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Japan prides itself on all 4 magnificent seasons, however autumn is its most aesthetic time of 12 months with many components of the archipelago bursting with koyo (heat pink and yellow foliage) in addition to momiji (exploding pink foliage). Thus, round this time of 12 months, pilgrims far and vast make the trek across the islands for the annual mojimigari, or “red-leaf hunt”. Not solely does this journey reward vacationers with beloved regal foliage, but additionally particular native dishes that correspond to the season.
Whereas a majority of tourists usually tend to hold round Tokyo and conveniently expertise its spectacular maple bushes, listed below are some cities outdoors of the capital which are positively price venturing outdoors for.
Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido
Positioned smack within the middle of Japan’s northernmost (and least populated) island, Daisetsuzan is the nation’s largest nationwide park. As a result of surrounding majestic mountain, it’s usually referred to as the “rooftop of Hokkaido” and has earned the sterling status of being the place to expertise not simply the primary winter snows, but additionally the primary wealthy colours of autumn.
The land space of Daisetsuzan is an astounding 2,268 km2, which is best than Tokyo, New York or London. Inside its spectacular borders lies Hokkaido’s largest mountain, Mt Asahidake, generally known as cinomisir within the Ainu tongue, which suggests “a mountain the place we pray”. Do you have to go to between the months of September and November, take the Asahidake Ropeway midway up the mountain for gorgeous golden views and a hike on the Sugatami Highland Plateau.
After a satisfying trek over the park grounds, settle in at one of many surrounding eating places and deal with your self to considered one of Hokkaido’s finest identified dishes: Jingisukan, mutton greens cooked in an iron plate dish. Comfortable trails!
Arashiyama, Kyoto
This widespread space within the nation’s former capital might already be acquainted to Japanese natives and guests alike, however aside from the otherworldly bamboo grove is a lush riverside spot bursting with seasonal colours.
After spending the afternoon strolling round Tenryuji Temple and Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Road, make your approach throughout the famed Togetsukyo Bridge, discover a snug place to take a seat subsequent to the Hozugawa River and let the patchwork of reds, oranges and yellows unfold round you. Or, if sitting isn’t actually your factor, get transferring on a 16km boat journey alongside the Hozugawa River for a extra cellular expertise.
Kyoto understandably has a number of the finest meals within the nation, with costs and choices starting from low-cost tempura to bank-breaking kaiseki meals. That being stated, this author can solely suggest that you just comply with your nostril—and funds—in Arashiyama to discover a tasty spot that may fulfill each.
Learn additionally:
The Harvest of Mimei Ogawa: the ‘Hans Christian Andersen’ of Japan
Lake Towada, Aomori
It’s onerous to imagine that the quiet and serene Lake Towada is a crater from after a violent volcanic eruption, however like all issues in Japan, the pure components are part of the on a regular basis. It’s the largest crater lake on Honshū and lies within the north, between Aomori and Akita prefectures.
Because the altering of the seasons happen faster in Aomori than the remainder of Honshu, August is Lake Towada’s hottest month. Locals and worldwide guests flock to its shores to expertise the fascinating autumn colours, in addition to the lake’s mirror-like impact on a sunny day. Equally to Arashiyama, the most effective methods to expertise Lake Towada is on a 3-decker pleasure boat that circles the lake, supplying you with loads of time to benefit from the deck-side views.
Naturally, the world round Lake Towada boasts a powerful number of scrumptious recent seafood. Pink salmon (himemasu) and Smelt from the lake could be eaten uncooked, steamed or boiled to your urge for food’s content material.
Yuzawa, Niigata
Yuzawa is best-known for the setting of Yasunari Kawabata’s eponymous novel “Snow Nation”, which might be why it will get ignored with regards to autumnal splendor. Located on the prime of the Japanese Alps, Yuzawa already gives a plethora of pure magnificence for guests in winter, however maybe the very best views could be present in a number of months earlier than the temperature dips beneath freezing.
Like Daisetsuzan, Yuzawa’s most well-known mountain, Naeba, could be seen in all of its august majesty by gondola. Therefore, the Dragondola (ドラゴンドラ) is the popular technique of transportation and is Japan’s longest ropeway. Throughout its 5,481m, you’ll be able to witness not solely the colourful mountains, but additionally the Kiyotsu River when the Dragondola dips down, identical to a dragon!
Niigata is chock-full of culinary choices, however as the house of Japan’s best-selling rice, koshihikari, a heat cup of sake and steaming bowl of rice might hit the spot. In fact, if plain rice isn’t your factor, attempt one of many Bakudan Onigiri rice balls and fill it with no matter you’d like!
Hakone, Kanagawa
Hakone is a famend vacation spot for a myriad of causes, largely due to its accessibility from Tokyo and for its picturesque views of the enduring Mt. Fuji. Nonetheless, as a city nestled throughout the mountains, October and November change into prime months to come across its wonderful fall foliage.
There are a number of methods to soak within the essence of Hakone’s lustrous autumn. For one, you would catch a journey on the 40-minute Hakone Tozan Cable Automobile, which takes you alongside a scenic route by way of the Hakone mountains to the Gora space, the place you’ll be able to see views of Mt. Myojogatake. One other could be on the Hakone Museum of Artwork, with its articulately sculpted gardens and painted crimson and tangerine maple bushes.
The delicacies scene in Hakone is kind of numerous, as diners can get pleasure from novelty specials like Kuro-Tamago (Black Egg), or deep-fried Wakasagi from Lake Ashi, or Hakone’s personal delicacy: handmade tofu. In the event you occur to get out of Tokyo for the weekend, you positively received’t be missing in lunch choices.
Japan is a superb place to expertise all 12 months spherical, particularly when it exhibits off its colourful palette after the summer time warmth. Get out of town and revel in your momijigari!
Josh Furr
Joshua first got here to Japan together with his household over 10 years in the past and it utterly ruined his life (in the very best of the way). When he’s not attempting to cross the JLPT, he’s researching Japanese historical past, having fun with 80s J-Pop and dreaming of 牛丼. He’s at present writing, writing, writing…largely about Japan and video video games.
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