Autumn maple leaves and winter snowscapes are breathtakingly beautiful – 6 dreamy spots in Northeast Japan, including seagulls and a kotatsu train

Reporter Lü Xiaowen / Interviewed and photographed

Have you noticed the weather getting cooler? Autumn is approaching, and it’s once again the season for enjoying maple leaves and snow. Due to similarities in culture and lifestyle, Japan has long been one of the top travel destinations favored by Taiwanese. In the past, when thinking of viewing autumn foliage or snow in Japan, people often first thought of Kansai or Hokkaido. Butthis year, Taiwan’s Tigerair added more flights from Taipei to Hanamaki Airport in Iwate Prefecture, exclusively sold by the Taiwanese travel agency EasyTravel, making the Northeastern attractions another appealing option.

▲ The Nioh Bridge Gorge takes on a serene beauty in autumn. (Image provided by Nioh Bridge Boat Ride (GEIBI-FUNAKUDARI))

In the past, most trips to Northeast Japan involved entering and exiting via Sendai. However, Iwate Prefecture is actually located at the heart of the Northeast region,and for those traveling across the entire Northeast—whether on independent or group tours—flying in and out of Hanamaki Airport can save a considerable amount of time. In addition, Hanamaki Airport is relatively closer in driving distance to the various scenic spots in the Northeast.

ETNews reporters recently visited Northeast Japan firsthand tocompile a list of the 6 best spots for viewing autumn leaves and snow in the region in 2017, offering travelers alternative choices for their autumn and winter trips abroad this year. (

Chuson-ji Temple:
Located in Kanzan, Chuson-ji Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 and is currently the largest ancient temple in the Northeast. It is also known as the “Golden Hall” because of its Kondo (main hall) covered entirely in gold leaf. The Shōrōin (Bell Tower Treasury) houses the Sanjō-in, which contains over 3,000 national treasures and Buddhist scriptures, earning it the reputation as a treasure trove of Japanese Buddhism.Built against a mountain, Chuson-ji Temple exudes the serenity of a sacred Buddhist site, with both its architecture and gardens reflecting tranquility. In autumn, red leaves adorn the buildings like rouge, while in winter, snow adds a sense of Zen to the ancient structures.

▲ Just imagine how vibrant and autumnal the place becomes when cloaked in red.

Nioh Bridge Boat Ride:
The boat ride through Nioh Bridge Gorge is one of Japan’s Top 100 Scenic Spots. Drifting along in a flat-bottomed boat through rugged cliffs and rocky shores, accompanied by birdsong, monkey calls, ducks, and koi fish, offers a truly relaxing experience.Winding through a dramatic gorge, Nioh Bridge Gorge boasts majestic scenery with lush tree-lined banks, offering unique charm in all four seasons. No wonder some say that every visit to Nioh Bridge Gorge reveals a different face.

▲ The lush greenery of summer fills the riverside with vitality.

▲ In winter, a world of white snow presents an entirely different scene. (Image provided by Nioh Bridge Boat Ride (GEIBI-FUNAKUDARI))

Pure Land Beach:
The pure white sandy beach along the Sanriku Coastline is a dream destination for many.It is said that the monk Reikyō, who discovered this place, was struck by its resemblance to the “Pure Land” described in Buddhist scriptures, hence naming it Pure Land Beach, a name that has endured to this day. The combination of emerald green pines, white shorelines, and blue seas forms a breathtakingly beautiful tableau.。Additionally, visitors can take a cruise along the coast to enjoy the seascape and even feed seagulls with bread from the boat. The crimson shoreline in autumn and the snow-blanketed landscape in winter, set against the backdrop of the sea and sky, each offer their own unique charm.

▲ This is almost a must-visit spot for influencers.

Sanriku Reconstruction Railway:
The Sanriku Reconstruction Railway is said to be one of Japan’s most beautiful coastal railways. Along the route, you’ll pass Japan’s number one coastal spot, the Kitayamazaki Coastline, as well as the famous “Yasaka Bridge,” “Osawa Bridge,” and the “Horinai Station,” which has been featured in numerous Japanese dramas. The popular show “Amachan” was primarily filmed here. The train journey offers views of the sea, forests, old houses, and large bridges. Many come especially to see the crimson leaves of autumn and the silvery snows of winter. In addition,in winter, there’s a limited-edition “Kotatsu Train” exclusive to the Northeast, where you can enjoy the scenery while sitting at a heated table and savoring hot food.

▲ In summer, there’s an adventure-themed train, and in winter, a kotatsu train—each season brings a different theme.

Oirase Gorge – Lake Towada Area
The Oirase Gorge is the only outflow stream of Lake Towada and is hailed as the most scenic spot in Japan's Tohoku region.Fromthe Shiogama Outlet of Lake Towada to the downstream area, it stretches 14.2 kilometers in total. As many visitors grow more amazed the further they go, it has been named "Oirase," meaning "deep within." Along the trail,you’ll find beech, hinoki cypress, and maple trees, creating a pristine forest atmosphere. The path is accompanied by various rapids, streams, and waterfalls, prompting the great Japanese poet Taisuke Otemachi to praise it as, “If you live in Japan, you must visit; if you visit, you must see the three and a half ri of the Oirase Gorge.”

▲The Oirase Gorge turns a brilliant red in autumn

Ginzan Onsen:
Ginzan Onsen got its name from silver mines, but it became widely known thanks to Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away.”Nestled along the Ginzan Valley, Ginzan Onsen preserves old Japanese wooden buildings from the Taisho and Showa eras, along with stone bridges and gas lamps, giving it an idyllic, secluded charm.Besides serving as the inspiration for the bathhouse in “Spirited Away,” older generations who watched the TV drama “Oshin” may recognize the “Notoya,” where Oshin’s mother worked, as also being set here.
▲Ginzan Onsen gained fame through “Oshin” and “Spirited Away”

▲Ginzan Onsen covered in snow offers a completely different kind of beauty. (Photo / provided by EasyGo)

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