Autumn

Autumn

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

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)
Abandoned Wagakawa Hydro Plant in Japan: A Stunning Autumn Oasis. Off the map
Autumn

The Abandoned Wakagawa Power Plant

Let's go discover this very special haikyo with a man who is equally special, or maybe not.

Difficulty
Risk
Enchanting Graceful Beauty Forest: Elegant trees, warm sunlight, inviting exploration of majestic natural beauty. Easy walk
Autumn

Bijin Bayashi: The Forest of Pretty Women

Where are these pretty women? In the forest of Bijin Bayashi! And they’re everywhere! Above, below, and all around you.

Some crowds
Morning visit / about 2–3 hours (the forest is compact; the ‘photo-spot game’ section can be done in ~20 minutes).
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
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