Autumnal Beauty

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1st August 2011

Autumnal beauty

After a muted cherry blossom season,
the autumn promises to bring a brilliant blaze of colour.

Following the events of March 11, the usual crowds of tourists eager to see the exquisite ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom) in April were absent. Many who missed out on this delicate and fleeting natural spectacle are heading to Japan in the autumn instead to witness the magnificent explosion of fiery hues as the leaves change colour.

‘Koyo’ (autumn leaf viewing) lasts for nearly three months across the length of Japan. From mid-September, the ‘koyo front’ slowly moves across the country. Palettes of warm colour can be seen around Tokyo and Kyoto into early December.

Here are InsideJapan Tours’ top ‘koyo’ spots:

Kamikochi
Kamikochi National Park is located in the refreshing scenery of the Alps. Densely forested, with a pristine river flowing through its heart, it is referred to as one of the most scenic places in Japan, especially in October when flaming autumn tints enhance its natural beauty.
Best leaf-viewing time:  Mid-October
Location: Nagano Prefecture, 180 miles from Tokyo

Nikko
Steeped in history and home to the Toshu-gu shrine (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the mountains of Nikko boast glorious ‘koyo’ opportunities near the Chuzenji Lake.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid to late October
Location: Tochigi Prefecture, 90 miles from Tokyo

Takaragawa hot spring
Appreciate autumnal aesthetics whilst soaking in the hot spring baths of Takaragawa Onsen, deep in the mountains of rural Gunma prefecture.
Best leaf-viewing time: Late October to early November
Location: Gunma Prefecture, 135 miles from Tokyo

Miyajima
Across the bay from Hiroshima is the sacred island of Miyajima. The island’s Itsukushima Shrine is fronted by a bold red gate standing tall and elegant in the bay; it appears to float on the water at high tide and is one of Japan’s greatest sights. The vista incorporates Mt Misen, ablaze with an array of fiery colours in the autumn.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid to late November.
Location: Hiroshima Prefecture, 430 miles from Tokyo

Kyoto
The district of Arashiyama is one of the most cultural parts of Kyoto and, in the autumn, the most colourful, too, as the mountain-covering maple turns red, gold and yellow. Take the historical Hozugawa river boat ride through the mountains, over gentle rapids, past huge boulders, serene pools and pretty waterfalls.
Best leaf-viewing time: Mid-late November
Location: Kyoto Prefecture, 320 miles from Tokyo

Mt. Takao
Despite being just 45 minutes from the centre of Tokyo, the area around Mt. Takao feels likes a million miles away from the pulsating capital. See the mountain-side blanketed in red and orange foliage, and seek out temples and shrines dotted about the surrounding national parks.
Best viewing time: Late November
Location: Officially part of metropolitan Tokyo, 26 miles west of the centre

Tokyo
Steps away from the skyscrapers, find the 58-hectare Shinjuku Park with over 1,000 maple trees, and the beautifully-landscaped Hamarikyu Gardens. For the fullest appreciation of ‘koyo’ in Tokyo, head for the extremely photogenic Rikugien Gardens, which date back to 1702.
Best viewing time: mid-November to early December

Against the backdrop of warm colour and whilst temperatures are still above 20°C, major cultural festivals (matsuri) provide even more reason to head to Japan in the autumn. Kyoto’s Jidai Matsuri (22 October) is a celebration of Japan’s feudal history – see processions of performers dressed in samurai costume and people carrying small shrines (mikoshi) on their shoulders as they parade through the streets. Also in Kyoto, witness the beautiful Gion Geisha dances from 1-10 November, each telling a story to the accompaniment of the shamisen (Japanese guitar). On 15 November, children across the country dress up in kimonos to celebrate the Shichi-go-san festival that marks a coming of age at 3, 5 and 7 years.

The 14 night Best of Japan self guided adventure takes in Tokyo, Kyoto, Miyajima and more. The itinerary includes 14 nights’ accommodation in Japanese ryokan and western style hotels, daily breakfast, all domestic transport, private guiding in Tokyo and Kyoto, meet and greet airport transfers, a number of evening meals and the detailed InsideJapan Tours Information Pack. It costs £2,110 per person (two sharing).

The 14 night Essential Honshu small group tour heads into the Kamikochi National Park and takes in Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond. All accommodation and transport between destinations within Japan are included, with daily breakfast and seven evening meals, a walking tour of the Geisha district in Kyoto, Tokyo and Hakone transport passes, luggage forwarding and the full time services of a tour leader. It costs £2,200 pp (two sharing).

Current offer: Book any 2011 small group tour and enjoy two complimentary nights’ accommodation in Tokyo at the start or end of the tour.