Absorb the Autumn Colors of Rural Chiba

The Kominato Railway is a quaint, classic line bisecting Chiba Prefecture. The trains are powered by diesel rather than electricity – a rare sight now – allowing you to deeply experience the Japanese countryside and the history of passenger railroad. While the winding road alone is a wonderful sight, you can also get off at Yoro Keikoku Station and enjoy river trekking. This intricate valley is colored during the autumn foliage season, and the secluded terrain keeps you entertained until late in the foliage season.

The sound of water in the valley compliments one of the most vibrant leafy valleys in Chiba Prefecture.

Almost in the middle of Chiba Prefecture is the large Lake Kameyama. It has a complex and winding shape, and is a popular place for both fun and exploration. While you can walk around the perimeter of the lake and be treated to its dazzling fall colors, we recommend either renting a boat, or taking a guided boat tour (boat tours are available only during the fall foliage season) to experience the autumn trees from out on the water. The way the trees hang down nearly to the water’s surface makes for many picturesque photo opportunities, and there are many dense areas of foliage accessible only from the water. If you’re sticking to walking though, there’s a popular torii red shrine gate at the far end of the lake that is a popular spot to relax and take pictures.

The spacious grounds of this temple make for a thrilling escape into storybook Japan, especially during the season of vivid fall colors. Located in Matsudo City, access is easy at just about an hour from Tokyo. One of the most marvelous sights is the Gojū no tou, a five-story pagoda, as its colors and craftsmanship are accentuated by the bright reds and yellows of the surrounding trees.

Aside from this pagoda and the main temple, you can spend an afternoon exploring the spacious grounds, seeking out mystical photo spots among the smaller Buddhist monuments and structures. While beautiful in spring and summer as well, autumn here at Hondo-ji Temple gives you that perfectly serene sense of wonder you get when stepping into living Japanese history.

Located near the foot of Tateyama Castle, you’ll feel a nice escape into a small pocket of nature at Myo-on-in Temple. Here, there is a small hiking course in the hills, meant to simulate a journey through life wrought with hardships up, and a slow descent back toward the beginning, simulating rebirth. This humble temple however, has much to offer beyond its lush nature, and many visitors come here seeking a true Buddhist temple experience.

Zazen meditation and incense making are peaceful ways to pass the time as you enjoy your day enveloped by the soothing fall colors of the temple grounds.