{"id":86316,"date":"2021-11-16T18:40:05","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T09:40:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=86316"},"modified":"2024-03-05T18:27:49","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T09:27:49","slug":"best-tohoku-autumn-foliage-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/best-tohoku-autumn-foliage-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Colors in Tohoku: The Best Autumn Foliage Spots to Visit in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
International travelers often overlook the Tohoku region tucked between the populated Kanto area and the unpopulated but equally popular Hokkaido regions of Japan. Although it took me longer than it should have, my love for fall colors in Japan<\/strong> \u2014 also known as koyo \u2014 finally brought me to Tohoku during the autumn colors season in late October to discover the best Tohoku autumn foliage spots<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tohoku<\/strong> (\u6771\u5317 – meaning north-east) region is known for its scenic nature spots and dense forests, making it an ideal destination to visit during the autumn foliage season in Japan<\/a>. There are six prefectures located in Tohoku \u2014 Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Yamagata \u2014 each hosting numerous spots to enjoy the koyo autumn leaves season. In addition, the area is also home to some of the most rustic onsen in Japan, often hidden in the forests. To experience both the hiking trails and onsen culture, I put together an itinerary for a week-long trip with a mix of easy hiking trails with magnificent autumn scenery and onsen stops to effortlessly enjoy the fall colors while relaxing in a rotenburo outdoor onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tohoku region occupies 67,000-kilometer squares, but thanks to the efficient rail network of Japan, I had no issues exploring the area, relying solely on public transportation. With some pre-trip research (helped by the content-rich Tohoku tourism website<\/a>) and careful planning, I covered most of the best Tohoku autumn foliage spots during my week-long solo trip in late October, which is an ideal time to view the fall colors in Tohoku.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the greatest things about the fall colors in Japan is the length of the season. While the season lasts for around two to three weeks at each destination, the colors travel around the country for about four months, during which it is always possible to find a place within Japan colored with autumn leaves if you are willing to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fall foliage viewing season in Tohoku starts a month earlier than Tokyo and Kyoto in late October (in the northern prefecture of Aomori) and ends at around mid-November in southern regions, which greet the autumn colors later in the season. I use a great website daily during the koyo season to follow the timing forecast for fall colors in Japan<\/a> based on the prefecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I started my trip in Aomori’s Lake Towada and slowly made my way down to Yamadara Temple in Yamagata prefecture, covering many of the prime fall foliage viewing spots in Tohoku. Here are my favorite autumn leave viewing spots along the way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oirase Stream<\/a> by Lake Towada is one of the prime spots to view the fall colors in Tohoku and all of Japan. I based myself in the lakeside Towada Town to explore the area for a one-night stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oirase Stream<\/strong> is easily accessible by bus from Towada Town. The eight km long hiking trail along the stream allows visitors to enjoy arguably the best autumn foliage scenery in Japan with relatively little physical effort. The course takes around three hours one-way and connects Nenokuchi to Ishigedo by taking visitors next to numerous waterfalls accompanying the stream. Choshi-otaki waterfall<\/strong> is the most popular spot along the trail and often makes it into the list of best fall sceneries in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an early riser, I hiked along the Oirase Steam early in the morning when there were fewer crowds and mostly photographers eagerly waiting by one of the many waterfalls for the perfect moment to take the best fall foliage photo of the season. Although I used to get intimidated by the number of photography gear carried by very professional-looking photographers, I now truly enjoy the camaraderie easily formed between people passionate enough to get out of bed before the sunrise in search of the best shot. My experience in Oirase Stream was no exception, where I ran into a couple of photographers who were all more than willing me to show the best spots for the early morning shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the area is not yet on the radar of international tourism, Oirase Stream is a very popular fall color viewing destination for local tourists in Japan. As a result, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lake Towada with the nearby Towada Shrine<\/strong> is another spot that rewards visitors with beautiful fall colors. Towada Shrine requires a short hike deep into the forest. Like the rest of Tohoku, the region is not only home to humans but also a large population of bears, so caution is advised when hiking, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. I am grateful for the father and son duo who allowed me to tag along during the hike to manage the emotional stress of a potential bear encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joining a boat excursion<\/a> is another popular option to explore Lake Towada and get closer to the surrounding fall colors. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants lined up next to the lake to spend leisure time. My favorite was Marine Blue Cafe<\/a>, located by the lake, offering a cozy atmosphere and simple toast\/coffee breakfast. Although I did not try it, the apple pie seemed to be the most popular option for the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen is the Best Time to View the Fall Colors in Tohoku and Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Fall Colors Viewing Spots in Tohoku<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Oirase Stream and Lake Towada in Aomori Prefecture<\/strong>: Hike in the Land of Waterfalls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n