1. Japanese travel magazine Jalan asked its readers which autumnal spots they loved best. An overwhelming 71.0% said they liked places where they could walk and enjoy the scenery, well ahead of the 43.1% who said they preferred to view the autumn leaves while at an onsen (hot spring).

2. The magazine asked 1,000 people from their twenties to their fifties to choose three places they would like to visit to see superb autumn views, including a pleasant walk or some kind of outdoor leisure activity.

3. The number one choice was Zaō Ropeway in Yamagata Prefecture where visitors can admire the foliage from above. Here are the top 5 spots that readers chose.

1. Zaō Ropeway (Yamagata)

4. Riding on a gondola here provides a unique aerial view of a spectacular autumnal 360-degree panorama. The ropeway takes visitors from Zaō-Sanroku Station, based at 855 meters at the foot of Mount Zaō, up to the summit station of Jizō-Sanchō, at 1,661 meters. The different altitudes highlight the various stages in the changing colors of the foliage.

2. Kajikabashi at Ikaho Onsen (Gunma)

5. The red-arched Kajikabashi bridge beyond Ikaho Shrine creates a stunning scene along with the crimson leaves. There will be night-time illuminations from October 27 to November 15, 2020.

3. Chūsonji (Iwate)

6. This is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple that houses more than 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties. A stroll within its wide precincts offers beautiful views of red foliage alongside the many historic temple buildings.

4. Katsurabashi at Shuzenji Onsen (Shizuoka)

6. Shuzenji Onsen is renowned for being the oldest hot spring resort on the Izu peninsula. The vermillion balustrade of Katsurabashi bridge among the autumn leaves creates a romantic atmosphere.

5. Arashiyama Yakatabune Cruise (Kyoto)

6. Visitors can step back in time, imagining themselves to be Heian period (794–1185) nobles as they admire the autumn leaves from a yakatabune (traditional wooden boat).