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Areas Recommended for Autumn Foliage Viewing

The whole of Japan becomes a canvas of colour in Autumn. The following will describe notable locations with loads of places of interest easily accessed by overseas visitors.

Towada/Oirase (Aomori Pref.)

Best viewed mid-end October. An area with a large number of events such as the Kosui Festival and 'Winter's Tale', as well as a vast array of traditional hot spring hotels throughout the area featuring different types of spring water. Oirase Stream features a 14km walking trail that starts from the town of Nenokuchi at the shores of Lake Towada and goes all the way to Yakeyama. A beautiful location to enjoy listening to the clear sound of the stream water and viewing the autumn foliage which forms a backdrop to the numerous waterfalls.

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Oirase Keiryu (Oirase Mountain Stream)

The approximately 14km-long mountain stream of the Oirase River stretching from Lake Towada to Yakeyama. A nationally designated natural monument.

Towadako Yuransen

A luxurious way to take in the magnificent yet delicate charm of Lake Towada in its seasonal colors (approx. 50 min).

Tateyama-Kurobe (Gifu Pref.)

Best viewed end of September to early November. A mystical mountain said to be inhabited by the gods. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route displays many different fronts depending on the season and altitude to which you climb. Autumn foliage coloration commences from the middle of September. A ride on the Tateyama Ropeway (aerial lift) offers a dramatic view of the autumn foliage covering the 3,000m mountains. As it descends to the foot of the mountains, it commands a view of the autumn foliage along the slopes of Tanbodaira, and the red and yellow trees surrounding Nanamagari and Midagahara. This magnificent feast of nature continues through early November.

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Kurobe Dam

186m high and 492m long, the Kurobe Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and is an excellent viewing spot to take in the magnificent landscape.

Midagahara

Extremely popular for the autumn foliage abundant on this highland located at an altitude of 1600m - 2000m.

Kanazawa (Ishikawa Pref.)

Best viewed end of November to early December. The Kenrokuen Garden, a traditional feudal lord's garden representative of the Edo Period, is listed as one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Located in the heart of Kanazawa, the garden puts on a beautiful display according to the season. In autumn the green from the pine trees and the red from the maple trees form a vivid yet harmonious contrast, mesmerizing the people who come to visit. The autumn foliage in areas surrounding the Kasumigaike and Hisagoike Ponds and the Yamazakiyama Hill is particularly beautiful.

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Higashi Chayagai

A collection of historical houses and restaurants in existence from days of old located in a traditional building preservation area.

Omicho Market

A market located in central Kanazawa featuring rows of stalls selling fresh produce and household items.

Miyajima (Hiroshima Pref.)

Best viewed mid-end November. Momijidani Park, a natural park located in the valley at the base of Mt. Misen and spanning the length of the Momijidani River, is a recommended place to visit. The park contains a total of approximately 200 trees, consisting mainly of 110 Japanese maple trees, 60 mountain maple trees and 10 redvein maples, which all display their autumn foliage. The best viewing time is from mid to end of November. Tourists who come to visit are greeted by a stunning red foliage that surrounds the Momiji Bridge located at the entrance of the park.

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Miyajima Ropeway

An aerial ropeway from which the views of this World Heritage Listed Site and national monuments can be enjoyed during all seasons.

Itsukushima Jinja Shrine

A unique unity of creative shrine construction featuring buildings constructed over the ocean against the backdrop of the native forests of Misen.

Arashiyama (Kyoto Pref.)

Best viewed mid-November to early December. Kyoto in Autumn is constantly bustling with tourists visiting to view the autumn foliage. The Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the width of the Katsura River, is a highly recommended spot for its backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage covering all the mountains of Arashiyama. The Arashiyama area is well known for the autumn foliage of its famous temples. For example the 'Arashiyama Momiji Festival' is held each year on the second Sunday of November in which a beautiful scene of boats colorfully line the Katsura River.

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Tenryuji Temple

A landscape garden registered as a World Cultural Heritage where the autumn foliage can be enjoyed along its circular promenade.

Rakushisha

In front of the Rakushisha Hut (literally House of the Fallen Persimmons) lies an expanse of fields which when viewed in conjunction with the autumn foliage makes for a serene scene.

Recommendations

Autumn foliage viewing in the Arashiyama Gorge is recommended from mid-November to early December. Although it is a gorge, it can be easily accessed by a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.

Damion Mannings

The Kenrokuen Garden is the most renowned tourist destination in Kanazawa. During the autumn season, the fallen autumn leaves create a beautiful scene as they blanket the ground.

Julien Lepretre Sato

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