Japan is renowned for the spring spectacle of the cherry blossom, but smaller crowds and equally spectacular scenery make 'leaf-peeping' season in the latter part of the year an ideal time to visit. To showcase the enchanting fall season across the country, InsideJapan Tours has curated a list of top locations and cultural events included in budget-friendly Self-Guided Adventures, guided Small Group Tours, or tailored Exclusive Private Journeys.
InsideJapan Tours' top koyo spots include:
The pathways and temple grounds throughout Nikko provide spectacular views of the changing foliage
The Jidai Matsuri in the ancient capital of Kyoto celebrates Japan's colorful feudal past
Against the backdrop of the fiery leaf ombré moving through Japan's picturesque natural landscapes -- while temperatures are still above 70° F -- major cultural festivals (matsuri) provide additional incentive to travel to the destination in autumn. From a samurai procession in a rural community to a fire festivalin a mountain town, participants will experience a side of Japan not easily seen during the peak cherry blossom season.
InsideJapan Tours' top matsuri include:
In Nikko, 90 miles from Tokyo, the Sennin Musha Gyoretsu ("Procession of a Thousand Warriors") is a reenactment in period costume of the 1617 procession accompanying the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of Japan, who is enshrined at the city. Spectators will experience displays of marksmen shooting targets on horseback and a parade of 1,000 samurai warriors. The Sennin Musha Gyoretsu festival takes place October 16-17, at the peak of the koyo season in Nikko.
Kyoto's Jidai Matsuri (October 22) is a celebration of Japan's feudal history - processions of performers dressed in samurai costume and people carrying small shrines (mikoshi) on their shoulders as they parade through the streets in this "Festival of the Ages." In the evening, the Hi Matsuri fire festivaltakes place in the mountain village of Kurama, north of the city. Participants carry torches, 5-6 meters long, weighing 100kg, and light bonfires throughout the night. Also in Kyoto, the beautiful Gion Geisha dance from November 1-10, each telling a story to the accompaniment of the shamisen (Japanese guitar). On November 15, children across the country dress up in kimono to celebrate the Shichi-go-san festival that marks a coming of age at three, five and seven years
This Tokyo festival takes place every year on the third weekend in October (October 20-21 this year) and is one of the Japanese float festivals designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property. Towering, elaborate floats are pulled around town by participants, and each time they encounter another float in an intersection an entertaining "battle" of music and puppetry ensues, to the delight of spectators.
Established as the destination experts with unrivaled intelligence, travel planning and in-country support, InsideJapan Tours offers diverse ways for travelers to experience the country. From Small Group Tours to Self-Guided Adventures and custom Exclusive Private Journeys, InsideJapan Tours itineraries provide the ideal manner for discovering and experiencing each destination. To showcase the beauty of the curated foliage viewing destinations and the cultural celebrations in autumn, InsideJapan Tours highlights two signature itineraries for full immersion:
For more information on InsideJapan Tours and to book fall foliage and cultural experiences in Japan, visit https://www.insideasiatours.com.