Autumn in Japan is a breathtaking sight to behold. Parks, gardens and temples are packed with locals and tourists enjoying the picturesque view of the warm, gleaming koyo (autumn foliage). Since a trip to Japan isn’t happening any time soon, let’s satiate our wanderlust with 9 pictures of what autumn in Japan looks like now ?.
Autumn in 9 pictures across Japan
P.S. Can’t travel to Japan now? Take yourself to Japan with these 21 Awesome Halal Japanese Food In Singapore.
Icho Namiki-dori at Meiji Jingu Gaien
Credit: @rintarou6523 on Instagram
We’re kicking off the list with Tokyo’s famous autumn foliage spot, Icho Namiki-dori at Meiji Jingu Gaien. The gingko trees lined up across both sides of the 300m road turns into a stunning golden tunnel when illuminated by the sun. As part of their annual Jingu Gaien Ginkgo festival, you could also indulge in comforting street food from the sidewalks while walking down the gorgeous path. We’re wishing to experience such pure bliss again soon! ☹️
Koishikawa Korakuen & Shinjuku Gyoen
Credit: @cathay_delight_jpn for Instagram
These gardens and parks are conveniently located in the middle of the bustling capital city for that much-needed break from city life, or from your city-hopping activities throughout the day. Sip traditional Japanese tea while admiring the picturesque momiji (red maple leaves) at Koishikawa Korakuen, or pop by Shinjunku Gyoen for a spontaneous picnic-cum-koyo viewing. How pretty are these pictures?!
Mount Takao
Credit: @asukaxkana for Instagram
If you love a good sweat, or you’re all for the ‘Gram, Mount Takao is for you. That tiredness of hiking up Tokyo’s favourite mountain for 90 minutes disappears almost immediately once you see the beautiful panoramic view of the koyo front. Sigh, when can we go back? ?
Mount Fuji
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Take a romantic walk down a golden carpet of reddish brown, orange and yellow leaves with your loved one at Mount Fuji’s best autumn spotting area, Momiji Kairo (Maple Corridor). Their spectacular scenery is often seen across tourist guidebooks, but such beauty can’t simply be enjoyed through a picture ?. For now, these pictures will just have to suffice!
Arashiyama, Kyoto
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If you’re in Kyoto, visiting the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama is a place not worth missing out on. Stand on the bridge and take in all of Arashiyama’s gorgeous colourful fall foliage. Or, you know, look through the screen like all of us are doing right now. ?
P.S. Read one of our Tribes members' experience in Kyoto during autumn here!
Minoo Park, Osaka
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Minoo Park is one of the best places in the Kansai Region to catch autumn views in its natural setting. If you’re a nature lover, you can enjoy the 2.8km hike up to the famous Minoo waterfall for the best autumn foliage spot. You immediately find yourself transported away from all your stresses as you admire the bright red leaves against the calming waterfall. Someone give me a ticket to Japan now, please!
Osaka Castle Park
Credit: @kyototsulukichi for Instagram
The castle towering over 300 fiery red trees is a majestical sight, and it looks like it’s taken straight out of a fairytale. Saying that we’re awestruck by the view is an understatement. This picture-perfect scenery is only making us envious of everyone currently there now!
Nara Park
Credit: @a_haruurarafor Instagram
Finally, our koyo trip ends with the beautiful Nara Park. What’s better than seeing a cute deer roaming under the vivid gingko leaves? You could imagine yourself living out the cottagecore aesthetic: feeding the friendly deers while strolling around and taking in the breathtaking views. Such simple, peaceful living us city dwellers can only fantasize. ?
We can’t go to Japan, just yet, but we can take this time to dream about our next trip there! Here’s to hoping 2022 will finally be our year!
Check this out for your future autumn trip plans in Japan (or daydreaming, it still counts):