Autumn in Yatsugatake Highland

I had a little escape from the city to the mountains and this time, I am in the Yatsugatake mountain range. The name Yatsugatake literally means the eight peaks in Japanese language. However, the mountain range of Yatsugatake has more than eight peaks so the word 'yatsu' here doesn't merely means 'eight' but also the nuance of 'many' in Japanese language.

There is a cool legend behind these magnificent mountain ranges. It was said that Mt Yatsugatake was once just one tall mountain, very similar to Mt Fuji and was protected by a god. This issue doesn't sit well with the proud goddess of Mt Fuji. It wasn't long before the two protectors started to fight over the two mountains' height. Each insisted that one is taller than the other. The Buddha who was the judge of this conflict created a gutter between the two mountains. He then pours water into the gutter and the water flows from Mt Yatsugatake to Mt Fuji proving the former being the higher one. The goddess of Mt Fuji was angry to be proven wrong and struck Mt Yatsugatake multiple times with her magic long stick till the mountain become a chain of jagged mountains range as we see today. I think the goddess may have done a good deed by making Mt Yatsugatake and its surroundings more stunning.

Although this area used to be a wasteland, but today, it is a popular summer resort known for its natural surroundings, wildlife and greenery. One can enjoy bird watching, cycling, hiking and even star gazing as it has been found that the terrain of this place offers wide flat land which allows a 360 degree view of the skies. Nobeyama is the place for some serious star observation. Some hotels also have its own telescope for its guest.

Walking around this area has been therapeutic with lots of quiet pathways to walk and very few cars. I guess this place is busy, mostly during the summer. Also, due to the infrequency of public transportation in this area, less people will travel here after the peak season. It is absolutely a wonderful place for nature lovers, as the cabins of Yatsugatake are located in the woods with awesome views.

Like I said, this place is a heaven for those who love walking and strolling and the landscape is best to savour if you are not rushing for time (why would you while in the mountains?). Probably, it is a good idea to travel with a car as you will be able to drive on one of the most scenic roads, the Yatsugatake Kogen Line Road. The best time is of course in late Oct till Nov.

If you are travelling using the public transportation like me, then, it is wise to check the schedule for the train and bus before you head out.

The JR East Koumi line is also known as the Yatsugatake Kogen line is one of the most scenic train lines in Japan. The line starts from Kobuchizawa station in Yamanashi-ken and ends at the Komoro station in Nagano-ken with Nobeyama station being the highest JR station in Japan. This train ride is a must-ride train ride in Japan.

Just bring your camera or your favourite drink on board, sit back and enjoy your ride through the mountains of Yatsugatake.

Our cabin lodging in the mountains

Barbequeing our mushrooms as snack

Where is your favourite autumn spot in Japan? 

Autumn in Shosenkyo Gorge

This is my first time visiting the Shosenkyo Gorge and I must say that it is really worth the early morning rush in Shinjuku station.

The gorge is gorgeous that you can't stop clicking on your camera and it is also pretty well-known spot for viewing the autumn leaves so the tracks are pretty beaten by the tourists. But don't let that discourage you, it is really one of Japan's most beautiful places with a gorgeous waterfall, winding river, lofty cliffs and lots of interesting odd-shaped rocks.

It is a pleasant and easy walk along a 4km trail from the Sentagaki Waterfall following the Arakawa river.

I started my walk from the top, the Shosenkyo-takiue bus stop （昇仙峡 滝上バス停), and made my way downward the gorge. There is a cluster of souvenir shops that sell crystal rocks, wine and cafes near the bus stop.

From Shosenkyo- takiue bus stop, it is about 10mins walk to reach the Sentagaki Waterfall. The water is so clear and looks so invitingly cool (I bet it is very cold!). Luckily, it is not summer now because I will not hesitate to jump into that cascading waterfall.

While most people only walk the most popular section of the gorge which begins at Sengaｔaki Falls and stops at Green line Shosenkyo Bus stop (グリーンライン昇仙峡バス停) but I suggest that you continue walking downstream to Tenjinmori bus stop (天神森).

The trail continues on, weaving along the stream surrounded by unique-shaped rocks offering plentiful photography opportunities. No matter where you turn, you are bound to see something interesting to photograph, whether is the river, the cliffs or the tress.

Everything is so beautifully blended in that you just have to experience this place yourself and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.

For me, breathing in the fresh air and be surrounded by the beautiful scenery is absolutely heaven.

To get to Shosenkyo from Shinjuku station, take the Super Azusa (スーパーあずさ) or Azusa (あずさ) trains heading towards Matsumoto (松本) to Kofu station (甲府). The journey is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes.

For other ways to get to Shosenkyo Gorge, you can refer to this chart from JR East.

Once you reach Kofu station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu buses from the Kofu Station South Exit Bus Terminal 3. You can choose your bus stop according to how far you want to walk back down the gorge.

From Kofu station to Tenjinmori Bus stop, it takes 30 minutes (570 yen) and to Shosenkyo-takiue Bus Stop, it takes 60 minutes (870 yen).　There are plenty of maps to guide you on the gorge which can be found here from the Shosenkyo Kankokyoukai (昇仙峡観光協会）. 

Golden leaves on sunny autumn day at the Showa Kinen Koen

My favourite season, autumn, is here!!! After 7 years in Japan, I have learnt how to appreciate the changing of the season better. And Japan has made the learning easy for me with all the announcement of seasonal food in the restaurants and eateries. Now, I absolutely look forward to the changing of the leaves and feel the slowly cooling in the temperature. 

Another thing I love about this season is the sun! I love basking in the autumn sun and feel the warmth on your skin. After a cold night on 11th Nov, we had a short sunny day which I took it as an opportunity for photography and a walk in the park. I went to the Showa Kinen Park to see the gingko lane and the Japanese garden.

My first time seeing the golden leaves of the gingko trees left me a vivid memory till today. A carpet of yellow leaves on the ground... And I am given another chance to recapture the moments again this time.

The Japanese garden in Showa Kinen Park is especially busy with photographers, amateur and professional alike, during this time.

I think that this is the most beautiful time in the Japanese garden too. The display of green, yellow and red leaves makes quite a spectacular sight.

I love this picture of fallen leaves on the water.

As you explore this park, you will see many people just come over to enjoy the scenery or just being alone. 

I love to come here and sit for a minute or two to enjoy the peacefulness. I guess I am introvert and happy to be one. 

To get to the Showa Kinen Park:
From Shinjuku, take JR Chuo Line (40 minutes) or the Ohme Limited Express (30 minutes).

On JR Chuo Line, get off at Tachikawa Station and walk 10 minutes to Akebono Gate (450yen).
On JR Ohme Line, get off at Nishi Tachikawa Station and walk 2 minutes to Nishitachikawa Gate (450yen).

Where is your favourite park in Tokyo in autumn?

The silver grass

Susuki or the Japanese pampas is the ultimate symbol for autumn in Japan. Nothing says autumn unless you see the susuki. These grasses grow on hilly slopes, fields and whenever there is an unattended land.

Susuki in the blue sky

These grasses catches the light on its silky white flowers and reflects it into soft shimmering silver dust. Imagine a field of pampas grass silvered on a hilly slope with its fluffy plumes catching the sunlight. Imagine it swaying in soft breeze while glistening in the glow of the autumn sunset. What a wonderful display will it be.

These beauties were captured during my visit to the Hitachi Seaside Park recently.

After looking at these photos, I am so determined to go to the Sengokuhara Plains next autumn. Nothing beats a good hike and an awesome photography session with the nature. ^^

Autumn in the gardens of the Imperial Palace

Staying in Tokyo sometimes means that you do not have to go far to find beauty because Tokyo has it all - the wonderful gardens that really bring out the beauty of the seasons. After my last visit in 2008, I happen to revisited the Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑, Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen) and found that the gardens doesn't disappoint even though it is still early autumn in Tokyo.

I was planning to go somewhere but as usual, my planning was bad and I couldn't get the tickets that I need for my trip so instead of wallowing in my disappointment, I detour to the gardens in the Imperial Palace. It was a rainy cold morning when I reached the huge garden of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the Honmaru Area.

The Honmaru area has the most spacious area where visitors are treated to shady pathway and multitude of different of plants planted throughout the garden. 

 I even found an autumn cherry blossom too! Strange, huh?

Just reading on the grass

The other area of the Imperial Palace East Gardens that one should not missed is the Ninomaru Area. This area features a cool collection of various species of plants from across all regions of Japan.

Apart from that, it also has a Japanese style garden. The Japanese style garden is really nice and a quiet stroll around this garden will definitely chase away all the blues you've had before like me and my travel plans gone awry (my fault - making last minute plans) and I am glad that I came here. It is a good place to just relax and enjoying the scenery. I simply loved it.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are free and open to the public except on Mondays, Fridays and special occasions and more information can be obtained on the Imperial Palace East Gardens page.

Obtained from Kokyo Gaien National Garden website