Refresh yourself with a solo trip this autumn! Recommended domestic travel spots

Experience Japan's autumn on a journey. Recommended domestic travel spots for solo trips.

This article introduces a wide range of recommended autumn spots, from popular tourist destinations to hidden gems.

For those who want to know more recommended spots for solo travel, please see the articles below.

Kyoto, Arashiyama

Source:That's right, let's go to Kyoto. Official website

Arashiyama in Kyoto is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, bustling with tourists from both Japan and abroad. Surrounded by mountains, it offers a different landscape to enjoy with each season. Additionally, with its many famous tourist attractions, restaurants, and experiential facilities, you can have a fulfilling time.

Speaking of Arashiyama's symbol, it's the Togetsukyo Bridge. The autumn leaves of Togetsukyo Bridge are so famous they've been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Autumn Foliage Spots, and the combination of the trees dyed in shades of orange and the Togetsukyo Bridge creates a fantastical landscape. The bridge itself gets very crowded, so if you want to take beautiful photos, it's recommended to shoot from the downstream side in the early morning.

Gohodo Benzaiten, located about a 25-minute walk from Arashiyama, is a hidden gem for autumn leaf viewing. The vibrant foliage set against a serene and mystical atmosphere makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery at their own leisurely pace.

A must-see when visiting Arashiyama, along with Togetsukyo Bridge, is the "Bamboo Grove Path," which is also very popular. The scenery of the meticulously maintained bamboo grove stretching along both sides of the approximately 400-meter path is breathtaking. Because the lush green landscape extends throughout the year, you will feel soothed regardless of the season.

Kamikochi, Nagano

Kamikochi in Nagano is one of Japan's premier mountain scenic spots, drawing many visitors each year. Designated as a Special Natural Monument, it offers breathtaking views of various natural wonders, including beautiful mountains and clear streams. You can fully enjoy nature in your preferred style, whether it's strolling or hiking.

Kamikochi's most iconic spot is "Kappa Bridge." This wooden suspension bridge spans the Azusa River and offers a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the river and the beautiful mountains. In October, during the autumn foliage season, you can see the trees changing color. The surrounding area is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a great place to relax and spend time alone.

"Tashiro Pond" is a popular spot known for its enchanting scenery. Tashiro Pond spreads out in a marshland that has opened up within the primeval forest. You can experience various colors depending on the season, and in the cold months, it becomes a mystical world enveloped in rime ice.

Another place in Kamikochi where you can feel the beauty of nature is "Myojin Pond." Myojin Pond consists of two large and small ponds and is also known as a power spot. The water surface is crystal clear like a mirror, and a sacred atmosphere hangs in the air. Wild birds such as mallards and mandarin ducks also gather in such ponds, allowing you to feel the beauty of nature.

Gifu・Gero Onsen

Source:Gero Onsen Gassho Village Official Site

Gero Onsen in Gifu is said to be one of Japan's three famous hot springs and has been cherished as a hot spring resort since ancient times. The combination of the bustling hot spring town and the surrounding mountains creates a tranquil atmosphere.

Gero Onsen is also famous for its many free footbaths. Among them, "Sagi no Ashiyu" is the first footbath created in Gero Onsen. It's a hinoki cypress bathtub that can seat about five people and is so popular that someone is always using it. You can easily stop by when you're tired from walking or want to warm up.

Gero Onsen Gassho-mura is famous as a autumn foliage spot in Gero Onsen. It's a place where ten houses, relocated from places like Shirakawa-go, are gathered, allowing you to fully enjoy the autumn leaves with the houses as a backdrop. Within this area, you'll also find the popular "Hida Kobo," where you can enjoy experiences like pottery making and painting. Being on a solo trip, the joy lies in being able to enjoy it at your own pace.

In Kosaka Town, a short distance from Gero Onsen, you can enjoy a "Kosaka Waterfall Tour." There are 13 courses available, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. The availability of guides varies by course, so it's a good idea to choose one that suits the waterfalls you want to see and your physical condition.

Takeda Castle, Hyogo

Takeda Castle, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a mountain castle with a history of over 570 years, and is the largest of its kind still standing in Japan. Although the castle itself no longer exists, its stone walls and grounds remain largely as they were in their original state.

When it comes to Takeda Castle, it is also famous for its sea of clouds. On foggy mornings, the sea of clouds appears, and you can enjoy a mystical landscape where Takeda Castle seems to float within it. For this reason, it is sometimes called the "Castle in the Sky" or the "Machu Picchu of Japan." If you wish to view the sea of clouds, visiting between late September and the end of November will increase your chances of seeing it.

Alongside Takeda Castle, a place you'll want to visit is "Tatsuno Valley." Tatsuno Valley is a natural park located on the mid-slope of Mt. Asago at an elevation of 757 meters, featuring three observation decks. From a position even higher than Takeda Castle, you can look down upon the sea of clouds and experience a different kind of beauty.

"Yamashiro no Sato" is a popular spot near Takeda Castle where you can enjoy dining and shopping. The restaurant offers dishes made with local ingredients and the specialty Tajima beef. The facility also features an exhibition corner where you can learn about the history of Takeda Castle.

Kinrin Lake, Oita

Source:Tourism Oita Official Website

Kinrinko Lake in Oita is one of Yufuin's most iconic spots. It is said to have been named "Kinrinko" (meaning "golden scale lake") because the scales of the fish in the lake shimmer when struck by sunlight.

A promenade is maintained around Kinrinko Lake, allowing you to leisurely stroll while observing fish and birds swimming. Additionally, October to November is the autumn foliage season. The sight of maple and momiji trees dyeing the lake's surface is overwhelmingly beautiful. Furthermore, on cold mornings, steam rises from the lake, creating a fantastical scene.

When visiting Yufuin, you absolutely must experience "Yufuin Onsen." Among the hot springs in Oita Prefecture, which boasts the largest amount of hot spring water in Japan, Yufuin Onsen ranks third nationally in terms of volume. The waters of Yufuin Onsen are mild and have no distinct character, making them safe and enjoyable for everyone to bathe in. You won't feel tired even after a long soak, allowing you to relax and unwind at your leisure.

When visiting a hot spring resort, you'll surely want to enjoy the local cuisine and souvenir shopping. "Yunotsubo Kaido," located at the foot of Mount Yufu, is a street about 1.5 km long lined with over 70 souvenir shops and restaurants offering local delicacies. The abundance of food options perfect for eating on the go is particularly appealing, allowing you to savor a variety of tastes in small portions.

Kurobe-Unazuki

Source:TRAPOL Official Website

"Unazuki" in Toyama, located at the entrance to the Kurobe Gorge, is famous as a representative hot spring resort of Toyama. TRAPOL offers tours perfect for solo travelers, allowing you to fully enjoy the magnificent scenery of Unazuki.

First, we'll head to "Yamabiko Bridge," where you can see the iconic scenery of Uunaduki. Yamabiko Bridge is a red bridge spanning across the Kurobe Gorge, offering a spectacular view where you can see both the trolley train and the lush nature at once. Be sure to get your camera ready and take some fantastic photos!

Next, we head to the "Yamabiko Tunnel," located along a walking trail surrounded by mountains. The trail was created by renovating the old route of a trolley train, and you can see the trolley train up close. The tunnel has a cave-like atmosphere, so mysterious it will take your breath away.

After walking along the promenade, we head to "Unazuki Dam," where a spectacular view unfolds. The Unazuki Dam was constructed for various purposes, such as protecting the downstream area from disasters and generating electricity. During the autumn foliage season from October to November, the vibrant autumn leaves overlap with the emerald green lake surface, creating a beautiful landscape. This tour is available for individuals, and you are sure to enjoy various stunning views in Unazuki all at once.

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In conclusion

This time, we introduced recommended travel destinations for a solo trip in autumn. Starting in October, it's the season for autumn leaves, and you can enjoy them in various ways at different locations. We hope you'll plan your solo trip according to your preferences and travel style.

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The information published is as of the July 2024 distribution. Please note that it may differ from current content.