From hiking trails to botanical gardens, these five destinations exhibit the true beauty of autumn.
Fall foliage in New England. Anna Tuzel. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Though some may believe that autumn marks the end of vacation season, the changing temperature around the world creates stunning scenery worth visiting. From Japan to Scotland, the unique beauty of autumn is captured across various international landscapes, with a comfortable climate and seasonal activities creating the ultimate fall experience.
1. Kyoto, Japan
Tenryu-ji gardens during the autumn season. KimonBerlin. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Whether you are looking for a picture-perfect spot or a place to simply observe beautiful scenery, Kyoto, Japan may be your ideal destination. The fall scenery begins revealing itself in mid-October, peaking in mid-November and lasting until mid-December. There are a variety of areas to visit in Kyoto, including the Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens. With peak foliage in late November to early December, the gardens’ ponds, pine trees and mountain views truly capture the most picturesque aspects of fall. When visiting the gardens, you can also tour the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as the most valued temple in the Arashiyama district.
2. New England, US
Stowe, Vermont. Andrew Ryder. CC BY-NC 2.0.
Comprised of six U.S. states—Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine— New England offers a variety of ways to celebrate the autumn season. For a nature hike, you can explore Maine’s Acadia National Park during peak foliage in mid-October. Located in Mount Mansfield, Stowe is considered Vermont’s “color capital,” with autumn colors peaking in late September to early October. For those who enjoy road trips, driving down the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire could be your ideal fall expedition. New England also holds several fall festivals, such as the New Hampshire Fall Festival, Acadia’s Oktoberfest and the Deerfield Fair.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. dun_deagh. CC BY-SA 2.0.
For those who enjoy Halloween celebrations, Edinburgh is a great place to experience both the scenery and culture of autumn. Home to 112 parks, the city offers numerous areas in which one can admire the hues of fall, at its brightest between late September and early November. With a variety of walkways through golden trees and views of Edinburgh Castle, the Princes Street Gardens features one of the most scenic areas of Edinburgh. Close-by at Calton Hill, you can observe countryside scenery from the center of the city. Beyond its stunning foliage, Edinburgh also holds many Halloween events, such as the Scottish Storytelling Festival, the Edinburgh Horror Festival and the Samhuinn Fire Festival.
4. Québec City, Canada
Foliage in Québec City. G. Lamar Yancy. CC BY 2.0.
Don’t let the word “city” fool you, Québec City and its surrounding areas exhibit beautiful natural autumn hues, especially in September and October. For mountain views, visit Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, which has over 62 miles of hiking trails. Mont-Sainte-Anne is also home to several hiking trails, featuring a chairlift to observe the scenic St. Lawrence River. For bird-watching, visit Marais du Nord to explore trails through marshes. Many urban parks in Québec City also capture the beauty of fall foliage, such as the Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge and Domaine de Maizerets.
5. Seoul, South Korea
Hiking trail in Seoul. Metrotrekker.com. CC BY-SA 4.0.
The emergence of foliage in Seoul is a gradual process, giving visitors many opportunities to enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery. However, in order to capture the full peak, it is recommended to visit between mid-October and mid-November. For autumn views and a look into the history of the Joseon Dynasty, visit the Hwadam Botanic Garden. For cable-car tours through the mountains, visit Naejangsan National Park, known for its vibrant red maple leaves. Animal-lovers may enjoy visiting Alpaca World, a farm in the Ginkgo Forest where visitors can interact with and feed alpacas. If you would like to partake in organized tours of these scenic areas, it is important to research the availability for your desired trip dates, as some sites, such as the Hwadam Botanic Garden, have limited tours.
Alexandra Copeland
Alexandra Copeland is a student at The College of New Jersey studying psychology and journalism. She is a lover of coffee, dancing, and visiting new places. Being raised with her Greek culture has inspired her interest in cultural customs around the world. She is a passionate writer and hopes that her work will make an impact in the future.