Autumn in Japan is always a magical season—vivid reds, oranges, and yellows transforming landscapes into living paintings. But this year, Mother Nature decided to delay the peak of fall colors, giving travelers a rare extended window to enjoy Japan’s autumn splendor. Thanks to warmer-than-usual October temperatures, the Japan Weather Association predicts that many regions, including Kyoto, will see their momiji (autumn leaves) stay vibrant well into December. This late bloom means more time for travelers to explore Japan’s scenic spots while experiencing the seasonal beauty that makes the country’s autumn so unforgettable. And what better way to indulge in this extended season than with Hoshino Resorts’ carefully curated programs that celebrate Japan’s natural and cultural landscapes? Let’s explore some of the most enchanting experiences across their properties. Kyoto’s Quiet Charm: Late-Season Stays at HOSHINOYA Kyoto One of the most iconic fall destinations in Japan is Kyoto, where timeless temples and traditional streets are framed by spectacular foliage. HOSHINOYA Kyoto, nestled in the serene Oku-Arashiyama, offers an intimate retreat with rooms facing the lush slopes of Mount Ogura. This mountain often retains its colors longer than Kyoto’s city center—sometimes into mid-December—making it ideal for late-autumn visits. Guests staying here can start their day with a traditional matcha in the floating tea pavilion over the Ōi River. As the leaves change, the peaceful river scenery and the vibrant maple trees create a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. Dinner is served in an enchanting garden setting, illuminated by soft lighting that accentuates the fiery colors of a century-old maple tree. The following morning, breakfast on the hotel’s houseboat, Hisui, offers a unique experience. As the boat gently cruises upstream, guests enjoy seasonal hotpot dishes while passing by historic villas once enjoyed by court nobles. This program is designed to harmonize with the natural rhythm of autumn, allowing visitors to savor the changing scenery at their own pace. Tip: Visiting in late November or early December gives you a chance to enjoy Kyoto’s foliage at its peak—especially in less crowded, more secluded spots around HOSHINOYA. Aomori’s Apple Harvest and Nebuta Festival: Nature and Culture in Harmony In Misawa, Aomoriya Resort embodies a charming blend of natural beauty and local tradition. Surrounded by apple orchards, horses, and Nebuta festival halls, this family-friendly hot spring resort offers a distinctive late-autumn experience rooted in regional culture. During November, the resort hosts the Jawamegu Apple Festival, featuring apple-themed activities like apple golf, harvest rallies, and “apple bacha”—a hot spring bath infused with fresh Aomori apples. Visitors can also enjoy the Koyo Apple Carriage, a peaceful horse-drawn ride through the orchards that lingers into early December. The region’s lower elevations, such as Misawa, tend to hold onto their colorful leaves longer than higher-altitude areas, providing a prolonged autumn display. As the season transitions in December, Aomoriya shifts into its winter programming, showcasing the region’s dynamic culture with Nebuta lantern floats, illuminated at night around the grounds. The hotpot menu also features Nebuta-inspired dishes, adding a festive touch to the end of the apple season. Tip: If you’re visiting Japan in late November or early December, don’t miss the chance to experience Aomori’s rich harvest traditions and vibrant winter festivals. Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: Hoshino Resorts OMO Tokyo and HOSHINOYA Tokyo While Tokyo is renowned for its bustling streets and vibrant city life, Hoshino Resorts offers an oasis of calm right in the heart of the metropolis. HOSHINOYA Tokyo, with its traditional tatami rooms and access to natural hot spring waters from 1,500 meters underground, provides a peaceful escape amid urban energy. The “Breath of Night Calm” program, ideal for late-autumn and winter, invites guests to unwind with onsen baths, breathing exercises on the rooftop, and quiet moments in the OCHANOMA lounge. These experiences are designed to help guests adapt to the shorter days and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for late November and December visits. Similarly, Hoshino Resorts’ urban OMO Tokyo offers a more dynamic experience, blending local neighborhood culture with modern comforts for city explorers seeking quality travel experiences. Tip: Visiting Tokyo during late autumn allows you to enjoy the city’s subtle seasonal changes, especially through parks like Shinjuku Gyoen or the Imperial Palace gardens. Embracing Winter at Hoshino Resorts Fuji As autumn fades, the view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi becomes especially striking. Hoshino Resorts Fuji offers a “Praying for Good Fortune” stay, beginning with an early morning canoe ride on the lake to witness the sunrise illuminating Mount Fuji. The early December period offers clear skies, making it an ideal time for photography and peaceful reflection. Guests can visit a local shrine at the mountain’s foot, offering prayers for good fortune, and enjoy a breakfast featuring ingredients associated with luck and prosperity. The scenery around the hotel transforms with the seasons, offering a stunning backdrop for any visit. Tip: Secure a cabin with a view of Mount Fuji for the best winter vistas—an experience that combines natural beauty with local customs. Final Thoughts: Why Late Autumn in Japan Is a Travel Dream Thanks to climate variations this year, Japan’s autumn has extended its colorful display into December, providing a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy the season longer. Hoshino Resorts’ diverse properties across the country beautifully showcase this late-autumn magic, blending nature, culture, and wellness. Whether you’re wandering Kyoto’s quiet temples, exploring Aomori’s harvest traditions, or relaxing in Tokyo’s tranquil ryokans, Japan’s late fall is truly a special time to visit. Plan your trip during this extended window—an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich experience awaits. For more information on their seasonal programs and reservations, visit Hoshino Resorts.

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Banyan Tree Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its Stay For Good programme, with the aim of providing travellers with authentic and immersive experiences that encourage a deeper connection with each destination while honouring the heritage and traditions and contribute to creating more opportunities for local communities. This multi-brand initiative takes travellers on a journey to some of the most unique and lesser-known destinations around the world. From the thousand-year-old traditions and crafts of Kyoto, Japan, to the colonial architecture and cultural traditions of Puebla, Mexico, the myriad of highlighted experiences will contain something for everyone. Some highlights include: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape – Guests will visit the nearby Singaperang Village in Bali and follow a local farmer on a tour of his land, foraging for native fruits and edible plants such as winged beans, peppercorns and cemcem leaves. They will also taste raw honey from stingless bees, and round off the experience with traditional local delicacies hand-made by the farmer’s wife. Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto – Ever since the Jomon period, over 2,000 years ago, people in Japan have been covering their homes with thatched roofs (kayabuki) made of environmentally friendly grass-based materials. Guests will tour a traditional home with a thatched roof, and try making one of these roofs by tyingsusukigrass together under an expert’s guidance. Banyan Tree Puebla – Guests will head to the nearby rural village of San Jerónimo Tecuanipan to visit Casita de Barro, an establishment that explores simple, sustainable living and shares traditional farming methods with the local community. The full programme offers a wide range of activities and experiences carefully curated by our team, including exploring the bamboo forests of Anji in China, discovering the Nyonya heritage of Penang, and learning about the minority Muslim community of Krabi in Thailand. We believe that travel should be about more than just a vacation. It should be an opportunity to explore new perspectives, gain fresh inspiration, and immerse oneself in the culture and heritage of the places we visit. Our Stay For Good programme offers just that – an opportunity to connect with local communities and contribute to the sustenance of their precious heritage. Our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is at the heart of everything we do. Our approach is inspired by the concept of regenerative tourism, and this is reflected in the range of sustainability-related activities we provide to our guests. We believe that through travel and tourism, there is potential to make a positive impact on the communities we visit and the environment we operate in. Adhiyanto Goen, Head of Communications of Banyan Tree Group The Stay For Good programme will be progressively rolled out to ‘ all Banyan Tree Group properties worldwide, including Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa, Garrya, and Homm. To learn more about this upcoming initiative, please visit www.banyantreegroup.com/offers/stay-for-good.

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