Japan in Autumn 2027
Instead of cherry blossoms 🌸, this time we are following the autumn leaves 🍁.
A new travel project
Japan again. This time in autumn.
Our trip during the cherry blossom season in 2026 made us want to return. In autumn 2027, we want to travel through Japan by camper for around 60 days – this time from north to south and ideally in rhythm with Koyo, the changing autumn leaves.
The core idea and some personal fixed points are set. The exact route and individual stages will continue to develop. Here we keep track of our planning progress – so feel free to check back.
01 · The timeframe
Around 60 days on the road
Roughly 60 rental days are planned. These dates set the framework; the trip should leave enough breathing room for autumn colors, spontaneous stops, and longer stays.
02 · The grand loop
From Tohoku to Kyushu – and back
The rough route leads from Narita northwards first. From there, it continues down the Japan Sea side towards the south, before heading back to Narita via Kansai and Izu:
- Narita
- Tohoku
- Japan Sea Return
- Fuji Five Lakes
- Koyasan
- Hiroshima
- Kyushu
- Overnight Ferry
- Kyoto
- Nara
- Ise
- Izu
- Tokyo
- Narita
Why this order? We want to follow the Koyo autumn foliage from north to south. Fuji Five Lakes therefore come after Tohoku; Kyoto is on the return trip. This is the framework of our idea, not a fixed daily itinerary.
03 · More time for something new
Tohoku will be a major focus
We want to spend about three weeks in Tohoku. The north coast is important to us, and we are considering different routes for the outward and return journeys. Inland detours are an option if they offer good chances for autumn foliage or particularly appealing onsens.
Otherwise, the trip should not simply repeat the familiar 2026 route. Beppu, Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shikoku, and Himeji are already known to us. Hiroshima remains on the plan anyway because a museum is still waiting for us there.
04 · How we want to travel
Self-sufficient, with time and good stops
Independent with the camper
We want to travel self-sufficiently and stay overnight mostly at Michi-no-Eki. Which stops fit will be concretized as planning progresses; the actual on-site situation remains decisive.
No early departures
In autumn, it is still dark in the morning. Therefore, we do not plan any departures before 8 AM and want to schedule our stages so that the days do not become unnecessarily hectic.
Onsens that truly appeal
We are not looking for as many baths as possible, but rather a good mix of special onsens – from upscale to simple and traditional. Choosing specific locations is part of the next planning round.
Tokyo without camper stress
We want to explore Tokyo without the camper. We don't want to drop off the camper prematurely: this avoids luggage shuffling and unnecessary trips between Narita and Tokyo. Two to three nights in the city are planned; exact details will be worked out later.
05 · Firm wishes
Two museum stops and special baths
The Dalí Museum is firmly planned into the route. Likewise, we want to visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo – the artist whose dot worlds could recently be seen in Cologne as well.
And regarding onsens, we look forward to contrasts: particularly beautiful, perhaps upscale facilities as well as simple, traditional baths. We will share which ones they will be once the selection is made.
06 · The project is evolving
A planning status, not a final itinerary
The private map and exact stage planning remain with us for now. Here we share the major decisions and later selected additions as soon as they are truly set – for example, which Tohoku route it will be or which onsens and stops make it into the trip.
November 2, 2026 · Project launchTimeframe, rough loop, and key personal wishes compiled.
If anything significant changes, we will update the next planning status here. Feel free to check back.