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Koyo Viewing or Autumn Leaves Viewing has been an age old practice in Japan. Like any other celebrations or festival, viewing the autumn leaves in brilliant red, gold and yellow hues has become a ritual for them. There are many places in Japan which have been popularized particularly as Koyo Spots and among the notable ones two places enjoy prominence. They are Tokyo and Kyoto. Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture in the Ashigarashimo district, Hakone is also famous for the hot springs in the mountains as well as for the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park around Lake Ashi and a splendid view of the Mount Fuji. Among the various regions reveling in the glorious natural phenomenon of Koyo leaves viewing, Hakone is by far the best rated by tourists. The trees changing into various colors apart from the natural green, marks the onset of autumn season in the Hakone region. The trees lined up against the Lake Ashi turns a golden yellow, or a burning red in the late October and early November, conjuring up an image which is really a wonder of nature and a very rare spectacle. The boat tours on the Lake Ashi full of the fallen leaves are an experience worth remembering. The custom of Momiji- Gari, that is making excursions with friends and family to view the leaves changing colors is followed by the Japanese with great devotion. As such Hakone registers a great foot fall during this season. How to Reach: Hakone can be easily reached from Odawara and Mishima on the Odakyu Odawara Line. It will take around 70 minutes from Shinjuku, Tokyo. The Romancecar Limited Express runs from Odakyu between Shinjuku and Hakone- omoto.
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