You should definitely not miss the autumn leaves in Fukushima Prefecture. Fukushima boasts many great places for fall foliage that you can enjoy on scenic drives, plus charming historical spots.
Here we’ll look at 10 of the most popular areas in Fukushima for autumn colors. Albeit for a short time, there will also be illuminations that make the landscape look even more fantastic.
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1. Azuma Sports Park: Beautifully lit up Ginko trees in autumn
Azuma Sports Park is easily accessible by bus from the center of Fukushima City. From JR Fukushima Station, take the Fukushima Kotsu bus #7 at the East Exit Bus Pool, bound for Sawara; get off at Shimobayashi, and walk 10 minutes.
By mid-October, you will be able to see golden splendor of the 116 ginkgo trees that stretch for 520 meters to the center of the park like a beautiful yellow tunnel.
The trees are lit at night from mid-October to mid-November, making them emerge in the dark, creating a magical scene. As you walk down the golden ginkgo tunnel, you’re sure to fall right in love with the season.
The Azuma Sports Park Line of Ginkgo Trees
Kamikotoba 1, Sabara, Fukushima Shi, Fukushima, 960-2158
024-593-1111
・Open: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (varies depending on the facility). Lit up every year from mid-October to mid-November 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
・Admission: free
・Closed: Tuesdays
2. Bandai Azuma Sky Line: Gorgeous fall foliage seen from a mountain road
The Bandai Azuma Skyline is a driving course that will take you through the Azuma-renpou area and by many incredible viewpoints, like Tengu's Garden, where the mountainside is painted with autumn leaves, or Tsubakuro Valley, where the entire valley is dyed red and orange.
From these locations, you will be able to see not only the foliage on Mt. Bandai but also that by the four lakes in the area, like Lake Inawashiro and Lake Hibara, which are also spectacular spots you won’t want to miss.
The starting point of the Bandai Azuma Skyline is at Takayu Onsen. To get there, from JR Fukushima Station, take the Prefectural Road 70 on the Fukushima Azuma Ura Bandai Line for about 30 minutes.
The best time to see the autumn leaves here is between late September and mid-October.
Bandai Azuma Sky Line
Wasikurayama, Tsuchiyu Onsen Machi, Fukushima Shi, Fukushima Ken, 960-2157, Japan
・Phone: 0242-64-3478 (Fukushima Prefecture Kita Construction Office)
・Usage period: Free tour (time restrictions may apply due to weather conditions)
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Late November-early April
3. Urabandai Autumn Leaves Ropeway: A stunning aerial view of foliage in Fukushima
45 minutes away from JR Inawashiro Station by shuttle bus (reservation required), you will find Grandeco Resort, a leisure facility with hotels and ski resorts. From here, you can use the ropeway that will offer an amazing view of the mountainside dyed in crimson and gold.
The ropeway takes about 10 minutes each way. It will take you 1,400m above sea level to an observation deck offering a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains. To enjoy the scenery, even more, be sure to stop by the footbath, where you can soak your feet and warm up while gazing out at the colors.
The best time to see the autumn leaves here is from early to late October.
Urabandai Autumn Leaves Ropeway
Arasunasawayama, Oaza Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima, 969-2701
0241-32-2530
・Open: Open: From Saturday, July 30, 2022 to Sunday, November 6, 2022, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
・Price: Ropeway round trip 1,800 yen (adults)
・Closed: always open
4. Goshikinuma Lakes: Feast on the mysterious energy and the beautiful autumn colors
Image courtesy of Urabandai Tourism Association
Goshikinuma Lakes refers to a series of 20-30 pond…
