You probably know that the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season offers its own unique beauty. In fact, every season typically has seasonal festivals that match the theme of the season.
For example, in autumn, falling leaves in red, yellow, and orange shades make Japanese cities look stunning. The season also includes festivals, such as the Otsu Festival, Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, Shinmito Hikiyama Festival, and more.
If you want to see the beauty of Japan in autumn while enjoying its festival celebrations, you can visit several spots that offer stunning sights. Where are these places? Check them out in the remaining of this article!
Minoo Park
The first place in Japan you must visit during autumn is Minoo Park, located at 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka, Japan. Minoo Park is part of the Minoh City National Park, officially opened in 1967. This park houses over 980 species of trees.
If you visit there, you will see various trees, with leaves turning red, orange, and yellow during autumn. Besides admiring the beautiful foliage, you can also try “momiji tempura” sold along the streets. This snack is made from battered and fried maple leaves.
Interestingly, the park also features a waterfall, Minoo Waterfall, a major tourist attraction. Tempted to see the gorgeous waterfall? You can take the Takarazuka Main Line from Osaka-Umeda Station to Ishibashi Handai-Mae Station to reach the park. Then, transfer to the Hankyu-Mino Line to Minoo Station. From there, you can take a taxi to the park.
Tofukuji Temple
Next, you can visit the oldest temple in the southern part of Kyoto City—Tofukuji Temple. This temple was built by the Fujiwara family about 800 years ago and is still used to spread Buddhist teachings to this day. The main appeal of the temple is its beautiful garden scenery.
In autumn, the temple is packed with up to tens of thousands of visitors who are eager to see the temple’s stunning landscape, which features a pristine river and colorful maple trees. There are a few activities you should not miss while at this temple:
● Admire the maple trees. In autumn, the maple leaves in Hanbo Garden turn a reddish-yellow hue. To take in their beauty, head to the Tsutenkyo Bridge.
● Explore centuries-old architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hanbo Garden features hundreds of years of old architecture. To see this, visit Tofukuji Temple.
Getting to the temple is easy. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station. From there, you can walk east for 10 minutes until you reach the Sanmon Gate.
Sagano Romantic Train
Looking for a unique experience? Hop on the Sagano Romantic Train, which takes you around on a scenic ride through breathtaking landscapes. It is called the Sagano Romantic Train because along the ride, you will see vibrant red trees lining both the right and left sides of the tracks, creating a romantic atmosphere.
After enjoying the stunning views, you can continue your adventure by visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Or, you can also head to other tourist attractions in Arashiyama. The Sagano Romantic Train operates almost daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. But, it is typically not available during winter or on Wednesdays.
Seeing the colorful falling leaves in Japan sounds exciting, right? Give it a go and for peace of mind, make sure to protect your journey by Purchasing Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. With insurance, you will have coverage from the moment you leave home until you return.
Enjoy the autumn season in Japan!