AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPAN
PERFECT PLACE FOR AUTUMN LEAVES IN JAPAN
2014-10-28
During the Japanese autumn, leaves of maple trees and ginkgo trees turn red and yellow all in a sudden, presenting visitors with a stunning beauty at every turn. Well, the traditional leaf-viewing spots are definitely worth visiting, but what about trying something different this year? Option 1, take a walk along historical streets to fully immerse yourself in the autumn colors. Option 2, take in a panoramic autumn view while relaxing in a hot spring. Options are in fact vastly available out there-why not try them all out?
In contrast with cherry blossoms, this autumn color begins from the north. It is first seen in early September in Daisetsuzan, a picturesque spot for viewing colorful autumn foliage in Hokkaido. It then moves southward and arrives in Kyushu where the best season is in early December. Learn more about the perfect time and places for leaf-viewing by googling “Autumn color report” now!
Stroll through old streets while reveling in the autumn colors: Hida Takayama
Hida Takayama is located in Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region in the center of Japan. Its urban district is divided into northern and southern sections by a national road that runs through its center from east to west. It is lined by antique houses and stores characterized by grid-like wooden window frames. As you walk down the street, you may feel as if you have traveled back to the Edo or Meiji era. Promenades are also found in both areas which lead you to spots ablaze with beautiful fall colors.
In the past, as a castle once stood in the southern side of the town, groups of merchants came and resided here, bringing prosper into this little town. But at present, it has already transformed into a souvenir paradise where tourists execute their shopping spree in antique Japanese shops that sell traditional sweets and lovely handmade products. Look further to the other side, you‘ll catch sight of mountains covered with the colors of autumn, which combines scenic mountains and traditional buildings to form a grand natural painting. Not far away is a 4-km path called “Higashiyama Walking Couse”. Walk along the path, and you will reach the Higashiyama Temple Area of different Buddhist sects, as well as the Shiroyama Park where there used to be a castle – a great foliage-viewing spot! There is another path “Kitayama Walking Course” in the northern part of the old building area. You can spend at least an hour there, walk through “Kitayama Park” area and get surrounded by the red and yellow leaves of acer, ginkgo, and cherry trees.
Peak Season: Mid-October to Mid-November
Access to Hida Takayama and its old towns
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station (about 1 hour and 50 minutes). Then take the Takayama Honsen to Takayama Station (about 2 hours and 20 minutes). It’s a ten-minute walk from the station to the old towns.
Appreciate the autumn colors in a hot spring
Nyuto-onsenkyo is a hot spring area located at the foot of Mt. Nyuto in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. The area is dotted with 7 hot springs, and each of them differs from the others in colors and textures of the water. You can take an open-air hot spring bath whilst enjoying a great outdoor landscape. Accommodations are available at all seven locations. If you purchase a “Hot Spring Stamp Book” (1,500 yen) at one lodging, you can even visit the other hot springs using the “Yumegurigo” bus (reservation needed) as many times as you want. If you prefer not to stay overnight, you can still enjoy bathing in the hot springs at an economical price of 400 to 700 yen.
In Nyuto-onsenkyo, there is an old-growth forest which is home to a sea of broad-leaf trees all year round. At the end of every autumn, a red tint extends gradually across the mountains. If you manage to catch the right time, you can enjoy the celestial experience in an open-air hot spring surrounded by a dazzling landscape of red and gold colors. Among the seven hot springs, “Hot Spring Kuroyu” is at the highest altitude, which means that is the best place to see the changing colors, better than any other locations. Another one named “Hot Spring Taenoyu” is located along a river to give you a panoramic view of the autumn romance.
Peak Season: Mid to Late October
Access to Nyuto-onsenkyo
Take the Akita Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to Tazawako Station (about 3 hours). Then change to a fixed-route bus to “Nyuto-onsenkyo” (about 50 minutes).
For more details of autumn leaves in Japan, please visit www.welcome2japan.hk.