It’s autumn, and that means it’s time to go hunting for the best foliage viewing spots around. With an abundance of spot recommendations in the Kanto and other areas of Japan, it’s high time we headed south to see what we can find!

Tokyo is often thought of as an expensive city to visit, but it deserves to be known as a wonderful destination for budget travellers. While many have heard of 100-yen shops and megastores such as  Don Quijote, another way to save money is to explore the capital and Kanto region on foot, on a bicycle or up in the mountains. Rather than spending money on lots of train tickets or passes, you can take your time and enjoy a more in-depth travel experience. Let’s take a look at some of the spots from the new Tokyo Outdoors guidebook that you could visit!

A region famed for its abundance of rice and sake, Echigo Yuzawa is approximately 80 minutes from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Take a moment to hop off for a little overnight detour after gliding down the winter slopes and soft powder, or travel up for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo during the other seasons to delve deeper into the delights Echigo Yuzawa has to offer.

Roughly one hour away from Niigata City via jetfoil, lies Sadogashima (Sado Island). Once a place of exile for prominent Kyoto politicians, intellectuals and artists who fell out of favour with the ruling government; it resulted in the island forming its own unique blends of culture and religion.

The northernmost area of Honshu – Accessible from Tokyo in less than 3 hours by Shinkansen Bullet Train! The Hachinohe Area is made of 7 towns and villages surrounding Hachinohe City – a unique area and a warm-hearted community, full of unique opportunities for visitors. Experience pristine nature, amazing local food, and fascinating traditional culture when you explore Japan’s Northern Frontier.