Local Guide
Recommended 7 Autumn Foliage Spots in Okuhida Area, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2025 Edition)

Okuhida Hot Spring Village is nestled in the bosom of the Northern Alps, and Hida Takayama is home to a variety of autumnal foliage viewing spots that offer spectacular autumn scenery. Enjoy a pleasant autumn in a variety of ways, such as hiking, taking the ropeway for a walk in the air, driving, or just strolling around town. We will also introduce the best time of the year to visit each spot.

A close-up view of the spectacular waterfalls, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves.

Hirayu Great Falls, which cascade down in a mighty torrent. The sound of the murmuring stream will soothe you.
Hirayu Great Falls, which cascade down in a mighty torrent. The sound of the murmuring stream will soothe you.

Hirayu Great Falls, located at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters, is a dynamic, famous waterfall with a drop of 64 meters and a width of 6 meters. Because of its power and the purity of its water, it has been named one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan and one of the 50 best waters in Gifu Prefecture.
In early October, the trees around the area begin to change color, and a gradation of vivid red of maple trees, yellow of beech and birch trees, and white spray of water fall down the waterfall. Visitors can drive in to the Takimi Observation Plaza and walk along the promenade for a few minutes to view the magnificent waterfall and the autumn leaves.
The "Hirayu Great Falls Ice Festival" is held every February to illuminate the icy waterfalls, and visitors can enjoy the artistic scenery created by nature each season.

Beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in early October.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually mid-October.
Kinds of foliage: beech, Japanese white birch, maple, etc.

Local Guide Comment
Near Hirayu Great Falls, there is a "Hirayu giant nezuko" tree that is estimated to be 1,000 years old. The giant tree, which is 23 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of 7.6 meters, is a sight to behold and gives one a sense of eternity.
Hirayu Great Falls
  • Address Hirayu, Okuhida Hot Spring Resort, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 50 minutes from JR Takayama Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center) and get off at "Otaki-mae Campsite" and walk about 20 minutes.
  • TEL 0578-89-2614（Okuhida Hot Spring Village Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free of charge

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and autumn leaves from a two-story gondola

Take the 1st and 2nd ropeway to the top of the mountain. Beautiful contrast between the Northern Alps and the mountains with autumn leaves
Take the 1st and 2nd ropeway to the top of the mountain. Beautiful contrast between the Northern Alps and the mountains with autumn leaves

The Shin Hotaka Ropeway, located in Shin Hotaka hot spring, is the gateway to the mountains of the Northern Alps. The only double-decker gondola in Japan offers a breathtaking panoramic view from the all-glass windows of the ropeway.
Over the course of a month or so, the entire mountain turns colorful, which is only possible in a mountainous area with a wide range of elevations. As autumn deepens, you may see "three tiers of colored leaves": green trees in the lowlands, red and yellow beech and maple trees on the mountainside, and the snow-capped, white-capped Northern Alps.
After enjoying the aerial walk, you will arrive at Nishihotakaguchi Station at an elevation of 2,156 meters. The rooftop observation deck offers a magnificent 360-degree view that has been awarded two stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japon. On weekends in autumn, a "star gazing service" will also be available for star gazing.

Beginning of color change] Usually in late September.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Kinds of leaves: Japanese white birch, beech, quercus crispula, maple, etc.

Star gazing flights
Date: September 12 (Fri.)-14 (Sun.), 19 (Fri.)-21 (Sun.), October 10 (Fri.)-12 (Sun.), 17 (Fri.)-19 (Sun.), 2025
Shirakabadaira Station: first train up at 18:00 and others / last train up at 20:20
First down train from Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station: 18:00, etc. / Last down train: 21:00
Viewing location: Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station Rooftop Observatory and Tou-no-mori (forest at the top of the mountain)
URL：Click here for details

Local Guide Comment
At "CAFÉ GOKAN" on the second floor of Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station, be sure to try the "Summit Churros" in the shape of the character for "summit. You can take a picture of it with the spectacular view from the observatory.
Shin Hotaka Ropeway
  • Address Shin Hotaka Onsen, Okuhida Hot Spring Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center) and get off at Shin Hotaka Ropeway stop.
  • Business hours The first bus up from Shin Hotaka Onsen Station departs at 8:30 a.m. and the last bus departs at 4:00 p.m.
    Nishi-Hotaka-guchi Station: first down at 8:45, last down at 16:45
  • Closed No holidays *Service may be suspended in stormy weather or due to maintenance.
  • Admission Fee Round trip ticket for the 1st and 2nd ropeway: Adults (from junior high school) 3,800 yen, Children (from 6 years old) 1,900 yen, etc.
  • TEL 0578-89-2252
  • Parking Charged
  • Memo Opening hours (ropeway timetable) vary depending on the season.

A 70-meter-high sky bridge embraced by colorful mountain scenery

An exhilarating drive toward the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps
An exhilarating drive toward the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps

The arch bridge is of a grand scale, with a height of 70 m from the valley floor and a total length of approximately 150 m. The bridge is located on the Nakao Plateau in Shin Hotaka Onsen. The bridge connects the Nakao Plateau of Shin Hot Spring and the Nabidaira Park, the second stop of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway, and offers a spectacular view of beautiful mountain scenery in each of the four seasons.
The peak of autumn foliage is in mid-October. The gradation of nature's colors, yellow, red, orange, and brown, against the backdrop of Kasagatake and Shakujodake (Mt. Tinjodake), is mesmerizing.
Although it is popular as a driving or touring route, you can also park your car in the Parking lot at the foot of the bridge and walk along. Why not enjoy a walk in the sky while enjoying the contrast between the clear autumn sky and the mountains with autumn leaves as far as the eye can see?

Start of changing of colors: Usually in early October.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually mid-October to late October.
Kind of foliage】Beech, maple, etc.

Local Guide Comment
Standing in the center of the bridge, with the imposing peaks of the Northern Alps in front of you and the deep valley below, it is like a different world. There are no sidewalks, so please enjoy the view while watching out for cars and motorcycles.
North Alps Bridge
  • Address Nakao, Okuhida Hot Spring Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 75 minutes from JR Takayama Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center), get off at "Nakao Yakidake trailhead" and walk about 20 minutes.
  • TEL 0578-89-2614（Okuhida Hot Spring Village Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free of charge

Sparkling autumn foliage viewing and hiking in one of Japan's most scenic mountain areas

Kappa-bashi Bridge, where you can view the clear stream of Azusa River and the autumn leaves with the Hotaka mountain range in the background
Kappa-bashi Bridge, where you can view the clear stream of Azusa River and the autumn leaves with the Hotaka mountain range in the background

This is one of Japan's most famous mountain scenic spots and is designated as a national cultural asset (special scenic beauty spot and special natural monument). The clean landscape stretching 1,500 meters above sea level attracts as many as 1.2 million tourists and mountain climbers a year.
During the fall foliage season, the leaves of Japanese maples and Kouchiwa maples turn orange and red along the trail from the Kappabashi Bridge, the symbol of Kamikochi, to Myojin Pond. The colorful autumn leaves against the backdrop of the majestic Hotaka mountain range and Gakuzawa are so beautiful that it is almost heartwarming.
About a week later than the maple trees, the larch trees in the Weston Park, Tashiro Pond, and Taisho Pond area begin to change color at the same time. The leaves of larch trees are called "yellow leaves" instead of "autumn leaves" because they turn yellow, and they turn a shimmering golden color when exposed to sunlight. If you hike along the Azusa River, even the fallen leaves spreading out at your feet will add color to your autumn trip.

The first color change is usually in late September.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Kinds of leaves: Japanese larch, Japanese white birch, Japanese maple, and Japanese maple, etc.

Local Guide Comment
If this is your first visit to Kamikochi, we recommend getting off at Taishoike bus stop and walking toward Kappa-bashi Bridge on the upper reaches of Azusa River. You can enjoy hiking for a little over an hour with a view of the Hotaka mountain range in front of you.
Kamikochi
  • Address Azumi-Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 50 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station, transfer to a shuttle bus or cab at the Hirayu Akananda Parking Lot, and get off at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal and walk shortly.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center), transfer to a shuttle bus or cab at Hirayu Bus Terminal, and get off at Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
  • Closed Closed in winter from November 16 to mid-April
  • TEL 0263-95-2433 (Kamikochi Information Center)
  • Parking Charged
  • Memo No cars allowed throughout the year

Touring 13 unexplored waterfalls and immersing yourself in the beauty of a brocaded autumn valley

The beauty of the waterfall surrounded by colorful autumn leaves is exceptional. The bridge is also lit up every year (scheduled to be cancelled in 2025).
The beauty of the waterfall surrounded by colorful autumn leaves is exceptional. The bridge is also lit up every year (scheduled to be cancelled in 2025).

Utsue 48 Falls, located in a vast prefectural nature park designated as a natural monument by Gifu Prefecture, is the collective name for a group of waterfalls created in a secluded valley by the 48 Falls River, which originates from the Takigami River at an elevation of 1,200 meters. There are 13 waterfalls of various sizes cascading down with spray, and walking along the well-maintained promenade makes for an enjoyable one-hour hike around the waterfalls.
As November approaches, maple and beech trees color the valley, creating a magnificent display of waterfalls and autumn leaves.
On November 3, when the leaves are at their best, an "Autumn Thanksgiving Festival" is held in the park, featuring the famous "Yodo-hachi soup," local vegetables, and woodcrafts. After strolling around the park, it is recommended to relax at the nearby one-day hot spring "Shibuki-no-yu Yuyu-kan".

Beginning of color change] Usually in late October.
Best time to see the leaves: Usually from early November to mid-November.
Kind of autumn leaves】Momiji, beech, Japanese white beech, etc.

Utsue 48 Waterfalls Park Autumn Thanksgiving Festival
Date：November 3, 2025 (Monday, national holiday) 9:00-16:00
Place: Around Rest House Shibuki in Utsue 48 Falls Park

Local Guide Comment
If you bring the receipt for the cleaning cooperation fund, you will receive a 100 yen discount for the use of the "Shibuki-no-yu Yuyu-kan" (50 yen discount for elementary school students), which is a great deal.
Utsue 48 Falls
  • Address Utsue, Kunifu-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 25 min. by car from JR Takayama Stn.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Hida Kunifu Station and get off at "Utsue 48 Waterfalls".
  • Closed Closed in winter (Nov. 16 - Mar. 31)
  • Admission Fee Cleaning fee: Adults 200 yen, children (elementary school students) 100 yen
  • TEL 0577-72-3948
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Bus (Nora My Car Kunifu-Utsue Line) is available by advance reservation only.
    The lighting up of the waterfall is scheduled to be cancelled in 2025

Plenty of spots with spectacular views. Driving route through dynamic autumn foliage

A leisurely 90-minute drive. There are many photo spots where you will want to take your camera.
A leisurely 90-minute drive. There are many photo spots where you will want to take your camera.

The 65-km long drive route connects Kiyomi Town, Takayama City, and Yawata Town, Gujo City. As the name "Seseragi Kaido" suggests, you can enjoy an exhilarating drive along the clear streams of three rivers. There are many scenic spots along the route, such as the Nishiure Pass with its beautiful forests of white birch and larch, the highlands of Meiho, and the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, and you will never get tired of looking at the scenery from the windows of the car.
The view from the train window is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season. Because of the 700-meter elevation difference between Hida Kiyomi and Gujo Hachiman, you can enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves for about a month and a half as they gradually descend from the Nishiure Pass.
You can fully enjoy an exciting autumn foliage drive with side trips to theHiradaki Falls that fill the width of the river, hot springs with a sense of openness, and a roadside station with a wide selection of gourmet foods.You can also enjoy the autumn festival at the ski resort, which is dyed in autumn colors.

Start of fall colors: Usually in mid-October.
Usually from late October to late November.
Oak, beech, konara (Quercus crispula), kunugi (sawtooth oak), nanakamado (Japanese maple), etc.

▼ The 31st Meiho Kogen Autumn Festival 2025
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:00-15:00
Location: Meiho Ski Resort
URL: https://www.gujomeiho.jp/news/3006/

Local Guide Comment
Roadside Station Meiho (Mosumi-no-Sato Park), located in the middle of Seseragi Kaido, is a great place to stop by. The statue of the famous horse "Shurumi-no-Sato" is a landmark. The autumn foliage from this spot is also exceptionally beautiful. You can also taste Meiho ham and Gohei Mochi rice cakes.
Hida-Mino-Seragi-Kaido
  • Address Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture - Meiho, Gujo City - Kiyomi Town, Takayama City MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Takayama Station (to Kiyomi Town, Takayama City)
  • TEL 0575-66-1239（Gunjo City Tourist Federation)
  • Parking Free of charge

Cross the illuminated red bridge for a magical night stroll

During the traditional spring Takayama Festival, gorgeous floats cross this bridge. The Naka Bridge in autumn is also photogenic when it is decorated with glossy autumn leaves.
During the traditional spring Takayama Festival, gorgeous floats cross this bridge. The Naka Bridge in autumn is also photogenic when it is decorated with glossy autumn leaves.

If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves in downtown Takayama, go to the Naka Bridge over the Miya River that runs through the center of the city. The crimson maple trees that sparkle in the autumn sunlight color the mountains, and the deep orange and yellow cherry leaves and the red bridge are breathtakingly beautiful against the autumn sky.
A short walk from the Naka-bashi bridge will take you to Higashiyama promenade, Tenshouji Temple, and Shiroyama Park, all of which are dotted with places famous for their autumn foliage. Visitors can also enjoy a tunnel of autumn leaves that seems to cover the maple trees above their heads.
When the sun goes down, the Naka Bridge and the surrounding area are lit up. The area becomes quiet and the sound of the river is the only sound, creating a magical atmosphere. The harmony of the red parapets and the colorful trees will make for an unforgettable long autumn evening.

Beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in mid-October.
Usually from late October to early November.
Cherry trees, maple trees, etc.

Autumn Light-up of the Naka-bashi Bridge
Date & Time: October 1 (Wed.) - November 30 (Sun.), 2025, 17:30 - 21:00
Location: Around Naka-bashi Bridge

Local Guide Comment
A beautiful bridge that invites travelers to enjoy the scenery. Walking along the river while admiring the retro buildings, you can spend a tasteful moment. A live camera is installed on the Naka Bridge, so you can check the progress of the autumn leaves in advance.
Naka Bridge
  • Address 49 Kawahara-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 13 min. walk from JR Takayama Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center), get off at "Takayama Jinya-mae" and walk about 2 minutes.
  • TEL 0577-36-1011（Hida Takayama Tourism Convention Association)
  • Parking Charged

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Return to article top
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.