In Part 2 of Episode 5, Jason and Charlie from Inside Japan continue their deep dive into Japan's seasons, turning their attention to the breathtaking autumn colours and the magic of winter. Charlie explains why November is the sweet spot for koyo — Japan's autumn foliage — and why he personally rates it above cherry blossom season. From the Japanese Alps to the valleys of Shikoku, he paints a picture of a country transformed by reds, golds and yellows stretching for miles across mountainous terrain.

The conversation then moves to winter, covering Japan's legendary ski powder in Hokkaido and Niseko, the extraordinary Sapporo Snow Festival with its towering ice sculptures (including a life-sized Darth Vader), and why a bowl of nabe hot pot with hot sake is the ultimate winter warmer after a day on the slopes. Charlie also flags why winter tr ...