Mars may be the one called the Red Planet, but this shot shows part of Earth turning a beautiful crimson.
Just about a month ago, we took a look at ten beautiful places to see the leaves of Japan’s trees changing color as we get deeper into autumn. Each and every one looks like the kind of place where nature lovers and photography enthusiasts could spend hours, which makes choosing which one to visit a very tough decision.
But if you want to see it all, there’s a solution, as pointed out on Twitter by Kimiya Yui. Yui’s name might sound familiar if you’re an astronomy or aerospace buff, since the 46-year-old former Japan Air Self-Defense Force officer is now an astronaut affiliated with JAXA, Japan’s counterpart to NASA.
As such, Yui has access to images taken from some pretty cool vantage points, and he recently tweeted this photo which shows just how dramatically the Japanese scenery changes during the fall.
最近は、寒かったり暑かったり寒暖の差が激しいですね。皆さんの地域の紅葉は如何ですか?昨年宇宙から見て興味深かったのは、山の上の方から、そして日本の北の方から紅葉が進む様子が良くわかった事です。一度に日本全国の紅葉の状況を見る事ができる場所は、なかなかありませんからね。 pic.twitter.com/yrLf0NyUm8
— 油井 亀美也 Kimiya.Yui (@Astro_Kimiya) October 19, 2016
With all of eastern Honshu (Japan’s main island) visible, we can clearly see the swaths of crimson coming down from the northern Tohoku region, where the cold sets in earlier than in other parts of the island. But even in comparatively warmer areas to the south and west, the fall colors have set in near the peaks of the regions’ highest mountains.
“There aren’t many places where you can see [a view like this],” said Yui about the photo, which was taken roughly a year ago. He’s absolutely right, so we’re glad he took the time to share it with those of us who’re spending the season firmly on the ground.
Source: Twitter/@Astro_Kimiya

The 10 most beautiful places to see the autumn leaves in Japan, as chosen by travelers
An up-close look at one of Japan’s five Ryuseito swords, forged from meteorites【Photos】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Japanese restaurant chain installs tip boxes in response to foreign tourists leaving tips, sparks debate
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
TeamLab Planets: Walk up a waterfall and catch koi fish at new digital art museum in Tokyo
Coca-Cola Japan unveils new sakura design bottle for cherry blossom season 2019
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
Beautiful Taiwanese flight attendants are a hit with passengers on EVA Air
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
This is Japan’s, and the world’s, first capsule hotel, and you can still stay there
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply