Japan’s Most Stunning Red Leaves: A Must-Visit Autumn Foliage Destination in Iwate Prefecture, Tohoku

Reported by You Ru / Special Feature

As summer transitions into early autumn, the Tohoku region of Japan also enters its prime foliage season. From mid-September, Hokkaido and Tohoku will be the first areas in Japan to ignite with crimson leaves, gradually spreading southward as cooler autumn weather sets in. Known as one of “Japan’s most beautiful places for red foliage,” the Tohoku region offers spectacular autumn views where reds and yellows intermingle at spots such as Hachimantai, Nekomanai Gorge, Chuson-ji Temple, and Genbikei Gorge.

Hachimantai
Part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Hachimantai is a vast park surrounded by unique volcanic landforms, virgin forests, high moors, and alpine plants. To experience Hachimantai’s natural beauty, you can drive along the “Hachimantai Shield Volcano Route” or visit Japan’s only shield volcano lake, “Hachimanuma.” Whether enjoying the view from your car or taking a stroll, both are popular ways to get close to this majestic nature. During the foliage season, you can also admire the breathtaking scenery of reds and yellows blending together.

% and acid ζ coke? Night? Dark Mu? Corner qin ke. (Japan, our chamber? Structure? / strong)


Nekomanai Gorge
Formed by the erosion of limestone by the Sankibeki River, Nekomanai Gorge features a 2-kilometer-long valley with towering 100-meter cliffs along its banks. The river flows quietly, and taking a boat ride while listening to the traditional boatman’s song “Nekomanai Wakiiri,” you’ll see the valley—once bidding farewell to summer—transform into a vibrant, colorful tapestry as it welcomes autumn, resembling an exquisitely embroidered brocade screen. The maple leaves are especially stunning, and amid the croaking of river frogs, you can truly feel the embrace of nature.

% A sharp cave? The river naturally? Painted long beautiful thread. (Japan, our chamber? Structure? / strong)


Chuson-ji Temple
Located at the northeastern headquarters of the Tendai sect, Chuson-ji Temple is said to have been built in the third year of the Jōsha era (850 AD) by the eminent Tendai monk Jikaku Daishi Ennin. In the early 12th century, during a time of prolonged warfare in Tohoku, the first lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, Kiyohira, constructed a “Buddha’s Land” to mourn the many souls lost in battle. Unfortunately, many halls and pagodas were destroyed by a fire in the 14th century. Today, the Golden Hall of the Konjiki-do within Chuson-ji is a designated Japanese National Treasure and Important Cultural Property, and is hailed as the foremost repository of Heian-period art in eastern Japan.

% Home to the resplendent Golden Hall. (Japan, our chamber? Structure? / strong)


Genbikei Gorge
Carved by the Iwai River originating from Mount Kurikoma, Genbikei Gorge features a stunning landscape of caves, waterfalls, and deep pools shaped through the erosion of massive rocks, stretching beautifully over 2 kilometers. While enjoying the local specialty of dango (sweet rice dumplings), take a relaxing walk along the trail. From the suspension bridge, you can gaze at a unique scene where the upstream rapids contrast with the tranquil pools downstream. With cherry blossoms in spring and snowmelt-fed streams, cool streams dotted with azaleas in summer, vivid red foliage in autumn, and ink-painting-like winter landscapes, Genbikei captivates in all four seasons. A local specialty, “Kakkou Dango,” is delivered from the opposite riverside using bamboo baskets, earning it the nickname “flying dango.” Thanks to years of experience, the tea inside the baskets never spills—be sure to try this unique experience for yourself.

% An outstanding ancient valley that touches your heart. (Japan, our chamber? Structure? / strong)


【Autumn Foliage Tours in Tohoku, Japan】
Cola Travel – Tohoku Ohenro Route, Food & Fruit Tasting, and Hot Springs Foliage Tour (4 days) starting from ¥30,800; Guangde Travel Agency – The Secret Realm of Mutsu, ‘Oirase Gorge’ Foliage Tour starting from ¥9,500; Pacific Travel Agency – Autumn Foliage Secret Realm & Hot Springs Journey, ‘Crimson Land Foliage Hunt’ (7 days) starting from ¥67,800

【Information on Iwate Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan】
Population: 1.318 million (as of March 31, 2012)
Area: 15,278 square kilometers
Climate: The mountainous inland areas near the Ou Mountains experience heavy snowfall in winter under a Japan Sea climate, inland areas have a continental climate, and coastal regions enjoy a marine climate.


▲ Video of Hachimantai.   (Video / Source: youtube)


▲ Location of Iwate Prefecture. (Image / Source: google maps)