20 photos that will make you want to visit Japan in the Autumn

In November last year I was lucky enough to visit Japan in the Autumn on a press trip to Wakayama City. It was a whirlwind visit to Japan, but in less than four days I managed to see Wakayama City, Kyoto and Osaka. All with beautiful Autumn coloured leaves on the trees. Everyone knows about visiting Japan during Spring blossom time, but I promise you it is just as good if not better in Autumn too. The leaves on the trees are all kinds of beautiful oranges and pinks and reds and greens. Worth the trip to Japan, even for just a few days.

I bought myself a new camera just before I left and was desperate to try it out in such a beautiful country. I’m still learning, but here are some of my favourites that will surely make you want to visit Japan in the Autumn. You may be still planning your summer holidays but I know I am already thinking ahead to next Autumn too.

1. The gorgeous Autumn leaves at Wakayama Castle

2. Just a little close up on some more Autumn leaves

3. The crisp clear blue morning sky outside our Ryokan in Wakayama

4. Clear sky views from the top of Wakayama Castle

5. Reflections in the water at Tenryū Shiseizen-ji

6. Views across Osaka from the Umeda Sky Building

(More details on the Umeda Sky building, including costs)

7. See the last of the Autumn flowers in Wakayama City

8. Enjoy the colourful Momijidani garden in Wakayama Castle

9. Bask in the Autumn sunshine in the Wakayama Castle grounds

10. Walk through the orange gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Sure to brighten up even the dullest days!

11. Enjoy the hot steamy water on a cold Autumn night in a traditional Japanese onsen in Wakayama City

12. Spring, Summer, Autumn or winter the Arashiyama bamboo groves will always impress.

13. Watch the locals watching you at Wakayama Castle (everyone was SO friendly)

14. Watch Japanese couples enjoy ‘date day’ in traditional dress amongst the Autumn leaves

It’s traditional that most couples enjoy a date in traditional dress at least once a year, often either during the Autumn or spring blossom. How cute!

15. Enjoy the Autumn views like the locals (friends often dress in traditional dress for photos too)

16. Did I mention the bright red Autumn leaves?

17. And the orange Autumn leaves

18. Erm… the leaves!

19. Yup so basically just fly to Japan in Autumn for the leaves

20. Alternatively wander the streets of Wakyama City, Osaka or Kyoto without too many tourists around

For the smart ones amongst you, yes I did share more than 20 photos, but y’know Japan is pretty darn beautiful and I had too many photos to share. For more Japan inspiration see the posts written by some of my fellow bloggers:

• 5 weeks in Japan by Vicky Flip Flop
• 5 things to know before you visit Japan by Jayne at Girl Tweets World
• What to do at a Japanese Onsen by The Travel Hack
• the best things to do in Wakayama City by Wanderluce

Have you been to Japan in the Autumn? What do you recommend doing in this ‘off’ season ? 

Other She Gets Around posts you might like:

• 7 mood enhancing things to do in Brighton
• My ultimate winter sun destinations
• The Beach House: Where to stay in Milford on Sea