Autumn

Autumn

Follow me into Japan’s ember-bright corners; spider lilies, mountain temples, and quiet towns glowing between summer and snow.

Ritsurin Garden Dreamlike
Autumn

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu

Here’s a burst of colour for starters: Ritsurin in Takamatsu, one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.

Autumn Colors
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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
Enchanted forest with majestic giant tree in Chiba, Japan, exuding mystery and tranquility. Wistful
Autumn

The Giant Maple Tree of Oihara

It’s still early and I leave Tokyo before sunrise. I take the long tunnel and the Aqua-Line bridge to the other side of Tokyo Bay, then follow a small mountain road that loses me somewhere in the heart of Chiba prefecture.

Autumn Foliage
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Hannya-ji Temple Dreamlike
Autumn

Hannya-ji: The Cosmos Temple

Nara is very pretty with plenty of hidden corners to visit that I’ll try to help you discover. One of my autumn favourites is Hannya-ji Temple.

Cosmos Bloom
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Takeda Castle in Japan, shrouded in mist, against a backdrop of lush greenery. Ethereal
Autumn

Takeda, the Castle in the Sky

On l'appelle le Château dans le Ciel ou encore le Machu Picchu du Japon. Rien que ça ;)

Sea Of Clouds
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Awe-inspiring Amanohashidate sandbar with lush surroundings and majestic mountains in Japan. Easy walk
Autumn

Amanohashidate

According to a Japanese philosopher, Amanohashidate is one of the three most famous views of Japan ... along with Matsushima and Miyajima.

Some crowds
Half day (longer if visiting both viewpoints and walking part/all of the 3.4 km sandbar)
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
Kochia Bushes in Full Bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan. Vibrant
Autumn

Hitachi Seaside Park in Autumn

I am not always fair with Ibaraki Prefecture. I always say that there is not much to it besides the occasional haikyo, but it actually does have its charms.

Autumn Cosmos
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Mount Shirane Easy walk
Autumn

Mount Shirane

After visiting the wonderful Yumi-ike Pond, it’s time to go to the Mount Shirane.

Busy
Half day (3–6 hours) if focusing on the crater viewpoint and short walks; full day if combining nearby ponds (e.g., Maruike Pond) and sunset views.