Enjoying autumn leaves in Miyagi is magical. In fall, when many tree leaves turn into is a fundamental part of Japan's fall season, and where better to catch sight of their lovely hues than in Miyagi, a prefecture known for its closeness with nature and all the beautiful benefits it brings?
We've compiled ten must-visit hotspots for autumn foliage within the prefecture into one handy list for your convenience, including exciting places like impressive valleys and historical shrines. Hopefully, some of them will pique your interest!
Main image credit: Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Division
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1. Naruko Gorge: A V-shaped canyon covered in red and yellow
Photo credits: Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Division
The famous Naruko Gorge is about a 10-minute drive away from Naruko-Onsen Station on the JR Lines and contains one of the most recognizable autumn foliage scenery associated with Miyagi.
Late October to early November is the best time to visit Miyagi to catch sight of the gorgeous autumn foliage on display here. The valley – filled with the canopies of colorfully vivid beech and maple trees – is about 2.6 kilometers (1.61 miles) long and 100 meters (328 feet) deep.
A great view of these autumn leaves in Miyagi to visit is the observatory platform found on the premises of Naruko Gorge Resthouse. Here is where you can admire the valley's landscape, which comes with a curious bridge peeking out between the foliage for a harmonious picture of verdant nature and modern architecture.
Naruko Gorge
Narukoonsen, Osaki-shi, Miyagi
Naruko-goten-yu
0229-83-3441
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2. Entsuin Temple: Famous area dressed in glamorous autumn leaves
Photo credits: Entsūin
Matsushima City is another destination with plenty of popular autumn leaf spots for visitors of Miyagi, foremost among which is Entsūin, a temple that was founded in 1647. It is a very accessible 5-minute walk from Matsushimakaigan Station on the JR Lines. The four gardens within temple grounds have been designed with traditional Japanese aesthetics in mind.
Photo credits: Entsūin
The best time to visit Matsushima for autumn foliage is between late October to mid-November. During this period, the temple gardens will be illuminated at night as well, which adds a touch of dramatic flair to its already audacious appearance. The must-see scene here is the sight of red maple leaves dangling upside-down as they are reflected on the clear and tranquil surface of the temple's Shinji Pond.
Entsuuin Temple
67 in Matsushimacho, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi
Matsushimakaigan
022-354-3206
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3. Mount Kurikoma: AKA 'The Carpet of God'
Photo credits: Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Division
The massive Mount Kurikoma straddles the prefectures of Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita. The impressive layers of red, yellow, and orange autumn foliage here mainly consist of beech and rowan tree leaves. This breathtaking view can be enjoyed from mid-September to mid-October. So breathtaking is the scene when autumn is in fu…
