Autumn foliage spots in the Chugoku and Shikoku areas

A beautiful valley filled with nature overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
Take a ropeway to Shodoshima and enjoy the thrill of an aerial stroll through the autumn leaves and valleys.

Enjoy autumn foliage viewing in Miyajima three times: Admire the autumn leaves from the boat heading to the island, the autumn leaves decorating the World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine, and the autumn leaves in the valley of Momijidani Park.

One of Japan's Three Most Famous Bridges, with its beautiful five arches spanning the clear waters of the Nishiki River, the contrast between Kintaikyo Bridge spanning the river and the autumn leaves is like a beautiful painting and is a must-see.

Enjoy autumn foliage viewing in Miyajima three times: Admire the autumn leaves from the boat heading to the island, the autumn leaves decorating the World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine, and the autumn leaves in the valley of Momijidani Park.

We head to the World Heritage Site "Miyajima" by boat. As the boat approaches Miyajima, the vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appears above the blue sea with the mountains dyed in autumn leaves in the background. In addition to the "autumn leaves seen from the boat" and "autumn leaves in the grounds of Itsukushima Shrine", another spot in Miyajima that you cannot miss is "Momijidani Park".
The park, with its approximately 200 trees covered in autumn leaves, is engulfed in a valley of autumn leaves, and the entire park is dyed a fiery crimson.
Among them, the view of the area around Momijigyo Bridge, where the vermilion-painted shadow falls on the clear stream, is particularly outstanding. If you walk along the valley, enjoying the autumn leaves, you will arrive at Momijidani Station on the Miyajima Ropeway.
While you ride the ropeway and enjoy a 15-minute ride through the air, you can look down at the fiery autumn leaves of the maple and hazel trees that grow naturally on the mountainside... If you go up to the observation deck at Shishiiwa Station, the ropeway's final destination, you can get a panoramic view of the island dyed in autumn colors.

There are many ways to enjoy the lake, including strolling along the lakeside or enjoying the scenery from a sightseeing boat.

Taishaku Gorge is a gorge with a total length of about 18 km located in the center of the Chugoku Mountains, and is one of the main scenic spots of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, which is also designated as a national scenic spot. The contrast between the autumn-colored valley and the lake surface reflecting the autumn leaves is particularly beautiful around Lake Shinryu, and is definitely worth a visit!

Sandankyo Gorge a national special place of scenic beauty

Sandankyo Gorge, a national special scenic spot, is a large canyon stretching 16km from the entrance to Lake Sei, and is said to be reminiscent of Guilin in China, as it has the worldview of ancient landscape paintings. In autumn, the entire valley turns red and yellow, and the scenery of the maples, waterfalls, and rivers is spectacular!

Mt. Daisen the highest peak in the Chugoku region. The autumn leaves begin to color the white rocks of Mt. Daisen beautifully.

Western Japan's largest virgin beech forest changes color, and Mt. Daisen entire mountain is covered in gold. Enjoy autumn on Mt. Daisen by taking a leisurely drive through the tunnel of autumn leaves or strolling along old roads through the forest.

The six gardens, covering an area of 167,000 square meters, are covered in beautiful red and yellow autumn foliage in the fall.

Adachi Museum of Art is also known for the beauty of its Japanese gardens.
The American Japanese garden magazine "Sukiya Living/The Journal of Japanese Gardening" has announced its "2022 Japanese Garden Rankings" based on over 900 Japanese gardens across the country, and Adachi Museum of Art Taikan and others, as well as ceramic works by Kitaoji Rosanjin and others.

Legend has it that Musashibo Benkei trained here

This is an old temple of the Tendai sect, once widely known as a sacred place for Shugendo. The maples at Wan'enji are of the Iroha maple variety, with deep, sharp edges and small waves, and are said to be among the best in the San'in region. A row of autumn leaves continues from the Niomon Gate to the main temple, and the stairs leading to the main hall are dyed crimson red.

Admire the beauty of autumn gardens

Korakuen, a famous garden in Okayama, shows beautiful scenery in every season. In autumn, you can enjoy the autumn leaves of about 250 maple and ginkgo trees. Among them, Seniri no Mori, which consists of 100 maple trees, and the artificial hill Yuishinzan are the best spots to see autumn leaves in the garden.

One of Japan's Three Great Bridges with a beautiful five-arch bridge spanning the clear waters of the Nishiki River

One of Japan's Three Most Famous Bridges, with its beautiful five arches spanning the clear waters of the Nishiki River, the contrast between Kintaikyo Bridge spanning the river and the autumn leaves is like a beautiful painting and is a must-see.

Taineiji Temple Temple and Taineiji Temple dyed in autumn leaves

The spacious grounds are planted with Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and other trees.
The autumn leaves accentuate the red Kokei Bridge that spans Taineiji Temple that flows in front of the temple, making it a popular photo spot on social media.

A cultural property garden that has been designated as a special national place of scenic beauty.

You can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage tunnel and the contrast between the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface and the garden. With the lush greenery of Mt. Shiun as a backdrop, this stroll-style garden from the early Edo period features six ponds and thirteen artificial hills skillfully arranged.
Blessed with seasonal scenery, spring, summer, autumn and winter, the flowers that bloom here, along with the 1,000 beautifully maintained pine trees, have a beauty that changes with every step, and it is said that there is a different view.

A beautiful valley filled with nature overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
Take a ropeway to Shodoshima and enjoy the thrill of an aerial stroll through the autumn leaves and valleys.

"Kankakei Gorge" is one of Shodoshima's most scenic spots, overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. It is said that its current appearance was formed by volcanic activity and crustal movement over 10 million years ago, followed by erosion by wind and rain.
The area is home to a series of strangely shaped rocks and bizarre stones, creating a unique landscape that is counted among Japan's Three Great Scenic Spots along with Oita Prefecture's Yabakei and Gunma Prefecture's Myogisan. The distinctive rock formations, with names such as Tsutenmado (skylight window), Byobuiwa (folding screen rock), and Eboshiiwa (eboshi rock), are a delight to the eyes.

The autumn leaves begin to change color at the summit of Kankakei Gorge and spread to the foothills as autumn deepens. Because of the difference in elevation, the area is also famous for the fact that the autumn leaves can be enjoyed for a long period of time.
There are about 50 types of trees that change color in autumn, with a diverse range of colors including red, yellow, orange, and brown, and the view from Kankakei Gorge Ropeway is spectacular!
The ropeway that connects the mountaintop from Kountei in the center of the island is a thrilling 5-minute ride through the air as it glides through a steep, deep valley. The overwhelming force of the rock cliffs and the colorful mountains are a sight to behold. Be sure to experience this series of surprises and impressions!

Besshi Copper Mine, known as the "Machu Picchu of the Orient"
The autumn foliage, combined with the once bustling mining townscape and the spectacular mountain scenery, is a must-see.

Besshi Copper Mine, one of Japan's three largest copper mines, was in use until it closed in 1973, and was reborn as an amusement facility called Minetopia Besshi in 1991. Numerous industrial heritage sites remain within the park, such as tunnels and iron bridges from the mining era. We transfer to a minibus to head to the Tonaru area, known as the Machu Picchu of the East. Must-sees include the remains of the former mine tunnels, Komanpu, and the remains of the incline used to load and unload large materials.

Enjoy the beauty of Yoshino River gorge.
In autumn, the clear stream is bathed in a sea of red leaves.

Oboke Gorge is a canyon formed by the erosion of crystalline schist, and looks like a towering marble sculpture. In 2014, it was designated a national natural monument, and in 2015, it was also designated a national place of scenic beauty.
About 3km downstream from Oboke is Koboke. Koboke is smaller than Oboke, but the strange rock formations and the beauty of the rock surface, called Koboke sandstone schist, are just as attractive as Oboke schist.