Hachimantai and Its Fall Colors ( Hachimantai City )
The volcanic plateau of Hachimantai ( 1,613 m ) is one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Mountains and Lake Towada in Aomori are together designated as Towada-Hachimantai National Park. There are scenic sightseeing roads that run through the area, as well as many swamps, marshes, and excellent hot springs. Hachimantai is beautiful any time of the year; in particular, usually from the end of September to mid October, the green summer leaves turn color, painting the mountain in various shades of red and yellow. The sightseeing road that stretches between Matsukawa Hot Spring and Toshichi Hot Spring is called the Hachimantai Jukai Line; at the peak, there is a rest house with a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
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Matsukawa Gorge ( Hachimantai City )
The gorge which stretches between the Hachimantai Hot Springs and Matsukawa Hot Spring is one of the best spots in Iwate to enjoy the fall foliage. Many people go for a drive along the scenic Aspite Line and Jukai Line. The contrast between the warm fall colors and the bluish white river, as well as between the sharp rocks and soft leaves, is simply breathtaking. The best time to view autumn leaves is usually from the first to the end of October. You can also catch fish such as landlocked salmon. After a walk along the river, relax your muscles in one of the hot springs.
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Mt. Hayachine and Its Fall Colors
( Hanamaki City; Tono City; Miyako City )
Mt. Hayachine ( 1,917 m ) is one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Mountains and is also designated as Hayachine Quasi-National Park. People go to Hayachine to enjoy its rare alpine flowers, as well as its beautiful fall colors. There are traffic restrictions on summer weekends and holidays, so use the free shuttle bus. Every July, at the opening ceremony of the climbing season, Hayachine Kagura Gongen Mai dance is performed at the peak.
The best time to view autumn leaves is usually from the end of September to the end of October.
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Mt. Kurikomayama (Mt. Sukawadake ) ( Ichinoseki City )
Mt. Sukawadake ( 1,628 m ) , which straddles three prefectures, is also known as Mt. Kurikomayama in other regions. On the mid-slope, there is Sukawa Kogen Hot Spring, which can only be approached from the Akita side at present. In summer, you will be greeted by various alpine plants, and in fall, you can enjoy the beautiful foliage. Climbing is easy and leisurely, taking only about 2 hours. Along the way, you will see a crater lake with emerald green water; the peak is about 1 hour away from the lake.
The best time to see autumn leaves is usually from the end of September to the first of October.
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Kuji Stream ( Kuji City )
Kuji Stream is a beautiful ravine on the Kuji River, which runs along National Road 281 from the Hiraniwa Heights to the Pacific Ocean. There are many waterfalls and rock walls along the ravine. Anglers flock to the river for the abundant fish such as sweetfish and landlocked salmon. The area becomes painted with fresh spring verdure and fall colors, especially near Kagami-iwa Rock. There is also a spring nearby, and its water is said to cure illnesses and bring longevity.
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Geto River ( Kitakami City )
There are many scenic spots and recreations around the Geto River. The area is especially beautiful in fall with its colorful foliage. The gondolas at the Geto Kogen Ski Resort are specially operated in the fall for a great view of the foliage. You can also enjoy the fall colors from the outdoor baths of Geto Hot Spring, which closes in winter. At Motoyu Geto, there are two outdoor baths, “Menoyu” and “Shinyu,” which are located on the opposite sides of the Geto River, joined by a narrow bridge. These baths are generally mixed ( for both men and women ) , but there are ladies-only hours. You can enjoy the hot spring, the view of the river and the fall colors all at once. If you have some extra time, there is an interesting natural monument called Tengu no Iwa, located upstream; it is the largest travertine dome in Japan, with a height of 17.6 m and a base diameter of 25 m.
The best time to see autumn leaves is usually from the first to the end of October.
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Gembikei Gorge ( Ichinoseki City )
( National place of scenic beauty; natural monument )
Gembikei Gorge is a dynamic 2-km gorge formed by the Iwai River flowing from Mt. Kurikoma. In 1927, it was designated as a national place of scenic beauty and a natural monument. The rough boulders on either side of the river and the beautiful clear water become colored with cherry blossoms in the spring, azaleas in the early summer, and the autumn foliage. The sound of the water echoes against the rocks and fills the gorge. From April through October, you can also ride an excursion carriage around the gorge.
The best time to see autumn leaves is usually from mid-October to mid-November.
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