Autumn In Japan On Video! Great Scenic Spots For The Fall Leaves

After the end of the hot summer, autumn brings color to the leaves, marking the beginning of the foliage season. In Japan, there are plenty of places to enjoy the autumn leaves. Many go out to see the Japanese red maple leaves or see the grounds covered in the yellow ginkgo leaves, or even get scenic views from a mountain cable car. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the beauty of Japanese autumn through videos.

The Red Leaves of Natsui River Valley

Natsui, the river that flows between Iwaki city and Ono town in Fukushima prefecture, gets covered in the vivid colors of autumn in October. Along the JR Banetsuto Line, the Natsui river valley extends over 15 km. The area has been named "Natsui River Valley Natural Park". During the foliage season, the train slows down for visitors to admire the beautiful scenery along the Natsui river valley.

Information:
Address: Fukushima, Iwaki, Ogawa machi, Eda
Time to see autumn leaves: End of October to mid-November
Website: Red Leaves Of Natsui River Valley (Japanese)

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The Largest Ginkgo Tree in Japan

Standing at 31 meters with a radius of 23 meters, the largest ginkgo tree is located in Nishi Tsugaru, Aomori prefecture. Believed to be a thousand years old, this tree has been worshiped for ages and has been designated a natural monument of Japan. The contrast of the golden leaves against the blue sky and the carpet of yellow draws in many travelers who take photos and spend a memorable time here.

Lately, an event called "Big Yellow" occurs at night when the tree is beautifully lit up. The dreamy atmosphere of this place has become an attraction for visitors from all over.

Information:
Address: Aomori, Nishi Tsugaru, Fukaura, Kitakanegasawa, Shiomigata 356
Time to see autumn leaves: November 12-30. (As of 2016)
Website: Largest Ginkgo In Japan (Japanese)

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The Trolley Train Running Through Kurobe Valley

With the Hokuriku bullet train, it now only takes around two hours and forty minutes from Tokyo to get to the Toyama prefecture. Once you get off at the Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station, make sure to stop by the famous hot springs of the north, the Unazuki onsen. Another recommended attraction in the area is the Kurobe valley trolley train. This trolley train was originally created for an electric power plant and it runs over 20.1 km from Unazuki Station until the last stop at the Keyakidaira Station. One way takes around one hour twenty minutes.

During the autumn season, you will be able to see the amazing view of the red and yellow leaves against the valley and the river. There are some areas that can be seen only from this trolley train, so take this great opportunity to relax and enjoy the gift of mother nature.

Information:
Address: Toyama, Kurobe, Unazuki, Funamiakebiotozawa
Time to see autumn leaves: Early November until late November
Website: Trolley Train At Kurobe Valley (Japanese)

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"The Bridge of Dreams" at Sumata Gorge

Sumata hot springs is in Kawanehon, Haibara district of Shizuoka prefecture, located approximately thirty minutes by car from Senzu station. Senzu Station is on the Oigawa train line, known for its steam locomotive and Thomas, the tank engine. After reaching the Sumata hot springs, walk about forty minutes until you find the "bridge of dreams".

Standing 8 meters above the Oma dam lake, it extends 90 meters across the emerald green surface of water.

This spot has been nominated by Tripadvisor one of the "top 10 suspension bridges of the world you would like to cross before you die". Since then, during the autumn, this spot becomes full of visitors.

Information:
Address: Shizuoka, Haibara, Kawanehon, Senzu
Time to see autumn leaves: Early November until late November
Website: "Bridge Of Dreams" At Sumata Gorge (Japanese)

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The Autumn Leaves From Chiyo Uno's House

In the hometown of Chiyo Uno, a writer born and raised in Iwakuni city of Yamaguchi prefecture, there are approximately a hundred Japanese maple trees surrounding the house where the writer was born. It is known as a popular viewing spot in autumn, and is visited by many people. Chiyo Uno's best known work is the play called "Ohan" which takes place right in Iwakuni city.

The house was constructed in the Meiji era and was restored to its original form by the writer in 1974. It has been designated one of Japan's important cultural properties and visitors can see her works on display along with the wonderful scenery.

Information:
Address: Yamaguchi, Iwakuni, Kawanishi 2-9-35
Time to see autumn leaves: Late November until early December
Website: Autumn Leaves at the Birthplace of Chiyo Uno (Japanese)

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Sagano Tourist Trolley Train

The trolley train that runs through the valley of Hozu river in Kyoto is the Sagano tourism trolley train. It is a train connecting Saga and Kameoka for about 7,3 km. You can enjoy a short train journey while gazing at the picture-perfect scenery with beautiful red leaves.

This train route actually has a story. It begins with the trolley that originally operated as a train to carry people and luggage on a regular basis. After it finished its term of operation, the trolley service came to an end. However, around twenty years ago, the trolley train got back into service. A former worker of the trolley thought it would be a great idea to bring people back in the area, so he decided to plant trees and created this beautiful scenery. Now, you will be able to enjoy the panoramic scenery with the autumn foliage from the trolley train.

Information:
Address: Kyoto, Kyoto, Ukyo, Gatenryuji Kurumamichicho
Time to see autumn leaves: Mid-November until mid-December
Website: Sagano Tourist Trolley Train (Japanese)

©MBS

Autumn in Yakushima

Yakushima is the first place to have been designated a Japanese natural UNESCO world heritage site along with Shirakami Mountain range in 1993. It is an island that only extends around 30 km, but it has Kyushu's tallest mountain, Mt. Miyanoura (1,936 meters high), and has over 40 mountains that are over 1,000 meters high. Due to that, it is also called "the Alpine mountains on the sea".

On the island, there are many virgin forests with Yakusugi cedars aging over one thousand years. With a tropical weather around the shore and cold air up in the mountains, you can experience all the climates from the north to south of Japan, all on this tiny island. It is said to always rain somewhere on this island but in the autumn the climate is stable, and you will be able to see a clear scenery during this season.

Information:
Address: Kagoshima, Kumage, Yakushima, Koseda 501
Time to see autumn leaves: Mid-November
Website: Yakushima (Japanese)

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Kamega Forest, Senbon Mountain, Yasui Valley, and More

Kochi prefecture is known for its scenic spots throughout the area. While facing the Pacific Ocean, 84% of the prefecture is covered in forests and has long day times. Kochi has many tourist attractions, but we will be only mentioning a small portion this time. Kochi has many wonderful spots you can only find during the autumn and winter season. You would have to go and see it for yourself.

Information:
Address: Kochi Prefecture, Shijo city
Time to see autumn leaves: Early October to mid-October
Website: Kochi Prefecture

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In Conclusion

How did you like the autumn scenery in the video clips? Did it make you want to visit all of these places? Japan has plenty of other scenic locations, tasty dishes along with relaxing accommodations, so do come by to experience it all yourself!