I by no means shut up about Japan’s Tohoku area—and with good motive. Melding the rugged fantastic thing about Hokkaido with the wealthy tradition of Honshu, and being off-the-beaten-path regardless of sitting proper on the Shinkansen line, Tohoku is Japan’s candy spot.
To make certain, I’ve made some extent of coming again right here in all Japan’s seasons, with a purpose to add one other dimension to the unbelievable eclecticism of the Tohoku chi-hou. And every has added to its richness, in my estimation.
Nevertheless, whereas I like the deep snows of winter, the fruit and flowers of summer season and uncrowded sakura spots of spring, there’s one thing about Tohoku in autumn that’s merely unmatched. Proceed studying to see what I imply!
Tohoku is Underrated All 12 months—Autumn is No Exception
Earlier than I lean into speaking in regards to the Tohoku autumn, I need to sing the praises of the area basically. As I discussed within the intro to this piece, Tohoku is Japan’s candy spot. Main cities like Sendai, Morioka and Aomori are all proper on the Tohoku Shinkansen line (Japan’s quickest one), and but aside from sure points of interest, are virtually by no means crowded (definitely not with international vacationers), even through the busiest instances of 12 months.
Past this common fact, there are the particular locations and points of interest, that are simply astonishing and superb. A few of them I’ll be protecting beneath, comparable to Lake Towada, which is among the largest volcanic lakes in Japan. Others shine in different seasons, from the “snow monsters” of Yamagata (that are at their finest in winter), to dawn over Miyagi’s Matsushima, which is most picturesque in summer season.
The place to Go in Tohoku in Autumn
Lake Towada and neighborhood
Lake Towada is my favourite of Japan’s giant volcanic lakes, and that was true earlier than I visited it in autumn. If you happen to come right here, I like to recommend doing so by automotive. This can enable you not solely to go to close by Oirase Stream in its golden glory, but in addition to cease at Nakano Momiji Mountain, and within the apple-producing city of Kuroishi.
Osorezan Bodai-ji
Like Towada-ko, the second entry in my Tohoku autumn itinerary can be in Aomori prefecture, particularly on the underrated Shimokita Peninsula. I’m talking particularly about Osorezan Bodai-ji, a temple that’s additionally typically referred to as the “door to hell.” Be aware that if you wish to come right here, you’ll have to take action earlier than October 31, when it closes for the 12 months.
Rural Iwate prefecture
Though I like seeing colours in Morioka Metropolis, the extra rural reaches of Iwate prefecture shine brightest within the fall. I’m pondering of two spots specifically: The city of Hiraizumi and its numerous temples and shrines; and Geibikei gorge, whose well-known boat rides take its pure magnificence to a different degree.
Yamadera temple
Shifting southward, one other of my favourite spots to get pleasure from autumn in Tohoku is at Yamadera temple. Though ostensibly in Yamagata prefecture, I often come right here as a day journey from Sendai, although that is as much as private choice greater than something. Make certain to climb the stone steps to the highest for an incredible view of the valley beneath!
Ouchi-juku and Aizu-wakamatsu
Final (for now, anyway) however not least is Fukushima prefecture, the place I need to spotlight two most important locations. First up is the Ouchi-juku previous avenue, the place golden leaves fairly actually body the complete scene in fabulous fall perfection. Second is Aizu-Wakamatsu, which is a bigger metropolis than it seems to be at first look, however the place maples and ginkgos and cherry bushes (oh my!) add a sure je ne sais quoi to the entire environment.
My Different Favourite Instances to Go to Tohoku
I alluded to another seasonal delights in Tohoku earlier on this article, however I’ll break issues down extra particularly for you beneath:
- Sakura shine all through the area in spring, together with at Hirosaki Fort with its “petal moat” phenomenon, and at Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima.
- Likewise, there’s lots to get pleasure from in summer season, whether or not you utilize the prolonged daylight to discover the underrated Sanriku Coast, to get pleasure from Japan’s sweetest cherries in Sagae metropolis in Yamagata prefecture.
- My favourite winter function of Tohoku is the “snow monsters” atop Mt. Zao in Yamagata prefecture, although sure autumn points of interest (particularly, Geibikei) are additionally superb amid deep snow.
As you may see, whereas the Tohoku area autumn is fabulous, it doesn’t have a monopoly on all the explanations this a part of Japan is so value visiting.
Different FAQ About Tohoku in Autumn
Is the Tohoku area value visiting in October?
The Tohoku area is beautiful in October, although generally, it’s too early for autumn colours. Nonetheless, coming in October means you’ll get pleasure from nice climate (heat days, cool nights) and plentiful sunshine, even when many of the bushes will nonetheless be inexperienced.
The place to go in Tohoku in autumn?
My favourite locations to go to in Tohoku in autumn embody Aomori’s Lake Towada, Iwate’s Hiraizumi city and Geibikei gorge, Yamadera temple in Yamagata prefecture and the Ouchi-juku previous avenue outdoors of Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima. With this being mentioned, the complete area is beautiful through the autumn season.
What’s the Tohoku area like in autumn?
The Tohoku area is magnificent in autumn, with each pure and architectural scenes decked out in blazing shade. Despite this, most locations in Tohoku are in no way crowded, and positively not by international vacationers, regardless of many being handy to the Shinkansen bullet practice line.
The Backside Line
Tohoku in autumn will rock your world, even for those who’ve already visited the area in different seasons. From cities like Aomori and Morioka, to cities like Hiraizumi and Kakunodate, to pure wonders like Lake Towada and Geibikei gorge, Tohoku punches far above its weight, irrespective of the place you go. Visiting right here in autumn is superb not solely due to the sheer magnificence, however as a result of leaves attain their peak sooner than they do in the remainder of Japan, and most locations are far more uncrowded than these alongside Japan’s so-called “Golden Route.” Want personalised assist planning your Tohoku autumn journey? Take into account hiring me to create an itinerary for you.