Autumn SHOWCASE

New England isn’t the only place to head for to see spectacular autumn displays

- JASH PATEL

Kyoto, Japan

Famous for its four distinct and breathtaking seasons, autumn is often considered to be the most beautiful. While spring sees the arrival of Kyoto’s iconic cherry blossom, as temperatures dip, the colours of the leaves change into vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow and brown.

You’ll find Japanese maples, wax trees, rowan, burning bush and Japanese sumac, which all turn red; while the leaves of linden-leaved maples, ginkgo, Japanese elms and poplars turn a delicious shade of golden yellow. The end of October is when the colours typically start to turn, peaking around the mid-November. In Kyoto, autumn colour has been known to linger as late as the end of November. ✣ kyototourism.org/en

South Island, out for New Zealand

Of course, this far south you’ll have to wait a little later for autumn colour. It’s worth waiting until mid-April for the very best. they transform into a While both North and South vibrant red in April Islands have dramatic leaf and May. displays, the foliage down south is by the far the most vibrant.

The Central Otago wine region is one of the best places to explore. The colours of the autumn leaves are magical. Also visit Tekapo, the Waitaki Valley and Queenstown. ✣ newzealand.com/uk/south-island