Japan - Lake Kawaguchi, Nara, Uji, Kyoto, Arima
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Japan, characterized by its cool, crisp air, and vibrant foliage. This trip took place in November 2023 and the weather was fantastic with beautiful sunrise and sunset in the Lake Kawaguchi area, allowing the capture of spectacular views of Mt Fuji. Three days were spent photographing Mt Fuji from various spots from the famous five lakes (Kawaguchi, Shojin, Motosu, Yamanaka, and Saiko), Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and other strategic locations.
The next stop was Kyoto which was extremely crowded with tourists not only from overseas but also locals. Visited Arashiyama early morning to photograph the bamboo forest just before the crowd arrived. Nara Park was beautiful with its autumn colours but was just too crowded.
Spent the last three days in Arima Onsen, a very rustic hot spring town, 1 hr 5min by highway bus from Osaka station to Arima bus terminal. It was our third time here and is one of our favourite places to enjoy the Japanese onsen in a traditional ryokan.
Tokyo (1 night)
Lake Kawaguchi (2 nights)
Kyoto (3 nights)
Arima Onsen (2 nights)
Arima Onsen
Most of Japan’s hot springs draw their thermal power from active volcanoes. Arima Onsen, however, is located far from any volcanoes; its hot springs arise naturally from ancient seawater buried 60 kilometers beneath the surface. This unique geological phenomenon is rare and sets Arima Onsen apart from almost all other resorts.
Three specific varieties of spring waters are available here: one type of kinsen (gold springs) and two types of ginsen (silver springs). Kinsen waters contain quantities of iron and salt that become golden brown when they react with oxygen. These waters are said to help treat arthritis, among other ailments. The ginsen waters at Arima Onsen include one colourless, carbonic type and one mildly radioactive type. The former supports blood circulation and metabolism, while traces of radium in the latter are said to boost the immune system and reduce fatigue. [Rakuten Travel]
Nov 30, 2023
