The Hokuriku region, which includes the four prefectures of Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui in Japan, is a land of diverse culture, cuisine and natural landscapes. Especially in the fall, when the maple leaves turn yellow and red, dyeing the mountains and forests, this area becomes more charming than ever.
Join JNTO to explore the must-see places to fully enjoy the beauty and unique experiences in this land.
Niigata Prefecture
Okutadami
Source: IG@ lucky_field_graphy
Lake Okutadami is one of the largest artificial lakes in Japan, holding up to 600 million tons of water. During the Edo period, the area was a silver mine, hence the name Ginzan or Silver Lake.
Every autumn, Lake Okutadami becomes one of the best autumn foliage viewing spots in Niigata Prefecture. The leaves of trees such as oaks, maples and rowan trees gradually change from green to red and yellow, covering the surrounding mountains, creating an extremely attractive and impressive scene.
When coming here, visitors can join boat tours operating from late May to early November with a round trip lasting about 40 minutes to enjoy the wonderful beauty of this lake.
Besides, after visiting Lake Okutadami, you can also visit Oze National Park, which is considered a favorite destination for mountain climbing enthusiasts. Or you can also explore ideal stops near Lake Okutadami, such as Tochiomata hot spring resort and Komanoyu Sanso, along with the campgrounds in the area. These experiences will bring you a wonderful feeling of relaxation and closeness to nature.
■ Address: Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Mid-October to early November
Dragondola Cable Car
The Dragondola Ropeway, with a total length of 5,481 meters and a height of 425 meters, is recognized as the longest ropeway in Japan. Not only does it take visitors to the top of Mount Naeba, the Dragondola Ropeway also offers a unique experience with beautiful natural scenery.
Source: IG@ jun.s.freed
The one-way cable car ride takes about 25 minutes, enough for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. During the journey, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of Mount Tairappyo, Kiyotsu River and Futai Lake with its charming turquoise color, creating unforgettable moments amidst majestic nature.
Source: IG@ m.kazama_acr55w
Autumn is the perfect time to experience the Dragondola Ropeway, when the leaves change into shades of orange, yellow and red, blending with the turquoise lake, creating a vivid picture. The period from mid-October to the end of October is the best time to enjoy this scenery. If you miss it, you can always come back in November when the karamatsu pines change color, creating a sea of golden pine when viewed from the ropeway.
Once at the top of the mountain, visitors can relax at cafes serving drinks and snacks, enjoying the majestic view from above.
The cable car is open from 9am to 3pm daily. Since autumn is the peak tourist season, the Dragondola cable car area is often crowded, so visitors should book in advance to save time and avoid long waits.
■ Address: Mikuni, Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Mid-October to late November
Niigata Saito Residence
Source: IG@ yasu_145s
The Niigata Saito Residence was built in 1918 by the Saito family, one of the wealthiest merchant families in Niigata Prefecture at the time. The residence is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, featuring a strolling garden that was cleverly designed to make the most of the sandy terrain, along with the open and airy architecture of the house and garden from the Taisho period (1912–1926). Both the house and the Japanese garden are cultural assets that reflect the prosperity of Niigata City in the 1910s and 1920s, when it was a thriving port and commercial city.
With a large campus of about 4,500 square meters, the mansion is surrounded by three gardens with unique and rich landscapes, notably a small waterfall and many large, unique rocks artistically arranged to create a wonderful natural beauty.
Source: IG@ edge.of.niigata
Strolling through the garden, visitors will be amazed by the changing scenery with the seasons, especially in autumn, when the contrast between the green pine trees and the red maple leaves creates a vivid scene. In particular, the garden is also illuminated in the evening during autumn to highlight the beauty of the foliage.
In addition, enjoying sweet wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) and matcha tea in this poetic setting will definitely be an interesting experience that visitors should not miss when coming to Niigata Saito Residence.
■ Address: 576 Nishi-Ohatacho, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Mid-October to mid-November
Toyama Prefecture
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a unique and spectacular route that connects Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture, passing through the Northern Japan Alps. To fully explore the beauty of this route, visitors will experience an exciting journey with various means of transportation such as buses, cable cars, and even trains.
Autumn is the time when this place puts on its most splendid coat because the forests along the route begin to change color. The maple and birch leaves gradually change from fresh green to golden yellow and bright red, along with the white snow on the high mountain peaks, creating a beautiful, multi-colored natural picture.
One of the must-see attractions on this route is Kurobe Dam, which is the tallest dam in Japan at 186 meters. You can walk across the dam in about 15 minutes and if you are lucky you can see the view of water flowing out of the dam at a speed of 10 tons of water per second, creating white steam.
For a panoramic view of the Kurobe Lake area and the surrounding mountains, take the 1.7km Tateyama Ropeway. It is one of the longest single-span ropeways in Japan, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. From above, visitors can admire the golden autumn forests, blue lakes and snow-capped mountain peaks.
After riding the ropeway, visitors will arrive at the Murodo Plateau, which is also the highest point that visitors can visit on this route. Located at an altitude of 2,450 meters above sea level, Murodo is the ideal place to see the panoramic view of the Tateyama mountain range in autumn. Here, visitors can freely explore, hike, or simply sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air.
From around October, the weather in this area will turn cold and the Murodo Plateau will also start to snow, so don’t forget to bring warm clothes, walking shoes and other necessary items on your journey to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
■ Address: Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Late September to November
Shomyo Falls
Located in Chubusangaku National Park, Shomyo Falls is one of the most spectacular scenic spots in Toyama Prefecture. With a drop of 350 meters, the falls are famous for being one of the largest free-falling waterfalls in Japan. Along with its wild and majestic beauty, Shomyo Falls is also recognized as one of the national scenic spots and natural monuments, and is also listed as one of the 100 most famous waterfalls in Japan.
The image of the water pouring down fiercely, creating white foam, creates a beautiful natural picture that makes anyone amazed. Autumn is the ideal time to visit Shomyo Falls. When the weather turns cold, the bright red maple leaves and golden birch leaves dye the whole area yellow. In the midst of that scene, Shomyo Falls appears like a pure white silk strip, creating a beautiful natural picture.
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Visitors can take the Shomyo-daki Tansho Bus (operating from late April to mid-November) from Tateyama Station to the Shomyo Falls bus stop, and from there leisurely stroll along the winding trails, taking in the beautiful autumn foliage before heading to the base of the falls to see the majestic falls with their own eyes.
■ Address: Ashikuraji, Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Mid-October to mid-November
Shogawakyo Valley
Shogawakyo Valley, with its crystal clear Shogawa River and striking red iron bridge spanning the valley, is one of the most attractive destinations in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture. It is famous not only for its majestic mountain scenery but also for its natural beauty in each season. Especially in autumn, when the weather turns cold, the entire Shogawakyo Valley seems to put on a new, colorful coat.
One of the experiences not to be missed when coming here in the fall is to join a boat tour on the Shogawa River. Departing from near Komaki Dam, visitors will be taken on a wonderful journey of discovery, admiring the panoramic view of the valley with steep cliffs, colorful autumn forests from the cruise. The feeling of being surrounded by nature will help visitors relax and forget all their worries.
Source: IG@ l_photo_collection Source: IG@ huge1091
After the cruise, visitors can visit famous natural hot springs such as Omaki Onsen or Shogawa Onsenkyo. Soaking in the hot water, enjoying the beauty of nature and savoring local dishes is a great experience after a long day of exploring.
■ Address: Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Early November
Ishikawa Prefecture
Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa Castle
Kenrokuen Garden is known as one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens”, along with Kairakuen Garden (Ibaraki Prefecture) and Korakuen Garden (Okayama Prefecture).
The garden was built in the 17th century and developed through generations of lords of the Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga region (now Kanazawa City) during the Edo period (1676-1851). In 1874, the garden was officially opened to the public.
Kenrokuen Garden is famous for its meticulously maintained natural beauty and harmonious layout, demonstrating the sophistication of traditional Japanese gardening art. The entire campus is filled with grass, flowers, clear lakes, and many unique miniature landscapes such as rockery, fountains, and Kotojitoro stone lanterns…
In particular, Kenrokuen Garden becomes most brilliant in autumn, from mid-November to early December, when maple trees and many other plants in the garden turn red, yellow, and orange, reflecting on the clear water of the artificial Kasumiga Lake located in the center of the garden, creating a unique and poetic scene.
Visitors can relax and experience a traditional tea ceremony in the garden’s tea room, or participate in night illuminations to admire the magical beauty of the garden under sparkling lights amidst the red maple forest.
■ Address: 1 Kenroku-machi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Mid-November to early December
Natadera Temple
Autumn is a great time to seek tranquility and connect with nature, the next ideal destination is Natadera Temple located on the sacred Hakusan (White Mountain) range in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The temple belongs to the Shingon sect, revered as a sacred place for more than 2000 years, where the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, representing the compassion and mercy of Buddhism, is worshiped. In addition, Natadera Temple also worships the gods of Mount Hakusan to show respect for nature that has been associated with human life for thousands of years.
Natadera Temple stands out with its architectural complex built amidst majestic nature, including the main shrine, along with many subsidiary shrines built directly in caves, traditional gardens covered with trees, flowers and leaves of all four seasons and some other unique miniature landscapes.
In autumn, the maple leaves turn beautiful yellow and red, which visitors can observe right from the paths along the mountainside into the temple, and the scenery in the campus is also dyed by brilliant red leaves.
Not only stopping at sightseeing, visitors can participate in some rituals to pray for peace and health for their families right at the temple, while also finding peace of mind while immersing themselves in the ancient space and beautiful scenery of Natadera Temple.
■ Address: 122 Yu, Nata Town, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: Mid-November to early December
Hakusan Shirakawago White Street Route
The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a 33 km scenic driving road through Hakusan National Park, connecting Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture and Shirakawa-go Town, Gifu Prefecture. The road winds along the slopes of the Hakusan Mountain Range, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the majestic natural beauty.
In particular, autumn from mid-October to early November is the ideal time to sightsee here, when the primeval forests and vegetation change from green to brilliant red and yellow patches.
On the journey from Ishikawa Prefecture, you will encounter several natural waterfalls, including Ubagataki Falls with its white water flowing down the smooth rock surface.
Source: Hakusan Shirakawa White Street Official Website
In addition, there are many stops along the road with observation decks, allowing visitors to admire the panoramic view of the valley, forests, and majestic mountains. If you have time, you can also stop at the hot springs along the way to soak in and relax, enjoying the warmth in the cool autumn air.
Note that the Hakusan Shirakawago White Road is only open to traffic from around June to mid-November and is closed during winter and spring.
■ Address: Starting point: Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Ending point: Shirakawa-go Town, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
■ Best time to see the fall foliage: Mid-October to early November
Fukui Prefecture
Kuzuryu Gorge and Lake
Kuzuryu Gorge and Lake, located in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, is one of the must-see destinations in autumn with its stunning natural beauty. Stretching from Kadohara District to Izumi Village, this gorge was formed by the erosion of the Kuzuryu River, creating majestic cliffs and a beautiful natural landscape.
Source: IG@ ono_kanko Source: Fukui Prefecture Tourism Association
Kuzuryu Lake is an artificial lake built in 1968 along with a dam of the same name, covering an area of up to 8,900 square meters. In autumn, the gorge area and Kuzuryu Lake are covered in red and yellow maple leaves, creating an impressive landscape along the cliffs and the blue lake surface.
Along Highway 158, you can easily enjoy the beauty of the canyon while driving, with rich changing landscapes through every bend, making the journey interesting and surprising.
Source: IG@ ono_kanko
In addition to the brilliant autumn colors, Kuzuryu Gorge is also famous for its attractions such as Hakogase Bridge, Hotokebara Dam, and Hotokegozen Falls. These places not only enrich your experience but also create beautiful scenes for you to take pictures and keep memorable memories.
In particular, the Kuzuryu Red Leaf Festival will be held at the end of October every year, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy many interesting events and explore the beauty of autumn here.
■ Address: Ono City, Fukui Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: From late October to early November
Chùa Daihonzan Eiheiji
Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, nestled among vast cedar forests on a mountain near Japan’s northwest coast, not far from Fukui City, is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and peace.
Founded in 1244 by Zen master Dogen Zenji, this temple is a symbol of Japanese Zen Buddhism with more than 70 architectural structures linked by covered corridors, showing the harmonious combination of architecture and nature. Outstanding structures such as the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall, Hatto Hall and Monk’s Hall not only bear the mark of Zen architecture but also create a serene and quiet space.
In autumn, from late October to mid-November, Eiheiji Temple is covered in brilliant colors of red, orange and yellow maple leaves mixed with the fresh green of cedar leaves, creating a beautiful, picturesque scene. When walking around the temple grounds, you will clearly feel the peace and tranquility in the cold weather, blending with the romantic beauty of autumn.
Source: Fukui Prefecture Tourism Association
Eiheiji Temple is not only a place for sightseeing, but also offers visitors the opportunity to deeply experience culture and spiritual life. You can participate in activities such as meditation (zazen) or sutra copying (shakyo) to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of life and find peace of mind.
■ Address: 5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji Town, Yoshida District, Fukui Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: From early November to mid-November
Yokokan Garden
Yokokan Garden, located in Fukui City, is a historic old garden that was once the residence of the Matsudaira clan – the lords who ruled the Fukui region during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Source: IG@ go to.kaga.space Source: IG@ cherrymitsuko
Entering the garden, visitors will be immediately captivated by the peaceful beauty of the large koi pond dotted with rockery creating delicate touches. Surrounding the pond is a stunning landscape like a vivid ink painting with stone bridges, ancient lanterns, meticulously arranged stone slabs and a small water pavilion located by the lake. The highlight of the garden is the ancient house built in the sukiya-zukuri architectural style floating on the lake, giving the feeling that you are watching the garden from a gently drifting boat.
The best time to admire the autumn beauty at Yokokan Garden is early November, when the brilliant red and yellow leaves reflect on the calm lake, creating a scene that is both poetic and romantic.
■ Address: 5-15 Shihi, Eiheiji Town, Yoshida District, Fukui Prefecture
■ Best time to see red leaves: From early November to mid-November
Conclusion
With the variety of autumn foliage destinations introduced, JNTO hopes you will find the perfect itinerary to experience Japan’s autumn. Each location has its own unique features, promising to make your journey more interesting and memorable. Come to Hokuriku to enjoy the full beauty of autumn and find peace of mind.