Enjoy The Vibrant Hues of Autumn Foliage and Winter Snowing

Between autumn and winter, the red, orange, and gold of autumn leaves appear from November through December, then snow white and bright sunlight shinning down the whole landscape of Japan through December to February. Tourists can enjoy the excellent scenery of colorful foliage and crystal white landscape in these cities – Hakone, Nikko, and Kyoto.

Hakone
It only takes about 2 hours train from Tokyo, Hakone is the most popular which famous of its many natural hot springs and country villas, health resorts and superb natural sightseeing spots. Couple of key places are Gora, Kowakidani and Lake Ashi that you can have a scenic view of Mt. Fuji with icy white topping. Must not miss out is the sightseeing boat cruises on Lake Ashi where you can have a panorama view of the whole hakone and Mt. Fuji.

Nikko
Nikko is at north of Tokyo, it takes about 1.5 hours by high-speed Shinkansen train or just 2 hours with normal express train. It is the home to glorious elegant shrines and temples during Edo era, it is also the first summer retreat for foreign residents since Meiji era, as it is famous of its Lake Chuzenji, Ryuzu Falls, Kinugawa hot springs resort, Toshogun and beautiful natural environment.

Kyoto
30 minutes from Osaka Station! From Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by Shinkansen. The splendor of autumn foliage and snowing white winter can be enjoyed at all of Kyoto temples and shrines, among them are Ryoanji, Tofukuji, Kigakuji and Gingakuji. The contrast of the colorful leaves in autumn with Ryoanji’s Zen style rock garden is enchanting; white snow view brings more calm Zen feeling. While the Tsutenkyo covered bridge spanning the valley within the temple grounds of Tofukuji is a superb prime viewing spot that will definitely snap up couple of nice photos.

Enjoy your autumn and winter vacation in Japan.