The vast carpet of pampas grass in Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, Yamaguchi Prefecture, never looks better than in autumn. This golden-hued vista can be enjoyed until mid-November.

There’s no contest. Golden Route, eat your heart out. Board the bullet train at Tokyo Station, and in two and a half hours you’ll have crossed the midriff of Japan’s main island, Honshu ...

Millions of Japanese started their Golden Week holidays by crowding train ... with return trips hitting their busiest on May 5 and 6, according to Japan Railway group companies.