peninsula, a World Heritage landscape renowned for spiritual pilgrimage paths and untouched wilderness.

Day 3: Arrive in the Kumano area and visit Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall, framed by ancient evergreen forest and vibrant late-season leaves. Explore the iconic orange Pagoda of Seiganto-ji overlooking the roaring falls.

Day 4: Hike a gentle section of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, such as the moss-lined Daimon-zaka cobblestone stairway shaded by giant cedar trees. Afterward, head to the coastal town of Shirahama to soak in oceanfront open-air hot springs like Saki-no-yu, positioned directly on the Pacific shoreline.

Stop 4: Osaka / Kobe Area

Drive north out of Wakayama and head into the energetic city of Osaka. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the historic waterways and vibrant street food culture of Dotonbori, sampling freshly made Takoyaki and local delicacies.

[Travel Tip: Ferry vs. Shikoku Drive] For maximum comfort and relaxation, drive to Osaka Port in the evening and board an overnight car ferry to Kyushu. Sleeping in a comfortable private cabin while crossing the calm Seto Inland Sea saves energy and eliminates long driving hours. Alternatively, travelers who prefer staying on land can easily take a scenic drive through Shikoku via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Shimanami Kaido highways.

Stop 5: Yufuin & Beppu (Oita Prefecture, Kyushu)

Disembark in Kyushu refreshed and ready to experience one of Japan’s most famous hot spring regions.

Day 6: Drive inland toward the picturesque mountain town of Yufuin. Take a morning walk around Lake Kinrin, where rising thermal mist creates an otherworldly atmosphere surrounded by colorful foliage. Spend the afternoon exploring local craft shops and relaxing in boutique hot spring baths.

Day 7: Head to neighboring Beppu, world-famous for its massive geothermal activity. Tour the famous Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) to see steaming blue and red mineral pools, steam vents, and oceanfront hot spring resorts.

Stop 6 & 7: Takachiho Gorge & Return Route Departure

Drive south into the sheltered mountain valleys of Miyazaki Prefecture, a region steeped in Japanese mythology and mild winter weather.

Day 8: Visit Takachiho Gorge, one of Kyushu’s most magnificent natural wonderlands. Rent a rowboat to navigate the river canyon or walk along the high trail where towering basalt cliffs and waterfalls are framed by brilliant early-December foliage.

Day 9: Spend a peaceful morning visiting Takachiho Shrine and exploring the surrounding forested groves. In the afternoon, begin the northbound drive toward Kitakyushu to catch the return overnight car ferry back to Kansai (or begin your return land route across Shikoku).

Stop 8: Kyoto World Heritage Sites

Wake up back in the Kansai region and enjoy two full days exploring Kyoto’s world-famous heritage without the intense peak-season autumn crowds.

Day 10 (Western Valleys): Focus on western Kyoto by visiting Arashiyama. Walk beneath the majestic Bamboo Grove, cross the historic Togetsukyo Bridge, and explore Tenryu-ji Temple’s celebrated landscape garden, famous for late-season maple reflections.

Day 11 (Historic Core): Head to eastern Kyoto to walk the massive wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering panoramic views of Kyoto City framed by red maples. Stroll through the preserved stone lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha’s famous Torii gate pathways.

Stop 9: Hakone National Park (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Drive east along the highway network toward Hakone, a world-class hot spring resort region nestled in the mountains near Mt. Fuji. Arrive in time to visit Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), capturing photos of the iconic red Torii gate of Hakone Shrine floating on the water with clear winter views of Mt. Fuji in the background.

Spend the afternoon exploring lower-elevation valleys, open-air art museums, and local artisan shops before checking into a campervan-friendly campsite or thermal bath center. Ending your day in Hakone’s famous mineral baths is the perfect way to unwind in the crisp mountain air.

Stop 10: Tokyo Bay Area & Chiba Depot Return

Day 13: Enjoy a leisurely scenic drive east toward the Tokyo Bay waterfront. Pass through Odaiba for iconic views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline against the winter sky. Continue into Chiba Prefecture for a quiet last night near the coast or countryside, reflecting on your grand journey across Japan.

Day 14: Enjoy a short, stress-free morning drive back to the campervan rental depot near Narita. By returning your vehicle mid-day, you avoid Tokyo’s heavy commuting traffic, allowing plenty of time for refueling, cleaning, packing your luggage, and completing a smooth vehicle drop-off.

An early winter campervan trip offers something peak autumn cannot: true freedom, peaceful roads, and open campsite availability. By combining the mild southern coastlines of Honshu with the magical gorges of Kyushu via overnight ferries, you can experience Japan’s natural beauty at a comfortable, human pace.

Check daily weather forecasts, stay flexible, and discover how wonderful Japan’s early winter road trip can be! BOOK YOUR CAMPERVAN NOW!

Check out some of our recommended Itinerary here:

• See Our November Foliage Road Trip: A 5-Day Campervan Itinerary Through Japan’s Autumn Landscapes
• See Our Top 5 Winter Road Trip Destinations in Japan (Safe & Snow-Free Routes)
• See Our Van Life Guide to Winter Road Trips in Japan by a Campervan