Most of us have heard of hanami, or flower viewing, which refers to the Japanese custom of revelling in cherry blossoms and other plants as they burst into bloom come spring. However, spring isn’t the only time to enjoy nature in Japan. While it’s not as popular just yet, autumn is actually the perfect season to immerse yourself in nature’s colourful splendour.
The fiery hues of maple trees in Japan are an alluring sight (Image: 123rf)
The months of October through early December see people all over Japan visiting parks and other sites to enjoy koyo—a term that refers to the changing colours of leaves in autumn. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots in Tokyo and nearby mountain resort town Karuizawa where you can fully appreciate the fiery hues of fall.Â
Called Ichi Namiki, this ordinary street becomes a golden wonderland a few days during autumn (Image: 123rf)
Also known as Ichi Namiki, this street is located in the south of Jingu Gaien Park within the Meiji Outer Garden. Throughout the majority of the year, the 300m stretch looks like any other street in the city, but from late November to early December it transforms into a golden wonderland as the colours of its rows of ginkgo trees turn. It’s also the site of the annual Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival, which takes place from November 15 to December 1. Go for a stroll or relax at a café to take in the stateliness of Tokyo’s official tree. Get there by taking the train to Aoyama-Itchome Station.
Taking a boat out is one of the family-friendly activities to do at Inokashira Park (Image: 123rf)
Although not as large as some of Tokyo’s other parks, such as Yoyogi Park or Ueno Park, Inokashira Park is a popular spot for families due to its playground, zoo, crafts stalls and outdoor performances. The Benzaiten Shrine makes for a great photo op, too. From late November to early December, the park fills with beautiful, multi-coloured foliage; consider enjoying it from the vantage point of one of the pedal boats on the lake.
Hiking up Mount Takao is a popular weekend pilgrimage for urbanites (Image: 123rf)
A popular weekend getaway for those looking to get out of the city and enjoy a bit of shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”), Mount Takao, or Takaosan, boasts a number of hiking trails that become even more picturesque from mid to late November. Take the cable car up to the observation deck to admire views of the city and foliage alike from the mountain’s 600 metre-high peak. The Buddhist temple Yakuoin Yukij is also worth a visit.
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The Kumoba Pond or Kumoba ike at Karuizawa is as picturesque as can be (Image: 123rf)
If Kumobaike Pond, or Swan Lake, is filled with tour groups during your visit, it’s for good reason—its views of the autumn foliage are unparalleled, as the colours of the leaves are reflected in the glassy water. Stroll along the walking path surrounding the lake and take in its maple trees, pampas grass, and dodan-tsutsuji shrubs before visiting the nearby restaurant for a meal. Watch the “koyo forecast” to perfectly time your visit, which will usually fall between mid-October through November.
The new Shishi-Iwa House in Karuizawa is a great base to enjoy the fall foliage (Image: Shishi-Iwa House)
This spot is well worth the 30-40 minute hike up, considering that it offers sweeping mountain views of some of the area’s most famous peaks, including the three Joshu mountains, the Nikko mountains, Mount Yatsugatake, Mount Asama and the Southern Alps. You can also take a tourist bus that stops at the Kumano Kotai Shrine, which is just a few minutes away and provides a striking scene in its own right.
For an insider experience of autumn in Japan, join our first Tatler Travel departure Autumn On A Plate on 21 – 24 November 2019. In collaboration with Japan Airlines, this exclusive culinary-centred experience in Tokyo and Karuizawa celebrates the beauty and flavours of fall with a curated itinerary and a true Tatler touch. Learn more or email enquiries to [email protected].
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