Chasing autumn colours from Haneda? Private car, one way: Hakone from on request (tax incl.), Karuizawa & Nikko from on request (tax incl.), Kawaguchiko Alphard reference from ¥55,000.
Hakone, Karuizawa, Nikko and Kawaguchiko are popular choices for autumn colours. All four lie outside the city, and reaching them by train or bus usually means transfers, which is tiring with luggage, children or older relatives. This guide uses Haneda as the starting point and compares private car prices, journey times and who each destination suits.
The four destinations side by side
One way, priced per vehicle, tolls and parking included. Journey times are rough off-peak estimates and depend on traffic.
| Destination | Haneda drive | ECO (5 seats) | Alphard (7 seats) | Hiace (10 seats) | Price type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hakone | 90–120 min | on request | ¥50,000 | ¥55,000 | Tax included |
| Karuizawa & Nikko | 150–180 min (Karuizawa) | on request | ¥60,000 | ¥65,000 | Tax included |
| Kawaguchiko | 100–150 min | Please ask | From ¥55,000 | From ¥60,000 | Reference starting price |
Kawaguchiko prices are reference starting prices; the final amount is confirmed by our staff. Narita prices and journey times differ, so see each route page.
Per person (priced per vehicle, regardless of headcount):
- Alphard, 6 people: Hakone about ¥8,333, Karuizawa & Nikko about ¥10,000, Kawaguchiko about ¥9,167 (from).
- Hiace, 10 people: Hakone about ¥5,500, Karuizawa & Nikko about ¥6,500, Kawaguchiko about ¥6,000 (from).
Route details: Haneda to Hakone, Haneda to Karuizawa & Nikko, Haneda to Kawaguchiko.
How to choose
- Shortest drive: Hakone is the closest, leaving time for the rest of the day.
- Big stretches of colour, longer road: Karuizawa and Nikko take longer; plan to check in and rest on arrival day.
- Mount Fuji with autumn leaves: Kawaguchiko is a common pick.
- Large families or groups: Pricing is per vehicle, so the per-person cost drops as the group grows; see Alphard vs Hiace.
- Children or older travellers: A private car avoids transfers and carrying luggage; child seats are available.
- Late-night or early-morning arrival: We operate 24 hours; a flat ¥4,000 applies from 22:00 to 06:00, and airport pickups include 90 minutes of free waiting.
Foliage-season tips
- Colour timing differs each year and with altitude. Check official updates before you go; this article gives no fixed dates.
- On peak-season weekends and holidays, mountain roads may be busier, so keep your schedule flexible. Actual journey time depends on our staff's advice and the day's traffic.
- Vehicles and accommodation fill up early in peak season, so book soon after confirming your flight.
Train and bus routes, timetables and fares change by season, so we list no figures here. Please check the official sites:
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): https://www.japan.travel/en/
- JR East: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/
- Odakyu Electric Railway: https://www.odakyu.jp/english/
- Fujikyu: https://www.fujikyu.co.jp/
Book your foliage transfer
Prepare your date, arrival flight, accommodation name and address, headcount and luggage count, then submit your request on the booking page. All quotes are subject to confirmation by our staff.
FAQ
- How much is a private car from Haneda for autumn foliage trips?
- One way, priced per vehicle. Haneda to Hakone, tax included: ECO on request Alphard ¥50,000 Hiace ¥55,000. Haneda to Karuizawa and Nikko, tax included: ECO on request Alphard ¥60,000 Hiace ¥65,000. Haneda to Kawaguchiko is a reference starting price: Alphard from ¥55,000 Hiace from ¥60,000; please ask our team for ECO. Tolls and parking are included. All quotes are subject to confirmation by our staff.
- Is there a surcharge for late arrivals?
- A flat ¥4,000 applies between 22:00 and 06:00. We operate 24 hours, and airport pickups include 90 minutes of free waiting.
- When are the autumn leaves at their best?
- Timing varies each year with temperature and altitude, so we do not give fixed dates. Please check the latest information from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and local tourism associations.
- Are Karuizawa, Nikko and Kawaguchiko covered by the Tokyo flat rate?
- No. These destinations are outside Tokyo, so the Tokyo flat rate does not apply. Each has its own price zone.
- Can you provide child seats for family foliage trips?
- Yes. Child safety seats and booster seats are available. Please note your request on the booking form.