November’s theme is “Autumn foliage”.
Where is your recommended autumn foliage place?
In one of the four seasons in Japan, also deepened, this season autumn foliage beautiful autumn.
Lush like the leaves go colored is,
And entertained our eyes among the daily life,
It has informed me of the changing seasons.
What kind where your favorite place where you enjoy the autumn foliage?
Always walking are promenade and parks, such as the superb view areas that want to go,
Please tell us the autumn foliage place Come!
The autumn foliage season arrived a bit early this year. When I visited Mt. Akagi—the place I normally go to every year during this season—around the end of October, most of the leaves had already turned brown close to the summit, but they were at their peak color halfway up the mountain.
Whereas the cherry blossom season starts first in the southern part of Japan, the autumn season first arrives in the north, then gradually moves down south. In the same region, leaves fade gradually starting at higher altitudes, so you might still have a chance to enjoy colored leaves elsewhere if you haven’t already.
In English, they are called “red leaves,” but in Japanese we don’t use the word “red.” Instead, we use “crimson” or “yellow” to refer to their color. This is because we refer to colors that are closer to red in contrast with other colors as “crimson,” and autumn leaves are contrasted with green.
In Japan, orange and yellow leaves get the spot light, as they make a more intricate pattern than a full red foliage, especially when mixed with green leaves. You never tire of looking at them. These sights that you can casually enjoy are a natural treasure that must be preserved for posterity.
A wild plant enthusiast living at the foot of Mt. Akagi. : Shoma_Nishihara
The place I would like to recommend for a view of autumn foliage is Rikugi-en in the evening. I visited there last year, and the colored leaves of the expansive Japanese garden lit up against the night sky were truly moving, especially the reflection off the water. It is definitely one of the places you should check out.
It can get really cold during this time of the year. Be sure to bundle up before you leave!
Estheticians & health adviser : Yuko Arai
I mentioned the light-up event at Rikugi-en in the September issue of Talk!Talk!Talk!, but another favorite spot I often go to enjoy autumn foliage is Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa. You can take your dog to the park, and enjoy a walk through a path lined with tall ginkgo trees. There is also a nice cosmos garden that you can enjoy during the bloom season.
Showa Kinen Park http://www.showakinen-koen.jp/html/english/
Photographer : Ema Ueoka
Portfolio http://ema-photography.com/
Pet photography”Cherish” http://cherish-petsphoto.tumblr.com/
Saga-Arashiyama in Kyoto is a place like no other!
The ancient city of Kyoto is a favorite tourist destination in all seasons, but the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are exceptional.
From Saga-Arashiyama, you can hop on a tram that will take you on a 25 minute ride over the 7.3 km stretch to Kameoka Station. During this short trip, which takes you through trails deep in the mountains and over rivers, you will be able to feast your eyes on some fine views. The tram travels along mountain streams, across mountains, and through tunnels. Along the line you will catch breathtaking views of the Hozugawa River and Hozukyo Gorge spreading before your eyes. The place boasts views of cherry blossoms in the spring, a beautiful contrast of blue sky and mountain green in the summer, and gorgeous crimson foliage in the fall.
On your way back, you can opt to cruise down the Hozugawa River on a small boat, a leisurely 2 hour cruise over the 16 km stretch from Kameoka to Arashiyama. There are fast sections along the way that will add some thrill to the ride. If you wish to take in the full natural beauty of the area, taking a boat ride down the Hozugawa River is definitely worth trying.
Pianist / Artist : Akiko Samukawa
Chiran, Kagoshima Prefecture is home to seven samurai residences that are designated as a national place of scenic beauty. These traditional Japanese-style residences which give you a sense of having traveled back in time to 17th century Japan make a perfect harmony with autumn foliage. It is a captivating sight, even if you aren’t familiar with Japanese history. On a veranda facing a garden, you will be treated to a cup of tea made with locally-grown leaves and yokan (a Japanese confection). What else could you need for a small moment of happiness?
If you are looking for a place to visit in the evening, I recommend going to the Sogi Falls. Known as the Niagara Falls of the East, the place offers a fantastic sight of richly colored leaves, lit up against the night sky. It is such a magnificent view that you would think some kind of a miracle might happen.
Last but not least, Sengan-en, a villa built by Mitsuhisa Shimazu, the 19th head of the Shimazu clan, also boasts numerous sights worth seeing. Its garden offers a spectacular view of the Kinkou Bay and Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima. If you are a history buff, you will probably never get tired of visiting this place. If you do get a chance to visit, don’t forget to try their specialty Jambo mochi rice cake !
