Japan's Autumn Foliage Season: Kyoto has been my destination over a dozen times, but my heart belongs to Nara.

Once October arrives, it's time to plan a trip to Japan for the autumn leaves. Compared to the bustling crowds in Kyoto, Nara's autumn foliage feels like a more understated celebration: deer 🦌 wandering amidst the crimson maple leaves 🍁, ancient temples harmonizing with golden ginkgo trees—autumn in Nara is simply enchanting. 🍂 1️⃣ Nara Park No matter when you visit Nara, Nara Park is a must-see. By early November, the park is adorned with hues of orange, yellow, and green. The eastern Todai-ji Temple, southern Kasuga Taisha Shrine ⛩️, and western Kofuku-ji Temple each showcase uniquely stunning autumn foliage. Additionally, autumn marks the deer mating season, and you can often hear their deep, resonant calls echoing through the woods. 2️⃣ Mizutani Teahouse Located north of Kasuga Taisha Shrine at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, Mizutani Teahouse has been a popular spot for years. Autumn is undoubtedly its most picturesque season. The thatched-roof teahouse, combined with deer strolling by, creates a scene straight out of a fairy tale. 3️⃣ Mount Yoshino While Mount Yoshino is renowned for its 30,000 cherry blossoms 🌸 in spring, autumn transforms it into a fiery spectacle of layered red leaves. Key spots for enjoying the foliage include: ▪️ Nanamagari-zaka (Shimo Senbon): The gateway to Mount Yoshino, where you can take a cable car 🚠 up the mountain and admire the vibrant forested slopes. ▪️ Hanayagura Observatory (Kami Senbon): The best vantage point for a panoramic view of Mount Yoshino, often accompanied by a sea of clouds ☁️ in autumn. ▪️ Takagi-yama Observatory (Kami Senbon): A 15-minute walk from Hanayagura Observatory, this path is a stunning tunnel of autumn leaves. ▪️ Saigyo-an Hermitage (Oku Senbon): A tranquil temple deep in the mountains, where the maple trees spread like umbrellas, painting the entire courtyard in deep red. 4️⃣ Toshodai-ji Temple Nara's most beautiful Tang-style architecture, Toshodai-ji Temple, was established in 759 AD by the Chinese monk Jianzhen after his journey to Japan. From mid to late November, the interplay of crimson leaves 🍁 and the ancient temple, accompanied by the sound of Buddhist chants resonating through the spacious halls, creates an unparalleled atmosphere.