Aomori in autumn is home to many of the most famous fall foliage spots in Japan! In fall, red, orange, and gold leaves decorate trees, turning them into painting-like landscapes. According to the foliage forecast, autumn colors are expected in Aomori around November 11.
The leaves gain unique colors due to the difference in temperature between day and night, and the landscape of forests, valleys, and parks is spectacular.
Here we will share some of the most beautiful autumn foliage spots unique to Aomori Prefecture, blessed by lush nature, plus the best time to visit.
Surrounded by Autumn Colors! 3 Scenic Ryokan Inns in Aomori Where You Can Enjoy Beautiful Foliage
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1. Tsutanuma Lake: Fiery Autumn leaves reflecting on the water
Early morning at Tsutanuma Lake with autumn leaves reflecting on the surface
Tsutanuma Lake is located in the Oirase area of Towada City. It's surrounded by virgin forest and visited every year by tourists from all over the country and world who come to see the autumn colors and take as many pictures as they can.
In particular, the mirror-like surface of the lake creates a mysterious and charming picture at sunrise that can only be seen at that moment. We also recommend visiting the other marshes while exploring the promenade, especially in mid-October.
Tsutanuma Lake
Azatsutanoyu, Okuse, Towada, Aomori 034-0301
From JR Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR bus Mizuumi to Tsuta Onsen and walk for 15 minutes. About 60 minutes driving from the Kuroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway
・Phone: 0176-24-3006 (Towada Oirase Tourism Organization)
Autumn in Japan: When & Where To Enjoy The Fall Foliage Season (+Forecast, Nearby Hotels)
2. Oirase Stream: Stroll along a walking path illuminated by gorgeous fall leaves
Oirase Stream, where autumn leaves are in full color
Oirase Stream is located in Towada City, like Tsutanuma Lake, and is surrounded by a deep, natural forest. The 14km path beside the stream itself is surrounded by many kinds of trees, like azalea, maple, and more, forming a gorgeous tunnel of fall foliage.
The autumn leaves show their best from late October to early November. The combination of the tunnel embellished by the autumn colors, the dynamic mountain stream, and the magnificent waterfall make for a fantastic landscape.
Oirase Stream
Okuse, Towada-shi, Aomori
Hachinohe
0176-75-2425
3. Nakano Momiji Mountain: Dramatic shows of leaves in day and night
Autumn leaves in color at Nakano Momiji Mountain
Photo courtesy of Kuroishi Tourism Association
Located in the center of Aomori Prefecture, Nakano Momiji Mountain, in Kuroishi City, is a famous location for autumn leaves with its beautiful Japanese maples. 100 kinds of maple trees were ordered from Kyoto and planted during the time of the feudal lords (around 1802). Now the fiery red maple trees perfectly espouse the bridges and torii gates of this beautiful site.
At night, the leaves are illuminated, creating a fantastic world, and showing a completely different spectacle from the one you can enjoy during the day. (In 2022, the illuminations are canceled due to the spread of Covid-19.)
You will also see the Kanpudai area, with its famous beautiful carpets of fallen leaves, and Fudo Falls, with their soothing sound. The best time to admire the foliage here is from mid-October to early November.
Nakano Momiji Mountain
Fudoudate 27, Minaminakano, Kuroishi Shi, Aomori Prefecture, 036-0405, Japan
From JR Aomori Station, take the Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station, transfer to the Konan Railway, and get off at Kuroishi Station. Take the Konan Bus to Nakano Shrine, and walk for 1 minute. About 10 minutes driving from the Tohoku Expressway Kuroishi IC.
・Phone: 0172-88-8815 (Kuroishi Tourist Information Center)
・Light-up dates: Canceled for 2022
・Light-up time: From dusk until 9pm
4. Jogakura Ohashi Bridge: Spectacular scenery from the 360m panoramic bridge
Jogakura Ohashi Bridge in Aomori City is a huge bridge with a 255m arch spanner. When it opened in 1955, it used to be the l…
