Tōhoku Autumn Travel: Autumn Leaves and Outstanding Scenery

So where are the best spots to see autumn leaves in Tohoku? And what is it about the beautiful autumn scenery in Tohoku that makes visitors not want to leave? Let's begin our journey to discover the wonderful autumn colors in this land!

1. The best time to see red leaves in Tohoku

Due to its northern location and high elevation, autumn in Tohoku usually comes earlier than other areas of Japan . The best time to see autumn leaves in Tohoku usually starts in late September in mountainous areas such as Hachimantai, then gradually spreads to lower areas in October and early November.

The great thing is that the elevation changes between localities in the region allow you to extend your autumn leaf hunting journey for several weeks in a row, from Aomori to Yamagata. The feeling of the autumn leaves gradually spreading along the journey, as if you are immersed in a symphony of nature, slow and enchanting.

2. Beautiful autumn scenery and red leaf viewing spots in Tōhoku

Resort Shirakami Train – Experience a train ride to hunt for autumn leaves across the Tōhoku region

One of the most memorable experiences when traveling to Tohoku in the fall is a trip on the Resort Shirakami train. This famous tourist train line passes through the coastal and mountainous areas of Aomori and Akita prefectures.

As the train passes through the red forests, you can see the maple leaves spread out like silk carpets by the glass windows, reflecting the afternoon sunlight, creating a brilliant and peaceful scene. The curves hugging the cliffs, the sections along the rolling Japanese coast… all create a dreamlike journey, especially when you are relaxing on the swivel chair facing the large window.

In particular, there are shamisen (traditional lute) performances and local specialty snacks on board. This is not just a train, but a colorful symphony of the beautiful autumn scenery of Tohoku, where every window frame is a moving picture.

Hachimantai Mountains – Autumn in the Sea of ​​Clouds

Located between Iwate and Akita prefectures, the Hachimantai Mountains are one of the most popular autumn foliage spots in Tōhoku. In early October, the area is ablaze with the yellow, orange, and red of maple, ginkgo, and oak trees. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the entire forest dyed in a fiery red that stretches all the way to the horizon.

One special thing that only Hachimantai has in autumn is the phenomenon of "sea of ​​clouds". When clouds float across the mountains in the early morning, it feels like you are lost in paradise. This is an ideal place for trekking, hunting for nature photos, or simply to take a deep breath and feel the pure peace.

On your autumn tour of Tohoku, if you need a place that is both wild and spectacular to take photos of a lifetime, Hachimantai is a destination not to be missed.

Lake Towada and Oirase Stream – When the Water Reflects Autumn

Lake Towada and Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture are a famous pair on the list of autumn foliage spots in Tōhoku. From mid to late October, the entire area becomes a vivid autumn picture when the trees on both banks change color, reflecting on the deep blue lake surface, creating a scene that leaves visitors speechless.

Along the Oirase Stream, about 14km long, there are dozens of small waterfalls weaving through the red leaves. The streamside trail is designed for walking, allowing you to enjoy the babbling sound while feeling the cool autumn breeze brushing past your face. This is one of the most impressive experiences you will have when traveling to Tohoku in the fall because it is not too crowded, completely immersed in nature.

Whether you're rowing a boat on Lake Towada or strolling along the Oirase River, every movement slows down so you can clearly feel the colors of the beautiful autumn scenery of Tōhoku.

Ginzan Onsen – Hot spring village in the heart of autumn

Nestled in a valley in Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town famous for its ancient and romantic beauty, especially when the red leaves cover the classic Taisho-style wooden roofs.

In autumn, this place looks like a scene straight out of a Ghibli movie . Small bridges over streams, yellow lights from traditional inns, and brilliant red leaves covering both sides of the mountain… all create a beautiful setting for rest and rejuvenation.

Soaking in the outdoor hot springs at Ginzan Onsen while the red leaves flutter around you is an experience that anyone who loves Japanese autumn should try at least once in their life. For me, this is no longer a moment of travel, but of healing.

Without a doubt, Ginzan Onsen is the perfect finishing point for your autumn trip to Tōhoku, where you can end your journey in absolute serenity and relaxation.

>> Check out the new Tōhoku - Japan autumn tour:
1. Japan: Hokkaido – Chitose – Noboribetsu – Sapporo – Otaru – Chitose (3 nights hotel) (6N5D)
2. Japan: Hokkaido – Chitose – Otaru - Noboribetsu – Sapporo – Chitose (3 nights hotel) (6N5D)

3. Tōhoku Autumn Cuisine – Warm Taste from the Northeast

As autumn approaches, the Tōhoku region’s culinary specialties become more diverse and flavorful than ever. In particular, hot dishes using seasonal local ingredients are both delicious and help warm the body in the chilly autumn weather of the mountainous region.

Don't miss nabe, a Japanese hot pot dish made with meat, vegetables and local mushrooms. In the Aomori region, the sweet and slightly spicy cod hot pot (Anko Nabe) is a favorite when the weather turns cold.

Another highlight is Aomori apples, the most famous apple variety in Japan thanks to their crispness, sweetness, and distinctive aroma. Autumn is harvest season, so you can visit apple orchards to pick and enjoy them right on the spot, which is also a very popular experience on autumn tours of Tohoku.

4. Autumn Festival in Tōhoku – Harmony of Culture and Nature

Autumn in Tohoku is not only filled with beautiful red leaves but also bustling with unique traditional cultural festivals, reflecting the spirit of the people of Northeastern Japan.

Namahage Autumn Festival in Akita

The Namahage Festival is a unique Akita culture, where men dress up as mountain demons with scary masks and walk around the village to scare lazy people as a way to teach children. Although it may seem a bit “scary” to newcomers, the festival is very popular because of its educational and community values. In the fall, the festival is held on a larger scale, combining fire dancing, traditional drums and seasonal foods.

Ginzan Hot Spring Light Festival

When the red leaves begin to fall, the entire town of Ginzan Onsen is lit up with hundreds of lanterns and antique lamps. The light festival is not too noisy but on the contrary, gentle and romantic, very suitable for those who love the peaceful beauty of Tohoku autumn tourism. Walking on the wooden bridges in the dim light, the sound of the stream and the fragrant smell of wood wafting through, you will feel like you are lost in a fairy tale dream.

If you are looking for a different, less crowded and more unique journey, then traveling to Tohoku in autumn is an option not to be missed. From the autumn foliage spots in Tohoku such as Hachimantai, Lake Towada to the beautiful autumn scenery of Tohoku such as Ginzan Onsen or the Resort Shirakami train journey – every stop is a valuable experience.

More than a trip, it is a healing journey where nature, culture and cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Plan early so you don’t miss the most brilliant moment of autumn in this northeastern region of Japan !
-
For more information about the program, please contact:
VIETRAVEL
190 Pasteur, Xuan Hoa Ward, HCMC
Tel: (028) 3822 8898 - Hotline: 1800 646 888
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ vietravel
Website: www.travel.com.vn

Source of article: Collected and compiled
@traveltips #traveltips

_CN_