This year’s Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival is set to take place in Hirosaki, Aomori from October 18 to November 10.

The festival is held annually every autumn and has been since 1962. It has become a festival deeply tied to autumntime Hirosaki, with 1,000 vivid chrysanthemum trees set to bloom at Hirosaki Park this year in addition to 2,600 cherry blossom trees, which in springtime were pink and will now turn red and yellow for the autumn season.

After the sun sets during the event, the castle, park and surrounding areas will be lit up with enchanting illuminations, reflecting off the trees and surface of the moat, lending even more beauty to the area.

Veltra, a website that offers hundreds of tours and activities for travellers across the world, is now taking bookings to go and see the autumn colour light-up of Konkaikōmyō-ji, also known as Kurodani Temple.

The plan offers the chance to see the Afro Buddha―which has made headlines on TV in Japan and on the internet―as well as the temple gardens and elsewhere lit up in gorgeous hues of reds, yellows and oranges. The autumnal colours reflected on the water surface beside the temple will provide for a gorgeous setting.

There’s also an additional plan that can get you in 30-minutes earlier than regular guests and offers a tour of the area by the official gardener or a garden concierge. Guests who book with Veltra will also receive a bill with the Afro Buddha printed on it.

Kurodani Temple was founded in 1175. It incldues the site where Honen, the founder of Jodo Buddhism, stayed. It’s also famous as the site where the Japanese official Kondō Isami and samurai Matsudaira Katamori held talks.

While gazing at the beautiful colours of autumn guests can also enjoy a koto performance.

Veltra also has an English page and takes bookings from inbound travellers. Book your plan to see the spectacle yourself.

Yanagiya Kannon is located in Nagaokakyoshi, Kyoto and it has been a place where persons with eye-related diseases gather since the Heian era. At his location, the autumn leaves event, “Yanagiya Kannon Koyo Week” will be held.

“Joshoin”special public viewing

“Joshoin,”which is opened to the public on the 17^th of every month will be opened every day during Koyo Week.

Joshoin is a special space where special guests such as Emperor’s family and court aristocracy can enter. The beautiful view of the autumn leaves of Meishoteien (Jodoen) has been loved by many people. They will offer a “goshuin” dessert to the visitors from the 17^th of November to the 26^th  of November.

Yanagiya Art Fair

“Kikuzu” created by Korin Ogata who was an artist during the Edo period will be exhibited inside Joshoin. Also, “Benigiku” created by the women Japanese-style painter Tazu Hirota will be exhibited in the exhibit named,“Yanagiya Kannon Jiho Ten” which will reveal different art works every month.

In Jihoko, bird-related art works will be exhibited, wishing visitors’ success. Many works such as Seitei Watanabe’s “Denen ni Washizu” which is kept at the Metropolitan Museum, Bakusen Tsuchida’s “Yamadori” which is kept at Tokyo National Modern Museum, Kogyo Terasaki’s (an painter who used be called a “roaming painter”)  “Shirasagi no Zu” and Kiitsu Suzuki’s (a painter from the Edorin style) “Tsuruno Zu” will be exhibited.

Pressed flowers will be offered (quantity limited)

Limited “goshuin”are so popular that they always run out. This time, they will offer two kinds of “goshuins,”one using a“maple leaf” and another using a  “chrysanthemum.” The chrysanthemum used in the goshuin is a twin wheeled chrysanthemum. Moreover, the 17^th-limited “goshuin” will also be offered on the 26^th of November.

Tasty “Goshuin Latte”

“Goshuin Latte” is a product which will be offered to the visitors who obtain Yodomiden’s “goshuin.” The product was not sold during the summer season, but it will sold again. The price of the product and the“goshuin” together is 800 yen .

Scent bag “Gofukuko Kaigan”

“Gofukuko” is created under the theme of offering happiness to people. Obtain the “scent” of Gofukuko which is known as the treat of Buddha.

“KYOTO STYLE” will be held

A workshop which you can experience “the time/events/things” under the theme of Kyoto’s temple/flower/tea called “KYOTO STYLE” will be held on the 26^th of November.

Temple workshop to develop your feminine traits

・Yagiya Kannon original “shakyo (hand-copying of sutas) and shafutsu (hand-copying of Buddha)

・Yanagiya Kannon Gokan＋ “Bishingan Therapy”

・Yagiya Kannon original “Oshibana (pressed flower) Goshuin”

【Work shop of organic rose farm】

・Okuda Rose Farm “rose jam making workshop”

・Okuda Rose Farm “resin accessary making class”

【Workshop held by the tea farmer who owns an accommodation】

・Wazuka / original tea blending class
・Wazuka / maccha spice making class
【Other workshops】
・ Yoga / Koto (Japanese traditional instrument) playing experience / bag-making class

▼Comments from Shunei Kusaka, the chief priest of the temple

“We (human being) have five senses. They are eyesight, auditory sense, olfactory sense, taste sense and haptic sense and we have eyes, ears, a nose, a tongue and our bodies to use with those five senses. However, Buddhism teaches us that we have another sense called “I” to feel the thoughts of Buddhism. In Buddhism^, the six senses are called as “Rokkon.” The temple is aiming to hold events which will resonate with peoples’ senses and thus we will hold Koyo Week. We are preparing art fairs and various events. We hope that you will enjoy a quiet time watching beautiful autumn leaves. Peace to you.”

Let’s enjoy the autumn leaves of Kyoto by visiting Kyoto during“Yanagiya Kannon Koyo Week.”

A light-up event will be held at “Shoyoen,” the Japanese garden inside the temple grounds of Rinnoji Temple which is a World Heritage site located in Nikko. This event will be held between October 25^th (Wed.)~November 15^th (Wed.). In addition, for the 3 days, November 3^rd (Fri. & national holiday) to the 5^th (Sun.), another light-up event titled “Light-Up Nikko 2017” will be held at “Taiyuin.” Various buildings and surroundings will be lit-up so visitors can enjoy the autumn colors by walking all the way from Niomon Gate to the “haiden” (praying hall).

The Japanese garden, Shoyoen is a very popular autumn color spot in Nikko. The garden with an area of 3,200 square meters was constructed next to Rinnoji Temple over 1250 years ago. It is a representative Japanese garden built in the Edo period. It was made so that visitors can enjoy the garden by walking around the pond.

As a special event during this season the event titled, “Shoyoen / Daiyuin × “light” × “sound” Fantasy Scroll” will be held. Various classical Japanese instruments will be played including a koto performance by prominent koto player, Fumiko Kazuhisa.

Furthermore, shinobue and shakuhachi performances will take place inviting you to a mysterious world. In addition to the events, “Shoyoen light-up” and “Light-up Nikko 2017,” at the honden and Taiyuin a “goshuin” with a red seal confirming a night temple visit will be issued.

Why not go to Nikko and enjoy a very special autumn evening.

For those of you who are planning to visit the Kansai area this autumn, here are some recommended autumn color spots. Many of these spots will be lit up at night after November so why not visit some temples at nighttime. In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended autumn color spots.

Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple in Otowa Mountain holds a viewing event (three times per year – spring, summer and autumn).  They will hold a viewing event at nighttime from the 11^th of November (Sat.) to the 3^rd of December (Sun.). You can enjoy the wonderful autumn view where thousands of maple leaves are lit up along with the temple. Jojuin which usually cannot be seen is open for viewing during this season. The quiet night view of Jojuin’s garden (the garden is known as one of the best gardens in Kyoto) which is also called “the moon garden” is a must-see.

Kyoto Ruri Kouin

Ruri Koin will hold a special viewing event at nighttime. The light up event called “Momiji (maple tree) komichi” (third time to be held) will be held at the same time as the viewing event is held. The light up event will be held at “Cable Hiei Station” where the city of Kyoto can be viewed. I am sure that you will be able to enjoy the autumn colors as you catch a fresh, cold breeze, something you cannot feel in the big cities.

Kyoto Kakuyuzan Rokuoin

From the 26^th of November (Sun.) to the 9^th of December (Sat.), a special viewing event at nighttime will be held this year too. Rokuoin is famous for its autumn colors and Kosansui Garden which is known as the first plane garden in Japan was designated as one of the official beauty spots of Kyoto. In the viewing event, a 300m long stone path, Shariden and the garden will be lit up. The number of the visitors who can enjoy this event is limited (100 persons). Let’s enjoy the night view of the Zen temple.

Kyoto “Toji” ×  Keihan Hotels & Resorts

Keihan Hotels & Resorts (Kyoto, Shimogyoku, CEO: Toshihiko Inaji) will collaborate with “Toji (Kyoo Gokokuji) and sell Keihan Hotels & Resorts-limited premium plan where you can view the important cultural properties including Toji and stay at the hotel. The plan comes with a ticket to enter the venue of the light up event where you can enjoy the autumn views of Toji such as a mysterious five-story tower surrounded by vivid colored autumn leaves lit up at nighttime. You can enjoy the night in Kyoto thinking about the Heian Era 1,200 years ago.

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The season of autumn colors has arrived! Many people are not aware that there are many spots in the Tokyo area where the colorful autumns can be enjoyyed. In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended spots in and close to Tokyo.

Yoyogi Park (best time to view: late November to early December)

aさん(@hitogomi_nigate)がシェアした投稿 – 2017 10月 22 7:55午前 PDT

There are about six kinds broad-leaves tree such as zelkova, gingko and maples inside the park. The spot is known as one of the most famous autumn color spots where 1,300 trees are planted. You can enjoy viewing the autumn leaves the whole day long by sitting on the park benches. You can enjoy the open areas and fountains too. The contrast of the true-red maples located at the west side of the fountain and the gingko colonnade located at the right and upper area of Harajuku gate is great. It is great fun to walk on a carpet of fallen leaves.  

      Meiji Shinjuku Gaien (best time to view: mid-November to early December)

Joannaさん(@jojocat910)がシェアした投稿 – 2017 10月 14 6:51午前 PDT

Meiji Shinjuku Gaien where the gingko colonnade is famous is one of the most famous spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy the view of yellow leaves. The 300m long colonnade which has 146 gingko trees is called the “Golden Road.” The view of the colonnade is very modern and preppy since it is located in Aoyama. It is recommended that you take a bike ride along this colonnade.

Kyu Asakurake Jutaku (Old residence of Asakura Family) (best time to view: early December)

Soma Jeffrey Yamazakiさん(@zakisoma)がシェアした投稿 – 2016 12月 8 6:46午前 PST

An important cultural property which was built in the 8^th year of Taisho. This spot has many great things to see such as a circuit style garden where you can enjoy the view of each season and a two-storied main house which has the atmosphere of the Taisho Era. An autumn leaves tea party is held every year. Many visitors including foreign tourists visit this location during the autumn season and every year a tea party is held under the red maple trees.    

      Arisugawakyu Kinen Park (best time to view: mid-November to mid-December)

Ftmmtチャンネルさん(@ftmmt_youtube)がシェアした投稿 – 2017 10月 17 9:14午前 PDT

The inside of the park is created in a precise manner. It has many special things such as a stream flowing into a pond and a stone bridge where you can enjoy the vivid contrast of such things and the autumn leaves. The park includes a Japanese garden and Tokyo Toritsu Central Library and therefore it can be said that the park has a comfortable atmosphere although it is located inside Tokyo. Yellow-colored trees, can be seen along with the statue of Arisugawakyu, the symbol of the park. This is a must-see.

Shiba Park (best time to view: late November to early December)

koichi kimuraさん(@kkimurax)がシェアした投稿 – 2017 10月 6 8:40午後 PDT

An artificial stream which was recreated in the 59^th year of Showa. Maple trees are planted throughout the park and the view is very beautiful. It is a healing spot that has rocky stretch consisting of small and big rocks and a 10m high waterfall which makes you forget that you are in the center of Tokyo. It is recommended to visit this park and sit on the bench and relax after touring around Zojo Temple and Tokyo Tower.  

      Rikugien (best time to view: late November to early December)

dicekさん(@dicekkrose1230)がシェアした投稿 – 2017 10月 20 12:48午後 PDT

A garden created for a daimyo (feudal lord). Vivid colored leaves of maple trees and wax and gingko trees can be seen everywhere inside the park. The views that can be seen from the west side of the park and Suikonoe are very popular. The gardens inside the park are lighted up at night and you can also enjoy the fantastic night view.

The autumn leaves in the area around Naeba Ski Resort located in Minami Uonuma, Niiga Prefecture are now at their best.

The color of the leaves is vivid compare to the past few years and many tourists visited this resort on the 18^th of October. The weather was clear.

Naeba Ski Resort and Kagura Ski Resort are operating the “Dragon Gondola” and “Tashiro Ropeway” and you can enjoy the dynamic scenery of autumn leaves for about 25 minutes (one way) from the “Dragon Gondola” which is the longest gondola in Japan (5,481m).

After arriving at the top of the mountain, you can view the dynamic view of the mountains around Joetsu Border and the emerald green-colored Tashiro Lake.

Also, a festival called “Tashiro Kogen Aki Matsuri” where local food will be sold will be held. Mushroom soup will be offered for free and carnival booths will also be opened.

Let’s go to Naeba to enjoy the gorgeous view and the autumn leaves.