In early October, autumn in greater Tokyo is just beginning to unfold. The trees haven’t yet donned their full autumn hues, but the season’s beauty is already showing in other ways.

In parks across Tokyo, such as Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, delicate cosmos flowers are swaying in soft pinks, whites, and purples, filling the gardens with their gentle charm. Meanwhile, vivid red spider lilies, or higanbana, make a bold statement along pathways and temple grounds, their striking red blossoms catching the eye amidst the lingering greenery.

Did you know Tokyo isn’t all neon lights and skyscrapers? Just 2 hours from downtown, you’ll find stunning mountains and jaw-dropping canyons waiting to be explored!

This popular hiking trail runs along the Tama River from Hatonosu Station to Okutama Station. Many of the trees were just starting to turn colors during our visit. From around 10 AM, the trails became much busier with small groups of hikers. With chillier temperatures this coming week, the November 23 weekend should be around prime time for foliage.

Our English editor, Timothy, commented: “Okutama is such a beautiful and refreshing area. A few years ago, I had the chance to go on-location here for a piece on wasabi cultivation, and fell in love with the landscape.

“You can make a day trip of it, or if you would like to enjoy exploring around a bit more or perhaps even combine it with a trip to Mt. Takao, there are several hotels in the area. I stayed at the comfortable Hatonosu-so Hotel and had a fantastic time. Just be aware you’ll need to make bookings well ahead of time in the peak foliage season.

“In any case, I would highly recommend doing the riverside path from Hatonosu Station all the way to Okutama Station, which takes about an hour and a half or so. The course is well-marked and not particularly challenging, though you will want some footwear that will give you a good grip even on wet stones.

“If you’ve worked up a thirst afterward, I’d recommend stopping by the VERTERE Taproom (open only on weekends) or PORT Okutama for a pint or two. Both are great places where you can sit back and relax before the next train arrives.”

The ginkgo-lined avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien isn’t fully golden yet, but about 30-40% of the trees have turned yellow. The mix of green, yellow-green, and yellow ginkgo leaves is absolutely beautiful, making you feel the seasonal transition. On weekends, many Japanese people and international tourists visit, and it's lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and taking photos.

Located an 8-minute walk southwest of the Great Buddha, Hase Temple is known for its seasonal flowers and is a top destination for many visitors to the area.

“The autumn leaves at Hase Temple are just beginning to change, so most trees are still green. I’ve snapped photos of the trees that have started to turn. The temple grounds are spacious, and if you climb the steps, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the autumn leaves along with the sea and cityscape in the background. As the colors deepen, the scenery will become even more stunning.

“From November 23 to December 8, the grounds will be lit up at night, allowing visitors to experience a different atmosphere than during the day. There are also adorable ‘good-luck Jizo’ statues scattered around, and many enjoy taking photos with them. You can choose from several types of goshuin (temple stamps), and I bought a charming one with embroidered autumn leaves and a little Jizo figure. This temple is the perfect spot to experience Japan’s seasonal beauty and breathtaking views.”

Many visitors to Japan are eager to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji—or even take a day trip to the famous Lake Kawaguchi for a closer view. On November 4 and 5, two of our editors visited this scenic area to produce several new articles.

During their time here, they dropped by the famous Maple Corridor, where about 70 maple trees, some over 100 years old, line the Nashigawa River. It's the main spot for the annual Autumn Leaves Festival with food, souvenirs, and craft stalls. The area lights up from sunset to 9:30 PM, offering magical views of Mt. Fuji and the fall colors.

Kaori, our Japanese editor, mentioned: "The Autumn Leaves Festival is currently taking place at Lake Kawaguchi! While the foliage around Lake Kawaguchi and the Maple Corridor hasn’t fully turned yet, you can see some leaves beginning to show a hint of red. Although thick mist limited our chances to catch a view of Mt. Fuji, it’s still a lovely experience to stroll around and enjoy the crisp autumn breeze!"

And - yesterday, Mt Fuji finally saw snow! This year marks the latest arrival of snow since recordkeeping began 130 years ago.

Located about two hours north of Tokyo, the town of Nikko is known for its vibrant foliage around its many historic sites, like the UNESCO-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine. In addition to the famous Kegon Falls, the area is filled with many smaller waterfalls, rivers, and streams, making it a tranquil day-trip destination for trekkers. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, Nikko's foliage will peak around November 17.

According to Live Japan's English editor-in-chief, Timothy, "It's such a popular destination, in fact, that we were unable to make train reservations on the Tobu line, and instead went via JR from Ueno Station. During our visit on November 3, many of the leaves were relatively muted or had yet to come into color, their 'bloom' delayed by warm weather.

"One of my favorite places in the Nikko area is the walk along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which is about a 45-minute walk from Tobu-nikko Station. Curving along the Daiya River, this walking path passes beside a row of Jizo statues, known as 'Bake Jizo' or 'Ghost Jizo,' which are said to change in number each time you count them. The trail opens out to a small field ahead of the scenic Nikko Dainichi Bridge, from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

"On your way back toward Toshogu Shrine via Route 122, be sure to stop by either the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa and/or the Kanaya Hotel History Museum, both of which offer a glimpse into the area's incredible backstory." (You can read more about these places here.)

If you intend to visit Nikko during your time in Japan, be sure to reserve your transportation (and accommodations) as far in advance as you can!

Fall color report from Karuizawa! Karuizawa Taliesin is set within a vast property capturing the natural beauty of Karuizawa, with Lake Shiozawa at its heart. It features a rose-filled garden, art museums, historical buildings, restaurants and shops. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences through the seasons, from art and landscapes—such as flowers in bloom or autumn foliage—to outdoor activities like boating and go-karting, providing entertainment for all ages! Would you like to visit Karuizawa in fall?

Sporting beautiful views of Yokohama Bay, Yamashita Park is a popular place for people to gather on weekends. Along Yamashita Koen-dori Street are close to 200 ginkgo trees that typically turn brilliant gold from mid-November. During our visit, many of the leaves are gaining a lighter green hue, while some of the tops of trees are yellowing. Yamashita Park is also renowned for its rose gardens, while zinnias and other flowers are in beautiful bloom in beds around the park.

This compact, Japanese-style garden is a hidden gem between the Japanese Sword Museum and the National Sumo Arena in Ryogoku, eastern Tokyo. A variety of lush trees encircle the koi pond, including Japanese maple and gingko. While most of the gingko trees in the area have fruited, their leaves have yet to change into their famous brilliant golden colors. While the Japanese maples also remain in lovely greens, many autumn flowers are in bloom. Crape myrtles are now bursting in vibrant pink clusters, while the honeysuckle-like Abelia are in bloom with their light pink and white flowers.

Comment from editor Timothy: "Ryogoku is a lovely place to stroll around in early autumn. It's also a great side trip from Akihabara, since it's just two stations away on the JR Chuo-Sobu line, and acessible from the Ueno area via the Oedo Line too. Besides the sumo arena, this area is also home to the Sumida Hokusai Museum, the Great Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum, and the Japanese Sword Museum, and many great restaurants."

"This weekend, I had the chance to visit Niigata City, and I took the opportunity to stop by Hakusan Park to see how the foliage colors were coming along. Walking past the Niigata City Performing Arts Center, I started to see hints of red and orange leading into the park. Though it was on a Saturday, the park wasn't crowded, making for a lovely stroll and some beautiful, vibrant pictures! Hakusan Park leads down to the Hakusan Shrine and then onwards down to Furumachi Street, where you can enjoy a local meal and do some fun retro shopping! While the rest of the city still seemed a week or so shy of the full-on foliage spectacle, Hakusan Park gave me the colorful welcome I was hoping for on my short trip!" - Johanna

Kiyosato is a scenic highland resort nestled in the southeastern foothills of Yatsugatake in Yamanashi Prefecture. One of its well-known attractions is the rural Camp Seisen Ryo, founded by American professor and missionary Paul Rusch.

LIVE JAPAN Member Kenji reports: "When I visited, the fall foliage had just begun to change, so the colors weren't quite at their peak, and the leaves weren’t especially impressive. However, Kiyosato Terrace, which I filmed, is a stunning viewpoint. You can take a lift to the mountaintop, where you'll be treated to beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. On the day I went, a sea of clouds formed, creating a rare and fortunate sight. The area is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Tokyo."

Have you heard of the coastal castle city of Wakayama? About 90 minutes south of Osaka, it's home to beautiful scenery - like Wakayama Castle, where around 450 cherry trees bloom each spring. Now, in early autumn, these leaves are slowly turning lighter greens before coming alive with vivid oranges and reds.

"Swaying gently in the warm autumn air, the trees created beautiful shadows along the rock castle walls. During my 30-minute stroll around the grounds, some of the Japanese maples were also in the very early stages of changing colors, around the Nishinomaru (Momijidani Teien) Garden and the Ohashi Corridor bridge on the castle's northwestern side." -Timothy

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