Recommended 6 Overseas Autumn Foliage Spots
Every year around October to November, various hiking groups become active. This is because people travel to see the fall foliage. But did you know? Enjoying fall foliage is an activity uniquely popular in Asian countries. While maple trees and ginkgo trees exist overseas, it’s not to the extent that people travel specifically during the fall foliage season like in the United States or China. However, the mountains dyed in red and yellow by the fall leaves create a refreshing and serene atmosphere just by looking at them. Today, in line with the fall foliage season, I’ve prepared recommendations for 6 overseas autumn foliage spots.
Russia, Moscow
When I saw Russia in the list of overseas autumn foliage spots, I thought, “Huh?” This is because Russia brings to mind things like wind, cold, frost, and snow. However, Moscow in Russia is also recognized by travel sites as an overseas autumn foliage spot. If most of the fall colors in the United States are deep red, the fall colors in Moscow, Russia, are usually yellow. In particular, the areas around Moscow State University and Sparrow Hills are great places to appreciate beautiful fall foliage. The landscape where Moscow’s European-style buildings blend with the yellow fall leaves creates an illusion of stepping into a fairy tale. If the opportunity arises, I’d like to visit at least once.
Czech Republic, Prague
Prague in the Czech Republic, well-known as the city of a hundred spires, is also a recommended overseas autumn foliage spot. Especially from the Petrin Lookout Tower, where you can take in the panoramic view of Prague, the city dyed in fall colors comes into view at a glance. Additionally, the fairy-tale village of Cesky Krumlov, located near Prague, is also a great place to enjoy fall foliage. The red roofs of the village combined with the vibrantly colored fall leaves create an unforgettable scenery. In fact, Prague in the Czech Republic is well-known even within Europe as a beautiful and romantic city. Therefore, even if it’s not for the fall foliage, it’s a travel destination worth visiting at least once before you die.
United States, White Mountains
The White Mountains in California’s White Mountain range are at a very high elevation of 4,344 meters. (The highest mountain in the United States, Mount Whitney, is at sea level 4,421 meters.) Every year from October to November, many tourists flock to the White Mountains to enjoy the fall foliage. However, there’s no need to worry too much. The mountain is wide and tall enough to accommodate a large number of people at once, and you can view correspondingly magnificent fall foliage.
There are three ways to visit the overseas autumn foliage spot, the White Mountains. First, you can hike. The hiking trail is about 20 kilometers long and takes around 8 to 10 hours, but it allows you to fully appreciate the beautiful fall colors. Second, you can drive. There is a scenic drive called the White Mountain Scenic Byway, which is about 100 kilometers long and takes around 2 to 3 hours. Along the way, there are several viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the fall foliage. Third, you can take a cable car. The White Mountain Aerial Tramway takes you to the summit in about 15 minutes, offering a panoramic view of the fall colors.
Canada, Quebec
Canada’s Quebec is a recommended overseas autumn foliage spot, boasting a vast area of 9.8 million square kilometers. (For reference, the land area of the United States is about 9.8 million square kilometers.) Every year in October, the mountains turn into a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow, creating a spectacular sight. In particular, Mont-Tremblant National Park, located near Montreal, is a great place to enjoy fall foliage. You can hike along trails lined with maple trees or take a gondola to the summit for a panoramic view.
Another recommended spot is the Laurentian Mountains. This area is famous for its beautiful fall colors and offers various activities such as hiking, biking, and canoeing. Additionally, Quebec City, with its European-style architecture and fall foliage, creates a romantic atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to Quebec for fall foliage, it’s best to visit in early to mid-October. During this time, the colors are at their peak, but be prepared for crowds as it’s the peak season.
Japan, Kyoto
Japan’s Kyoto is an overseas autumn foliage spot that can be easily accessed from the United States. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, it’s a place where you can appreciate beautiful fall colors. In particular, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for its wooden stage overlooking the city, and in fall, the surrounding maple trees turn red, creating a spectacular view. Another recommended spot is Arashiyama. The bamboo grove path is famous, but in fall, the nearby mountains turn colorful with foliage. You can also take a boat ride on the Hozu River to enjoy the fall scenery.
Additionally, Tofuku-ji Temple is renowned for its Tsutenkyo Bridge, from which you can view the valley filled with maple trees. The fall foliage here is so beautiful that it’s crowded with tourists. If you’re visiting Kyoto for fall colors, aim for mid to late November. Unlike the fall foliage in the United States, which is mostly deep red, Kyoto’s is a vibrant red. The neatly arranged maple trees in the gardens are very orderly, so if the opportunity arises, I recommend viewing them. Places like this are great for Instagram photos.
China, Beijing Xiangshan
Every year around October to November, package tours to China become active. This is to view the fall foliage of the mainland. However, package tours to China often cater more to older adults than young friends, so it’s better to choose according to your preferences or opt for independent travel. In any case, China’s Xiangshan in Beijing is known as almost the only overseas autumn foliage spot boasting fall colors on a massive scale that cannot be compared to the United States. As such, splendid festivals and events are held every year. If you visit at the wrong time, you might end up seeing more people than fall foliage due to the locals mixing in, so keep that in mind!
Although some people don’t travel specifically for fall foliage, I quite enjoy it myself. Rather than climbing a mountain to look down at a red-dyed mountain, I prefer taking photos near the trees. Actually, until a few years ago, I had no interest in fall foliage. But while visiting a reed field, I happened to take a photo under a maple tree, and it turned out really well. The overall color tone of the photo became colorful, making the portrait look much better. After that, whenever I had the chance, I would visit autumn foliage spots. Overseas autumn foliage spots with clearer skies and beautiful architecture would probably yield even better photos, right?