Autumn

Autumn

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

Snowy Magome-juku: Preserved Japanese Post Town Charm Easy walk
Autumn

Magome for All Tastes

Discover the picturesque little village of Magome at all seasons. Whatever the weather, this place isn’t lacking in charm!

Some crowds
Half day (2–4 hours) for the village; full day if pairing with a Nakasendo walk (e.g., toward nearby post towns).
Exploring Uchikos Historic Charm: Step Back in Time Easy walk
Autumn

The Village of Yokaichi

The charming village of Yokaichi, in the countryside of Shikoku island, takes you back to the Meiji era. Its beautiful wooden houses are worth a lingering look.

Quiet
Half day (3–5 hours) for the Yokaichi district, Kamihaga Residence/Wax Museum, and Uchiko-za; full day if you explore more of Uchiko at a slow pace
Suspended Whimsical Wooden Boat Sculpture Easy walk
Autumn

Fujimori’s Tea houses In Nagano

Terunobu Fujimori is an architect and historian of architecture. He began his building career relatively late, in his early forties. Before that, he had forged a solid reputation as an academic.

Some crowds
Half day (including travel from Chino Station and viewing from outside); longer if day-tripping from Tokyo
Serene Bamboo Pathway in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan Easy walk
Autumn

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Sagano, better known as Arashiyama, is a vast area in Ukyo-ku district, northwest of Kyoto city, encircled by Mounts Ogura and Atago and the Katsura river.

Busy
2–3 hours (half day if also visiting Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge, and nearby shrines/temples)
Inamura Rock: Majestic autumn landscape with vibrant foliage and peaceful village in Japan. Some hiking
Autumn

Nippara: Where The Samurai Came To Find Peace

Chance discoveries are often the most amazing. It was on the road to Nippara limestone caves that I found this village of little interest yet total surprise.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if you plan a longer nature walk and photo stops)
Historic Japanese town Takeharas traditional architecture. Easy walk
Autumn

Takehara : Staggering between the whisky and the sake

When I arrived in Takehara one evening, I was expecting a little village wedged between a calm, silky sea on one side and mountains verdant with bamboo on the other.

Quiet
Half day (3–5 hours) for the old town stroll + drinks; full day if adding seaside/sunset viewing and brewery/whisky-related stops
Cozy Japanese neighborhood street cat nap Easy walk
Autumn

Inami: Yokamachi-dori (Cat Street)

Still dusty from exploring an abandoned clinic, on the way back to the car I chance upon a very pretty little street.

Quiet
Half day (2–4 hours) for the street, cat carvings, shops, and Zuisen-ji area
Tomonoura: Picturesque Japanese Coastal Town Harbor Easy walk
Autumn

Tomonoura : The Village of Ponyo

I’m going round in circles. Where on earth is it? After searching far and wide for the way up, a steep flight of steps appears in front of me.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for the port, narrow streets, shops/food; full day if you explore slowly and stay overnight in a minshuku.
Unexpected Encounter: Moai statues from Easter Island in Hokkaido, Japan, creating a captivating contrast. Easy walk
Autumn

Makomanai Takino Cemetery

One day, or maybe one night, near a cemetery, I fell asleep ...

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half-day if you also want to see the Buddha head/Stonehenge replica and take photos leisurely)
212+ Adventures to explore
Coastal Serenity: Ouo Shrines Iconic Floating Torii Gates Saga Kanazawas Cherry Blossom-Lined Geisha District Street Ishikawa Ine traditional boathouses at night, Japan coast town Kyoto Fukiware Falls in Japan, river rushing through curved rock gorge amid autumn forest. Japan Fukiware Falls in Japan, river rushing through curved rock gorge amid autumn forest. Gunma Browse All → Every adventure in one place