Take a charter flight to Japan to see the maple leaves :: Northeast Japan Maple Viewing

Among the many famous maple-viewing spots, the Northeast region is undoubtedly ranked as the top destination for maple viewing in the hearts of the Japanese. The area boasts magnificent landscapes of mountains and waters, and has long been a beloved wellness retreat for Japanese office ladies. Once the maple leaves turn, the scenery — from valleys to mountains, from plateaus to lakes — becomes even more diverse and breathtaking. Moreover, almost all famous maple-viewing spots are located near well-known hot spring towns. Hiking, admiring the maple leaves, and soaking in hot springs is truly the best way to enjoy Japan. Airlines and travel agencies have also added special maple-viewing charter flights to the Northeast region, with services expected to start successively from October. According to the 2008 maple leaf color change schedule, the entire Northeast region can be roughly divided into the earliest areas to turn red — the Aomori Line, Iwate Prefecture, and Yamagata Line around early October. The highlights of maple viewing in this area include Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Morioka, Ushu Onsen, and Zao Onsen. These places are already must-visit destinations in the Northeast, and in autumn, the mountains ablaze with red create a magnificent and stirring spectacle. It’s worth mentioning that there are many hidden hot spring baths here, some located in quaint old streets, others tucked away in natural valleys. Akita Prefecture follows shortly after, showcasing its “maple” beauty around mid-October. The most famous maple-viewing spots here include Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, where the reds and yellows of the mountains and lake waters blend beautifully. If you’re looking for a refreshing experience amidst fluttering red leaves, this is the perfect choice.

As for the southern areas such as Miyagi Prefecture and Fukushima Line, which typically turn red around October, they offer a different kind of charm. Facing the Pacific Ocean, Miyagi and Fukushima have abundant moisture and lower latitudes. Even as the mountain areas gradually turn red, many broadleaf trees still add splashes of deep green. The Naruko Onsen in this area is one of the top maple-viewing spots. Other locations such as Nikko National Park, as well as the nearby Nasu Plateau and Yunishigawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture further south, are also great for leisurely strolls and enjoying the natural mountain scenery at a relaxed pace. Currently, the Japan Meteorological Agency has not yet released its autumn foliage information. For more details on maple foliage, you can check the official website of the Maple Leaf Frontline: http://kouyou.nihon-kankou.or.jp. Additionally, EXCEL AIR SERVICE, known for its helicopter sightseeing tours, will offer aerial tour services in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, from October 2 to November 29. Passengers can take helicopters to enjoy wide-angle “maple views” of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. The new helicopter boarding point is located in Sano, Nikko City. The helicopters fly over Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, with flights lasting up to 16 minutes across 4 routes, and require a minimum of 2 passengers. Fares: Adults 4,000–16,000 yen, Children (ages 3 and above to elementary school age) 2,000–8,000 yen. Travelers planning to visit the area during the maple-viewing season may want to take advantage of this service. Article cited: Take a Japanese maple-viewing charter flight and chase the foliage from north to south

Extended Reading: Must-Try Foods in the Northeast Region (Provided by Tripass Attractions)