Momiji in Nikko now?

Hi there!
Living in Tokyo at the moment, it’s my first Autumn in Japan and I would love to see Nikko with it’s Autumn colours, is the best moment to go around now? I might be a bit late to the party, just read that it’s better around mid-October to start of November :/

Would love any recommendations! Would I need to rent a car to make the most of it or is public transportation okay?

Thanks!