A forty minute flight north, from Tokyo to Sendai and we were well on our way to seeing some the most amazing Autumn colours Japan; and quite possibly the world, has to offer…
Naruko Gorge
I recently had the opportunity to join Visit Japan AU, alongside photographers Matt Horspool and Matthew Donovan to explore three of the six prefectures that make up the somewhat undiscovered region of Tohoku. With the hope of witnessing some of the best autumn colour Japan has to offer, we were also lucky enough to immerse ourselves in the culture, food and of course, hot springs that characterise this diverse region. Here I am going to share with you my top four locations to see the vibrant colours of autumn in Tohoku.
AKIU FALLS - MIYAGI PREFECTURE
An easy walk through some lush forest and down some stairs and you’ll find yourself on a viewing platform over-looking the 55m tall Akiu Falls. For those wanting a closer look; and who aren’t afraid of a little water (or in our case a lot - we got drenched!), a short hike down some slippery steps will take you to the base of the waterfall and in my option the best perspective of the falls.
Akui Falls
Getting there:
Bus:
Sendai Station to Akui (30min)
Car:
30 minute drive from Sendai
NARUKO GORGE - MIYAGI PREFECTURE
For those that are familiar with the phenomenon that is Autumn in Tohoku, you have probably heard or seen photos of Naruko Gorge. Located in the north-west of the Miyagi Prefecture, Naruko Gorge is less than a 10 minute drive from the small hot spring town of Naruko Onsen - a perfect place to base yourself wjhn visiting the.
Stretching about two kilometres from east to west, the gorge is a must-see for the most amazing autumn foliage. The images you can see here were taken in mid-September after a long hot summer, but by mid-October to early November the Autumn hues are in full effect.
There are many vantage points to take the beauty of the gorge, including taking stairs to the bottom. However, the two most popular are from the Ofukazawa Bridge (my personal favourite) or of the bridge itself from Narukokyo Resthouse lookout.
Getting there:
Train:
JR Rikuu-to Line to either Nakayamadaira Onsen or Naruko Onsen Station
30min walk
Buses run between stations in Autumn (Oct-Nov)
Car:
From Sendai: 1 hour 20 min
Naruko Onsen: 7 min
Nakayamadaira Onsen: 4 min
Geibikei - Iwate prefecture
Meet Ito Osamu; Ito is one of the boatman that daily navigates a flat-bottom boat through the Geibikei Gorge. His local folk song called ‘Geibi Oiwake’ can be heard as he paddles visitors from all over the world up and down the Satesu River. The 90 minute return trip sees you surrounded by steep limestone cliff faces over 50m high and in September through November the most vibrant oranges and reds.
The river is also home to many large fish and families of ducks which you can feed with food purchased on the boat.
Getting there:
Train:
JR Ofunato Line From Ichinoseki Station to Geibikei Station (32 min)
5 minute walk from Geibikei station
Bus:
JR Geibikei Line from Ichinoseki Station to Geibikei (40 min)
1 minute walk from Geibikei Stop
Car:
30 minute drive from Ichinoseki IC
MOUNT HACHIMANTAI - AKITA PREFECTURE
Sitting on the border of the Akita and Iwate prefectures, Mount Hachimantai is a volcanic plateau with an elevation of 1613m above sea level. Often referred to as a flat topped mountain it is the third highest in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
The best colour in Mount Hachimantai can be seen slightly earlier than much of Tohoku - peaking late September to late October. In addition to the beauty of the Autumn leaves, if you visit early on a cold day, you may be lucky enough to get up above the clouds and witness the white filled valleys below.
Getting there:
Bus:
Morioka Station to Chausuguchi bus stop (approx. 1 hour)
Sightseeing walk trails start from this stop
Car:
Drive the Hachimantai Aspite Line. A sightseeing road connecting the Iwate Prefecture in the east with the Akita Prefecture in the west.
Autumn in tohoku
A beautiful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the more often visited cities in Japan, Tohoku offers a chance to relax and recharge while connecting with traditional Japanese culture. Although fleeting our visit to the region of Tohoku left me wanting more - with a great desire to get back and experience the full Autumn effect in late October, early November.
For those of you reading that followed our trip on Instagram and want more information on all the places we visited, I have listed our four day itinerary below.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments…
Ofukazawa Bridge
Tohoku itinerary
Day 1
Arrived in Sendai via plane from Tokyo
Akiu Great Falls
Overnight in: Naruko Onsen
Day 2
Naruko Gorge
Mōtsūji Temple
Geibikei
Overnight in: Ichinoseki
Day 3
Ryūdendō
Jōdogahama
Overnight in: Morioka
Day 4
Hachimatai
Morioka Hachimangū
Wanko Soba Challenge
Morioka Lookout
Departed Morioka for Tokyo via Shinkunsen
Morioka Lookout
A big thank you to JNTO for making this trip possible…
… and thank you for reading!