autumn – Susan Spann, Adventure, Mystery, and Mountains

An Autumn Visit to the Dragon King

Susan Spann Blog, Hikes November 22, 2021November 21, 2021autumn, foliage, Gorge of the Dragon King, hiking, hiking in Japan, Ryuokyo, Tochigi, Tochigi hikes

On the first weekend in November, my son and I headed up to Tochigi Prefecture to hike the Ryuō-kyō (Gorge of the Dragon King). This was my third hike through the gorge, but the first time for my son, and I hoped we’d timed it correctly for autumn foliage. As you’ll see, it didn’t disappoint:

On Crying-Bug Mountain (Nakimushiyama) [No. 144-146]

Susan Spann 1000 Summits, Blog, Hikes November 8, 2021December 3, 2021autumn, hiking, hiking in Japan, Japan, koyo, mountains, Nikko, Tochigi, travel

On October 24, I headed north to Nikkō, in Tochigi Prefecture, to hike a new-to-me trail that included Nakimushiyama (鳴虫山), an 1,103-meter mountain not far from Nikkō station. The route went up and over three smaller peaks, too, and though much of the trail is surrounded by trees, there were a few spots with beautiful views as well.

Kōya, Part 2: A Walk to Danjo Garan

Susan Spann Blog April 13, 2018April 20, 2018100 Summits, autumn, Buddhism, danjo garan, foliage, Koya, Koyasan, Shingon

Danjo Garan, the primary temple complex on Kōya, sits about two blocks from the “main street” visitor center, shops, and restaurants. Although all of Kōya is considered a single temple complex, Danjo Garan acts as the beating heart of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism. (To start this series on Kōya from the beginning, click here.)

Momijigari – Leaf Hunting in Japan

Susan Spann Blog December 12, 2016November 8, 2017autumn, autumn foliage, foliage, Japan, leaves, momiji, photography, travel

In Japan, “momijigari” or hunting colorful autumn leaves, has been a popular autumn pastime for hundreds of years. In my post at Murder is Everywhere this week, I’m taking a closer look at momijigari, and offering some photos from my recent research trip to Japan. Fortunately, you don’t have to hunt very hard to find the post – just click this link.