World's best leaf-colour spots

Turning Japanese

Think Americans invented leaf-peeping? The Japanese have been at it for centuries, only it’s called Momijigari (red-leaf hunting) there. The ancient capital, Kyoto, turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red in November, thanks to its hundreds of varieties of maple, offset by golden palaces and dark-wood teahouses. Giggly geisha and canoodling couples stroll the leafy Philosopher’s Walk temple trail and the tree-lined Kamo River, wearing kimono decorated with autumn-themed scenes. For gastronomes, Kyoto is like Mecca – you have to try hard to have a bad meal here. But save up for at least one kaiseki feast of Kyo-ryori cuisine. These beautifully presented multi-course meals are served in traditional tatami-mat rooms by kimono-clad staff, with plates, garnishes and ingredients reflecting the season. Most have views onto gardens filled with petite, colourful maples. Try Nishiki restaurant (www.kyoto-nishiki.com/), and stay at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto (http://kyoto.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null).

A real corker

Maples might get all the leaf-peeping glory, but the autumn vistas in California’s Napa Valley are hard to beat, with hills covered in russet-red vine leaves. This time of year is called ‘Crush’ by the locals, and not just because it’s harvest season. The social whirl is in full swing, so there’s plenty to do when you’re not ogling the foliage, including the Flavour! Napa Valley food and wine festival (www.flavornapavalley.com), taking place November 17 to 20, 2011. But whenver you come, pack a picnic, pick up a bottle from William Hill Estate Winery’s tasting room (www.williamhillestate.com/Experience/Our-Estate/In-The-Vineyard.asp) and have a sunny lunch amid 140 acres of red, red vines. Later, plump for a dinner of organic, Tuscan-inspired food by Chef Michael Collins at Siena at The Meritage Resort & Spa www.themeritageresort.com), and splash out on a stay among the trees in woodsy Calistoga Ranch (www.calistogaranch.com/), or opt for the more wallet-friendly Hennessey House B&B (www.hennesseyhouse.com/) in downtown Napa.

Alpine appeal

The Alps might be known for their evergreens, but in southeast Switzerland, the Upper Engadine Valley is paved with gold from late September to late October, as the needle-like leaves of the deciduous larch trees get ready to fall. The pure waters of the area’s Alpine lakes and rivers have a silver hue, reflecting the golden trees. Crowds flock to the valley’s most famous town, St Moritz, but instead, opt for nearby Pontresina, a quaint mountain village with traditional stone-walled and sgraffitod houses. Stay at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof (www2.kronenhof.com/default.aspx?idPage=25&idLan=en&idPackage=148), where you can marvel at the leaf colour while lounging by the hotel’s spa pool, and then savour local specialities in the hotel’s cosy larch-wood-panelled Kronenstübli restaurant.

Southern charm

Drive carefully in North Carolina in October. The car in front of you might hit the breaks at any moment, suddenly stopping to marvel at the rainbow of leaf colour carpeting North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. Maples, oaks, gums, cherries and hickories turn soft yellows, zesty oranges and deep burgundies, interspersed with evergreen pines and firs, and the occasional dash of black – around 1,500 beautiful black bears roam these hills. Unlike the bears, you can’t sleep in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as there are no hotels or lodgings (although you could rough it with a tent). Instead, drive half an hour to the pretty mountain town of Asheville, where you’ll want to book dinner at The Dining Room, presided over by Chef Rick Boyer, at the renowned Biltmore Estate (www.biltmore.com/), then get a dose of real Southern hospitality by staying at the Black Walnut Bed & Breakfast Inn (www.blackwalnut.com/).

Canada calling

Pull on those hiking boots and hit the trails in the Laurentian Mountains for one of Canada’s most spectacular fall-foliage displays. Just a couple of hours north of the New York and Vermont borders, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping views of flame-coloured hills and valleys, a colour-blend effect of the mixed forests of beeches, birches and maples, which individually turn red, gold and orange. Go in late September and early October for the best leaf colour. Stay in picturesque Mont Tremblant village, which has special fall-foliage weekends during the season, including its Grand Prix of Colours hiking event on October 2. Refuel after your hike with a delicious fondue or raclette at La Savoie (www.restaurantlasavoie.com/), then stay among the trees in one of the cosy log cabins of Côté Nord Tremblant (www.cotenordtremblant.com/en/index.php).

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