Japan in Autumn is a special time — escape to the mountains and forests for something different. We asked the travel experts to tell us their favourite experiences in the Japanese autumn.
1. Kyoto
This old capital of Japan continues to attract travellers with its rich history, refined cultural arts, traditional architecture, lovely gardens and great museums. The city is awash with foliage, too, including maple and ginkgo. The dramatic colours of autumn generally last for around two months. The first change occurs around mid October, with a peak in November, though most of the time you can still find the colours well into December. Our favourite spots include: Arashiyama district, whose entire mountainside fills spectacularly with red leaves; Kiyomizu Temple for its orchestra of different shades visible on the surrounding hills, gardens and trees; and Nara Park, with pockets of colour scattered around the park – and the chance of seeing a deer resting under the maples.
2. Old Nakasendo
Nakasendo dates back to the Edo period (1603 to 1868). It is a historic trade route stretching from Kyoto through the Japanese Alps and on to Tokyo. Today, only a few stretches retain their original form. The best-known section from Magome to Tsumago in the Kiso Valley. This allows for an enjoyable three-hour trek that takes you through old post towns with cobblestone paths, and to forests and waterfalls.
3. Hida Furukawa Rural Old Town
Getting around by bicycle is one of the best ways to explore the small picturesque town of Hida Furukawa. This town is well known for the high-quality timber found in the region and the high level of local carpentry. Take a trip back in time riding through rice terraces and past traditional farmhouses, and watching local fishermen and farmers at work.
4. Iya Valley
In the secluded Iya Valley in Shikoku, explore Oboke Gorge on a boat or raft, sailing a calm, emerald green stretch of river through vistas of colourful foliage. You can challenge your fears walking across historic suspension bridges made of vines – the largest of which stretches 45 metres long and hangs 14 metres above water. You can even enjoy a fun ride pulling yourself across one such bridge on a suspended wooden cart. Visit an old Samurai house and an ancient village of thatched roof houses and learn about the heritage of the settlements.
5. Nikko National Park
Located about 2.5 hours from Tokyo, Nikko National Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful nature locales, with plateaus, waterfalls, lakes, forests and rivers. A number of shrines, temples and bridges are also found scattered across the area. The 100m Kegon Falls is among Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls. In autumn the surrounding trees change from lush green to vermilion red. The Kegon Falls is also the only exit for the waters of Lake Chuzenji and this 20,000-year-old scenic lake created as a result of volcanic eruption. It’s an especially gorgeous sight when the autumn colours reach their peak along the lake’s shores and surrounding mountains.
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