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Serene Goshikinuma Lake in Japan surrounded by lush forests and vibrant autumnal foliage. Easy walk
Autumn

Goshikinuma : Five Coloured Lakes

Goshikinuma is a hidden corner at the foot of the mountain in Fukushima prefecture, with five differently coloured volcanic lakes.

Some crowds
Half day (allow ~2–4 hours for the 4 km one-way walk plus photos); full day if you do the 8 km round trip and add a lunch break at Lake Hibara
Mystical night scene at Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido, with colorful celestial lights. Easy walk
Autumn

Aoike: The Blue Pond

In Japan there are mysterious places often shown in photos but where nobody really seems to go. Aoike – literally the Blue Pond is one of these.

Some crowds
2–3 hours from Biei/Furano (including transit and a short walk); on-site viewing is about 30–60 minutes
Tranquil autumn scene with boardwalk, birch trees, colorful foliage, and rolling hills. Some hiking
Autumn

Senjōgahara, The Marshland in Fire

In Nikko, when going beyond Lake Chūzenji and beautiful Ryūzu Waterfall, there is another splendid place to discover : the Senjōgahara Marshland (戦場ヶ原).

Some crowds
2–3 hours for the standard loop/boardwalk walk (overnight if attempting the longest trails).
Mount Shirane Vibrant
Autumn

Yumiike Pond

From this point, we can choose to visit the Yumiike pond or go up directly to Mount Shirane summit.

Autumn Foliage
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Tranquil coastal beauty with lone tree, sandy beach, turquoise waters, and red structures in Tori-Plage. Some hiking
Chubu

One Day in Izu Peninsula

In summer, the Izu Peninsula is ideal to spend a refreshing week-end. Located a hundred kilometers away from Tokyo, I strongly suggest to rent a car to enjoy the fabulous seaside.

Busy
Full day for a highlights loop (beach + waterfalls + Shaboten Park/Mt. Omuro). A half day works if you pick just one area (e.g., Shimoda/Shirahama only or Kawazu waterfalls only).
Enchanting autumn scene of Nishizawa Valley with waterfalls, foliage, and serene atmosphere in Japan. Vibrant
Autumn

Shosenkyo & Nishizawa Valley in Autumn

This is the perfect opportunity for me to go to Yamanashi Prefecture where I spotted two beautiful valleys: Shosenkyo Valley and Nishizawa Valley.

Autumn Foliage
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