Autumn foliage viewing spots in the Koshinetsu and Hokuriku areas

The autumn leaves spreading out below the gondola are a truly spectacular sight

The contrast between the tranquil lake floating in the mountains and the colorful autumn leaves

A 3,000m-high autumn foliage drama that slowly shifts from Murodo to the foot of the mountain

The contrast between the tranquil lake floating in the mountains and the colorful autumn leaves

Okutadami, an artificial lake created by damming the Tadami River, boasts one of the largest water storage capacities in Japan. When the beech, maple, and rowan trees change color, the contrast between the calm lake surface and the autumn leaves is well worth seeing. Another popular attraction at Okutadami is the pleasure boat, the Okutadami Pleasure Boat. The view of the autumn leaves over the lake and the mountains of Okutadami from the boat is truly spectacular. Be sure to take a look at the tranquil autumn leaves of the hidden Okutadami. *There are also courses that do not include a ride on the pleasure boat. Please check the course details before applying.

Enter the world above the clouds at an altitude of 2,612 meters...
A picture scroll of autumn leaves in the sky from Mt. Komagatake Ropeway

Senjojiki Cirque was formed when a glacier carved out the southeastern slope of Mount Hoken, the main peak of the Central Alps.
The view of the autumn leaves in the mountains from the Komagatake Ropeway, which travels 950 meters from Senjojiki Station in just 7 minutes and 30 seconds, is spectacular.
The contrast between the fiery red Rowan trees and the Southern Alps mountain range is one of those autumn foliage experiences that you should see with your own eyes.
On a sunny day with clear skies, you can even see Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji, beyond the panoramic view of the Southern Alps.
Why not take a trip to Southern Shinshu and enjoy a stroll through the sky whilst admiring the autumn foliage of rowan, Erman's birch, and Acanthus acutissima, as well as the magnificent view from Senjojiki?

Golden larch forest...
A mountain resort overlooking Hotaka range in the Northern Alps

Kamikochi" is one of the most famous mountain scenic spots in Japan, spreading out at the foot of the Hotaka Northern Alps peaks. Located at an elevation of about 1,500 meters, it has been visited by many climbers and tourists as the gateway to the North Alps from the opening of Apr. to the closing of Nov..
To the north, the Hotaka mountain range including "Oku Hotaka Dake" and "Nishi Hotaka Dake" rise, and to the west, the active volcano "Yake Dake" smokes white, which is a spectacular view that you will never get tired of seeing again and again.
Kamikochi The leaves of the larch trees turn golden yellow.
When the leaves of the larch trees turn golden brown, the whole area of Kamikochi becomes golden.
Then, as if competing with each other, the Japanese white birch turns yellow and the nanakamado turns vermilion.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade laid out along the Azusa River from Taisho Pond to Kappa-bashi Bridge.
If you have time, you may want to visit Myojin Pond further into the park.
Kamikochi Kappa-bashi Bridge over the Azusa River is the most famous spot in the area. Hotaka In autumn, snowfall can be seen on the mountain peaks of the mountain range.
Hotaka When the peaks of the mountain peaks are covered with snow, you can see the magnificent three tiers of autumn leaves: the white of snow, the golden color of larch, and the green of coniferous trees.

A famous spot for viewing autumn leaves where you can get a close-up view of Mt. Fuji

The greatest attraction of the autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchi is the view of Mount Fuji, a World Heritage Site, that serves as a backdrop.
Approximately 500 maple trees are planted along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, and the Fujikawaguchiko Lake Kawaguchi Leaves Festival is held for about a month during the season.
The highlight of the festival is the night illumination of the "Maple Corridor," a row of about 60 giant maple trees around the main venue, Nashigawa River. The fantastical autumn leaves and the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji illuminated by the moonlight are a spectacular sight that can only be seen at this time of year, soothing the souls of all who visit.

A spectacular picture scroll of autumn leaves, as if the mountain was on fire...

From early Oct., the Erman's birch forest begins to turn yellow, and by mid-Oct. the mountain maples are at the peak of their autumn colors. The colorful world of red, yellow and evergreen trees is overwhelming. In Nov., the larch and birch trees turn a splendid yellow. Enjoy the different autumn scenery.
Higashizawa Ohashi Bridge is famous for its red color. The red bridge that spans the Higashizawa Valley of the Kawamata River stands out against the autumn leaves of the mountains, and with the Yatsugatake Mountains in the background, it is a great place for sketching and photography.

Enjoy the colorful scenery of Mt. Yahiko from the ropeway

Mt. Yahiko Ropeway, which connects the base of the mountain to the summit station at the 9th station of Mount Mt. Yahiko in about 5 minutes, allows you to enjoy the autumn leaves while taking a stroll through the air and looking out over the Sea of Japan to the west and the city to the east. At the base of the mountain, there is Yahiko Shrine, also known as "Oyahiko-sama," and Yahiko Momijidani Park. It is recommended to take photos of the bridge and autumn leaves together from the valley stream, as well as looking out over the valley from Kangetsu Bridge!

A hidden pond with beautiful autumn colors that cannot be reached by large bus

In Togakushi, maples, Japanese maples, and beeches show off their beautiful colors. Kagami-ike Pond in particular looks like a mirror, and changes its appearance in each season. The sight of the surrounding autumn leaves reflected on the water's surface and the contrast with Mt. Togakushi are a must-see.

A popular autumn foliage spot in Shosenkyo Gorge

Tenkorin Forest has recently become a popular tour spot.
The cute name "Tenkorin" is quite memorable, and this is a spot to view autumn leaves in Shosenkyo Gorge, one of Yamanashi Prefecture's most famous tourist destinations.
The kanji for this place are "heaven," "drum," and "forest," and as its origins suggest, if you stomp on the ground here, a resonant sound similar to the sound of a drum will echo from underground.
Why not go to Tenkorin to see the autumn leaves, which is said to be "like a painting"?

The beauty of the valleys unique to the Northern Alps and the fiery autumn leaves combined with the oddly shaped rocks are a sight to behold.

It is one of the prefecture's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves. The Takase River, which originates from Mount Yari, is connected to three dams: Takase Dam, Nanakura Dam, and Omachi Dam, and depending on the season, you can enjoy the red and yellow autumn leaves.

A famous spot for viewing autumn leaves in a Japanese garden filled with atmosphere, built in 1926

The Japanese garden, Shoun Sanso, is covered with azaleas, maples and many other trees during the autumn foliage season, creating a beautiful landscape. It is also lit up at night from late Oct. to late Nov.. Enjoy the illuminated scenery at night, which is different from the daytime scenery. *Please note that the illumination period may change depending on the condition of the autumn leaves.

The valley, designated as a special national scenic spot, is also famous as a spot for viewing autumn leaves.

Shosenkyo Gorge is one of Japan's most beautiful valleys and has been designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government, and is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves.
Because it is a very long valley with a large difference in altitude, you can enjoy the autumn leaves of maple, sumac, sumac, rowan, and sawtooth oak for over a month.
This time of year, when the valley is dyed in autumn leaves, is said to be the most beautiful time of the year.
Strangely shaped rocks can be seen throughout the valley, including Kakuenbou, and the contrast between the white rocks and the red and yellow leaves of the trees creates a spectacular view. The famous Chotan Bridge, which is popular as the gateway to Shosenkyo Gorge and the view of the autumn leaves are also as beautiful as a painting.
There is also a 4km long promenade from Nagatan Bridge to Sengataki Falls, where the spectacular views of the autumn leaves and the impressive waterfalls, including Sengataki Falls and the Otaki Falls of Itajiki Valley, are a highlight.
You can enjoy the mysteries of nature created by the countless strange rocks and stones carved into the granite mountains by the river.

Traveling by trolley train... "V-shaped Gorge" - A panoramic view of the autumn foliage on the cliffs

The "V-shaped gorge" is one of the highlights. It is not only famous for its scenery, but also as a "secret area" that became famous along with the history of the construction of Kurobe Dam.
The most famous view is from the Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train, which runs through the valley, and the panoramic view of the cliffs and autumn leaves flashing by the train window is breathtaking!
A leisurely trolley train ride from Unazuki Station to Kanetsuri Station and Keyakidaira Station... You can enjoy the beautiful color contrast of the green of the evergreen trees mixed with the red and yellow trees.
After the leaves have fallen, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the chamois and monkeys that were previously hidden by the leaves.
In autumn, the windowless trolley cars may feel a little chilly. So grab a jacket and take a ride on the trolley train in the fresh autumn breeze to see the autumn leaves!

The Shogawa Shagawa originates in Hida Yamanaka and flows from Shirakawa-go to Goka before emptying into Tonami Plain.

The gorge from Komaki Dam to Mt. Sozan is also designated as a prefectural park.
We recommend taking a sightseeing boat to explore the autumn leaves.
During the autumn foliage season, Shogawa Gorge sightseeing boats offer a variety of sights, including maple and ginkgo trees.
The beautifully colored trees are reflected on the water's surface, creating a truly spectacular sight.

One of Japan's three most famous gardens, the elegant autumn foliage garden of Kaga Domain

Kenrokuen Garden is one of the representative feudal lord gardens and is listed as one of the three most famous gardens in Japan.
Created by the Maeda family, feudal lords of Kaga during the Edo period, the vast garden covers an area of approximately 110,000 square meters and is home to a meticulously designed pond, waterfalls, meandering streams and a variety of trees, including maples, cherry trees and plum trees.
In autumn, the approximately 350 maple trees planted in the park turn red, adding not only elegance but also a gorgeous atmosphere that further accentuates the beauty of the garden.
The view of the autumn leaves, overflowing with grace, boldness and grandeur, is truly beautiful, creating a space that makes it hard to believe that you are in the center of Kanazawa City, a city with a population of 450,000.

A scenic spot for viewing autumn leaves beloved by Basho

Kakusenkei Gorge is a valley of the Daishoji River that flows alongside a hot spring town in the mountains, and refers to the approximately 1 km section upstream from Korogi Bridge to Kurodani Bridge.
There is a walking path along the valley, and you can enjoy walking around the uniquely S-shaped Cat's Cradle Bridge and the Koorogi Bridge, which is made entirely of cypress. The view during the autumn foliage season is exceptional.
Enjoy a relaxing time listening to the murmuring of the river in the valley at this scenic spot famous for its autumn leaves, which is said to have been beloved by Matsuo Basho.

A drive through the autumn leaves along a forest road that spans Ishikawa and Gifu prefectures

This toll road is about 33km long and leads to Shirakawa-go go in Gifu Prefecture. You can enjoy a drive through a primeval beech forest for about an hour, and must-sees include Fukube Falls, which has a drop of 86m, and the Hakusan Observatory. You can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves of rowan, Japanese sumac, and Japanese maple against the mountain range with the majestic Mt. Hakusan in the background.

Discover the good old Japanese autumn in a Gassho village registered as a World Heritage Site along with Shirakawa-go go

As you walk through the village with the colorful mountains in the background, you can feel the traditional Japanese autumn from the Gassho-style houses with dried persimmons hanging from them and the roadside vegetation. In autumn, the spectacular "Sandan-zome" (three-layer dyeing) can be seen in Suganuma village only on days when the mountain's autumn leaves are at their peak, snow has fallen on the mountaintops, and the sky is clear and blue.

A beautiful beech forest colored in yellow... Bijin-bayashi Forest

This beech forest is known as Bijin-bayashi Forest because of the beautiful way the 80-year-old beech trees stretch out towards the sky. You can enjoy different expressions with each season: fresh green leaves in spring, deep green leaves in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.

View autumn leaves across the "beautiful hidden valley" in Echigo, Shinshu, across a suspension bridge...

Seven villages in Echigo and five villages in Shinshu, scattered along the upper reaches of the Nakatsu River in Niigata Prefecture, are collectively called "Akiyamago". The area, which is inaccessible to large buses and is said to have been "the village of the fallen Heike clansmen," is nestled among deep mountains and valleys in a magnificent natural setting that is truly worthy of being called a "hidden region.
The beauty of the four seasons can be seen throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the fall foliage season. Akiyamago The satoyama of "Niigata Satoyama" is home to a variety of trees, including Japanese maples, white birch, beech, Japanese poison ivy, Japanese maples, and Japanese rowanas, all of which turn red, creating an exquisite harmony that makes for an overwhelming sight. The view from Mikura Suspension Bridge, selected as one of the 50 best bridges in Niigata, and Hebuchi Waterfall is also wonderful, and is a popular autumn foliage viewing spot in Shinetsu among photographers and many other visitors.

In autumn, the area around Lake Nojiri is decorated with colorful autumn leaves. Viewing the autumn leaves from Benten Island or a sightseeing boat is a unique way to enjoy Lake Nojiri. The autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface are also beautiful.

From early Oct., the Erman's birch forests will quickly turn yellow, and by mid-Oct. the mountain maples will be in full autumn colours. The pointillist world of red, yellow and evergreen trees is a spectacular sight. In Nov., the larch and birch trees turn golden yellow, making for a beautiful sight.