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.

This is a photo taken when I went to Kokoen Garden in Himeji to see the autumn leaves. The vibrant colors of the foliage and the waterfall, which stands out in the tranquility, beautifully represent Japan's fall, creating a breathtaking scene! At the same time, I could also feel the joy and depth of photography.

Jogakura Bridge in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park in Hannou City, Saitama Prefecture A forest park that Tove Jansson, the author of Moomin, cherished. The sight of people spending time under the golden trees embodies the "free and quiet moments" she loved. May this gentle peace be quietly passed on to the future.

My hometown, Yokote City in Akita Prefecture, may seem like a place with nothing much, but when life feels stagnant, don't you find yourself gazing absentmindedly at the rice stalks and the sky?

The Golden Tunnel in Nagoya The row of ginkgo trees along Sakuradoori in Naka Ward, Nagoya City, shines in golden hues during autumn, delighting the eyes of passersby. In the background, skyscrapers like the Nagoya Lucent Tower in Ushijimacho, Nishi Ward, create a beautiful contrast between nature and the city, symbolizing autumn in Nagoya. I was moved by the richness of nature right in the heart of the city and pointed my camera.

This photo was taken at the historical site "Odoi mound" of Kitano Tenmangu in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The vibrant red and yellow trees illuminated beautifully, along with the carpet of fallen leaves at my feet, adorn the autumn nights of Kyoto splendidly. Captivated by the beauty of the illuminated tunnel of autumn leaves and the carpet of fallen leaves, I pressed the shutter to capture the enchanting deepening of autumn and its tranquil presence.

This is a photograph of the moss-covered thatched roof of Horyuin Temple, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. As autumn deepens, the surrounding foliage turns vibrant colors, creating a stunning contrast with the green moss. Combined with the stone-paved path, it presents a breathtaking view that evokes a sense of tranquility and the spirit of wabi-sabi. I was captivated by the heaviness of the moss-covered thatched roof and the vivid autumn leaves enveloping it. I strongly felt the desire to capture this quiet moment where the passage of time and the beauty of nature coexist.

Nisshoin Temple in the colorful autumn, a single golden leaf. Located in Sagano, Kyoto, Nisshoin Temple is known as a famous spot for autumn foliage and is a Tendai sect temple. The maple trees lining both sides of the stone steps leading to the temple are breathtaking. It enshrines Shaka Nyorai and Amitabha Buddha. Focusing on the vibrant yellow leaves in the foreground, I wanted to capture the stone steps of red leaves leading deeper into the temple, expressing the tranquility of this historic temple and the fleeting beauty of deepening autumn.

The Brick Bridge Carrying the Autumn of the Ancient Capital This brick arch bridge is the Suirokaku Aqueduct, located within the grounds of Nanzenji Temple in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It was constructed as part of the Biwako Sosui to channel water from Lake Biwa into Kyoto City, and water still flows through it today. It is one of the iconic landscapes of Nanzenji, where retro architecture blends with rich nature. I was captivated by the contrast between the retro Suirokaku, which retains the charm of the Meiji era, and the vividly colored autumn leaves. I wanted to capture the weight of history and the passage of the seasons in a single shot, so I pressed the shutter.

Kyoto Daikaku-ji is the headquarters of the Shingon sect located in Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The important cultural property, Ōsawa Pond, is said to have been a place where Heian aristocrats enjoyed boating, and its beautiful nature continues to captivate many people. I was captivated by the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of Ōsawa Pond. I strongly desired to capture the fantastical scenery created by its vibrant colors.

In the late autumn at Gionji Temple, nestled deep in Arashiyama, Kyoto, the roofs are covered with vibrant red fallen leaves, contrasting with the fiery hues of the remaining autumn foliage. The juxtaposition of these colors against the still lush green leaves captures a moment of "silent passion" as the seasons change. The contrast of red and green beautifully conveys the weight of time and the transience of nature.

Autumn in Nikko The World Heritage Site, Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine. Just off the main path, vibrant autumn quietly thrived.

"Autumn Beyond the Bridge" In December 2024, while visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, I caught sight of a water scene from Togetsukyo Bridge. The water cascading down the height resembled a small waterfall, and beyond the clear stream lay mountains dyed in autumn colors and quiet rows of houses. While many people on Togetsukyo Bridge were gazing at the expansive views of the mountains and river, I found myself drawn to this tranquil water scene that unfolded when I turned back. Despite being right next to the bustling activity, it felt as if a different time was flowing there, offering a sense of calm that seemed somewhat detached from the world. The scenery was so pleasant that I couldn't help but take pictures and record a short video. What stays in my heart during my travels are not just the famous grand views, but perhaps these quiet scenes encountered when casually looking back. Location: Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama, Kyoto

Guided by the Autumn Leaves In December 2024, while visiting Tenryuji in Kyoto, I stumbled upon this scenery as I walked through the temple grounds. Scattered across the stone steps were fallen leaves, with maple trees, a torii gate, and the shrine deep in the background ahead. At that moment, I felt that the scene before me was dreamlike, so I paused to take this photo. At the time of taking the photo, I didn't pay much attention to the name of this place, but later I learned that it was the Reiki Shrine within Tenryuji. Looking at this photo again, it seemed as if the autumn leaves on the stone steps gradually led my gaze deeper toward the torii gate, so I named it 'Guided by the Autumn Leaves.' This unexpectedly encountered scene also became an unforgettable moment during this trip. Location: Reiki Shrine, Tenryuji, Kyoto City

Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

While waiting for my child’s extracurricular activities, I took a walk with my beloved dog and encountered the sky. The sunset was so vibrant that I couldn't help but stop and take a photo. It was an unforgettable autumn scene I came across during an ordinary day walking with my dog. Although it was still a warm day, I felt the change of seasons in this sky.

The fallen leaves gently protect the lives of the next season. And it made me feel as if they were nurturing the earth softly. (Location: Yokote City, Akita Prefecture)

Dakigaeri Gorge near Lake Tazawa in Akita. This is a famous spot for autumn leaves in Akita, where the beautifully lit streams create a stunning scene. Nearby, you can find the base of Gekidan Warabi-za, a theater company that continues to perform 600 shows a year based on Tohoku's folk songs and history. This theater depicts the strength of people and the beauty of life, harmonizing gently with the tranquil landscape. How about visiting Akita this autumn?

The straight road in the city center is adorned with ginkgo trees. Tokyo is one of the regions in Japan with particularly abundant ginkgo trees, and their presence transforms the urban landscape into vibrant autumn hues. The yellow leaves, tinged with the light of dusk, seem to ease the hustle and bustle of the city just a little. (Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo)