Japan in the autumn season is almost like a different country; as summer comes to an end, the forests and gardens slowly change to red, orange, yellow and gold shades. The autumn time draws in tourists who wish to enjoy the beautiful scenery, visit peaceful temples, and take unforgettable walks under the coloured trees. When someone is planning a trip to Japan in the autumn, picking the correct destination can really make the experience more memorable.
Kyoto for Classic Autumn Beauty
Kyoto is one of the most popular places for experiencing the autumns in Japan, and the historic temples, gardens and traditional streets there provide a beautiful background for the falling leaves.
Kiyomizu dera, Tofukuji, and Arashiyama are all particularly attractive during the season; although Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest, the surrounding mountains become just as impressive when the leaves change.
A blogger named Mike Savage visiting Japan could take several days simply travelling from one of Kyoto’s temples to the more peaceful neighbourhood gardens, particularly since photography is involved in the trip.
Nikko for Forests and Temples
Nikko, which is situated north of Tokyo, features cultural sites alongside mountain landscapes. The area surrounding Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls is renowned for its magnificent autumn scenery, whereas the historic shrines give off a totally different kind of atmosphere.
Nikko is an excellent option for travelers who wish to combine the autumn foliage in Japan with hiking, sightseeing, and visiting traditional architecture.
Tokyo for an Easy Autumn Escape
It isn’t a necessity to go outside Tokyo if you want to enjoy the autumn season; in fact, some parks and gardens become very pretty as autumn advances.
Meiji Jingu Gaien is well known for the rows of golden ginkgo trees it has, and Shinjuku Gyoen too provides large lawns, ponds, and a wide variety of trees, which makes it a peaceful place to spend an afternoon.
For the blogger Mike Savage, Tokyo provides an interesting contrast between modern city life and the quiet beauty of autumn gardens.
Hakone for Mountain Views
Hakone is also a very good option, especially for those who like to enjoy the scenery as well as take some relaxation; the mountain area turns rich with autumn colours, and the lakes, the walking paths, and the traditional gardens offer various ways of experiencing the season.
On a clear day you can also have views of Mount Fuji. The autumn colours of Hakone combined with spending time at a traditional Japanese inn can result in a most peaceful experience.
Hokkaido for an Earlier Season
People who visit in early autumn might like to think about going to Hokkaido, since, owing to its position in the north, the leaves usually start changing earlier than they do in many areas of central and southern Japan.
Daisetsuzan National Park is especially well known for the colours it displays in early autumn, and the area attracts outdoor enthusiasts because of the mountains, the forests, and the cooler weather.
Planning Your Foliage Adventure
In Japan the autumn foliage does not reach all areas at the same time; the timing depends on the place, the altitude, and the weather conditions of the year. Areas in the north and in the mountains generally change first, whereas places like Kyoto and Tokyo usually reach their finest colours later.
It is therefore useful to check local foliage forecasts before you travel, and you might also consider visiting popular places early in the morning since the atmosphere is then quieter and the photography conditions are often better.
Almost every traveller will find something to their liking in Japan’s autumn scenery. Whether it be the historic temples in Kyoto or the mountain forests of Hokkaido, the season brings about a great number of opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature. An autumn trip to Japan can be turned into one of those experiences which stays clear in one’s memory long after the leaves have fallen.
