Autumn, is the season of warm colors yet cool temperatures. This would be my first trip to view the gorgeous autumn leaves that one only sees in Instagram pictures. And Japan is definitely one of the best destinations to view the beautiful changes of the season.
Nara 奈良
Nara is the land where the deer roam free and Nara Park is the place to get near to these deer.
The deer are adorable if not a little aggressive once they saw you holding deer biscuits. We have gotten head butted by these little dears a number of times once they saw us holding their favorite snacks.
There are vendors selling the biscuits all around the Nara park so these biscuits are easy to get. The interesting thing is that the deer never disturb the vendors, only park visitors receive the special treatment.
Within Nara Park sits the Todai-ji temple and the Kofuku-ji Temple. We only managed to visit the Todai-ji Temple which is a World Cultural Heritage Site. It's great hall enshrines the Great Buddha statue.
One fun activity you can do is to go to the back of the hall and find a column with a hole in the bottom. It is said that whoever can pass through the hole under the column will have their wishes granted. The hole is rather small for an adult for some techniques needs to be applied to pass through.
Getting here: Getting to the Nara Park is fairly straightforward. Just arrive at the Nara Station and go to the opposite bus station to buy the local sightseeing bus tickets at 500 yen. Details can be found here.
Special Mention: When arriving at the Nara Train Station, do not miss trying the Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding. The pudding is smooth and rich. Absolutely delicious.
Kyoto 京都
Kyoto is lovely in autumn. The varied colors of yellow, gold and red is spectacular. Although, you would have to share this lovely view with tons of tourist. You will never fail to have a wonderful time visiting the Nishiki Market and strolling around Higashiyama, as well as the various temples in the city. If you have time, visit the slightly further Arashiyama for a morning stroll in it's tranquil bamboo grove (make it early morning before the crowds rush in).
