Nature and landscape photography in Hokkaido, Kyoto, Mount Fuji and Tokyo
Japan – that Land of the rising sun It offers a fascinating mix of spectacular nature, millennia-old culture, and futuristic metropolises. During a month-long trip from mid-October to mid-November, we explored the northern island. Hokkaido as well as the main island Honshu. Especially during the famous autumn foliage change – in Japan Koyo or Momiji Called – forests and mountains transform into a colorful natural paradise.
This time of year is considered one of the most beautiful times of year for Japanese landscape photography. The combination of vibrant maple forests, volcanic landscapes, traditional temples, and modern architecture offers countless subjects for impressive photographs. Japan pictures.
Hokkaido in autumn – wild nature in northern Japan
Our journey began in the metropolis Sapporo, from where we will explore the island's spectacular nature by rental car Hokkaido explored. The vast landscapes of the national parks are particularly impressive. Daisetsuzan National Park and Akan National Park. Volcanoes like Meakan-dake or Iō-san, Dense forests and clear mountain lakes characterize this region.
The remote village lies in the far northeast of Hokkaido. Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most pristine wilderness areas. Although we didn't meet any of the animals that live here. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) We had several pleasant encounters with [them]. red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Especially in autumn, impressive images are created here of Red foxes in Shiretoko.
Hokkaido's birdlife is also impressive. In the wetlands around Kushiro With a bit of luck, you might be able to find the elegant Manchurian cranes (Grus japonensis) such as Whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) Observe – two of the most famous wildlife motifs of northern Japan. Across the coastal region near Get out Our route took us through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Hokkaido.
Kyoto – the cultural heart of Japan
From Kushiro We then flew on to the main island. Honshu to the old imperial city Kyoto. The city is one of Japan's most important cultural centers and boasts impressive [artifacts/artifacts]. 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the most famous sights are the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates and the famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama. Especially during the autumn foliage season, some of the most beautiful classic paintings are created here. Japan photo spots.
Hiroshima and the island of Miyajima
By high-speed train Shinkansen we travelled on to Hiroshima. The city is today an important symbol of peace and remembrance. Peace Memorial Park and in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum The victims of the atomic bombing of 1945 are commemorated.
Not far from Hiroshima lies the famous island Miyajima with the Itsukushima Shrine. The red Torii gate in the sea is one of Japan's most iconic photographic motifs.
Japanese Alps and historic cities
Our journey continued to Himeji, where we saw the spectacular Himeji Castle visited – one of the most beautiful and best-preserved samurai castles in Japan.
Other stops included the spiritual monastery area of Koyasan, the historic old town of Takayama as well as the famous temple city Nara. In the parks of Nara, one encounters the holy Sika deer (Nippon cervus), who live freely here among the temples.
A particular highlight in nature was a trip to the Japanese Alps. Kamikochi. Amidst the colorful autumn forests, we spotted a group of red-faced Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) observe.
Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes
No symbol represents Japan as much as the majestic Fuji-san. Around the Fuji Five Lakes – especially at Kawaguchiko and at Shōji-ko– some of Japan's most famous landscape paintings are created here. This was also the case on this mystical morning in the fog with the Reflection of Mount Fuji. In the early morning hours, mist over the water, the autumnal forests, and the perfectly shaped volcano form a spectacular backdrop for the Japanese landscape photography.
Tokyo – Megacity between tradition and modernity
Our trip concluded in the metropolitan region. Tokyo. With over 38 million inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the world. Neighborhoods such as Shibuya, Shinjuku or Harajuku represent modern Japan.
Among the most famous photographic subjects are the famous Shibuya crossing, the historical Sensoji Temple in Asakusa as well as the city's futuristic architecture.
One last excursion took us to Nikko, where the impressive Kegon waterfall as well as the richly decorated temple complexes Toshogu and Taiyuinbyo They are among the most beautiful religious buildings in Japan.
My Japan pictures for your home
A selection of my most beautiful Japan pictures You can find them in this gallery. Feel free to contact me. to contact, if you would like to order one of my photos as a high-quality wall art print on canvas, Alu-Dibond, poster or acrylic glass for your home.
