GREAT OUTDOORS

For experienced climbers and hikers, hitting the trail leading to the top of Mount Fuji from the fifth station is doable, from the first station is a challenge, but from the Pacific Coast? That's insane!

It's less than an hour from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station, where a very steep chairlift awaits.

The first place where you find leaves turning color in Japan is Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park.

Late in November, take a trip to the Boso Peninsula in Chiba to enjoy the spectacular colors of Japanese maples and ginkgo trees in an array of vibrant reds and yellows.

Japan's autumnal color change begins up in Hokkaido, so you need to explore the area early if you want to catch the season's best.

Gifu Prefecture is full of mountains, which means lots of trees—and especially beautiful Japanese maples!

Travel down one of Aomori's most beautiful spots at the best time of year.

Tourists flock to Japan for the cherry blossom season in spring, but many now also find themselves looking forward to the breathtaking views of Japanese maple trees in autumn as well.