Unforgettable bright autumn in Japan

to Catch and immortalize the beauty of moments, the Japanese tried in antiquity: the Japanese poets have composed the famous five-line poems of the tank. The Japanese aristocracy enjoyed the elegant beauty of autumn – in autumn they played their musical instruments and boating. And, since the XVII century, admiring the maples became a popular national pastime.

Today, the phenomenon of admiring maple leaves-Momiji-Gari — has become a show of global importance, and thousands of tourists from all countries come annually to see it. Mass this phenomenon is a very slightly inferior to the khans – the traditional spring admiring cherry blossoms when in full sense of the word, all the Japanese spread out under the blossoming trees mats, enjoying the beauty of falling Sakura flower petals.

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Most famous tree in Japanese autumn – maple (Momiji), but there are other, no less beautiful in autumn, the trees: gingko with lustrous bright yellow foliage of Japanese larch (the only conifer that changes color in the fall), Sakura, beech, rhododendron, horse chestnut, and others, equally fine in their autumn dresses trees.

Admiring the colorful autumn leaves in Japan is the same as a century ago – with the traditional festivities and entertainment. Only change musical instruments and gadgets-is koto, flutes, and the modern Japanese armed with cameras and iPhones.

While admiring the autumn trees the Japanese leave for a couple of days its offices, shops and banks, rushing into the forests and mountains to admire the maples and gingko, chat, take pictures and listen to music. These days it is customary to dine in the best restaurants because visual enjoyment the best way is complemented by the taste.

Feel the real Japanese you will be able to eat, matsutake gohan-rice with matsutake mushrooms or called Dobin Mushi — steamed, matsutake in a clay jug. These look like huge mushrooms mushrooms are the most expensive in Japan. The price for one kilogram of matsutake starts from $50, and in may their value can grow by 25-30 times.

Planning to travel, we should also consider that the bright, colorful autumn in Japan occurs everywhere at different times. In the North (Hokkaido) leaves change color in the autumn palette earlier than in other regions – in September. In the Tokyo area the first red leaves on the maple trees appear at the end of October and in Kyoto – in the beginning of November. On the southernmost of the major Islands – Kyushu – maples blush even later – at the end of November.

But the exact calendar of the advent of autumn in Japan does not exist, and depending on the weather the difference between these dates varies from 2 to 4 weeks. Predictions for the days when and where in the Japanese regions will blush sheets, is to look at the Japanese site.

But if it's your home away from home in Japan, and the leaves on the maples are still green, do not worry – you can always go to highlands – the higher, the sooner it begins to redden the leaves. To travel admiring maple leaves in Japan hotel room is to book in advance, since at this time especially large influx of tourists. This season the double room in the popular tourist resorts starts from 15 thousand yen ($150).

Autumn weather in Japan pleased by the absence of the sweltering heat of summer-in September-October, the temperature in the Tokyo area in the daytime is usually kept around 25 degrees, but closer to night is pretty cool. To stock up on a cloak or coat is only towards the end of November.

TOP 5 places to enjoy maple photo autumn in Japan

Daisetsuzan

Season: mid September - mid October

Japan's First purple blanket covered the most high in the Hokkaido mountains in the national Park of Daisetsuzan. Curly red-yellow leaves of the maples here mixed with green pine needles, delighting connoisseurs amazingly beautiful combination.

beautiful natural scenery is already in September, open from the mountains Ginsendai, and Asahidake Onsen Kogen. A very popular local attraction – take the cable car to the top of Kurodake and from there to admire the surroundings. A little later, from mid-September to early October, crimson and gold carpet goes down, and at this time especially the beautiful local scenery around Sounkyo.

Tokyo

Season: late November - early December

In Tokyo has dozens of parks and gardens, which certainly planted the trees with beautiful foliage. The most famous place – three hundred meters of the Ginkgo Avenue in Meiji jingu gaien. Walk through the tunnel, which consists of 146 bright yellow original cut trees, gives a memorable experience. The Park is very large, and it is considered that its examination should not be less than two hours. But this Park still there is one drawback-at any time of the day there is always a huge number of vacationers and tourists.

Another equally popular for fans of autumn leaves place – the University of Tokyo's Hongō campus, which is also famous for the abundance of gingko trees. As the Japanese say, here is one of the world's largest gingko trees. And then he added that it also causes a strong frustration of tourists, because it does not fit in the frame. Beautiful red maples can also be seen in one of the most beautiful landscape gardens-Rikugien. During peak season it employs a special illumination.

By the Way, when the Japanese have no time to get into the Park or outside the city to admire the maple leaves, they just go to the nearest maple tree near the house and slowly walk around it - it is also worth a look.

Nikko

Season: early October - mid November

City of shrines and temples, Nikko is located 125 km from Tokyo. Elevation from 300 to 1500 Mestre, above sea level, so “red season” is an order of magnitude longer. Vivid openwork maple foliage blends with the luxury and abundance of gold in local churches.

If you climb up on the bus on the winding road to Okunikko (inner Nikko) and stroll along the shores of lake Chuzenji (Chuzenji), even the most sophisticated connoisseurs will be enthralled by the beauty of the reflections of the Golden and crimson trees in the water. From coast to coast where you can ride on the boat. Time per one-way trip takes 20 minutes.

Here is one of the highest waterfalls in Japan – 97-metre Kegon. It is autumn here the largest number of tourists, so narrow mountain roads you can get caught in traffic.

Hakone

Best time: November

Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a historic resort with the onsens (hot springs). It offers a very beautiful view of mount Fuji, which is actively replicated in thousands of different leaflets and brochures, but at this time of year the top of the mountain is often hidden behind the clouds.

Mount Hakone and lake Ashinoko shores are covered with maples. Admire the autumn colors, you can Board a boat or while walking around the lake. Autumn is also mandatory'you should definitely look into a moss garden at the Hakone Museum of Art – m'a green moss amazing blends beautifully with red maple leaves.

Kyoto

Best time: late November - early December

Kyoto – this is a traditional place for admiring maples. Right at the train station at the tourist information Desk you will see hanging on the wall the list with the list of all the parks. Next to each name is marked – one, two, or three leaves, representing the number and the intensity of the Reds.

since mid-November, you can enjoy all the colors of autumn at Tofukuji (Tofukuji ji), where remarkable ancient temple is surrounded by 2 thousand red maples. For autumn travel is also popular, and Kiyomizudera-one of the most famous temples in Japan.

Mount Arashiyama – is a masterpiece created by nature, the combination of colors which in peak season are incredible. Evenings are mandatory'be sure to include lighting. The second Sunday of November on the mountain festival maple leaves – Arashiyama Momiji Matsuri. On this day you will be able to listen to the beautiful ancient music and see traditional Japanese dances.

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