I never shut up about Japan’s Tohoku region—and with good reason. Melding the rugged beauty of Hokkaido with the rich culture of Honshu, and being off-the-beaten-path in spite of sitting right on the Shinkansen line, Tohoku is Japan’s sweet spot.
To be sure, I’ve made a point of coming back here in all Japan’s seasons, in order to add another dimension to the incredible eclecticism of the Tohoku chi-hou. And each has added to its richness, in my estimation.
However, while I love the deep snows of winter, the fruit and flowers of summer and uncrowded sakura spots of spring, there’s something about Tohoku in autumn that’s simply unmatched. Continue reading to see what I mean!
Tohoku is Underrated All Year—Autumn is No Exception
Before I lean into talking about the Tohoku autumn, I want to sing the praises of the region in general. As I mentioned in the intro to this piece, Tohoku is Japan’s sweet spot. Major cities like Sendai, Morioka and Aomori are all right on the Tohoku Shinkansen line (Japan’s fastest one), and yet with the exception of certain attractions, are almost never crowded (certainly not with foreign tourists), even during the busiest times of year.
Beyond this general truth, there are the specific destinations and attractions, which are just astonishing and amazing. Some of them I’ll be covering below, such as Lake Towada, which is one of the largest volcanic lakes in Japan. Others shine in other seasons, from the “snow monsters” of Yamagata (which are at their best in winter), to sunrise over Miyagi’s Matsushima, which is most picturesque in summer.
Where to Go in Tohoku in Autumn
Lake Towada and vicinity
Lake Towada is my favorite of Japan’s large volcanic lakes, and that was true before I visited it in autumn. If you come here, I recommend doing so by car. This will allow you not only to visit nearby Oirase Stream in its golden glory, but also to stop at Nakano Momiji Mountain, and in the apple-producing town of Kuroishi.
Osorezan Bodai-ji
Like Towada-ko, the second entry in my Tohoku autumn itinerary is also in Aomori prefecture, specifically on the underrated Shimokita Peninsula. I’m speaking specifically about Osorezan Bodai-ji, a temple that’s also sometimes known as the “door to hell.” Note that if you want to come here, you’ll have to do so before October 31, when it closes for the year.
Rural Iwate prefecture
Although I love seeing colors in Morioka City, the more rural reaches of Iwate prefecture shine brightest in the fall. I’m thinking of two spots in particular: The town of Hiraizumi and its various temples and shrines; and Geibikei gorge, whose famous boat rides take its natural beauty to another level.
Yamadera temple
Moving southward, another of my favorite spots to enjoy autumn in Tohoku is at Yamadera temple. Although ostensibly in Yamagata prefecture, I usually come here as a day trip from Sendai, though this is up to personal preference more than anything. Make sure to climb the stone steps to the top for an amazing view of the valley below!
Ouchi-juku and Aizu-wakamatsu
Last (for now, anyway) but not least is Fukushima prefecture, where I want to highlight two main destinations. First up is the Ouchi-juku old street, where golden leaves quite literally frame the entire scene in fabulous fall perfection. Second is Aizu-Wakamatsu, which is a larger city than it appears to be at first glance, but where maples and ginkgos and cherry trees (oh my!) add a certain je ne sais quoi to the whole atmosphere.
My Other Favorite Times to Visit Tohoku
I alluded to some other seasonal delights in Tohoku earlier in this article, but I’ll break things down more specifically for you below:
- Sakura shine throughout the region in spring, including at Hirosaki Castle with its “petal moat” phenomenon, and at Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima.
- Likewise, there’s plenty to enjoy in summer, whether you use the extended daylight to explore the underrated Sanriku Coast, to enjoy Japan’s sweetest cherries in Sagae city in Yamagata prefecture.
- My favorite winter feature of Tohoku is the “snow monsters” atop Mt. Zao in Yamagata prefecture, though certain autumn attractions (namely, Geibikei) are also amazing amid deep snow.
As you can see, while the Tohoku region autumn is fabulous, it does not have a monopoly on all the reasons this part of Japan is so worth visiting.
Other FAQ About Tohoku in Autumn
Is the Tohoku region worth visiting in October?
The Tohoku region is gorgeous in October, though in most cases, it’s too early for autumn colors. Still, coming in October means you’ll enjoy pleasant weather (warm days, cool nights) and plentiful sunshine, even if most of the trees will still be green.
Where to go in Tohoku in autumn?
My favorite places to visit in Tohoku in autumn include Aomori’s Lake Towada, Iwate’s Hiraizumi town and Geibikei gorge, Yamadera temple in Yamagata prefecture and the Ouchi-juku old street outside of Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima. With this being said, the entire region is gorgeous during the autumn season.
What is the Tohoku region like in autumn?
The Tohoku region is magnificent in autumn, with both natural and architectural scenes decked out in blazing color. In spite of this, most places in Tohoku are not at all crowded, and certainly not by foreign tourists, in spite of many being convenient to the Shinkansen bullet train line.
The Bottom Line
Tohoku in autumn will rock your world, even if you’ve already visited the region in other seasons. From cities like Aomori and Morioka, to towns like Hiraizumi and Kakunodate, to natural wonders like Lake Towada and Geibikei gorge, Tohoku punches far above its weight, no matter where you go. Visiting here in autumn is amazing not only because of the sheer beauty, but because leaves reach their peak earlier than they do in the rest of Japan, and most destinations are much more uncrowded than those along Japan’s so-called “Golden Route.” Need personalized help planning your Tohoku autumn adventure? Consider hiring me to create an itinerary for you.
