In Japan, while spring is the time for viewing “sakura” (cherry blossoms), Autumn is Japan’s most colorful season. It is the season for a good long walk to take in and enjoy the colourful scenery, bathe in secret or exotic “onsen” (hot springs) to relax body and soul and explore the autumn flavours at the table.

“Kouyou” (紅葉)  in Japanese literally means ‘red leaf or leaves’, but is widely used to describe both the autumn color changes of deciduous trees and the leaves themselves. In autumn, Japanese maple is famous for its red leaves, but you can also enjoy the yellow leaves of ginkgo and beech trees.

Each year, starting in late September, the “kouyou front” (紅葉前線) slowly moves southwards from the northern island of Hokkaido until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. In Japan, enjoying trees awash in beautiful colors is called “momiji-gari” (紅葉狩り). “Kari or gari” (狩り) usually means “hunting” or “gathering”, but here it means appreciating leaves vibrant with autumn foliage, “kouyou”.

Famous spots for autumn leaves are scattered across the country, especially in mountainous regions, parks, temples and gardens. Below is the list of top 10 destinations for momiji-gari. (* Based on 2007’s ranking).

1. Arashiyama (嵐山) – Kyoto Prefecture
2. Nikko (日光) – Ibaraki Prefecture
3. Hakone (箱根) – Kanagawa Prefecture
4. Kourankei (香嵐渓) – Aichi Prefecture
5. Minoh (箕面) – Osaka Prefecture
6. Higashiyama (東山) – Kyoto Prefecture
7. Oohara (大原) – Kyoto Prefecture
8. Oirase-keiryuu (奥入瀬渓流) – Aomori Prefecture
9. Shosenkyo (昇仙峡) – Yamanashi Prefecture
10. Okutama (奥多摩) – Kyoto Prefecture

So how many famous spots for momiji-gari you been before?. Which of these famous destination spots that you love to go to?.