Even though holidays are just a few short days, taking a mini-trip abroad can be a great vacation choice. With the upcoming Mid-Autumn holiday and National Day Golden Week, besides viewing autumn leaves and ginkgo trees, Japan and Korea also offer poppymallows (broom grass), dark-leaved miscanthus, and silvergrass to enjoy. If you haven’t decided where to go for your holiday yet, check out our mini-trip ideas — take you abroad to see autumn foliage and stunning pink-hued silvergrass!
2019 Second Half Holiday Schedule![]()
Mid-Autumn Holiday: September 13 (Fri) – September 15 (Sun)
?Take 4 leave 9: Take leave from September 9 (Mon) – September 12 (Thu), and have a holiday from September 7 (Sun) – September 15 (Sun)
Double Ten Holiday: October 10 (Thu) – October 13 (Sun)
?Take 3 leave 8: Take leave from October 7 (Mon) – October 9 (Wed), and have a holiday from October 6 (Sun) – October 13 (Sun)
Holiday Travel Ideas Abroad
Silvergrass Viewing | Stunning Hidden Spots in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong
The golden sea of swaying silvergrass under the autumn breeze is truly a breathtaking view for travelers. In Japan, Korea, and nearby Hong Kong, there are some beautiful hidden gems for silvergrass viewing. The best season to see silvergrass is from September to November, perfectly aligning with the second-half Mid-Autumn and Double Ten holidays—highly recommended destinations for your holiday trip!
1. Seoul Sky Park, South Korea
Seoul Sky Park
?Address: 95, Seoul Sky Park-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
?Transportation: Exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station on Subway Line 6, about a 20-minute walk
?Operating Hours: Closing times vary by month, not open at night. Please check in advanceSearch.
2. Senkoen Plateau, Kanagawa, Japan
Senkoen Plateau, Kanagawa
?Address: Senkoen Silvergrass Meadow, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
?Official Website:https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/tw/
3. Tai Tung Shan Silvergrass Season, Hong Kong
Tai Tung Shan Silvergrass Season
?Transportation: From Exit B of Tung Chung MTR Station, take Bus 3M, 11, or 23 to Pok Kung Au Stop
?For details, please see:http://www.discoverhongkong.com/tc/see-do/great-outdoors/hikes/sunset-peak.jsp
Admire Pampas Grass (Broom Grass) | A Sweet and Dreamy Trip to Japan and Korea
The most adorable sight in autumn is this dreamy and sweet pampas grass~ Also commonly known as broom grass, pampas grass is beloved for its round, globe-like appearance and its color changes throughout the four seasons. In autumn, the cute pampas grass slowly transitions from its lush summer green to a lovely, dreamy brick red. Its blooming season runs from September to the end of October each year. The clusters of adorable pampas grass balls are perfect for you, the sweet-hearted traveler, to come and enjoy~
1. Kemigawa Prefectural Kanto Seaside Park, Japan
Kemigawa Prefectural Kanto Seaside Park
?Address: 605-4 Ohonuma, Madoma, Kemigawa, Ibaraki
?Official Website:https://hitachikaihin.jp/ct.html
You May Also Like: 【Tokyo Suburbs】Ibaraki Kemigawa Seaside Park Flower Viewing Cheat Sheet – Transportation, Ticket Info, and Blooming Season Summary
2. Seoul Sky Park, South Korea
Seoul Sky Park
?Address: 95 Sky Park-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
?Transportation: Exit 1 of World Cup Stadium Station on Subway Line 6, then a about 20-minute walk.
?Operating Hours: Closing times vary by month, and the park is not open at night. Please check in advance.。
Admire Pink Muhs Grass | Dreamy Spots in Seoul and Jeju Island, South Korea
The dreamy pink muhly grass, also known as pink miscanthus or sometimes called pink fountain grass, is truly a highlight of autumn scenery. The sight of an entire field of pink flowers swaying in the wind is simply mesmerizing~ The blooming period of pink muhly grass is from September to the end of October each year, which also includes the Mid-Autumn holiday and National Day break. If you want to create beautiful autumn memories with the dreamy pink muhly grass, check out some itineraries online right away.
1. Hangang Park, Seoul, South Korea
Hangang Park
?Address: 704-1 Jahyeondong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
?Transportation: Exit 2 or 3 of Danggogae Station on Subway Line 7.
2. Yangju Nari Park, South Korea
Yangju Nari Park
?Address: 731 Guangsa-dong, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (View Map)
?Transportation: Take Bus 82 from Exit 2 of Yangju Station on Subway Line 1, get off at ????? Station. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.
III. Jeju Island’s Hyupjae Natural Life Park in South Korea
Hyupjae Natural Life Park
? Address: 256, Sinrye-dong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
? Opening Hours: 09:00–18:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Viewing Ginkgo Trees | Elegant Autumn Scenery in Japan and China
When admiring the autumn scenery, you definitely shouldn’t miss the elegant and beautiful ginkgo trees. The ginkgo viewing season is quite long, typically around November in the latter half of the year. Many people plan their visit to enjoy both ginkgo and maple foliage in one trip. And the best place to admire ginkgo trees is Japan. The most famous spot for ginkgo viewing in Japan is the ginkgo avenue in Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo. By the way, the ginkgo avenue in Beijing’s Temple of Earth Park is also a must-visit.
I. Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo, Japan
Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo
? Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
? Transportation: A 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Yoyogi Station on the JR Yamanote Line
? Business Hours: Vary by day, please check theofficial websitefor details.
II. Temple of Earth Park, Beijing, China
Temple of Earth Park in Beijing, China
? Address: Andingmen Outer Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
? Transportation:
West Gate of Temple of Earth:Subway Line 5, or bus routes 18, 27, 104, 108, 113, 119, 124, 201, 328, 358, 407, 417 (branch), 758, 803, 850, 858, 912, 415, 847, 849
South Gate of Temple of Earth:Subway Line 5, or bus routes 44, 62, 13, 116, 406, 606, 807
Viewing Maple Leaves | Romantic Mini Trips in Japan and Korea
When thinking about autumn outings, viewing maple leaves is probably the first thing that comes to mind. A once-in-a-lifetime maple viewing experience could be planned during this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday. The beautiful view of crimson-red maple leaves paired with the cool weather will surely make your journey comfortable and memorable. There are many great spots to enjoy stunning maple leaves, but travel experts recommend visiting the increasingly popular Kuromata Valley in Japan and Naejangsan Mountain in Korea for your autumn maple leaf getaway.
I. Kuromata Valley, Toyama, Japan
Kuromata Valley in Toyama
?Address: 11 Ushibuse, Unazuki, Toyama Prefecture
?Transportation: 3 minutes from Toyama Subway Unazukionsen Station, then transfer to the Kurobe Gorge Railway to Unazuki Station
II. Naejangsan Mountain in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Naejangsan Mountain in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Transportation:
From Seoul
KTX High-Speed Train: Yongsan (Seoul) ~ Jeongeup, Long-Distance Bus: Central City Bus Terminal (Gangnam Express Bus Terminal) ~ Jeongeup Intercity Bus Terminal
From Busan
KTX High-Speed Train: Busan ~ Jeongeup, Long-Distance Bus: Busan West Intercity Bus Terminal ~ Jeongeup Intercity Bus Terminal
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Not sure where to go during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday or National Day break? The stunning miscanthus, broom grass, pink muhly, along with classic ginkgo trees and red leaves, are all waiting for you!? If you find hidden scenic spots hard to reach, you can also check out the featured itineraries recommended by Tripresso Travel Cafe for you~ Flights and accommodations during holidays tend to be more expensive and harder to book, so act fast to secure your chance to witness the beautiful sights. Let’s go—GO!!
By Rebecca.L | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team