Momiji Leaves in Nikko

Changing fall colors grace historic Nikko

Victoria Vlisides Nov 13, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Momiji leaves cover the path at a bus station in Nikko.</p>

<p>Momiji leaves contrast the flowing stream.</p>

<p>Red momiji light up a rainy day in November.</p>

<p>Nikko is a great place to travel to in fall.</p>

<p>Momiji leaves usually turn yellow or red.</p>

Fall in Japan means "momiji" leaves. The Japanese Maple trees grace the landscape all over Japan, but the changing fall colors are especially famous in Nikko, Tochigi.

Nikko is a historic spot in the Kanto region about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by express train. It is also known for waterfalls, including Kegon Waterfall (華厳の滝, Kegonnotaki), one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan.

I took a seasonal train from Chiba City to Nikko in early November to see the start of the changing autumn leaves known as the "kouyou" season.

Victoria Vlisides @victoria.vlisides

Trained journalist who's not yet jaded. Can't get enough of meeting new people, the view, cheap travel, cherry-blossom-flavored food, dinner&drinks. Painfully addicted to Japan's gochya-gochya machines. If you're the type of person to try something new vs. something you know you like, we'll get a...