Enjoy nature with autumn activities such as hiking and camping!

Autumn is the perfect season for outdoor activities, with cool weather and beautiful autumn leaves. Mountain climbing and camping are popular activities that allow you to feel refreshed while experiencing the beauty of nature that is unique to autumn. In this article, we will introduce some mountain climbing spots that even beginners can enjoy, popular camping areas, and tips for making the most of autumn nature!

1. A hiking spot that even beginners can enjoy

Some people may think mountain climbing is a bit of a challenge, but there are many mountains in Japan that even beginners can enjoy. Hiking in the mountains while enjoying the clear autumn air and colorful autumn leaves is a special and refreshing experience.

● Mount Takao / Tokyo

Mount Takao is easily accessible from Tokyo and recommended for beginners. Although it is a relatively low 599m above sea level, you can sometimes see Mount Fuji from the summit!
There are six hiking courses, so you can choose one that suits your pace. The best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December, and you can easily enjoy it as you can also use the cable car.

● Oyama/Kanagawa Prefecture

Mt. Daisen, a popular mountain near the Kanto region, has an elevation of 1,252 meters. There are courses that are easy even for beginners to climb, and from the summit you can enjoy spectacular views of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji.
The best season for viewing autumn leaves is from late October to mid-November. The appeal is being enveloped in a pleasant feeling of fatigue while enjoying the view from the summit.

● Mount Kongo (Mt. Kongo) / Osaka Prefecture and Nara Prefecture

Mount Kongo, located on the border between Osaka and Nara, is a popular hiking spot for beginners in the Kansai area. At 1,125 meters above sea level, the mountain trail is well-maintained and you can reach the summit in a relatively short time.
The autumn foliage season runs from late October to early November, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of the Kansai region.

2. The appeal and popular spots of autumn camping

The appeal of camping in autumn is that the summer heat has subsided and you can spend the nights in the slightly cooler air. There are also plenty of things to see, such as autumn leaves and nature around the campsite. Why not enjoy a comfortable autumn night while sitting around a bonfire and watching the stars?

● Fumotoppara Campsite/Shizuoka Prefecture

Located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Fumotoppara Campsite is famous for its vast grasslands and the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. You can fully enjoy nature at the spacious campsite. In autumn, you can enjoy the autumn leaves with Mt. Fuji in the background, and the view of Mt. Fuji dyed in the morning glow is especially spectacular.

● Akiyoshidai Auto Campsite/Yamaguchi Prefecture

Akiyoshidai is the largest karst plateau in Japan, where you can enjoy camping in the midst of magnificent nature. In autumn, the entire plateau turns a beautiful golden color, creating an extraordinary experience. You can take a walk in the nature, or relax by a bonfire at night while gazing at the starry sky.

● Hoshi no Furu Mori Campsite/Gunma Prefecture

This campsite, named "Forest of Falling Stars," is a great spot to enjoy the starry sky at night, where the sky is filled with shining stars, just as its name suggests.
The starry sky seen in the clear autumn air is even more beautiful than in the summer. With spacious sites and a wide range of activities, everyone from beginners to veterans can enjoy camping.

3. Tips for enjoying autumn hiking and camping even more

In order to fully enjoy autumn nature, there are a few things you can keep in mind to have a more enjoyable experience.

● Take proper precautions against the cold

In autumn, the temperature difference between day and night is large in the mountains and at campsites, so we recommend wearing clothes that can be layered. Light clothing is fine while climbing as your body will warm up, but it can get cold suddenly at the summit or when taking a break, so it's a good idea to bring a windbreaker or a thin down jacket.

● A cozy night by the bonfire

Camping is all about bonfires. Enjoying a hot drink around a bonfire in the chilly air of an autumn night is a blissful experience. Prepare some firewood and fire starters, and enjoy the crackling sound of the bonfire.

● Enjoy nature observation

Autumn is a season where you can enjoy not only the autumn leaves but also various changes in nature. While hiking or at a campsite, listen to the fruit on the trees, the animals, and the calls of wild birds. Relaxing and observing nature will help you blow away the fatigue of everyday life.

Autumn hiking and camping are the perfect outdoor experiences to refresh your mind and body in nature!
There are plenty of spots that even beginners can enjoy, so why not come and enjoy the beauty of nature with your friends and family this autumn!

There are plenty of things to enjoy in autumn, such as stargazing while warming yourself by a campfire or taking in the spectacular autumn foliage from the mountaintop. Spending time in nature is sure to create special memories that will stay with you forever.