2026 Full-Day Course: Autumn Leaves at Choan-ji Temple (Sengokuhara)

Spend a day encountering autumn leaves and the Five Hundred Rakan statues at Choan-ji Temple (長安寺), an old temple in Sengokuhara, Hakone. Founded in 1655 as a Soto Zen temple, the combination of the Five Hundred Rakan statues scattered throughout the grounds and the red maple leaves is a quiet autumn scene unique to Sengokuhara. The best viewing period is usually from early to late November, and in November, fog can turn the pampas grass field a reddish-brown color in a rare autumn grass phenomenon. In the morning, observe the wetland flora and autumn colors at the Hakone Marsh Botanical Garden (箱根湿生花園), which has been open for more than 50 years (admission is 700 yen for adults and 400 yen for elementary school students), then take a stroll through the golden Sengokuhara pampas grass field (仙石原すすき草原) in the early afternoon. In the afternoon, finally head to Choan-ji Temple. Search for rakan statues with your children, each with a different expression, while slowly touring the grounds wrapped in maple leaves, in a course that condenses the essence of a Hakone autumn.