Late summer in Japan —spanning late August to mid-September— is a sweet spot for travelers. The intense midsummer heat begins to ease, highland areas feel crisp and refreshing, and some elevated regions even start showing the first hints of autumn color. It’s a time when summer greens blend beautifully with golden fields and early foliage, creating unique photo opportunities without the heavy tourist crowds of peak autumn.
With private transfers, you can reach these scenic escapes comfortably and efficiently, skipping multiple train changes and enjoying the journey in air-conditioned comfort. Here are 7 destinations perfect for a late summer day trip from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
7 Scenic Day Trips Destinations — Late summer in Japan
1. Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi Prefecture)
~2 hours from Tokyo by private car
One of the famous Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi offers cool lakeside breezes and open views of Mt. Fuji. Late August and early September often bring clearer skies, making for stunning mountain reflections in the water. Enjoy a boat ride, explore lakeside cafés, or visit Oishi Park for seasonal flowers framing the mountain.
Tip: Combine with Arakurayama Sengen Shrine for panoramic views that hint at autumn on Mt. Fuji’s slopes.
2. Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture)
~2.5 hours from Tokyo by private car
At nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, Karuizawa is a beloved summer retreat that transitions gracefully into autumn. In early September, birch and maple leaves start showing subtle color changes, while the air turns refreshingly cool. Shop along Old Ginza Street, visit Shiraito Falls, or rent a bike to explore breezy forest roads.
Why go now: You’ll enjoy both the summer greenery and early touches of gold before peak autumn crowds arrive.
3. Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
~2.5 hours from Tokyo by private car
Nikko is a blend of cultural treasures and natural beauty. While the town itself stays green through early September, higher areas like Lake Chuzenji and Senjogahara Marsh begin to show early color. The cooler mountain air is perfect for exploring Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and forested walking trails without the summer heat.
Travel tip: A private car allows you to combine Nikko’s cultural sites with its highland areas in one day—something tricky to do by public transport.
4. Kurama & Kibune (Kyoto Mountains)
~1 hour from Kyoto by private car
Tucked in the mountains north of Kyoto, Kurama and Kibune are perfect for a late summer cool-down. The forested trail between the two villages stays shaded, and in September, a few early leaves start to turn. End your walk with lunch at a kawadoko riverside restaurant in Kibune, where tables are set above the flowing stream.
Best time to go: Morning visits are quiet and cool, ideal for avoiding midday heat.
5. Amanohashidate (Kyoto Prefecture)
~2.5 hours from Kyoto / ~3 hours from Osaka by private car
Nicknamed “One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views,” this pine-covered sandbar stretches across Miyazu Bay. Late summer offers sparkling blue waters and gentle sea breezes, making it one of the most refreshing day trips in Kansai. Ride the chairlift to the viewpoint, cycle along the sandbar, and enjoy fresh seafood by the coast.
Add-on idea: Combine with nearby Ine no Funaya (boat houses) for a full coastal experience.
6. Koyasan (Wakayama Prefecture)
~2 hours from Osaka / ~2.5 hours from Kyoto by private car
Sacred and serene, Koyasan sits atop a mountain plateau surrounded by cedar forests. In late August and September, the air here is cooler, and the soft light filtering through the trees creates a peaceful atmosphere for exploring Okunoin Cemetery or temple grounds. It’s a destination that offers both spiritual depth and natural beauty.
Foodie note: Try traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) for a truly local experience.
7. Soni Highlands (Nara Prefecture)
~2 hours from Kyoto / ~1.5 hours from Osaka by private car
Rolling green hills dotted with wildflowers define this highland area. By late summer, silver pampas grass begins to grow, creating a golden shimmer in the breeze—a sign that autumn is on its way. Gentle hiking trails and wide-open views make it a photographer’s dream.
Best for: Travelers seeking a peaceful, uncrowded nature escape.
Why Go by Private Transfers with Hire Taxi Japan
Public transportation to these highland and lakeside spots often involves multiple transfers, long walks, or infrequent buses. With Hire Taxi Japan, you’ll enjoy:
- Door-to-door comfort from your hotel or airport
- Flexible itineraries to combine multiple destinations in one day
- Climate control to stay cool between scenic stops
- Local driver insights for hidden photo spots and food finds
Whether you’re chasing the last breezes of summer or the first colors of autumn, we’ll help you make the journey as memorable as the destination.
