Autumn Foliage Turns Japan into a More Dynamic Landscape

When the Japanese archipelago turns red in the autumn, no one landscape is like another. Autumn leaves can be seen along crystal-clear streams in deep forests; dynamic reds seem to paint magnificent myths in primeval landscapes; seasonal flowers of delicate beauty enchant all who behold them. This autumn, what kind of colors will we find in Japan?

Eternal Forest and River

Aomori Prefecture sits in the far north of Honshu. Sculpted over eons, Lake Towada feeds a river flowing through a deep forest, coursing between trees and rocks. Over about 14 km, the Oirase Gorge rushes with vigor and beauty. However lovely the fresh verdure of spring and summer may be, autumn colors steal the show. Red, yellow, and orange leaves even seem to colorize visitors. Strolling on gentle, well-maintained paths, the ever-changing rush of water and timeless forest weave together a spectacular view—fantastic scenery to be experienced only in the fall.
 
 

Step into a Golden Valley

In Nagano Prefecture, home to many of Japan’s most famous mountains, and nestled in an alpine region of Komagane City, at an altitude of 2,500 meters, Senjojiki Cirque bears testimony to the dynamic forces at work on our planet. Carved by ice-age glaciers, a bowl-shaped valley spreads immediately below the rugged mountains. Alighting at Japan’s highest ropeway station on an autumn day, a landscape of dazzling gold alpine foliage greets the eyes, unfurling like a carpet across the land. Don’t miss the chance to step into this golden valley and become part of the vibrant landscape beneath a sky so close you can almost touch it.
 
 

Red Flowers for Hearts

Taking an autumn stroll along a countryside river or near rice fields, you may come across clusters of crimson flowers blooming in profusion. Red spider lilies (a.k.a. equinox flowers) are even found in ancient Buddhist scriptures. In Japan they blossom in mid-September, when Buddhist autumnal ancestor rites are held, a poignant reminder of the changing seasons. With their slender, backwards-curving flower petals, bold radial stamens and pistils, and striking bright red hue, these flowers could be mistaken for delicate handicrafts, blooming as if to comfort those reflecting on the fleeting nature of autumn. This is a true scene of the autumn of Japan.