Aug 19, 2019

Your fave autumn leaf spots

I know it's still hot right now in much of the country, but I'm already dreaming of the changing leaves (and cooler temps!) of autumn. What are your favorite autumn leaf spots across Japan? Here in Niigata I really like the scenery and colors around Lake Daigenta which is about a 30 minute drive from home!

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genkidesu

Love to travel, interested in J-beauty products and consider myself a convenience store snack aficionado. Navigating the ever-present challenges of expat life, particularly about my TCK's (third culture kids).

8 Answers

TonetoEdo

on Aug 20

I’m based in Chiba Prefecture. The Yoro Valley in the central part of the Boso Peninsula is gorgeous in autumn, but it’s a long way to go. Further afield, Tsukuba Mountain and Tsuchiura City (castle and central area) are beautiful and accessible.

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KamaT

on Aug 20

A couple of years ago I went to the town of Komoro in Nagano Prefecture, not far from Karuizawa. There are some castle ruins in Komoro and the autumn leaves around there were pretty spectacular, I thought. We reached the town by bus but I think you can also get there by train from Karuizawa (which has shinkansen access). The town itself is pretty quiet but I believe it's quite old (being a kind of rest stop on an old "highway") and makes for a nice place to have a wander (although getting straight to the castle grounds for the autumn leaves would be the highlight of the season). Outside of town is the hot-spring ryokan Tokiwa-kan. If you're into hot springs or just nice rustic places to stay, I recommend this spot (I think they have a shuttle bus to and from town). The autumn leaves on the mountainsides around the ryokan are impressive. I wrote a blog post about the ryokan. In a shameless plug (for me, not the ryokan) here's the URL: https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/Tomuu/wZPvq-living_komoro_shi_nagano Of course, nearby Karuizawa has great autumn leaves too. Closer to home (for me), Okutama, west of metropolitan Tokyo, delivers on the autumn leaves. Obviously, you're in Niigata so it would be trek but if you happen to be in town, you could take the train out there and there are some beautiful spots along a walking course by the river which can be accessed easily from Okutama station.

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edthethe

on Aug 20

There is a train called the Watarase that starts in the town I used to live and goes right up into the mountains. Its best is when the leaves change. Unfortunately, that means it is suuuuuper crowded but worth it.

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BigfamJapan

on Aug 25

I love going to many different places and there are a few on my "to see" list this year. But of places I've been so far only one place comes to mind instantaneously. An ancient Gingko tree I go to see at a remote temple annually. Others start coming to mind with a bit of time, but I guess that is my favorite as without much thought it's where comes to mind. Its at Shoboji Temple in Higashimatsuyama.

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ReishiiTravels

on Sep 11

There is a beautiful spot in Toyota! It is called Korankei. They even have a night light up!

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JapanRamen

on Sep 26

Kyoto is always nice because of how cliche it is haha. If you don't mind the tourists, it is a great season to visit.

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thegoodgaijin

on Oct 17

I’d always recommend Nikko or the surrounding areas, especially if you can get a car. Kinugawa seems to be the easiest to get through and see a lot of fall leaves in and so far the traffic’s never been that bad the three times I’ve gone in the fall. But of course a lot of people have the same idea about going to Nikko in Kanto so it’s probably best to reserve everything now.

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Aeon

on Oct 17

Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. You can also try Narita San Park, Yoro and Umegase Valley

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