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Niseko
A top destination in Hokkaido, with lakes, hiking trails and
hot springs. End a day of golf, canoeing, or paragliding with
a refreshing tankard of local beer.
Hachimantai
Take the Jukai Line and Aspite Line toll roads. Hiking trails
near the summit offer lakeside views ablaze with autumn colors.
Mt. Nasu-dake
Head out on foot from the Sanroku cablecar station and enjoy
a wonderful patchwork of autumnal reds, oranges, yellows and
greens. The climb takes just under an hour. In the evening,
recover from your hike at the Nasu-Yumoto-onsen spa.
Togakushi Heights
Don't miss the shrine Togakushi-jinja and its hiking trails.
Look out for the nature reserve with its mountain flowers. You
might even spot wild rabbits or squirrels. Try making your own
noodles at the nearby Soba Noodle Museum.
Shiga Heights
This is where the alpine skiing events took place in the Winter
Olympics in 1998. There are more than twenty hiking trails,
guaranteed to satisfy your desire to get away from it all.
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Lake
O-numa Quasi National Park
The view of Mt. Komagadake across lake O-numa is spectacular.
Cycle around the lake, or walk around both lakes O-numa and
Ko-numa to revitalize yourself both physically and mentally.
Mt. Zao-san
Drive along the Zao Line and Zao Echo Line toll roads to admire
the rugged landscape. Take the cablecar to the summit for a
panorama of autumn colors. A good place to stay the night is
the spa Zao-onsen.
Yatsugatake Heights
Yatsugatake Heights has two faces: to the south it is wild and
rocky, while to the north there are thick coniferous forests
and lakes. There are plenty of resort facilities and spas in
the foothills and the region's natural beauty can be appreciated
year-round.
Subaru
Line, Mt. Fuji
This toll road connects the lake Kawaguchi-ko with the foothills
of Mount Fuji. As you drive through the forest, you'll see five
lakes below you and the Japan Alps in the distance. The foothills
are the habitat of the protected Japanese serow.
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Lake
Towada-ko
Hop on a sightseeing boat for a great view of the mountains.
In nearby Okuirise there are breathtaking gorges. During a three-hour
gorge walk, you'll pass fourteen waterfalls and delight in beautiful
autumn colors.
Kinu-gawa River
The Kinu-gawa River is famous for its hot-spring resorts. Admire
the autumn colors from the window of your hotel. Not far away
is Nikko, where you can visit the lake Chuzenji-ko, the Kegon
Falls and other natural wonders.
Karuizawa
This is Japan's best-known mountain resort. It's a great place
to visit in the heat of summer; but its fine boutiques, restaurants
and museums also welcome visitors in autumn.
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Risshaku-ji
Temple
Soon after leaving Yamadera Station, there's a magnificent view
of the temple Risshaku-ji, perched on a rock. Climb to the top
for stunning views.
Lake Inawashiro-ko
Mt. Bandai-san and Mt. Azuma-san have good roads and are popular
autumn destinations. To the north of Bandai-san, there are many
excellent sight-seeing spots such as Lake Hibara-ko, and Lake
Goshiki-numa with its incredible colors of red and blue.
Lake Ashino-ko
A visit to Mt. Fuji is an absolute must for visitors to Japan.
There are many spas in the foothills as well as beauty spots
such as Lake Ashino-ko, which can be visited by cablecar.
Eihei-ji
Temple
This is one of Japan's best known Zen temples. Take part in
zazen meditation here, or just visit the nearby souvenir shops,
which sell local delicacies such as goma-dofu and shojin-ryori.
Takachiho-kyo
Gorge
Admire the autumn colors from the boats that travel the gorge.
Get to Takachiho by the Takachiho-railway, which crosses the
highest railway bridge in Asia. The views from the train's windows
are spectacular.
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Aoba-dori
Avenue, Sendai
Sendai's trees are a riot of red, gold and yellow in autumn.
Take a day-trip to the islands of Matsushima, where oysters
are in season at this time of year.
Nagatoro-kyo Valley
Head downstream on the Ara-kawa River to see the maple leaves.
Nearby Mt. Hodo-san is accessible by cablecar and the view from
the peak is spectacular.
Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa
This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Relax with
a bowl of Japanese green tea while viewing the garden. Kanagawa
is famous for traditional crafts such as Kaga-yuzen textiles
and Kutani-yaki pottery. These make great souvenirs.
Momiji-dani
Park, Miyajima Island
Momiji-dani means Maple Valley and turns a bright red color
in autumn. Go to the top of Mt. Misen by cablecar. The nearby
Itsukushima-jinja shrine is a World Heritage Site.
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Yoro
Valley
The valley has eight hiking trails, which take between 4 and
8 hours. They all provide excellent opportunities for viewing
autumn leaves. After your hike, head for Kamogawa for a delicious
seafood dinner.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Tokyo, too, has its autumn colors. Take a stroll near the Imperial
Palace, with its golden gingko trees. Nearby is the Ginza shopping
district.
Arashiyama, Kyoto
Autumn on the Hotsu-gawa River can be enjoyed by boat or by
toy train. The view of the river from the Togetsu Bridge is
also worth seeing. And don't miss the nearby temples, such as
Jojakko-ji.
Eikando
Temple, Kyoto
The gardens here are ablaze with color in autumn. The temple
serves such delicacies as matcha green tea and yu-dofu and is
lit up at night each November.
Kumamoto
Castle
The castle grounds are cloaked in golden-yellow gingko leaves
in autumn. The park Suizenji-koen is another famous local beauty
spot. It covers a huge area and has a traditional "strolling"
garden dominated by a miniature Mt. Fuji.
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Best
time to enjoy the autumn leaves
