Having been in Japan for sakura in 2007 (brilliant), we are now planning to return this year to view the autumn leaves. We will be using a JR Pass for most of our travel.

Questions:
Where should we travel to see the best displays?
Which weeks should we be there?
When should we book?

Thanks for any help.......

We had spectacularly beautiful koyo for all two and a half weeks we were in Japan in 2008 (November 13-December 1. Our itinerary was Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Koyasan-Miyajima-Kyoto. It was lovely everywhere we went, but Kyoto and Miyajima were particularly spectacular. We avoided the crowds in Miyajima by traveling there the weekend AFTER the three day weekend of Japanese Thanksgiving Labor Day. Others may have suggestions for more out of the way places. Reserve for Kyoto now.

Buon viaggio.

I am in LA right now at the LA GTG so I don't have all my notes with me but we are planning a fall color tour of Japan for this year. Check this site out for your travel date information. Basically the colors start in late Sept/Early Oct on Hokkaido. The first place to see colors on Honshu is the Tateyama alpine region in early October. I will get you more info next week when we get home and I can go through my notes on another computer. See this site for dates and details. Japan Guide did a comprehensive report of a few places throughout Japan during the 2008 koyo season and the articles are written on this site. Hope this helps!

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html

Aloha!

Thank you cmstraf...we had planned to go earlier but will delay..will book Kyoto this week..thank you for the "nod" on Myajima and see I can use my JR Pass to get there..greatly appreciated....

Thank you Hawaiian Traveller...great website recommendation..(didn't realise that koyo was as big as sakuri!) ...this will certainly assist us in choosing travel dates....I see that JNTO publishes a brochure on the Tateyama region..will seek it out..look forward to hearing from you next week..safe travelling

I had been afraid that we would be too late for the koyo, but it was breathtaking everywhere and peaking when we were in Kyoto. Hawaiian Traveler would have a better idea if mid to late November is likely to again be so spectacular.

On a different note, we found the Moss Temple and gardens in Kyoto to be well worth the hassle of pre-arranging (you need to do it before you leave the States; they will send you back your reservation), the cost of entry ($30 per person "donation") and the trip to the far end of the city. More than 2000 kinds of moss, also bamboo trees, maples, not crowded, a Buddhist ceremony which you participate in before strolling through the garden. The Katsura Imperial Villa (get permission at Imperial Household Agency, free) was also very beautiful and a early morning 1 1/2 mile walk down the Philospher's Pathway had several temples and gardens, teahouses to pause and rest and the glory of the koyo both above and reflected in the canal you walk by.

Sounds so beautiful ...will follow up closer to the date...thank you

Just wondering if your home yet Hawaiian Traveller...

Yes we are home.

Have you had time to figure out where you are thinking of going and for how long? The third week of Nov to the second week in Dec looks favorable this year for the Tokyo Kyoto areas. I would think you would want to be there on the ground at least a fortnight if you can. The Japan Guide gives the main places to see the fall colors. Now is the time hotel reservations should be made if you want to get the places you want.

Let us know what you are thinking about doing with possible dates and I am sure some of us will be able to come up with some specific suggestions for you

Aloha!

Glad you're safely home, Hawaiian Traveller.

Yes we have booked: arriving in Osaka Nov 3rd and departing on Nov 24th.

At this stage we think we will buy a 21 day green pass and stay in JR hotels. No Japanese language skills. Any thoughts?

Currently Planning to travel north first then south arriving in Kyoto a few days before Toji Temple Market.

sally,

I will add my thoughts to this when I get home from the office and at my home computer.....

Here is a useful website besides the very good Japan Guide one I listed above for fall color and specific location information

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/se...ter/index.html

if you have translation abilities in your computer

http://kouyou.nihon-kankou.or.jp/

The question is how much do you want to move around?

After quick look at your schedule, this is one way to see some color, of course there are many others and I am sure others will weigh in with their opinions

Nov 3- Osaka

Nov 4-7 Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone 2 days each

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5200.html

then long train ride day to
Oirase Nov 8-10

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3775.html

http://www.frommers.com/destinations...952010029.html

Sendai Nov 10-12

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/r...gi/sendai.html

Kakunodate Nov 12-13

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3601.html

Nikko-lower elevations Nov 13-15

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html

Tokyo just so you see it Nov 15-18

Another long train ride to Hiroshima Nov 18

Miyajima Nov 19 (ryokan)

Kyoto Nov 20-24

There are so many choices but it all depends on your interests and how you like to travel.

You could see more by cutting down the number of days in an area and really get maximum use of your pass...... or pass out, lol

Aloha!

Hawaiian Traveller

I can see more enjoyable research is required. Thank you for your suggestions. Will start tomorrow. Rain is forecast here!

Thank you for the web links. Had a quick look at the JNTO autumn site and the pictures are breathtaking. It surely is an exciting country. I can't wait to return.

Your prompt reply is appreciated and your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Enjoy your travel...