If you are wondering where to go in Japan to see magnificent fall colors, then no need to think twice; head to Tohoku!
Tohoku is the northern region of Japan’s main Honshu Island. It is made up of 6 prefectures, including Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata.
Since Tohoku is located further from the equator, it is one of the first parts of Japan to cool down after the summer months and experience a brilliant display of fall colors.
Colors start to change around late October, peaking in early November. (Check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s yearly fall forecast for the latest news).
Especially up in the mountains, visitors can enjoy dramatic landscapes of striking hues.
We’re talking mountainscapes of Skittle-reds and yellows, and places with autumn foliage alongside natural wonders like bubbling thermal hot springs.
Here are The Five Top Places for Autumn Foliage, all located in the Tohoku region, that I visited on a 2-Week Car Camping trip last year.
Take note and be sure to add them to your next Japan trip!
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Oirase Stream – Aomori
Oirase Stream isn’t just a top viewing spot within Aomori Prefecture or the Tohoku Region; it is one of the top fall viewing spots within the entire country!
To enjoy fall colors here, you’ll walk along the path that follows the stream. There are small waterfalls, towering trees, and the ground is blanketed with colorful fallen leaves.
When I visited, it wasn’t quite peak season, but even then it was still beautiful all around.
While I enjoyed most of the walk, some sections run very close to the road, and it can get crowded since the pathway is narrow.
This is the downside of being a popular spot that takes away from the tranquility of the otherwise lovely stroll.
Note: Since this is an incredibly popular spot, getting to the area (and finding parking) can be difficult. During peak season, the main road is closed to regular traffic, so a detour route must be taken.
Learn more about visiting Oirase Stream here.
Goshogake Nature Research Path – Akita
The next spot is located high in the mountains of Akita Prefecture.
Unlike Oirase Stream, this is a place most people have probably never heard of. When I visited, I only ran into one other person!
Next to the Goshogake Hot Spring Hotel is a short nature path that snakes around several mud ponds, including Ōyu-numa Pond.
The atmosphere here is amazing! Billowing smoke, the scent of sulfur in the air, bubbling ponds of thick mud, and colorful trees to top it all off.
This is hardly a famous spot, but it was one of my favorites! In the same area, you can also soak in the hotel’s hot spring facilities, which feature a special mud bath. For overnight stays, check here.
The road leading up to the Goshogake area (National Route 341) also has some of the most beautiful fall colors.
Jōgakura Bridge – Aomori
Jōgakura Bridge spans across a narrow river and overlooks a thick valley of trees. Fantastic views can be enjoyed all around, both near the bridge and from atop it.
When I visited, the mountains in the distance were sprinkled with snow, a dazzling sight that portrayed two seasons in one scene.
Bandai Azumi Skyline – Fukushima
The Bandai Azumi Skyline is a long mountainous road in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. As you drive along the winding path, the mountains give way to a valley of orange and red.
While the views are spectacular, it can be hard to fully enjoy the scenery since pull-off spots are limited and often crowded with other cars.
A good place to stop, though, is at Mount Azuma-kofuji. This crater can be climbed in a round-trip journey of less than an hour and offers a remarkable view of the rocky scenery around, which looks otherworldly.
Hakkoda Ropeway – Aomori
If you are going to ride one ropeway to see fall colors, Hakkoda Ropeway should be the one. During the ride up, drink in the fantastic view of the sea of trees below. And at the top, stretch your legs along the walking trail.
I visited just after the season’s first snow, so I was surprised to see the ground and mountains covered in white! The vibrant colors all around seem almost unreal.
Hakkoda Ropeway is a popular spot for tour groups, so expect a wait (at least an hour) during peak season.
2-Week Tohoku Fall Road Trip
Want to Discover More of Tohoku? Come with me on a 14-day campervan road trip!
I traveled through every prefecture in Tohoku on the hunt for the best fall colors and local food. Watch below or find the complete itinerary here.
Other Inspiration
Looking for other beautiful sights around Japan? Check out these articles for more inspiration.
- Cherry Blossoms in Fukuoka – Best Places to Visit & Viewing Guide
- 5 Stunning Sights in Kyushu, Japan
- Exploring Shikoku, Japan – 3 Day Road Trip Travelogue
