[Kanto Autumn Foliage] Autumn travel season has arrived! Stunning autumn spots to visit around the Kanto region

Autumn means autumn leaves! Enjoy the autumn colors around the Kanto region

In Japan, mountains and roadside trees turn red and yellow in autumn, and the custom of "momijigari" has been popular since ancient times. Along with cherry blossom viewing in spring, enjoying autumn leaves is an important part of culture to feel the change of seasons. In particular, from October to November, when maple and ginkgo trees take on beautiful colors, many people visit famous autumn foliage spots and are soothed by the beauty of nature. It is also a popular destination for travel and day trips, and temples, shrines, parks, and mountain areas are often illuminated and have events.

Autumn leaves are not just a beautiful sight, but an important seasonal feature that allows Japanese people to "savor autumn."

By the way, do you know the difference between "momiji" and "momiji (maple)"? These two words are often used interchangeably, but in fact they each have a different meaning.

What is the difference between "momiji" and "momiji"?

" Autumn leaves " is a word that refers to the natural phenomenon of tree leaves turning red and yellow in autumn. This term is used to collectively refer to the coloring of various trees, including not only maples, but also ginkgo, oak, and beech trees.

On the other hand, " momiji " mainly refers to maple trees and their leaves. It is a particularly striking plant with palm-like lobed leaves that turn a deep red in autumn . Because of their beauty, people tend to think that "momiji" means "autumn leaves," but in fact "momiji" can be considered a part of the phenomenon of "autumn leaves."

Day trips possible! 5 stunning spots to see autumn leaves from the Kanto region

Naeba Dragon Dora (Niigata Prefecture) - Enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage from the sky!

When you think of famous autumn foliage spots, you probably imagine enjoying the view while hiking through the mountains and valleys, but the greatest attraction of Naeba Dragon Dora is being able to luxuriously view the autumn leaves from the sky.

The longest gondola in Japan , with a total length of about 5.5 km, takes you on a leisurely 25-minute ride through the air, taking you on a leisurely stroll through the mountain valleys with an elevation difference of about 400 m. Below you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the red, yellow, and orange virgin forests of beech and maple trees, and the deep V-shaped valley.

In particular, the autumn leaves along the Kiyotsu River are spectacular, making it a popular spot that attracts many tourists every year. The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from mid- to late October, making it a rare spot where you can fully experience "viewing autumn leaves from the sky."

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Hakkaisan Ropeway (Niigata Prefecture) - Enjoy the difference in altitude all at once!

The Hakkaisan Ropeway in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, is a popular scenic spot during the autumn foliage season, connecting an elevation difference of about 650m in about 7 minutes. From the summit station at an altitude of about 1,150m, you can get a panoramic view of the colorful autumn leaves and the Echigo mountains, and feel the arrival of autumn.

The best time to see the autumn leaves at Mt. Hakkai is usually from mid to late October. When you get off the ropeway, you'll be greeted by a magnificent panorama of the mountainside, where the red and yellow coloring of maples, rowan, and maples brightly colors the mountainside, blending beautifully with the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see the Sea of Japan and the Echigo Plain in the distance, and if you're lucky, you might even be able to see Mt. Fuji.

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Fukiware Falls (Gunma Prefecture) - Dynamic natural beauty!

Located in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, Fukiware Falls is a famous waterfall known as the " Niagara Falls of Japan " for its majesty. The water flow is about 30 meters wide and 7 meters high, splitting into several streams and tumbling down, carving the rock face of the valley and creating a magnificent landscape. Its unique shape makes it look as if a crack has run through the earth, and it attracts many tourists.

When autumn arrives, the trees around the waterfall take on vibrant colors, creating a fantastical landscape that combines with the spray from the waterfall. The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from mid-October to early November, and the contrast between the red and yellow leaves and the pale blue water of the waterfall is overwhelming. From the promenade and observation deck, you can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves while feeling the spray of the water up close.

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Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture) - A famous autumn foliage spot with a blend of history and nature!

Nikko, which spreads across Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, where historical buildings such as the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine coexist with beautiful natural scenery. In particular, in the fall, the rich natural scenery changes color, attracting many people as one of the Kanto region's leading spots for viewing autumn leaves.

Due to the difference in altitude, the best viewing period for autumn leaves lasts for a long time, and the front of the autumn leaves gradually shifts from Oku -Nikko ( Lake Yunoko and Ryuzunotaki ) in early October to Irohazaka , Lake Chuzenji , Kegon Falls, and the area around Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The beauty of the gradation is exceptional, and the fact that you can enjoy different expressions at each location is one of Nikko's charms.

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Autumn foliage at Irohazaka

Lake Chuzenji-Nikko tourism official web

Senjogahara (Autumn leaves) - Nikko Tourism Official Website

Ryuzu Falls (Autumn Foliage) - Nikko Tourism Official Website

Oze (Gunma Prefecture) A colorful marshland paradise to visit in early autumn!

Oze , which spans Katashina Village in Gunma Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's leading high-altitude marshes , and is a treasure trove of nature that shows different beauty in each season. Located at an altitude of about 1,400 meters, this area sees autumn come early, and the best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from late September to early October.

The most attractive thing about autumn in Oze is the unique scenery of the marsh grassland turning golden yellow, known as " kusamomiji." The trees on the mountains surrounding the grassland also turn red and yellow, and the view from the boardwalk is just as beautiful as a painting. The mist and morning dew caused by the chill of the mornings and evenings creates an even more fantastical atmosphere.

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This fall, go and find your own spectacular view of autumn leaves!

In the Kanto area, there are many places to see autumn leaves, such as viewing them from the sky, collaborations between historic sites and colorful scenery, and spectacular views woven by nature. This fall, why not take a little trip to a different place than usual and go on a journey around the autumn-colored scenery with your camera in hand to capture your favorite autumn foliage scenery? I'm sure you'll come across a spectacular view that you'll want to share with someone.

Apply for the tour here!