The hiking-friendly Oyama becomes especially beautiful in the fall, when autumnal colors seep through the landscape. The crisp, cool air provides spectacular views of the surroundings, including Mt. Fuji in its glory. During this season, the cable car extends its hours, allowing visitors to see Afuri Jinja shrine lighting up the brilliant trees around it at night. A bonfire gets built to huddle around, and a miso soup stand sells small bowls for 100 yen to fend off the chill. It's a great atmosphere for all, but the crowds can test your patience on weekends.
Todd Wojnowski @todd.wojnowski
I am an avid backpacker, writer, marathon runner, hiker, eater of spicy foods, watcher of B-movies, and user of the Harvard comma. I'm originally from Buffalo, New York, and arrived in Japan in 2008.
