With traditional houses built over 400 years ago surrounded by glorious foliage all around, the experience I had here was one I will cherish forever.

Having lived in Tokyo for the past 3 years and being a photographer, here are a few very photogenic spots in Tokyo I would highly recommend.

The foliage season is approaching, so, although every street and corner is good enough to spot some red leaves, here below is a small list of places where to go for best viewing nature's signs of the changing season (Koyo in Japanese) in Kanagawa prefecture.

Light rain falls from the sky above the shrine and bridge, and suddenly my surroundings are enveloped by fog. The bright autumn foliage appears gloomier as everything gradually lose its visibility. But on other days the lake surface sparkles under the golden sunlight, and the sound of the waterfall is so soothing that it makes you want to stay as long as possible.

If you thought that cherry blossoms are simply a phenomenon occurring in spring, then you have thought wrong all along!

For many people here in Japan, Autumn is the most romantic, and indeed beautiful season of the year for sightseeing and taking a day trip. So, where are the best places to view such stunning sites in the Autumn in Kansai?

Standing just short of 600 m, Mount Takao is a haven for hikers and nature lovers especially in Autumn, the best time to visit to watch the ‘changing of the colours’.

Nunobiki Herb Garden with its German and central European theme, this gorgeous little park at the top of the mountain has a variety of food and drinks on offer, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful and unique flower arrangements.

Shosenkyo Gorge near Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture must be one of the most spectacular leaf viewing spots in Japan.

It is amazing how much the nature has to offer when you have the time, the energy and the wiling to connect with it. My recommendation: “Never waste those precious moments. Never”. Of course, after all these activities, I feel like I deserve the best of the meals. And here is where you get Kaiseki for dinner.

A place to escape the heat of the city or a chance to walk through some pleasant scenery, the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls makes a memorable trip. Although a distance from Tokyo they are an easy side trip during a stay on the Izu Peninsula.

The walking area called Sayama Hills (Tokorozawa, Saitama prefecture) is unofficially called “Totoro forest.” Ghibli’s famous film director maestro Hayao Miyazaki is said to be getting the inspiration for the legendary animated film “My neighbor Totoro” after daily walks in that forest.