By: Alex
Located at the junction of Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Akita Prefecture, Mount Kurikoma stands at an elevation of only 1,626 meters. Yet, it is the earliest place in the northeastern part of Honshu to offer a view of autumn foliage, with the treetops at the summit turning red as early as late September. The red hues then gradually spread down to the mountainside and foothills, lasting until mid-October. It is considered the foremost destination for autumn leaf viewing in the region.
▲ Mount Kurikoma has been dyed in brilliant shades of red.
Recently, an aerial photographer (@kuuto1469) climbed Mount Kurikoma hoping to capture the red maple scenery ahead of others. Although he initially thought it might be a bit early, his concerns vanished upon reaching the summit, where the plants had already donned their autumn attire. The mountain is covered mainly with low-growing shrubs, and due to the particularly rich variety of species, the colors are exceptionally vibrant—earning it the nickname “nature’s velvet carpet.”
▲ Mount Kurikoma is also known as “nature’s velvet carpet.”
There are nine main hiking routes up Mount Kurikoma. Among them, the central route starting from Iwaginohira in Miyagi Prefecture to the south, and the Sugawa route from Sugawa Onsen in Akita Prefecture to the north, are relatively easier. The round-trip takes about two to four hours (not including time spent stopping for photos), making them suitable for most hikers. Notably, the southern route from Miyagi Prefecture offers sweeping views of valleys blanketed in maple leaves, while the northern routes from Akita or Iwate feature volcanic landscapes—each with its own unique charm.
▲ Mount Kurikoma can be considered the earliest destination for autumn foliage viewing in the northeastern part of Honshu.
Source: Hiking Information Online, Tourism Bureau of Kurihara City