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Autumn's Melancholy Beauty: Exploring Fukushima's Fall Foliage

The crisp air of autumn carries a hint of melancholy, a reminder of the fleeting beauty of nature. Yet, amidst the falling leaves, a vibrant tapestry unfolds, painting the landscape in hues of crimson, gold, and amber. This past October, I embarked on a journey to Fukushima Prefecture, immersing myself in the breathtaking spectacle of its fall foliage.

Inspired by the stunning cherry blossom destinations I previously explored in Tohoku (https://th.readme.me/p/15612), I sought out hidden gems where the autumnal colors truly shine. Each location boasts its own unique charm, offering a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • Mount Bandai: This majestic peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, ablaze with a kaleidoscope of fall colors.
  • Lake Inawashiro: The serene waters of the lake reflect the vibrant foliage, creating a picture-perfect scene.
  • Ouchi-juku: This historic post town, with its preserved Edo-era buildings, provides a picturesque backdrop for the autumn leaves.
  • Goshiki-numa: This cluster of five colorful ponds, surrounded by lush forests, showcases a stunning display of nature's palette.

These are just a few of the many breathtaking locations in Fukushima where you can witness the magic of autumn. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or a vibrant celebration of nature's beauty, Fukushima's fall foliage offers an unforgettable experience.

This review compiles 13 popular spots for viewing **autumn foliage** in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It provides information on the changing colors of the leaves, which can be used as a guide for planning your **fall foliage** viewing trip in the coming year.

Friends who have questions or need additional information are welcome to ask any questions (if I can answer them) or exchange ideas on my page: https://www.facebook.com/jirobkk.

😍 All 13 locations to enjoy the changing leaves are as follows: 😍

1. Nakatsugawa Gorge
2. Hanitsu Shrine
3. Five-colored Pond
4. Tenkyokaku Observatory
5. Enzoji Temple
6. Tadami River First Bridge Viewpoint
7. Tsuruga Castle Park
8. Ouchi-juku
9. Tonohetsuri
10. Nanko Park
11. Yamatsuriyama Park
12. Janohana Park
13. Kasumiga-jo Park

There are two ways to access the sightseeing spots for viewing the changing leaves: renting a car and using the train service. For this trip, I chose to use the JR Pass to travel by train because each location is accessible by train. As for accommodation, I chose to stay in two cities: Aizu-Wakamatsu and Koriyama. Follow me to see the changing leaves!

References:
http://www.welovefukushima.com
https://koyo.walkerplus.com
https://weathernews.jp/s/koyo/index.html
http://www.japan-guide.com

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The Great Canyon of Nakatsugawa (中津川渓谷)

The Nakatsugawa Keikoku is a famous place to see the changing leaves when visiting Urabandai. This gorge has a stream flowing down from Mount Bandai to Lake Akimoto. I rented a bicycle and cycled along the Akimoto Lake Cycling Road. The entire trail is a natural path that winds along Lake Akimoto to the viewpoint (total cycling distance is 8.5 kilometers + 1.3 kilometers walk to the viewpoint). There is only nature, walking and admiring the changing colors of the forest, listening to the sound of the stream + waterfall + birdsong all along the way. For friends who love nature walks, I recommend the Nakatsugawa Keikoku trail.

This photo series was taken on October 28, 2017. The leaves were in their final stages of changing color and had begun to fall (as a typhoon had blown off a significant number of leaves before October 28th).

"Autumn Foliage Information for Nakatsugawa Keikoku
Start of Color Change: Early October
Peak Viewing Period: Mid-to-Late October"

Transportation

From Koriyama Station:

  • Take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line to Inawashiro Station.
  • At Inawashiro Station, board the To To Bus and get off at the Urabandai Royal Hotel bus stop. The bus fare is 760 yen one way.
  • Rent a bicycle at the Urabandai Royal Hotel. The rental fee is 1,080 yen per day (unlimited time).

2. Hanitsu Shrine (土津神社)

Nestled in the heart of Inawashiro, this ancient shrine stands as a testament to the region's rich history. Erected concurrently with the renowned Nikko Toshogu, it serves as the eternal resting place of Hoshina Masayuki, a prominent Aizu lord during that era. As autumn's vibrant hues paint the landscape, the shrine transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, with an array of maple varieties showcasing their mesmerizing colors, captivating the hearts of all who behold it.

This photo series was taken on October 28, 2017, when the leaves were approximately 70-80% changed. It is estimated that the peak color change will occur in early November.

Transportation

From JR Koriyama Station:

  • Take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line to Inawashiro Station.
  • From Inawashiro Station, take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes. (Taxi fare is 1,300 Yen one way. Arrange a return pick-up time with the taxi driver.)

Fall Foliage Information at Hanitsu Jinja Shrine

Peak Color Viewing Period: Late October - Early November Start of Color Change: Mid-October

3. Five-Colored Pond (Goshikinuma)

The Five-Colored Ponds of Goshikinuma: A Natural Spectacle in Urabandai

Nestled behind the Urabandai Visitor Center lies a captivating collection of ponds known as Goshikinuma, meaning "Five-Colored Ponds." These vibrant bodies of water, each boasting a unique hue, are a must-see attraction for visitors to the region. Among them, Bishamon-numa stands out as the most renowned pond, captivating onlookers with its mesmerizing beauty.

This photo series was taken on October 31, 2017, when the fall foliage was at its peak, offering a stunning visual spectacle.

Fall Foliage Information at Goshikinuma

Peak Color Change: Mid-October

Optimal Viewing Period: Late October - Early November

Getting There

Train: Take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line from Koriyama Station to Inawashiro Station.

Bus: From Inawashiro Station, board the To To Bus and get off at the Goshikinuma Iriguchi (Five-Colored Pond Entrance) bus stop. The bus fare is 770 yen one way.

4. Tenkyokaku (Celestial Mirror Pavilion)

Tenkyokaku (天鏡閣), perched on a hill overlooking Lake Inawashiro, was once a residence for the Royal Family. The building boasts Western-style architecture. During autumn, the surrounding garden transforms into a vibrant spectacle, with numerous varieties of momiji (Japanese maples) showcasing their stunning array of colors, welcoming visitors with a breathtaking display.

This photo series was taken on October 30, 2017, when the fall foliage was at its peak, offering a stunning visual spectacle.

Tenkyokaku Fall Foliage Information

Peak Color Change: Mid-October

Optimal Viewing Period: Late October - Early November

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5. Enzoji Temple (圓藏寺)

Enzoji Temple (圓藏寺), an ancient temple in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, boasts over 1,200 years of history. Perched atop a hill overlooking the flowing Tadami River, the temple offers breathtaking natural scenery throughout the seasons. From the vibrant hues of blooming cherry blossoms to the fiery foliage of autumn and the serene blanket of winter snow, Enzoji presents a captivating spectacle year-round.

Enzoji Temple is also the birthplace of the Akabeko red cow, a renowned symbol of Aizu City, Fukushima Prefecture.

This photo set was taken on November 8, 2017, when the leaves were at their peak of color.

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Enzoji Temple Fall Foliage Information
Start of color change: Mid-October
Best viewing period: Late October - Early November

🚉 Transportation

From Koriyama Station, take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. Then, transfer to the JR Tadami Line and get off at Aizu-Yanaizu Station. From there, it is a 7-minute walk.

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6. Tadami River First Bridge Viewpoint (Tadami-gawa Dai-ichi Kyōryō Byūpointo)

A scenic view that many people dream of, a train running on a bridge over the Tadami River, amidst the colorful autumn leaves in the mountains.

This photo series was taken on November 8, 2017, capturing the final stage of autumn foliage as the leaves begin to fall.

Foliage information at Tadami River First Bridge Viewpoint
Start of color change: Mid-October
Peak viewing period: Late October - Early November

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor, Would you be mine? Could you be mine? It's a lovely day in the neighborhood, For a neighbor to say to a neighbor, Would you be mine? Could you be mine?

Micro-bus service is available only once a day (not available on Sundays and public holidays). The Micro-bus will wait for passengers at Aizu Miyashita Station and depart at 7:30am to drop passengers off at the rest stop. On the return trip, there are two Micro-buses available, departing from the rest stop at 10:20am and 13:20pm. Passengers must inform the staff at the rest stop which return trip they wish to take.

  1. Tsuruga Castle Park

Tsuruga-jo, also known as the "Crane Castle," is a symbol of Fukushima Prefecture in the city of Aizu Wakamatsu. It has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful castles in Japan, renowned for its stunning beauty during both the autumn foliage season and the cherry blossom season.

📸 This photo set was taken on November 7, 2017. The cherry blossoms are past their peak and are falling, while the maple and ginkgo leaves are at their peak and beautiful to see.

Tsurugajo Kouen Fall Foliage Information

Peak Color Change: Mid-October

Optimal Viewing Period: Late October - Early November

**Travel:** Take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line from Koriyama Station to JR Aizu-wakamatsu Station. Then, transfer to the Aizu Loops Bus and get off at the Tsurugajo Iriguchi bus stop. The bus fare is 210 yen per ride.

8. Ouchi-juku (大内宿)

Ouchijuku: A Centuries-Old Mountain Village

Ouchijuku is a historic mountain village dating back to the Edo period, boasting over several hundred years of history. Situated along a former trade route, it served as a resting place for shoguns, nobles, and merchants traveling through the region.

The thatched-roof houses of Ouchijuku

The houses in Ouchijuku are characterized by their thatched roofs, which line both sides of the 500-meter path. Designated as a National Important Cultural Landscape, many of these historic houses have been renovated and now serve as Japanese-style inns, shops selling local goods, and restaurants. While the village is beautiful year-round, it is especially stunning during the autumn foliage season and when blanketed in snow.

📸 This photo set was taken on November 1, 2017, when the leaves were at their peak and most beautiful.

Autumn Foliage Information for Ouchijuku Village

Peak Color Change: Mid-October

Optimal Viewing Period: Late October - Early November

Transportation

From Koriyama Station:

  • Take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line to Aizu Wakamatsu Station.
  • Transfer to a private railway and continue to Yunokami Onsen Station.
  • From Yunokami Onsen Station, take a bus to Ouchijuku Village.

As the JR Pass is not valid for travel during April-November, it is recommended to purchase the Ouchijuku One-day Pass for 1900 yen. This pass allows for free round-trip train travel between Aizuwakamatsu, Yunokami Onsen, and Tonohetsuri, as well as free round-trip shuttle bus rides to and from Ouchijuku village.

It is recommended to purchase the Ouchijuku One-day Pass (priced at 1900 yen) to visit two locations in one day: Ouchijuku and Tonohetsuri. This one-day trip will be more cost-effective and provide greater value for money.

9. Tonohetsuri (Tower of the End)

Translation:

The towering Hetsuri cliffs, sculpted by nature over millions of years, present a mesmerizing spectacle with their unique formations. Offering breathtaking views from various vantage points, including the observation deck and the suspension bridge, these cliffs have been designated as a natural rock cliff monument.

This photo series was taken on November 1, 2017, when the leaves were in their final stages and beginning to fall.

Autumn Foliage Information for Tonohetsuri Village

Peak Color Change: Mid-October

Optimal Viewing Period: Late October - Early November

Transportation

From Koriyama Station:

  • Take the JR Ban-Etsusai Line to Aizu Wakamatsu Station.
  • Transfer to a private railway and continue to Tonohetsuri Station.
  • Walk for 7 minutes from the station.

As the JR Pass is not valid for travel during April-November, it is recommended to purchase the Ouchijuku One-day Pass for 1900 yen. This pass allows for free round-trip train travel between Aizuwakamatsu, Yunokami Onsen, and Tonohetsuri, as well as free round-trip shuttle bus travel to and from Ouchijuku village.

It is recommended to purchase the Ouchijuku One-day Pass (priced at 1900 yen) to visit two locations in one day, Ouchijuku and Tonohetsuri. This one-day trip will be more cost-effective and save you money.

10. Nanko Park (南湖公園)

Nanko Park: A Picturesque Oasis by the Lake

Nestled along the shores of Nanko Lake in Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture, Nanko Park offers a tranquil escape for visitors year-round. This scenic haven invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and picnics.

Within the park's verdant embrace lies the revered Nanko Jinja Shrine, a sacred space where visitors can seek blessings and spiritual solace. As autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues, the park transforms into a breathtaking spectacle. The fiery foliage of maple trees, particularly around the shrine and on the surrounding hills, creates a mesmerizing tapestry of colors, making Nanko Park a renowned autumnal destination in Fukushima.

Translation:

This photo series was taken on November 12, 2017, when the changing leaves were in their final stages and beginning to fall.

Nanko Park Foliage Information
Color change start date: Late October
Peak viewing period: Early to mid-November

The journey from Koriyama Station to Nankoen Station takes 7 minutes by JR Bus from Shinshirakawa-eki Bus Stop. The bus fare is 175 yen per trip (free for JR Pass holders).

11. Yamatsuriyama Park (矢祭山公園)

Translation:

A picturesque garden by the Kujigawa River is another popular spot for train photography enthusiasts. This is because the garden is traversed by the Suigun Line, a short train with vibrant colors.

Yamatsuriyama Park is renowned for its stunning beauty during both the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Additionally, it boasts magnificent azalea blooms. Notably, the park offers picturesque locations for capturing photographs of trains amidst the redwoods and cherry blossoms.

This photo series was taken on November 10, 2017, when the fall foliage was at its peak, offering a stunning visual spectacle.

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Yamatsuriyama Park Fall Foliage Information

Peak Color: Mid-October

Viewing Period: Early October - Mid-November

Travel Directions

To reach Yamatsuriyama Park, take the Suigun Line from Koriyama Station and alight at Yamatsuriyama Station. The park is located directly across from the station, a three-minute walk away.

12. Janohana Park (Snake Nose Park)

Motomiya Park, a beautiful garden in the heart of Fukushima Prefecture, offers a year-round display of stunning flowers. From vibrant roses and wisteria to delicate cherry blossoms in spring, the park is a feast for the senses. In autumn, over 400 momiji trees transform the landscape with their fiery hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

📸 This photo set was taken on 9/11/2017, when the fall foliage was at its peak, offering a stunning view.

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Janohana Park Foliage Information

Start of Color Change: Late October

Peak Viewing Period: Early to Mid-November

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The entrance fee to the garden is 700 yen. The admission ticket is valid for one year and can be used for an unlimited number of visits to the garden.

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13. Kasumiga-jo Park (霞ヶ城公園)

The translation of the text is as follows:

Although Japan has many beautiful castles, only a few are as stunning as Kasumiga-jo Castle during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons. Currently, only the ruins of the castle remain, and the entire area has been transformed into a public park known as Kasumiga-jo Park (霞ヶ城公園). This park is not only a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Fukushima Prefecture but also boasts over a thousand trees that change color during the fall, creating a breathtaking spectacle of vibrant hues across the valley.

This photo series was taken on November 11, 2017, when the foliage was at its peak, creating a stunning spectacle throughout the garden.

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Kasumigajo Park Foliage Information

Peak Color Change: Late October

Optimal Viewing Period: Early to Mid-November

🚉 Transportation

From Koriyama Station: Take a train to Nihommatsu Station. Then, transfer to a bus in front of Nihommatsu Station and get off at Kasumigajo Park. The bus fare is 220 yen per ride. (You can inquire about and receive the bus timetable at the Tourist Information Center inside Nihommatsu Station.)

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From my experience visiting tourist destinations in April, October, and November, I discovered that Fukushima Prefecture not only boasts more beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots than any other prefecture in the Tohoku region, but also offers stunning autumn foliage that rivals the best in the country. If you have the opportunity, consider planning a trip to Fukushima Prefecture.

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