Benny's Japan Tips Vol. 8 | Jozankei Autumn Leaves, Kaga Art Exhibition, Tsuwano & Fujimi Sea of Clouds, Kamaishi Festival
When planning a trip to Japan in October 2026 for autumn foliage, sea of clouds chasing, or local festivals, the most important factors to prioritize are not just the scenery, but also travel dates, construction routes, and facility closure dates. In this issue of "Benny's Japan Insight" Vol. 8, we have compiled five autumn travel tips: Jozankei autumn foliage in Hokkaido, the Kaga art exhibition in Ishikawa, morning chairlifts in Tsuwano (Shimane), the Fujimi panoramic gondola for sea of clouds (Nagano), and the Kamaishi Festival in Iwate, helping you arrange a smoother itinerary based on dates and transport conditions.
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Data Basis: Compiled from the provided Vol. 8 image cards, text, and official source list for October 12, 2026; this is not a real-time service inquiry. All times below are in Japan Standard Time (1 hour ahead of Hong Kong), and prices are in Japanese Yen. Natural conditions, operational arrangements, and festival programs are subject to change; please check official announcements before departure.
2026 Japan Autumn Travel Highlights: How to Choose Between the Five Destinations?
For autumn leaves, check out Jozankei and Fujimi’s Nyukasa Marsh; to chase the morning sea of clouds, compare the 07:00 chairlift in Tsuwano with the 05:30 gondola in Fujimi, though both require you to arrange your own early morning transportation. For contemporary art, visit the Kaga Iryoku-en Garden before October 18; for the Kamaishi Festival's sea procession and fireworks, the key date is October 17, with the city parade following on October 18. As these five locations are scattered across different regions, choose based on your existing travel plans rather than treating them as a single continuous route.
1. Hokkaido Jozankei Autumn Foliage: Futami Park under construction, detour required for suspension bridge
The Jozankei Tourism Association designated the five major autumn foliage areas as "peak viewing" starting October 11. The "100%" figure is a management indicator for viewing and does not imply every tree has turned red; the scenery in the image card is an official photo taken at Jozankei Bridge on October 9 and is not a live stream.
Is the Futami Suspension Bridge still accessible?
Yes, but Futami Park is closed due to construction. To reach the bridge, follow the on-site signs to use the designated walking detour and do not cross the construction area. The source list records the construction period from September 24, 2026, to the end of March 2027, with reminders that the winter detour is also closed; please re-confirm when departing in different seasons.
Jozankei Autumn Foliage Bus Fares and Transport
Take a bus from Sapporo or Makomanai to "Jozankei Jinja-mae." The Momiji Kappa Bus costs 700 yen per seat (45 seats per bus) and runs until October 21; tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Tourist Information Center on the day of travel. The Hoheikyo shuttle runs until October 25; after arrival, you must transfer to an electric bus. The combined round-trip fare for both buses is 2,200 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for elementary school students. As the arrangements differ, clarify the destination and transfers before planning.
Benny's Reminder: Do not just rely on old guides during peak foliage season; prioritize construction notices and on-site instructions.
Official References: Foliage Status, Five Major Foliage Areas and Seasonal Buses, Futami Park Construction Notice.
2. Ishikawa Kaga Iryoku-en: frontviews' first Japan exhibition until October 18
The Berlin art collective frontviews' first Japan exhibition, "Drawn from Quiet Waters," features 11 artists and is held from October 10 to 18, 2026, at Kaga Iryoku-en in Yamanaka Onsen. If you wish to include the art exhibition in your hot spring trip, schedule this stop during the day.
Exhibition Hours and Admission: 10:00–18:00, general admission is 600 yen; closed on October 15. Each physical exhibition DM card admits one person for free; it is unconfirmed whether mobile screenshots are accepted, so do not rely on them as a guarantee for free entry.
Transport: From Kaga Onsen Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Kaga Bus (Yamanaka Onsen line) and get off at "Korogi-bashi." Check for temporary closure notices from the organizers before departure.
Official References: Exhibition Press Release, Kaga Iryoku-en Operations and Access, Latest Notices.
3. Shimane Tsuwano Sea of Clouds: Early morning chairlift operating at 07:00 from October 24
The Tsuwano sightseeing chairlift offers early morning service starting at 07:00 on weekends and Japanese public holidays from October 24 to November 23, 2026, with no reservation required. It is not open early every day during this period, so check the calendar when planning your itinerary.
Fare: 700 yen round-trip for adults, 500 yen for elementary school students and below. The ride from JR Tsuwano Station to the chairlift station takes about 5 minutes, and the chairlift ride itself is about 5 minutes; short transit time does not mean there is convenient early morning transport, so you must arrange early morning travel in advance.
Can the sea of clouds be guaranteed? No. Morning fog and sea of clouds are weather-dependent; check weather and operational status first. The image card uses official reference photos, not real-time footage of the 2026 sea of clouds; the actual shooting date is not indicated.
Official References: Early Morning Chairlift Notice, Chairlift Fares and Access, Castle Ruins and Suspension Notices.
4. Nagano Fujimi Sea of Clouds Gondola: 05:30 opening, free shuttle doesn't depart until 10:00
The sea of clouds gondola at Fujimi Panorama Resort operates from 05:30 on weekends and Japanese public holidays between October 3 and November 15, 2026, with ticket sales starting at 05:15. To chase the sunrise and early morning scenery, the most crucial step is to arrange transportation to the gondola station in advance.
Can the free shuttle get you there in time for the early morning gondola?
No. The free shuttle from JR Fujimi Station departs at 10:00 and returns at 15:00, arriving 4.5 hours after the gondola begins operation. You must arrange your own transportation to see the sunrise; do not wait until arriving at the station to discover there is no early morning shuttle.
Round-trip tax-inclusive fare: 2,600 yen for adults, 1,300 yen for elementary students; preschool children are free. The sea of clouds is weather-dependent and may be suspended during bad weather; be prepared for cold temperatures in the early morning. The image card uses official reference photos with no indicated shooting date; it cannot be taken as proof of the sea of clouds on a specific day.
When to view the Nyukasa Marsh autumn grass?
The attachment notes that as of the October 12 official update, the autumn grass at Nyukasa Marsh is still within the viewing period. The "Autumn Grass" project runs from October 10 to November 8 but may be adjusted based on plant conditions; natural status should be based on updates on the day of departure.
Official References: Operations and Seasonal Status, Fares, Access and Free Shuttles, Autumn Project Announcement.
5. Iwate Kamaishi Festival 2026: See the sea procession and fireworks on the 17th, parade on the 18th
The 2026 Kamaishi Festival will be held from October 16 to 18. To see the harbor events and street parade, plan for two separate days; do not assume all highlights occur on the same day.
October 17: Boat procession, sea ritual, and fireworks
Boats depart at 09:00, with the harbor sea procession starting at 11:30; fireworks are expected to last about 30 minutes from 18:00. Fireworks can only be viewed from designated areas at the Port Town Quay/Green Belt. There are no temporary restrooms or stalls on-site, so plan for food and restroom needs in advance.
October 18: City parade and road closures
The city parade departs at 12:10; roads from the Owatari Bridge intersection to Yorikoshi-cho will be closed from 10:30–15:00. You can reach the area via JR or Sanriku Railway; check return schedules in advance, especially after the evening fireworks.
Benny's Reminder: Events are subject to weather conditions; drones are prohibited throughout the festival. The attachment does not confirm general admission fees or boarding arrangements for the public; do not assume the sea procession is open for the general public to board boats.
Official References: Kamaishi Festival Program and Site Restrictions, Iwate Official Tourism Guide, Access and Timetable Entry.
FAQ: October 2026 Japan Autumn Foliage and Sea of Clouds Itineraries
Does "100%" autumn foliage in Jozankei mean all leaves have turned red?
No. "100%" is a management indicator for viewing and does not mean every tree is fully red. Use the latest photos, foliage reports, and construction notices in tandem for your itinerary.
Does the Tsuwano early morning chairlift run at 07:00 every day?
No. Between October 24 and November 23, 2026, it only operates from 07:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese public holidays; monitor weather and suspension notices.
Can I rely on the free shuttle to reach the 05:30 Fujimi gondola?
No, the 10:00 free shuttle cannot get you to the 05:30 gondola. You must arrange your own transport for early morning sunrise chasing.
Can I use a mobile screenshot of the exhibition DM for free entry to the Kaga exhibition?
The conditions confirmed by the attachment state that each physical exhibition DM card admits one person; it is unconfirmed if mobile screenshots are accepted; inquire with the venue first.
Are the Kamaishi Festival fireworks and city parade on the same day?
No. Fireworks are scheduled for 18:00 on October 17, and the city parade departs at 12:10 on October 18. Programs may change due to weather.
Final Checklist Before Departure: Transport is More Important Than Scenery
Confirm event dates and closure dates first, then check early morning transport, return schedules, and the latest weather. Follow the designated detour in Jozankei; sea of clouds in Tsuwano and Fujimi are not guaranteed; note that the Kaga exhibition is closed on October 15; and distinguish between the harbor events on the 17th and the parade on the 18th for the Kamaishi Festival. Save this article and check the official links again before finalizing your route.
Image Source and Rights Notice: The image cards in this article are compiled based on attachments. Official photos, exhibition key visuals, and festival posters are from the Jozankei Tourism Association, Kaga Iryoku-en/frontviews/Rinascente Co., Ltd., Tsuwano Town Tourism Association, Fujimi Panorama Resort, and the Kamaishi Festival Executive Committee/Kamaishi Tourism and Products Association, respectively. Photos for Tsuwano and Fujimi are for reference; individual photographers are not listed. Official public display does not imply that reproduction rights have been obtained; please verify the scope of use and attribution requirements for images, artworks, and portraits before publishing.
