koyo

We hope to return to Japan for 1 week only in 2010 (we are already returning in 2009 in April) for Koyo colours, but are most likely traveling around mid October, OR 1st week in November (not sure yet).We know we have to be home by 11th November at latest, but we may need to have an October date for other reasons.....far too early to know yet, naturally....
1. it seems Nikko has colours for ages, so it would be safe to assume we would be pretty sure of good colours there in either of these dates??
2. does Alpine route include Takayama?
3. we would most likely miss colours in Kyoto (our favourite place), in particular Arashiyama colours?? So would a trip to Arashiyama for Sakura in April be a good idea instead???
Many thanks!!!

it seems Nikko has colours for ages, so it would be safe to assume we would be pretty sure of good colours there in either of these dates??

Yes.

does Alpine route include Takayama?

No.

we would most likely miss colours in Kyoto (our favourite place), in particular Arashiyama colours??

Yes. Colors in Arashiyama are usually best in late November or even early December.

So would a trip to Arashiyama for Sakura in April be a good idea instead???

Yes, Arashiyama has lots of beautiful cherry trees. Usually best in early April.

Thanks so much, AGAIN, Uji: so where does Takayama fit into the grid on the link?? What time would you suggest for there, please?? Again, many thanks.

Takayama's spring festival takes place April 14-15. It is a very nice festival, but it gets crowded and hotel reservations are best made 6-12 months in advance:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5909.html

Yet again, thanks, Uji..I hadn't found this link.so I presume October 9-10 would be when koyo is good in Takayama....would our proposed dates, probably either 10days or a month later than the festival dates, allow us some colours then do you think????