In Awe of Sheer Nature: Top 18 Autumn Foliage Spots in Tohoku

Mt. Hakkoda, recognized as one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan, is actually the collective name for the mountain range that towers to the south of the city of Aomori. The highest peak among them, Odake, stands at 1,585 meters tall, without ten other mountains called North Hakkoda and six peaks known as South Hakkoda. When the foliage season arrives, the entire mountain range is painted in vibrant autumn colors, creating a breathtaking mosaic. By late October, the area might see its first snowfall, offering a magical view of colorful leaves amidst a snowy landscape. A visit here will grant a swooping panorama of fall colors from the Hakkoda Ropeway.

Hirosaki Park is a vast destination spanning an impressive 492,000 square meters. Its home to a historic castle tower, turrets, bridges, and moats that remain as they once were in this spot, now designated as an important cultural property of Japan. While famous for its cherry blossoms, the park is also renowned for its autumn scenery. About 1,100 maple trees paint the park in deep crimson, creating a stunning contrast against Hirosaki Castle. Don't miss the 300-year-old ginkgo tree. The park hosts an Autumn Foliage Festival, and at night, the trees are illuminated, offering an enchanting view like none other.

Straddled between Towada City in Aomori and Kosaka Town in Akita, Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed from eruptions of Mt. Towada about 200,000 years ago. It ranks 12th in terms of surface area and 3rd in depth among Japanese lakes. The lake and its outflowing Oirase Stream are designated as national places of scenic beauty and natural monuments. In autumn, the deciduous forests around Lake Towada burst into colors, and the surrounding mountains take on shades of red and yellow. Board a sightseeing boat to enjoy the panoramic autumnal views of the lake's surroundings.

Situated in Senboku City, Akita, this 10 km-long valley flows between Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, following the Tamagawa river. Not only does it boast beautiful primeval forests and a clear blue stream, but it also features striking rock formations and waterfalls. With well-maintained walking trails that have minimal elevation changes, it's an easy location for anyone to enjoy.
The area is another hot spot for fall foliage, bringing a warm tapestry when the Japanese maples between to change colors in the fall. The vibrant autumn colors juxtaposed against the blue stream, rock formations, and waterfalls create an exquisite sight.

Located in Noshiro City, Akita, this prefectural nature park was named "Kimimachi-zaka" (or "Kimi's slope") by Emperor Meiji, who was moved by its beauty. Given the romantic tales between Emperor Meiji and the Empress, the park houses various love-related power spots like the "Love Letter Shrine" and "Kimimachi Bell", which is said to ensure couples remain together forever. As the name suggests, its scenic beauty is a major draw. During the peak of the autumn foliage season, many visitors flock to the park. The sight of fall colors against the sheer cliffs and pathways covered in a carpet of maple leaves is a must-see, making it an ideal spot for autumn dates.

Serving as the entrance to one of Japan's three major spiritual sites, Kawarage Jigoku, the Sanzugawa Valley gets its name from the mythological river that separates the realm of the living from the afterlife. Sanzu Bridge, which spans the valley, stands approximately 40 meters above the river with all the best of thrilling views. When the valley is cloaked in its autumn attire, the exhilarating view from the Sanzu Bridge becomes even more magnificent with fall colors, creating a feeling of being utterly enwrapped in beauty.

This gorge towers along the Sateki River, a tributary of the Kitakami River which runs through Iwate from north to south.
Formed by erosion, the cliffs stretch for about 2km and range in height from 50m to 100m.
This mesmerizing landscape, dotted with unique rocks, caves, and waterfalls, is counted as one of Japan's top 100 scenic views and is designated as a national historic site and natural monument.
In autumn, the trees turn shades of red and yellow, transforming the mystical view into a refined one. Enjoy the breathtaking autumn leaves from the water by taking a roughly 90-minute round trip boat ride.

Established in 850 AD, this temple holds over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties.
It's also a registered World Heritage site. Founded with a profound wish to console the souls of those lost in the conflicts that once raged in the Tohoku region, it embodies a hope for a more harmonious society.
The temple grounds house several buildings, with the Golden Hall (Konjiki-dō) standing out due to its gleaming gold structures and statues, resembling a piece of fine art and craftsmanship.
During the fall, the entire premises glow with colored leaves, especially the path leading from the Dainichido hall to the Golden Hall. In the evenings the temple buildings and trees are lit up, creating a deeply stirring atmosphere and mystic vibes to explore after sunset.
During the peak foliage season, visitors here can also experience the Chrysanthemum Festival and Autumn Fujiwara Festival, where all the fun and magic of Japanese traditions and customs await under the leaves.

A nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument.
The Iwaigawa River, which originates from Mt. Kurikoma, has eroded massive rocks over time, forming a 2km stretch of strange and fascinating stone formations.
Stand in awe of the drama as emerald waters pour over the richly expressive rock surfaces. Upstream, you’ll find all the sheer power and force as water currents splash up against the rocks. Meanwhile, downstream, the scenery transforms into a serene escape. The diverse range of views depending on the location is one of the major charms of Genbikei.
In the autumn, visitors flock here to see the sheer magnitude and striking contrast of vibrant foliage against the emerald green river.

Stretching over approximately 2.5km, the Naruko Gorge features cliffs that reach down a sprawling depth of 100 meters. These steep white cliffs are densely populated with deciduous broadleaf trees like maples and oaks. In the fall, these trees turn shades of red and yellow, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painting. Crossing the Oofukazawa Bridge at Naruko Gorge allows you to fully experience the height of the gorge and the surrounding scenery. It's a thrilling and romantic viewpoint, and with good timing, you can even see a train passing through the gorge.

Straddling the three prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita, Kurikoma Mountain has an elevation of 1,626 meters. It's known by different names in each prefecture: "Kurikoma Mountain" in Miyagi, "Sugawa Peak" in Iwate, and "Dainichi Peak" in Akita. Broadleaf forests of maple and beech trees spread across Kurikoma Mountain, and during the fall, the scene is so breathtaking it's often referred to as "God's Carpet." While there are several hiking routes, the Central Route from Miyagi is recommended for beginner climbers wanting to see the beautiful foliage.

The Zao Echo Line is a mountain road that traverses the famous Zao mountain range, known for its "snow monsters," connecting Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures. In the fall, the roadsides are adorned with colorful foliage, making it an ideal spot for an autumn drive. If you enter the toll road "Zao High Line" from the Zao Echo Line, you can reach the peak of the Zao mountain range. As the altitude increases, enjoy the changing expressions of the autumn leaves.

Yamadera, formally known as "Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple," belongs to the Tendai sect. Founded in 860 by the priest Jikaku Daishi, it's a historic mountain temple set in the mountains. Numerous structures stand on the mountain, and the "Konponchuudo" near the entrance is a designated important cultural property. It's said to be the oldest beechwood building in Japan. Known as a fall foliage spot, the view of the odd-shaped rocks combined with the temple and autumn leaves is breathtakingly beautiful.

Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley is a 17.8 km mountain road connecting Shirafu Hot Springs in Yamagata Prefecture to the northern shores of Hibara Lake in Fukushima Prefecture. From the continuous hairpin turns at East Pot Mountain Seven Curves, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hibara Lake and Mt. Bandai. During the autumn season, the leaves showcase a vivid mix of deep red, yellow, and green. There are observation decks along the Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley, perfect for a leisurely time gazing out over the stunning autumn views.

The hot spring town developed alongside the history of the prosperous Enzawa silver mine from the Edo period. The exterior of the chic inns features colorful reliefs called "kote-e," which are worth a look. The hot spring town also boasts foot baths and communal bathhouses. The spring quality includes a faint salty taste and is a sulfur spring, beneficial for skin diseases ailments, cosmetic boosts and cold constitutions. As autumn arrives, the trees in Shirogane Park change colors, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves from the hot spring town. We recommend taking a stroll in Shirogane Park after a hot spring bath to enjoy the autumn leaves.

This mountainous road, at its highest elevation of 1,622m and an average of 1,350m, has been designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Roads. There are multiple viewpoints along the way that offer breathtaking sceneries that almost seem otherworldly. Among them, Tsubakuro Valley and Tengu's Garden are renowned for their autumn foliage. Savvy travelers love this spot because it never looks quite the same, whether it's the vast brocade of fall colors or the thrilling sight of autumn leaves stretching out beneath an approximately 84m bridge.

One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Mount Adatara is an active volcano. It boasts magnificent views including a large crater formed by massive explosions and beautiful emerald-green streams and waterfalls. Using the Adatara Mountain Ropeway, visitors can easily reach the summit in about an hour and a half, making it a great spot for casual trekking. In the fall, the mountain slopes are painted in shades of red and yellow. The panoramic view of the entire mountain blanketed in autumn colors, as seen from the summit and the ropeway, is a sight to behold.

Known collectively as Lake District of Goshikinuma, there are some 30 large and small ponds, including Bishamon-numa, Aka-numa, Midoro-numa, Tatsu-numa, and Benten-numa. This spot is so famous it even gained a star in the 2016 Michelin Green Guide. The name, meaning "Five Colored Ponds," does not literally refer to five specific ponds but derives from the varying shades of each pond, ranging from emerald green to cobalt and turquoise blue. Each pond displays its unique hue, earning them the moniker "mystical ponds." Notably, "Aonuma," which radiates an incredibly beautiful color, is one worth coming out to see. During the autumn season, the contrast between Aonuma's water surface and the surrounding leaves turning red and yellow creates an enchanting vista.