Within day-trip distance west of Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi combines fall colors with up-close views of Japan's most iconic peak, the 12,388-foot Mt. Fuji, plus the chance to stay at traditional ryokans.

Fall foliage tends to be more predictable and not as fleeting as cherry blossom season. So, when it comes to the best times to visit Japan, the cherry blossom season is followed closely in rank by ...