I traveled in autumn, and this is a photo taken near a museum in Okutama. I was overwhelmed by the great nature and the size of the stones. It was sunny, and the cool breeze felt pleasant, allowing me to experience autumn in Japan. If I visit again a little later, I might also enjoy the autumn leaves. It was a great place to refresh.

This is a photo I selected from my photo album, inspired by the theme of a photo contest titled "Autumn in Japan." The photo has not been edited. It is a beautiful picture of autumn flowers that I took at Jindaiji in Chofu City, Tokyo Metropolis. Jindaiji is a wonderful place rich in nature, known for its delicious soba, and it even offers pottery experiences (painting, bisque firing, and items can be taken home the same day). Soba manju and dumplings are also delicious. For someone like me who loves nature, art, and food culture, it is a place full of memories.

Nagoya Castle illuminated.

The higanbana of the tranquil forest. I felt the autumn as I was drawn to his passionate nature.

The autumn leaves of Onneto. If you go in the morning when the wind is weak, you might struggle with backlighting in certain spots. However, on this day, there were miraculous moments when it was nearly windless even close to noon.

The autumn leaves at Onneto are beautiful. It was still a bit early for the peak of the foliage. However, the morning chill created a mist, resulting in stunning reflections.

Standing in the middle of the breathtaking red carpet of Hitachi Seaside Park, this scene felt almost unreal to me. Thousands of vibrant red Kochia bushes stretch across the landscape like a vast crimson ocean, with little touches of green and golden brown creating a beautiful natural texture. What caught my eye most was the single girl walking quietly among the red bushes. Surrounded by such an enormous sea of color, she looked so small and peaceful, almost as if she were part of the landscape itself. Her solitary presence gave the photograph a sense of calm, loneliness, and poetry. I took this photograph myself, and capturing this moment was deeply emotional for me. I remember being completely absorbed by the beauty in front of me—the endless red, the gentle pathways, and that one solitary figure moving through the flowers. For a moment, everything felt still, and I felt incredibly lucky to witness and preserve such a beautiful scene.

Red spider lilies in Yasuragi no Hayashi Yasuragi no Hayashi, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture September 2026

In Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, farmers set up tables and chairs under the grapevines in autumn, creating a space to enjoy food and drinks. I casually call it the "Oktoberfest." Under the bountiful grapevines, children munch on grapes while adults enjoy a drink accompanied by sweet potato stew and pickles. Speaking of grapes, Yokote is also a major grape production area for large wine manufacturers. Moreover, it is the home of the renowned sake master Yamauchi Toji, making sake truly exceptional. Additionally, it is the top producer of hops, the main ingredient for beer, in Japan. Indeed, Yokote is the perfect place to enjoy wine, sake, and beer. Why not experience the Oktoberfest in Yokote this autumn?

I went to Kyoto in autumn.

I took this photo at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture. I visited to see the fields of Manjushage in full bloom. The shoot took place in the rain, creating a serene and rich autumn landscape with the red flowers, the wet ground, and the dark background of the trees, quite different from a sunny day. Not only did I capture the fully bloomed Manjushage, but I also intentionally included the fallen trees at my feet and the rain-soaked ground, encapsulating the quiet atmosphere I felt while standing there. I hope you can appreciate not just the splendor of the Manjushage, which represents autumn in Japan, but also its other, more subtle aspects.

I took pictures of the beautiful autumn foliage in the mountains at Hadano Togawa Park in Kanagawa Prefecture.

It's autumn, isn't it? Plants must know the change of seasons. The three-colored spider lilies have bloomed.

I took this photo at Mizumoto Park in Tokyo, and for me, it captures much more than just the beauty of autumn. As I walked among the towering metasequoia trees, I was completely drawn to the way the warm sunlight was passing through the forest. The trees were glowing in deep shades of red, orange, and gold, while the morning sun created beautiful, elongated shadows across the ground. I remember feeling a sense of calm as I stood there, surrounded by such incredible colors and silence. But what really caught my attention was that quiet seat beneath the trees. It looked so peaceful, almost as if it was inviting me to stop for a while and forget everything else. I imagined sitting there, feeling the cool autumn breeze, watching the sunlight slowly move between the trees, and simply enjoying the moment. I wanted to capture that feeling—not just the scenery. Sometimes a scene makes you stop before you even think about composition. You just feel something. That is what happened here. I waited for the sunlight to fall perfectly between the trees, revealing the seat and illuminating the autumn leaves around it. When I finally pressed the shutter, I felt that I had captured a small piece of the peacefulness I was experiencing at that moment. Looking at this photo now, I can still remember the feeling of standing there—the warmth of the sunlight, the quietness of the forest, and the overwhelming beauty of autumn at Mizumoto Park. This photograph is not only a picture of a beautiful place; it is a memory of a beautiful moment I was lucky enough to experience.

September 25, 2026 The Mid-Autumn Full Moon I could see it through the gaps in the clouds. I'm happy to have taken such a wonderful photo.

There are moments when a photographer simply forgets to press the shutter because the view in front of them feels too beautiful to capture. That was exactly how I felt during my visit to Mizumoto Park in Tokyo in autumn. I arrived early in the morning, just as the first rays of sunlight were beginning to touch the horizon. The entire park seemed to be waking up slowly, wrapped in a peaceful silence. Standing in front of the magnificent metasequoia forest, I was completely mesmerized. The tall trees, dressed in their warm autumn colors, stretched endlessly into the distance. Soft golden sunlight filtered gently through the branches, creating delicate patterns of light and shadow along the path. The misty morning atmosphere added an almost dreamlike quality to the scene, making the forest feel less like a place in Tokyo and more like a magical landscape from another world. As a photographer, these are the moments I live for—the moments when nature, light, color, and silence come together perfectly. Every direction I looked felt like a photograph waiting to be captured. The golden leaves glowing under the morning sun, the towering metasequoias disappearing into the distance, and the soft, tranquil atmosphere created a truly mystical view. I stood there for a while, simply taking it all in. No rush, no noise—just me, my camera, and the breathtaking beauty of an autumn morning. My trip to Mizumoto Park became much more than just another visit to a beautiful place. It became a beautiful memory, captured not only through my camera lens but also in my heart.

The Hokusei Line in autumn The white cluster amaryllis contrasts beautifully with the yellow train. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture September 2026

The coral reef Looked like a coral reef when viewed from above the autumn leaves of Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture.

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, September 27th, the 51st Urahoro Furusato Minori Festival will be held! 😊 This event is a grand harvest festival celebrating the autumn bounty of crops. The day will kick off with a spectacular opening show by the Urahoro Junior High School Brass Band and Miracle Beans. ✨ On stage, we will present a musical show featuring Junretsu and Fujii Kaai. 🎵🎵 Additionally, there will be exciting events such as the annual "Minori Maki" (mochi throwing) with luxurious prizes, a thrilling "Autumn Flavor Catching" contest, and a stamp rally with local specialties to win! 😍 There will also be fun activities for children, including firewood splitting, woodworking crafts, and a ride-along experience in a high-altitude work vehicle!‼ Local gourmet foods and food trucks will gather at the venue, allowing you to enjoy delicious menus. Moreover, we will hold a photo campaign where you can win Urahoro local products by submitting photos taken during the festival. We invite you to come with your family and friends! 🤗 【Important Request】About the mochi for Minori Maki The popular "Minori Maki" has seen instances where collected mochi are being discarded in large quantities at garbage stations. This mochi is handmade with care by the townspeople, who put in great effort to prepare it for everyone. We kindly ask that you take the mochi you collect home with you and enjoy it deliciously. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔶Date and Time: September 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:20 PM *Rain or shine 🔶Venue: Urahoro Forest Park 🔶Parking: Due to congestion in parking areas near the venue, please use the free shuttle bus from Urahoro Town Hall. 🔶Contact: Urahoro Tourism Association TEL: 015-576-2181 (within the Industry Division of the Town Hall) https://www.urahoro.jp/administration/?content=3447...

Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture – Nishiure Pass

The higanbana blooming beside the stairs is beautiful. Myojorin-ji, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture September 23, 2026

Event Announcement 📣 On September 27th (Sunday), the "2026 Onneto Story" adventure to enjoy with all five senses will take place in Ashoro Town 😊 This event allows you to refresh both your mind and body while surrounded by the pristine forests of Onneto 🎵 On the day, we will offer a variety of programs to fully enjoy the great outdoors‼ You can enjoy forest bathing on the trails of Onneto and learn about the mysteries hidden among the trees and the waterfalls in our "Nature Interaction Classroom," as well as participate in workshops to connect with wood alongside wood education masters 🎵 Additionally, this year, students from Hokkaido Ashoro High School will participate. They will host a "Quiz Rally" featuring the attractions of Onneto and Ashoro, and sell selected recommended products from Ashoro 😍 We kindly ask for your cooperation in completing a survey on the day. Moreover, in a one-day-only "Forest Art Museum" set up in the display space of the forest, you can view the entries and award-winning works from the 2025 Onneto Photo Contest ✨✨ We are also currently accepting submissions for the Onneto Photo Contest 😍 We are looking for seasonal landscape photos that allow you to feel the rich nature around Onneto. The submission deadline is October 31st (Saturday). Enjoy delicious local cuisine and listen to a pleasant forest concert, forgetting the busyness of everyday life as you spend a relaxing autumn day 🤗 🔶 Date: September 27, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (held in light rain) 🔶 Venue: Onneto National Camping Ground 🔶 Free shuttle bus service ・Departure 8:30 AM (Ashoro Roadside Station Ginga Hall 21) ・Return 2:00 PM (Onneto National Camping Ground) 🔶 Contact: Ashoro Tourism Association TEL: 0156-25-6131 https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/news/2026/onneto_2026.html...

I went to see the autumn leaves of Mount Kurodake, said to have the earliest fall colors in Japan, early yesterday morning. It was a breathtaking view worthy of the name Kamui Mintara (a garden where the gods play). Since it was a day when Silver Week, autumn leaves, and good weather all came together, over 100 people were already lined up at the first ropeway station, and by 8 a.m., the parking lot at Sounkyo was completely full. It will likely be bustling today and tomorrow as well.

The vibrant autumn leaves along the path at Kousanji in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture. The stone lanterns, steeped in history, line the path, covered by trees adorned in shades of red and orange, with a carpet of fallen leaves spread beneath my feet. It's an unforgettable scene that deepens the feeling of autumn with each step taken. Location: Kousanji, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture Date of capture: November 20, 2025

The autumn Japanese garden viewed from the hall of the Former Saito Family Villa in Niigata City. The garden framed by the window beautifully transitions from vibrant green to red, orange, and yellow, resembling a stunning painting. A memorable moment spent quietly gazing at the autumn garden from within the historic building. Location: Former Saito Family Villa, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture Date of photography: November 29, 2024.

In Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, at Haseiji Temple. While I often find myself looking up to capture the beauty of the autumn leaves, I was suddenly struck by the sight of maple leaves scattered on the stone steps when I paused to look down. The black of the stone steps and the green of the moss contrasted beautifully with the red and orange of the maple leaves, creating a stunning autumn scene that captivated my heart.

In late autumn 2023, I decided to visit Minoh Falls. I thought it would be a short walk, but I found it was farther from the nearest station than I expected, making the walk a bit challenging. However, walking while enjoying the colorful autumn leaves under the clear blue sky was refreshing and lifted my spirits. When I finally reached the falls, I was even able to see a rainbow, making it an unforgettable and wonderful experience.

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park in Hannou City, Saitama Prefecture A forest park cherished by Tove Jansson, the author of the Moomin series. The sight of people enjoying their time beneath the golden trees was a reflection of the vibrant season.

During my visit to the 18th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, Onzan-ji Temple, I encountered a large ginkgo tree that painted the grounds in golden hues. With every gust of wind, the colorful leaves gently danced down, creating a yellow carpet at my feet. This moment in late autumn, encountered along the Shikoku pilgrimage, remains etched in my heart. Location: Onzan-ji Temple, Komatsushima City, Tokushima Prefecture Date of photography: December 19, 2024

In Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, the phrase "Are you going to the vineyard?" is commonly heard during autumn. There are many vineyards where children can enjoy grape picking, while adults savor a drink with imonoko-jiru (potato stew) and pickles. Additionally, Yokote is also famous as a production area for wine grapes, being one of the main regions for major wine manufacturers. During the day, enjoy the vineyards, and at night, relax with some wine to fully experience autumn. How about indulging in such an autumn experience? This year, make sure to visit Yokote.