Autumn

Autumn

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

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
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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Breathtaking drive through lush mountains on Scenic Laputa Road. Ethereal
Autumn

Laputa Road

Did you enjoy the Studio Ghibli animation Castle in the Sky? Then you’ll fall under the spell of this part of Kyushu: the Laputa Road.

Misty Morning
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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)