Fukushima
Local Guide
[2026 Edition] Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots in the Aizu Region (Aizu-Wakamatsu, Kitakata, Bandai, Inawashiro)

The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture is home to many spots that will tickle your traveler's fancy, such as Aizu Wakamatsu, which was the stage of history at the end of the Edo period, Lake Inawashiro with its crystal clear waters, and the majestic Bandai-san, which has been the object of mountain worship since ancient times. The autumn leaves, which begin to change color around Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro around the end of September, take about a month to move down to Aizu Wakamatsu City, where Tsurugajo Castle is located. Here are some of the best spots in the Aizu region to enjoy the autumn colors.

Aizuwakamatsu Area

Kitakata Area

Bandai Area

Inawashiro Area

Beautiful contrast between the white walls of the castle tower and the glossy autumn leaves

This is one of the most famous autumn foliage spots in Aizuwakamatsu City. Despite its glamorous red-tiled appearance, the castle is an impregnable fortress that withstood a month-long onslaught by the government forces during the Boshin War (1868-1868). The white walls against the blue sky are impressive, but in autumn, the colored maple, cherry, and ginkgo trees give the castle a graceful appearance.
Behind the "Rinkaku" teahouse in the castle's main building is the largest maple tree in the castle, where you can sip a cup of tea while enjoying the autumn leaves. You can also enjoy the autumn leaves in such an atmospheric way. The castle has a long and distinguished history, so why not enjoy the autumn scenery?

The first changing of the colors usually occurs in mid-October.
Usually from late October to mid-November.
Types of foliage: Japanese maples, cherry trees, ginkgo trees, etc.

Tsurugajo Castle
  • Address 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Bus Direction 20 min. ride on Aizu Bus Machinaka Shuttle Bus "Haikara-san" from JR Aizuwakamatsu Stn. and get off at "Tsurugajo Iriguchi". 2 min. walk from the bus stop.
  • Hours of Operation 8:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed Days Open daily
  • admission feeTenshukaku entrance fee: Adults 410 yen (520 yen for a ticket for the tea house Rinkaku), children 150 yen, tea service 600 yen (with snacks)
  • Phone 0242-27-4005 (Tsurugajo Administration Office)
  • Parking Admission Fee

An 800 year-old giant ginkgo tree turns the majestic old shrine into a golden color

This ancient shrine in Kitakata City, enshrined by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in 1055 (the 3rd year of the Tenki era), offers photogenic autumn scenery.In early November, the 800-year-old sacred giant ginkgo tree on the shrine grounds turns a golden hue, exuding an overwhelming presence. Near the sacred tree stands the “Nagatoko,” a worship hall built in the Shinden-zukuri style featuring 44 columns; the harmony between this majestic structure and the giant ginkgo is truly breathtaking.Late November, when the ginkgo leaves begin to fall, is also a particularly special time. You can witness a spectacular, art-like landscape that resembles a vast carpet of yellow spread across the ground.

[Leaves Begin to Change Color] Typically early November
[Best Viewing Period] Typically mid-November to late November
[Type of Autumn Foliage] Ginkgo

Shingu Kumano Shrine
  • Address 2258 Shingu Kumano, Keitoku-cho, Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 min. drive from JR Kitakata Station
  • Hours of Operation 8:30-17:00 (Sat., Sun., national holidays from December to March, 9:00-16:00 only)
  • Admission Fee Adults 300 yen, high school students 200 yen, junior high school students and younger free
  • Phone 0241-23-0775
  • Parking Free

A 17.6 km-long driving course to enjoy the autumn leaves

If you are going by car, the "Bandaisan Gold Line," a driving course that runs north to south along the west face of Bandaisan and connects Lake Hibarako to Bandai Town, is recommended. The 17.6-km road, which allows you to fully enjoy the magnificent nature of Aizu, has many scenic spots, including Maboroshi no Taki Waterfall and Mochiko-dai overlooking Lake Hibara, and Happodai, a busy trailhead for climbing Mt. At Kogane-daira, you can enjoy the contrast between the rugged rocky crater walls of Bandai-san and the autumn leaves.
In early October, the gradation of autumn leaves can be seen from the top to the bottom of Bandai, and the beautiful autumn scenery will refresh your heart.

The beginning of the changing of the colors: Usually in late September.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Kinds of foliage】Beech, oak, maple, etc.

Bandaisan Gold Line
  • Address Bandai-cho, Yama-gun, Fukushima-ken, Oaza Sarashina Aza Maarai-ba - Kitashiobara-mura Hinohara Yuhei Mountain MAP
  • Direction Approx. 35 min. by car from JR Kitakata Station, approx. 20 min. by car from Bandai Kawahigashi IC of Ban-Etsu Expressway
  • Hours of Operation Mid-April to mid-November *If the road is frozen, it may be closed.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • Phone 0241-32-2349（Urabandai Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free

The bright red maple trees that decorate the garden are well worth seeing.

This museum preserves and exhibits cultural properties related to “Eijitsu-ji,” the birthplace of Aizu Buddhism with a history spanning 1,200 years. At its peak, it was a major Buddhist city where temples and pagodas stood side by side, and numerous monks and monk-soldiers resided.Within the historic site adjacent to the museum, historic gates, shrines, and halls are scattered throughout the grounds, along with the restored, vermilion-lacquered “Kondō” (Main Hall). Amid the simple, rustic scenery typical of a village temple, the autumn foliage around the museum is particularly striking.Bright red Iroha maple trees are planted along the banks of ponds and streams, creating a beautiful scene that is truly moving.
The rest property within the historic site also features a café, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee after your stroll.
It’s about a 20-minute walk from Bandai-machi Station, and there’s a roadside station nearby, so why not stop by while you’re sightseeing?

Beginning of color change] Usually in mid-October
Usually from late October to mid-November.
Kind of foliage】Iroha maples, metasequoias, etc.

Bandaisan Enichiji Temple Museum (Historic Site of Enichiji Temple)
  • Address 38 Bandai-dera Nishi, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 20 min. walk from JR Bandai-cho Station
  • Hours of Operation April 10-November 30, 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Regular holidays Open every day during the period
  • Admission Fee Free *Admission fees for special exhibitions, etc., are set separately.
  • Phone 0242-73-3000
  • Parking Free

This is art created by nature. The autumn leaves are like a carpet of brocade.

This is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tohoku region, and is a must-see autumn foliage spot in Urabandai. It is a 10-km-long gorge at the headwaters of the Nakatsu River, which flows into Lake Akimoto, one of the three lakes of Urabandai along with Lake Hibara and Lake Onogawa, and is an unexplored region with rapid streams, precipitous cliffs as high as 100 m, and dense virgin forest.
Usually around mid-October, beech trees, maple trees, and larch trees change color, and a carpet of brocade spreads across the valley, giving the area a grand sense of scale. If you want to take your time and enjoy the powerful autumn colors, we recommend the Akimoto-Nakatsugawa Gorge Trail, which leads down to the gorge from the side of the Nakatsugawa Rest House, where the parking lot is located. It takes about 15 minutes one way, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves from various perspectives, both on the bridge and on the riverbank. The green coniferous trees and the red and yellow broad-leafed trees make for a spectacular view that can be enjoyed during a leisurely stroll.

Start of changing of colors] Usually in early October.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Kinds of foliage】Beech, maple, larch, etc.

Nakatsugawa Valley
  • Address Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction 28 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station, 26 minutes drive from Inawashiro IC on Banetsu Expressway
  • Phone 0241-32-2349（Urabandai Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free

The precincts of the temple are dyed in a carpet of red.

At this shrine, associated with Lord Masayuki Hoshina—the first feudal lord who laid the foundation for Aizu—you can encounter a vast expanse of bright red Iroha maple leaves.Located about a 10-minute drive from the Inawashiro-Bandai Kogen Interchange, it’s an easy stop on a road trip and a popular spot that draws many visitors each fall to see the autumn foliage.
From late October to early November, when the autumn foliage is at its peak, the Iroha maple and ginkgo trees at the shrine’s entrance turn vibrant colors. The contrast between the iconic white torii gate and the bright red Iroha maple is so breathtakingly beautiful that it’s impossible not to be captivated.Once the Iroha maple leaves begin to fall, the shrine grounds are blanketed with crimson fallen leaves—a sight that can only be described as breathtaking.

[Leaves Begin to Change Color] Typically mid-October
[Peak Viewing Season] Typically late October to early November
[Types of Autumn Foliage] Iroha maple, ginkgo, and others

Hahnitsu Shrine
  • Address 3 Minesuyama, Inawashiro-machi, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Inawashiro Station
  • Business Hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Weekdays and winter hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM)
    *The shrine is generally open to visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • Phone 0242-62-2160
  • Parking Free

This is truly a waterfall in the autumn. A famous waterfall surrounded by beech trees and maple trees

Along with spectacular waterfalls, visitors can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves at the famous Fudo River, which originates from the 1,667-meter-high Funamyojin Mountain located in the Adatara Mountain range. A 15-minute drive from Nakanosawa Hot Spring, deep into the mountains behind the hot spring resort, will bring you to the waterfall, which once flourished as a Buddhist asceticism center.
In the midst of a virgin forest of beech and maple trees, the majestic Otoko-taki Fall (10 m drop and 16 m wide), with water cascading down the black rock surface like a sudare, and the calmly flowing Onna-taki Fall next to it are truly a beautiful work of art. Fudo Myoo is enshrined at the base of the waterfall, so be sure to pay a visit. You will be healed in mind and body by the view full of negative ions that you will want to gaze at forever.

Beginning of color change] Usually early October
Best time to see the leaves] Usually from mid-October to late October
Kinds of foliage: Japanese beech, maple, Japanese horse chestnut, etc.

Tatsuzawa Fudo Waterfall
  • Address Tatsuzawa District, Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 28 minutes by car from JR Inawashiro Station
  • Phone 0242-62-2048（Inawashiro Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free

MAP

Aizuwakamatsu Area
Kitakata Area
Bandai Area
Inawashiro Area
Nearby Hoshino Resorts Properties
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*The information provided is current as of the article’s update date. Please check in advance before visiting, as details are subject to change.