Asakusa is probably the most popular place in Tokyo for foreign and Japanese tourists alike. Located between the other tourist hotspots of Akihabara and Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa is a great place to visit for its temples, shrines and traditional shopping streets.
Every year in late May the Sanja Matsuri (Three Shrine Festival) is held, and is regarded as one of the top 3 Shinto festivals in Japan. The festival celebrates the 3 founders of Senso-ji , the well-known temple in Asakusa. Participants carry mikoshi (little portable shrines) around Asakusa, while they chant, sing and play instruments.
Gujo Hachiman Castle (郡上八幡城) is a mountain castle located on top of Mount Hachiman in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture. The original castle was built in 1559 by Endo Morikazu, but torn down during the Meiji Restoration in 1870. The current castle was reconstructed in 1933 and this year 2013 celebrates its 80th anniversary. It is one of the best reconstructed castles in Japan and unlike most of Japan’s modern day reconstructions is not made of concrete but wood, so is more true to its original form. The castle offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and the view from the top of the castle is breathtaking. The castle is accessible via car or on foot and is only a short hike of around 15 minutes from the base to the top of Mount Hachiman where the castle is located.
Gujo Hachiman Castle is surrounded by maple trees which make the area really beautiful during the autumn in Japan. It is considered one of the best spots in Gifu Prefecture for momiji or autumn leaf viewing. The white structure of the castle is contrast brilliantly by the fiery red colours of the autumn foliage. The best time to see the colourful leaves is usually early to late November. There is also a night time display where the trees and castle are lit from sunset until 9 pm. This year it ran from November 9 – 17.
There is also a Momiji (Autumn Leaves) Festival that runs from November 2 – 24.
Momiji Festival
Gujo Hachiman Castle
The approach to Gujo Hachiman Castle
Autumn Leaves over the Watch Tower
Momiji at Gujo Hachiman Castle
View from Gujo Hachiman castle
Beautiful Autumn Colours at Gujo Hachiman
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Access:
You can get to Gujo Hachiman Station on the Nagaragawa line and Mount Hachiman is only a short walk from the town center. The hike to the top of the mountain where Gujo Hachiman Castle is located is about a 15 minute walk. You can also access the castle by car with parking available.
Summer in Japan is the time for festivals and August is one of the hottest months for Japanese festivals and events with lots happening around the country. The hot weather is the perfect excuse to head outdoors and enjoy these spectacular events.
