Japan, Takayama - Autumn in Okuhida

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Near to Hida-Takayama in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan, is the region of Okuhida. This rustic area includes the mountains of what is known as the Northern Alps of Japan.

Early autumn, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Famous in Japan as a hot spring destination, there are many outdoor onsens (aka baths) in this region. Many of these are natural outdoor onsens that offer awesome views of the surrounding mountainscapes. These views are usually made more spectacular during autumn when the trees of the mountains start to give up their green colours to take on a multitude of other colours in varying shades of yellow, orange and red.

If you are planning to visit this region, I would recommend a stay of at least a few days in the many cosy family-run Japanese Ryokans which offer onsen experiences like no other places can. And if you can, do visit during autumn.

But autumn is not the only or best time to visit. Winter in this region is the time for snow and everything white and cold. If riotous blooms of wild flowers are your preference, then Spring is the time to visit. To see fireflies in the dark mountain nights, visit during summer.

Each season here in these mountains offer a spectacularly different experience. Better still, experience all four seasons of Okuhida if time and budget permit.

A tree turning a bright yellowish-orange to welcome autmun, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Red autumn leaves, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Wild berries, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Mother Nature exchanging green for red to welcome autumn, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Colours of autumn on its way, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Colours of autumn on its way, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Natural stream at the lower reaches of the moutains, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Timothy (i.e. myself) taking a short break from my hike to casually pose for a photo to remember my visit and stay in the region, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Local road that leads to the small clusters of family-run Ryokans in the mountains, Okuhida, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

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