Autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan because this is when the country is at its most colorful. You’ll see trees and plants turn from a vibrant green to a bright yellow or fiery red. The colors of the leaves along with the wooden temples and mountains make for a picturesque backdrop perfect for photography and selfies.
The hues will bring out the photographer in you and if you’re already one, this season allows you to improve your portfolio. Aside from the colors, the cool weather and the relaxing ambiance are other reasons why autumn is an ideal time to visit Japan. If you’re visiting during this season, here are some of the places to include in your itinerary.
Arashiyama
Kyoto has several spits worth visiting during autumn, one of which is Arashiyama. You’ll see colorful trees blanketing the rolling hills and mountains. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and soak in the natural scenery. Board the Sagano Scenic Train to get stunning views.
Oze National Park
This park is the ideal destination to see autumn grass. This marshland’s grass transforms into a vibrant red and yellowish color during this season. It’s the best time to take pictures and enjoy a leisurely hike through beautiful landscapes. It’s around 100km from Tokyo and is a possible long day trip if you start early enough.
Rikugi Garden
Tokyo has many spits that showcase the colors of autumn. One place to consider adding to your itinerary is this garden. You can see the reds, yellows, and greens during the day and at night. This is a good place to spend a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Gingko Avenue
This fetching place in Meiji-jingu will make your eyes pop with its lines of famous gingko trees. This is a photographer’s haven (for both amateurs and professionals) during autumn. You won’t be able to stop taking pictures of the bright yellows you’ll see. Soak up nature’s beauty amid the concrete jungle of Tokyo while here.
Hachimantai Mountains
If you want to follow an off-the-beaten road for your autumn colors fix, make your way to this part of Tohoku. These mountains are a feast for the eyes in this season. The verdant rolling hills and landscapes are a mix of yellows, orange, reds and green. Follow the hiking trails and snap away.
Tofuku-ji Temple
Kyoto has some of the best spots to see autumn’s vibrancy; one such place to visit is Tofuku-ji. The latter is an ancient temple that has a long history and rich culture. Come mid-November, you’ll see the surrounding trees’ leaves change color.
Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa is a must-visit because of the cultural and historical attractions you can visit. It is also a great place to experience autumn, one such destination that you shouldn’t miss is the Kenrokuen Garden. This has trails and spots that allow you to capture the season’s colors. After taking photos, make sure to just stop and appreciate its beauty.
Eikando Temple
Kyoto often takes up a chunk of Itineraries regardless of the season. Here’s another temple to include in your list when you visit during autumn. Enjoy the serenity of the complex while taking a couple of snaps for Instagram.
Shinjuku Gyoen
This park in Tokyo is a must-visit in autumn. The trees and plants inside turn into vibrant hues of orange, red and yellow from mid-November to the middle of December. Take a leisurely stroll through the trails and different sections to simply enjoy nature or take pictures. This is a great destination to escape the frenetic pace of the city.
Fuji Five Lakes
What’s more perfect than seeing Mount Fuji and the colors of autumn? This area is ideal for photography, whether you’re a professional or an amateur. Nature lovers will also look forward to taking walks along the scenic trails. Don’t miss out on touring Lake Kawaguchiko by boat to see more beautiful views.
Nikko
If you’re looking for nature and culture, you’ve come to the right place. Nikko has a variety of attractions that will fill your itinerary while photographing the colors of autumn. Ancient structures surrounded by colorful leaves are a common theme here. Make sure to include Lake Chuzenji in your itinerary as its surroundings are some of the best for fall photography.
Mount Takao
If you’re in Tokyo during this season, Mount Takao is a noteworthy inclusion. There are easy and clearly marked trails to the top. You can walk and enjoy the colors of autumn along the trail. You can also enjoy the autumn foliage when you take the cablecar or the chair lift going up instead of hiking.
Daisetsuzan National Park
This park is as colorful as it can get when autumn comes some time around September towards the end of October. Daisetsuzan is a nature lover’s paradise with its scenic trails, spectacular vistas, lakes, and volcanoes. You’ll see different hues as trees and plants climb a mountain’s surface.
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