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Nanzenji Temple

Dubbed as one of the great Zen temples of Kyoto, Nanzenji in autumn has its own quaint charm. On a bright November day, the dark reddish brown tone of the trees lend a good contrast to the leaves’ varying hues of crimson and orange. Be sure to take picture-perfect shots of the Tenjuan’s rock garden close by. The place is approximately a 5-hour-and-a-half trip from Tokyo.
Good timing: mid to end of November
Location: 86 Nanzenji, Fukuchico
Sakyo ward, Kyoto prefecture 606-8435
Admission 500 yen

Katsura Imperial Palace in Kyoto

The palace is at its best in the fall season. Built during the early to mid 17th century, it is one of the scenic places in Japan for autumn foliage viewing. There are oriental stone lanterns along the well manicured garden paths of picturesque quality that make a good backdrop for family souvenir photos.

Good timing: Last week of November
How to get there: Take Kyoto city bus 33 from Kyoto station or the Hankyu Kyoto train. Get off at Katsura station and walk towards the east.
Reservations required
http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/katsura.html

Free admission

Meiji no Mori Quasi-National Park

The graceful Mino waterfalls set off against autumnal colors belong to Meiji No Mori Mino Quasi National Park in Osaka.

An absolute wonder, this all-in-one natural recreation park is home to a huge number of animals and birds, including monkeys. A must-visit for families with young children.

Along the hiking trail is arguably one of the favorite spots of photo journalists, the Ryuanji temple, located at midpoint between a train station and the waterfall.

Good timing: Mid November

How to get there: Take the Hankyu Takarazuka train from Hankyu Umeda station. Get off at Ishibashi station and change to Hankyu Minoo train. Get off at Minoo station. The park is a short walk to the north side from the station.

Lake Chuzenji, Nikko

It doesn’t get any better than this. The place is absolutely scenic with golden hues of autumn foliage, gushing sound of the waterfalls, clear blue skies, serene Chuzenji lake and the much celebrated symbol of Japan, mount Fuji, all-in-one! That is, if you are lucky to go on a clear autumn day. With the temperatures looking more stable than last year, don’t think twice. Travellers from Tokyo will appreciate the short traveling distance from Tokyo to Nikko which is merely a two-hour train trip.

How to get there:
Take the express trains from Asakusa (2 hours) or
Take the limited express train
from Asakusa (1 hour and 25 mins)
* double the fare of the express train
photo by Jordy Meow

Ikaho Onsen is quite famous for its autumn foliage on the hilly side of the onsen district, a traditional outdoor hot spring not easy to miss. It is located right in front of the picturesque Kajikabashi bridge which, at this time of year, is home to leaves of fiery red, orange and yellow.

At night

How to get there:
The place is a 2-hour 20 min train ride from Tokyo station. Take the Hokuriku-Shinkansen Asama Asama 607 bound for Nagano. Get off at Takasaki station. Transfer to Takasaki-Mizusawa-Ikaho Line bound for Ikaho Annaijo. Get off at Yachiyozakashita station. The Onsen is just an 8-min walk from there.

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