{"id":116790,"date":"2024-10-02T15:06:05","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T06:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kyuhoshi.com\/?p=116790"},"modified":"2025-01-11T11:31:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-11T02:31:25","slug":"autumn-foliage-in-miyagi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kyuhoshi.com\/autumn-foliage-in-miyagi\/","title":{"rendered":"Autumn Foliage in Miyagi | Tohoku in Autumn"},"content":{"rendered":"

Autumn in Japan<\/a> is the time to see leaves change<\/em>. The wonderful natural countryside of Miyagi<\/a> offers many excellent places to view autumn leaves. Autumn leaf viewing is an ancient tradition in Japanese culture<\/strong> and is a must for any traveler visiting the country from mid-October to late November<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Not only can you see natural wonders dressed in their autumn colors, but you\u2019ll also get to see how Japanese culture has worked with nature to create beautiful showcases of this seasonal change.<\/p>\n

When is the best time to see Autumn Foliage in Miyagi?<\/h2>\n

In the Tohoku region of Japan, many tourists and locals alike come to catch a glimpse of the brilliant foliage between mid-October and mid-November. <\/p>\n

Miyagi<\/strong> is one of the best prefectures in Tohoku to admire the fall foliage<\/a>. There, peak foliage season hits between mid-October and early November<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Are you ready to explore the best fall foliage spots in Miyagi? Here are ten of the best places to see autumn leaves in Miyagi:<\/p>\n

1. Nametsu Waterfall<\/h2>\n
\"Nametsu
Nametsu Waterfall in Autumn, Miyagi. Photo Credit: miyagidmo.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ten meters tall and thirty meters wide<\/strong>, this two-step waterfall is a perfect way to view autumn colors. The waterfall has a unique shape visible as you walk near it, though you\u2019ll hear the sound of rushing water long before you reach it.<\/p>\n

There is a viewing platform allowing you to see it from above. You can reach the waterfall by taking a path that runs from the car park to and alongside the waterfall to the viewing platform.<\/p>\n

Be advised that it has many stairs. To get to Namestu Waterfall<\/strong>, take a car thirty minutes from Shiroishi Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2. Yamabiko Bridge (Yokogawa Gorge)<\/h2>\n
\"Yokogawa
Yokogawa Gorge (Yamabiko Suspension Bridge) in Autumn. Photo Credit:<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is the longest footbridge in Tohoku at 120 meters long. It spans Yorokawa Gorge<\/strong>. The area is surprisingly secluded and visitors can enjoy nature in relative peace and quiet, as it is not a well-known tourist spot.<\/p>\n

The bridge offers great views of the natural landscape around Mount Fubo<\/strong>. Many consider it to be at its most spectacular when the trees take on their autumn colors.<\/p>\n

3. Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Jogi
Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple in Sendai, Miyagi. Photo Credit: jogi.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This beautiful Buddhist temple has been treasured for 800 years. When its beautiful five-story pagoda<\/strong> is surrounded by autumn colors, it is like walking into another world.<\/p>\n

Many have come here to pray for easy childbirth, good health, or professional success, as the temple is known for its blessings of good fortune.<\/p>\n

A walk around the grounds will show many amazing cultural treasures, such as the Sannon main gate, bell tower, the Sadayoshi Taira Mausoleum<\/strong> where a great samurai leader<\/a> is buried, and the \u201cEmperor\u2019s Hill\u201d where there are sacred trees of marriage.<\/p>\n

Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple<\/strong> can be reached by driving 30 minutes from JR Sendai Station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

4. Lake Choro<\/h2>\n
\"Lake
Lake Choro during Autumn, Miyagi. Photo Credit: Kumamushi at Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can find this lake at the foot of Mount Fubo. The surrounding forested mountainside can be seen reflected in the lake\u2019s serene waters, doubling the autumn colors as the trees\u2019 leaves change.<\/p>\n

This part of Miyagi is less visited than many others, meaning that a trip here is a very peaceful escape. One of the great activities to do at Lake Choro is to rent a paddleboat and row out on the waters to get some unique and spectacular views.<\/p>\n

5. Akiu Otaki Falls<\/h2>\n
\"Akiu
Akiu Great Falls in Autumn. Photo Credit: tohokukanko.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The area of Akiu is a blissful escape from nearby bustling Sendai City<\/strong>. You\u2019ll find hot springs, hiking, biking, a winery, local craftsmen, shrines, and more in the area.<\/p>\n

In autumn, in particular, Akiu Otaki\/Great Falls are a highlight of the area. Found near Akiu Hot Springs village<\/strong>, you can reach the falls by heading down a path to a small shrine in the woods. The falls are fifty meters tall and plummet down into the serene river below.<\/p>\n

Adventurous types can take a slippery stairway down to the base, or you can choose instead to enjoy the autumnal view from the nearby onsite teahouse<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Akiu Otaki Falls and the overall Akiu area are found a 30-minute drive outside Sendai City.<\/p>\n

6. Zao Echo Line<\/h2>\n
\"Zao
Zao Echo Line in Autumn, Miyagi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Zao Echo Line is a road that runs from east to west in the Zao Mountain Range<\/a>. The scenic drive is 26 kilometers long<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In autumn, the lush forests all along the road turn from green into fiery shades of red, orange, and gold. The entrance to the road is marked by a large torii gate, an indication of the spectacular things to come.<\/p>\n

Not only will you see vibrant autumn leaves, but also vast mountains and waterfalls. Driving on this road is free.<\/p>\n

To get to the start of the Zao Echo Line, drive 30 minutes from JR Shiroishi-Zao Station<\/strong>, then enter the Zao Highline from near the mountaintop to go to Okama<\/em>, a beautiful crater with lake.<\/p>\n

7. Tenshukaku Nature Park<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/a>
The Akiu Night Museum light-up event! Photo Credit: akiu-sizen.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tucked in the mountains of western Sendai, this park is a popular getaway for people of all ages. Tenshaku Garden, on part of the park, is a traditional Edo-style strolling garden<\/a> with the beautiful natural backdrop of the nearby mountains.<\/p>\n

All paths in the garden are paved, making it perfect for anyone who wants to see the garden\u2019s spectacular autumn colors. Next to the gardens, you can find Ichitaro no Yu<\/strong>, a traditional hot springs bath.<\/p>\n

There are two outdoor baths here, all gender-separated, and you can view the forested mountainside while soaking in the warmth. You may even get lucky and see kamoshika<\/em> (Japanese goat-antelopes)! After your bath, enjoy a traditional meal at the restaurant next door.<\/p>\n

The Akiu Night Museum light-up event<\/strong> is held in this park from late October through late November every year. This event is a must-see for visitors coming to Miyagi during the autumn leaf season. In Japan, viewing illuminated autumn leaves at night is a tradition, and it’s a spectacular experience you won’t forget.<\/p>\n

8. Mt. Kurikoma<\/h2>\n
\"Autumn
Autumn Foliage at Mount Kurikuma, Miyagi. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Called sometimes \u201cthe carpet of God\u201d, this is a very unique place to see some very unique autumn colors. Located in Tohoku, this active volcano rises to an elevation of 1626 meters.<\/p>\n

The view of the surrounding mountains and the distant Pacific Ocean<\/strong> is amazing. In autumn, the leaves carpet the mountain in a blaze of color, earning their impressive nickname. Be sure to visit Lake Showa<\/strong> as you hike up!<\/p>\n

There are many hot springs to soak away post-hiking and climbing soreness, as this is an active volcano. Because of that, there may be some measures on the trail if the volcanic gas concentration is high.<\/p>\n

To get to the Iwakagamidaira trailhead<\/strong>, the main trailhead for the climb up the mountain, you can drive about an hour from Wakayanagi Kannari IC on the Tohoku Expressway or an hour from Kurikoma-Kogen Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9.  Entsuin Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Entsuin<\/a>
Entsuin Temple in Autumn, Miyagi. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This temple was built in 1647 to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune<\/strong>, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune<\/a>, who died at 19. It was built as a place of mourning and is dedicated to Kannon<\/a>, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.<\/p>\n

The mausoleum features a statue of the young man mounted on horseback. Inside, it is elaborately decorated and includes many Western symbols thanks to the family\u2019s interest in Western culture.<\/p>\n

The surrounding garden has a very western style. It is a spectacular place to visit at any time of year and in autumn the colors add a whole new vivid dimension to its beauty.<\/p>\n

You can get to Entsuin Temple<\/em> by taking a five-minute walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station<\/strong>. Admission costs 300 yen.<\/p>\n

10. Naruko Gorge<\/h2>\n
\"Naruko
Naruko Gorge’s Autumn Foliage, Miyagi. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can\u2019t miss this autumn foliage spot! It\u2019s one of the most renowned in Myagi Prefecture. Autumn colors blanket both sides of the gorge in an epic riot of color.<\/p>\n

While the trail has been shortened due to damage from a 2011 earthquake<\/strong>, visitors can still enjoy a great view of the iconic bridge that spans the gorge from the rest house and walk a little way on from there. There are many onsen villages to enjoy after you finish your hike.<\/p>\n

The best way to get to Naruko Gorge<\/strong> is by walking 30 minutes from Nakayamadaira Onsen station<\/strong>. There is also an autumn season bus that goes between Naruko Onsen and Nakayamadaira Onsen stations, though keep in mind it can get very crowded.<\/p>\n

Do you want to discover the autumn colors spots located nearby prefectures of Miyagi? These amazing fall foliage spots<\/a> would definitely make your Tohoku journey a great adventure. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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