The rural location of many of the hidden towns recommended within Japan – 100 Hidden Towns ensures that there are plenty of natural delights for visitors to enjoy. Each season lends Japan its own unique colour scheme and conditions – the snowscapes and the frosting of woodlands in winter, the nationwide sweep of plum and cherry blossoms in spring, summer’s hot days and nights serenaded by the relentless chatter of insects, and autumn’s cool, temperate months of gold, russet and vermilion foliage falling from the trees – the mountains, forests and rice terraces of Japan are a fabulous stage for them all. Make use of the climate information in the book to help plan your trip.