Munich is the largest city in the state and third largest in the country of Germany. Oktoberfest is an annual, two-week celebration in Munich. It began in 1810 when King Louis I, then the crown prince (of Bavaria), married princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It began as a small, five-day affair with a horse race at the end. 

Eventually, it became a huge festival with food and beer vendors and now, over 200-years later, it’s known throughout the world and celebrated by millions! It now goes from the end of September to the beginning of October. 

 While you’re in Bavaria, catch the beauty and wonder of their architecture and nature by visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle (well regarded as the inspiration for Disney’s parks and attractions). It was built and designed by King Ludwig II, who is known for being rather shy and perhaps even avoiding reality altogether. He ascended the throne at 18 years old, though it’s noted he had no life experience, let alone political. He also didn’t have any true power as a King, and it’s stated he surrounded himself in a fantasy world so he could feel as if he had power. 

 The castle was built as a means of escape and he never permitted visitors inside his castles. Neuschwanstein itself sits high in the mountains, surrounded by teeming forest, with further mountains to play the picturesque backdrop. Since his death in 1886, over 130 million people have visited his castles.

They also have festivals of the fall here, and one of their most famous terms for fall is Momijigari — which means red leaf hunting. The tradition is age old, descending from the Heian Period (794-1195). The best places in Tokyo to see the leaves are Meiji Jingu Gaien, Koishikawa Korakuen, Ueno Park and Rikugien Garden. 

 Meiji Jingu Gaien runs over 300 meters and has 146 gingko trees lining the pathway, making it one of the leading landscapes for drama television filming. The leaves turn a vibrant gold, which shimmer when the sun hits them. Here is where they host a yearly festival called Jingu Gaien Gingko Festival — Icho Matsuri — (from mid-November to early December). 

You’ll find dozens of food vendors ready to serve up traditional meals from various regions of Japan. The Mori no Yakimono Fai is nearby and here people will find antiquities, hand-crafted items and pottery. Rikugien Garden was inspired by poetry and an absolute must-see if you’re near Tokyo. Its name actually refers to the six elements of traditional Japanese poetry. 

Created upon request by their fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, in 1702. This garden features 88 different scenes from poetry. With three tea houses available in the garden, you can stop and sit in bliss forgetting the modern world. If you visit in the evening, you’ll find the garden lit up in pleasant arrays of light, offering a romantic reprieve.