Newsletter, July 2024
(September-October 2024 has been designated as 'Japan Month' with the objective of advancing bilateral relations between India and Japan across multiple areas, including politics, security, economics and culture. Many events focusing on trade, investment, culture, people-to-people exchanges and other fields including seminars, symposia, exhibitions, etc., will be organized.)
Where to go in the upcoming festival holidays (Autumn Foliage in Japan)
In Japan, autumn spans from September to November. The entire country turns into a colourful gorgeous canvas of crimson, gold and yellow. Even in the urban areas one can bask in the warmth of the bright hues.
TOKYO
In Tokyo, autumn foliage is best viewed in Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien Park (Icho Namiki Avenue), Shinjuku Gyoen (park), Rikugien (garden).
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/story/guide/ autumn/index.html
Autumn foliage is breath-takingly beautiful in places like Kyoto, Nara, Miyajima, Hida Takayama. Let’s take a look at other area.
Kyoto
Kiyomizudera Temple on the top of a small hill in the eastern side of Kyoto is one of the icons of Japan. The stage in Kiyomizu, supported by the pillars is a representative image of Japan. Not only the cultural importance, but the temple is also blessed with beautiful views in all the four seasons. It is one of the top viewing points of autumn foliage. The autumn reaches its peak from mid-November to early December. The leaves turn glowing red. In the evening, they lit lamps in the maple trees to enhance the beauty of the colour. The temple is open for special night viewing with beautiful light up from 18th November to 30th November till 9pm.
The streets approaching the Kiyomizudera temple are dotted with various souvenir shops and tea houses. The guests can have the taste of the local culture and food in this area.
It is accessible by bus from Kyoto station.
FAQ | KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE (kiyomizudera.or.jp)
Ruriko-in Temple is located at the foot of Mount Hiei attracting visitors for its natural beauty and religious importance. The temple ground with profuse maple trees and mosses glitter with the temple in the middle like the precious stone of Lapis Lazuli. Ruriko in Japanese means Lapis Lazuli. A historic tea hut is also present here.
The visit can be done in autumn from October to December from 10AM to 5pm. Ticket for an adult would cost around JPY2000. Pre-reservation is necessary for autumn special viewing
From Yase station the temple is approximately 10 minutes walking. As there is no parking facility in the temple it is advised to use public transport to reach the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions | Muryojusan Komyo-ji Temple Kyoto Main Temple Ruriko-in
The Sagano Romantic Train running for 7km along the Hozu river presents the guests with mesmerizing scenic view. The view changes with the changing seasons. It’s particularly beautiful in spring and autumn. The red leaves adorning the bank of the river and the slope of the hill fill the air with romance. This dreamy scenic train journey lasts for about 25minutes. The photo opt and the natural landscape are exceptional on this train ride. The train tickets can be bought online.
Torokko Arashiyama station is just adjacent to the famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama. The station is 60 steps above the ground. So, people with disabilities are recommended to take the Torokko Saga station.
https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/ticket/
Nara
Nara, which is easily accessible from Kyoto, is house to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sites are Horyuji Temple area, eight parts of Nara such as the Former Site of the Imperial Palace at Heijokyo, Todaiji Temple, Kohfukuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple and Gangoji Temple, along with Kasugataisha Shrine and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. The ancient pilgrimage routes taking pilgrims to the three sacred sites of Yoshino and Omine, Kumano and Koyasan pass through Nara, Wakayama and Mie prefectures are also included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some famous spots to view autumn foliage in Nara are described below:
Mt. Yoshino painted in red and yellow leaves draws a number of hikers to scale the mountain. But the leisure guests can dip in a natural onsen and enjoy the delightful scene of autumn colours. Most of the local ryokans have a hot spring bath overlooking the mountains. The luxury ryokans have private baths attached to the rooms.
Tsubosaka-dera Temple stands on Mount of Tsubosaka, overlooking the famous autumn foliage spot Mt. Yoshino to the south and the Nara Basin to the north. The temple, hence, is geographically blessed with out of the world views in each season. This temple has an Indian connection. Stone Buddha statues brought from India.
Hasedera Temple or the temple of flowers is built on the slope of mountain which is 300 steps above the ground. The steps are not steep, and the pathway is lined by antique lamps. The view from the stage of the temple is stunning in spring and autumn. The red leaves in autumn perfectly sync in with the colour of the wall of the temple.
The main Buddha here is an eleven-faced Kannon statue, carved from a local camphor tree.
A visit to Hasedera and the surrounding town is a pleasant half-day trip, about 50 minutes by train from JR Nara Station.
Gifu
Hida Takayama can be accessed from Kyoto very easily by express train. It would take around 4 hours to travel. This region has kept the originality of Japan’s culture and nature well protected.
On October 9 and 10 the Autumn festival called Takayama Autumn Festival takes place at the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. This festival is to celebrate the good harvest.
There are 11 floats, and they are paraded all around the city. Each float has a puppet show. Yoimatsuri is held on the night of the 9th. Approximately 100 lanterns are lit on each float, and the floats are slowly paraded through the city. The view is spectacular. Enjoy the festive season with warm, bright colors.
Miscellaneous information
Guide in Japan
If you are facing challenges in hiring a guide in Japan, you can go to the “National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter” website and find knowledgeable and fluently English-speaking guides. Now you can do it easily by following the procedure mentioned in the below link:
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/how-to-book-a-certified-tour-guide/
DMC list:
You can find the DMC list in the below link:
