Now’s the perfect time to go: One of Japan’s top 100 maple-viewing spots — Zhongye Maple Hill at night is breathtakingly beautiful

Reported and photographed by Reporter You t
ru / Aomori

If you’re planning to admire autumn foliage in Japan, the stunning red leaves in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, in northeastern Japan, are not to be missed. “Zhongye Maple Hill” is one of Japan’s top 100 maple-viewing destinations. From October 16 to November 9 each year, visitors can enjoy the famous nighttime maple spectacle here, where five different colored lights change continuously, transporting you into a magical world. This fantastical yet truly awe-inspiring view is absolutely worth a visit.

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▲ Nighttime maple leaves at Zhongye Maple Hill.

The beauty of the Tohoku region is different from that of major Japanese cities like Tokyo or Osaka. The charm of Tohoku lies in its natural serenity, delicately wrapped in a layer of humanistic aesthetics — a glimpse of this can be caught during the maple leaf season. Hidden in Kuroishi City, Aomori, “Zhongye Maple Hill” embodies just such an atmosphere. The maple trees here were originally private maple-viewing spots created in 1803 when Lord Tsugaru Nobuoki of Hirosaki Domain transplanted a large number of maple saplings from Kyoto, planting them in the forest of Zhongye Shrine. Because of its resemblance to Arashiyama, it’s also known as the “Little Arashiyama.” Whether visited by day or night, it offers a uniquely delightful experience.


▲%Add visual description of the tranquil and colorful maple scenery.


This year’s prime viewing period at Zhongye Maple Hill started about a week later than usual, so by the time our reporter arrived, the leaves had already passed their most vibrant stage. Yet, the site still delivered an astonishing experience. This isn’t an easily accessible maple-viewing spot, but to attract more visitors, locals have designed the area primarily for nighttime maple appreciation. Using various lights in red, yellow, green, and blue, the reflections dance repeatedly around the red bridge over the stream, casting the entire maple forest in a fantastical and unique beauty.

Although Zhongye Maple Hill is one of the top 100 scenic spots, it’s not as crowded as popular destinations like Kyoto or Arashiyama, which adds to its refined and tranquil cultural charm. Between October 20 and November 5, a “maple leaf bed” area was set up for visitors to enjoy the foliage. Guests can recline on wooden beds, nestled in the mountain mist, savor seasonal delicacies, listen to the gentle sound of the stream nearby, and admire the rich hues of red and orange that filter through the layered maple leaves — a truly spectacular sight.

Want to see more beautiful photos of Zhongye Maple Hill? Click here


▲%Description of the vibrant colors blending into the landscape.


Zhongye Maple Hill
Nighttime lighting hours: October 16 – November 9, 2014, 17:00–21:00