About 1.5 hours drive from Tokyo, Kawaguchiko is a popular destination almost year-round, but perhaps the most beautiful time is autumn, from mid-November to early December, when the maple leaves change from green to red.
The photo series was recorded by the author during his journey to explore autumn in Japan at the end of November 2023.
There are a total of five lakes around Mt. Fuji, but the best place to see the autumn leaves with the distant mountain in the background is Lake Kawaguchi.
Visitors can enjoy the best view of Mount Fuji under the red maple leaves from the north shore of the lake.
From late autumn to early winter, the leaves on the trees in Japan turn brilliant colors before falling, delighting onlookers. Unlike cherry blossoms that bloom from south to north in spring, the transition to autumn foliage gradually spreads south from the north, starting in Hokkaido and from the higher ground to the lowland cities.
This year, the red and yellow foliage peaked a little later than usual.
This is one of the best photo spots that only locals know about - the park section under Kawaguchiko Bridge
Many ginkgo trees with their brilliant autumnal yellows grow along the streets and in parks, symbolizing the urban autumn. Tokyo workers can take a break from their daily routine to enjoy famous spots in the capital such as Meiji Jingū Gaien, Tokyo University's Hongō and Yoyogi Park. For much of Japan, southern Tōhoku, the leaves will appear from mid to late November.
Meanwhile, the red leaves (maple leaves) fall early in some mountainous areas, but in the plains, the trees do not turn red until November. But further south, some locations have to wait until December, so there is still plenty of time for visitors to plan for the best leaf-viewing season of the year.
Visitors can also take the Red Line bus to bus stop 20 (Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center). From here, they can stroll around Oishi Park with its breathtaking views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji. Then, they can walk along the lakeshore down to Kawaguchiko Music Forest to enjoy the maple leaves and the reeds swaying in the wind under the beautiful autumn sky.
Next to Lake Kawaguchiko is the “Maple Tunnel” (also known as Momji Corridor) - a stretch of road covered with maple trees that glow in the autumn sun.
"Maple Leaf Tunnel"
Momji Tunnel dyed a brilliant red in the autumn sun
In addition to admiring maple leaves and Mount Fuji, visitors can also participate in the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Festival - one of the most famous autumn festivals in Japan, held every November on the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko.
Crowds of tourists attend the Fuji Autumn Festival
There are dozens of buses from central Tokyo to Kawaguchiko every day, with fares starting at around 2,200 yen (US$23) one way. Visitors can also take the Fuji Excursion sightseeing train from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (by taking the JR Chuo Line and changing to the Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki). However, the train ride takes longer and tickets are usually more expensive, around 4,000 yen (US$31) one way.
Source link
Comment (0)