Autumn in Japan: The Most Beautiful Spots in Tohoku

Autumn in Japan, Tohoku style

Autumn in Japan is one of the most spectacular seasons to experience. If you’re wondering where the best place in Japan is to really experience the autumn leaves, Tohoku is at the top of that list. Tohoku is famous for its autumn season, amazing mountainous terrain, and small rural towns. In fact, it is home to many of the most famous autumn foliage spots in Japan. The whole landscape turns into a red and orange painting.

The last trip we ever did in Japan was a road trip to the Tohoku. If you love autumn leaves I recommend putting the Tohoku region onto your list of places to travel, especially the northernmost points of Iwate, Akita, and Aomori. There is so much more to Japan than Tokyo and Kyoto, and traveling Tohoku in autumn is an experience that will be life changing.

What you will find here

So where are the best places in Tohoku to visit during autumn? I have put together a list below of my favourite spots in the Tohoku region that should not be missed on your next trip to Tohoku. They include the best autumn places in Akita, Aomori, and Iwate. 

Visiting Tokyo for Autumn, too? Then make sure you read my favourite spots to take photos in Tokyo during Autumn.

Kakunodate Samurai District/ akita

why You Should Go:

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live as a samurai? This little village Kakunodate samurai district, known in Japan as The Little Kyoto of Tohoku, is like stepping back in time. Kakunodate samurai district has around 80 samurai houses and six are open to the public. During autumn, the orange leaves line the wide streets and add another touch of magic to the Edo period architecture. 

Where To Find Kakunodate Samurai District:

Location: 〒014-0300 Akita, Semboku, 角館町

Website: Semboku Official Website 

Lake Tazawa / Akita

why You Should Go:

Lake Tazawa is one of those best-kept secrets of Japan. As it is a caldera lake and the deepest lake in Japan, Lake Tazawa is incredibly still and the reflections make for gorgeous photographs. I recommend taking a drive around the entire Lake Tazawa to see some of the sights along the way. There are amazing sights such as Gozanoishi Shrine and the Statue of Tatsuko.

Where To Find Lake Tazawa:

Location: Tazawako Tazawa, Semboku, Akita 014-1204

Mount Hachimantai / Iwate

why You Should Go:

Mount Hachimantai is one of those must-see places during autumn in Japan. The scenic drive around the mountains of Iwate and Akita is breathtaking, as it feels like you are moving through a sea of oranges and reds. At sunset, the flat top mountain make for astonishing views of the rolling hills. There are many things to see and do on the way up to Mount Hachimantai . You can stop at one of the famous onsens such as Tamagawa Onsen or Goshogake Onsen or go for a trek around the walking trails of Onuma pound.

Where To Find Mount Hachimantai:

Location: Hachimantai, Iwate

Oirase Gorge / Aomori

why You Should Go:

Oirase Gorge is a gorgeous stream that is a short drive from Lake Towada. However, as this location has become more and more popular (thanks, Instagram!) it is not the quiet getaway it may look like. Finding a car park is very difficult on the small, winding roads – especially with coach buses squeezing through, so make sure you get in early and have time to spare to look for a space to park. But once you are there, walking alongside the river at Oirase Gorge , you will forget about all that as you are transported into nature.

Where To Find Oirase Gorge:

Location:60 Okuse, Towada, Aomori 034-0301

Towada-Hachimantai National Park / Aomori

why You Should Go:

This was probably my favourite place to visit in Tohoku. Towada-Hachimantai National Park is located in Aomori and has so many gems that you could spend days wandering through the red and orange leaves and never get bored. From enjoying outdoor foot onsens at Manjuu Fukashi, the hot springs Jigokunuma, to the spectacular autumn colours at the Tohoku Botanical Gardens and Hokkada Ropeway, you’ll feel like you stepped into heaven. 

Where To Find Towada-Hachimantai National Park:

Location: Okuse, Towada, Aomori 018-5501

Website: National Parks of Japan

Osore-zan & Lake Usori / Aomori

why You Should Go:

Osore-zan is one of those locations you have to tick off when you visit Tohoku. Located at the most northern point, Osore-zan (恐山) was built overlooking Lake Usori. It is known in Japan as fear mountain as it is believed to be an entrance to the afterlife. As such, many people see it as a sort of hell – with its barren wasteland feel of ash and rock. It feels like you are on a different planet, with nothing but a grand temple to seek refuge in. It is a must-see experience and no trip to Tohoku is complete without a visit.

Where To Find Osore-zan and Lake Usori:

Location: Usoriyama-3-2 Tanabu, Mutsu, Aomori 035-0021

Website: Osorezan