1
Hirayu Great Falls

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

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

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

• Hirayu, Okuhida Hot Spring Resort, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 50 minutes from JR Takayama Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center) and get off at "Otaki-mae Campsite" and walk about 20 minutes.
• 0578-89-2614（Okuhida Hot Spring Village Tourist Association)
• Free

2
Shin Hotaka Ropeway

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

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.

▼Stargazing Tours
Dates: October 2 (Fri) – 4 (Sun), 2026; October 9 (Fri) – 12 (Mon, Holiday)
October 30 (Fri) – November 3 (Tue, Holiday), November 6 (Fri) – 8 (Sun)
“Shirakaba-daira Station”: First Upbound Train 6:00 PM / Last Upbound Train 8:20 PM
“Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station”: First downbound train at 6:00 PM / Last downbound train at 9:00 PM
Viewing locations: Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station rooftop observation deck and Chō no Mori
URL: Click here for details

Local Guide

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

• Shin Hotaka Onsen, Okuhida Hot Spring Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station
• Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center) and get off at Shin Hotaka Ropeway stop.
• 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
• No holidays *Service may be suspended in stormy weather or due to maintenance.
• 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.
• 0578-89-2252
• Admission Fee
• Business hours (cable car schedule) vary by season.
  The foot bath is currently undergoing renovations until December 15, 2026.

3
North Alps Bridge

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

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

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

• Nakao, Okuhida Hot Spring Village, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 75 minutes from JR Takayama Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center), get off at "Nakao Yakidake trailhead" and walk about 20 minutes.
• 0578-89-2614（Okuhida Hot Spring Village Tourist Association)
• Free

4
Kamikochi

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

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

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

• Azumi-Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture MAP
• 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.
• 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 in winter from November 16 to mid-April
• 0263-95-2433 (Kamikochi Information Center)
• Admission Fee
• No cars allowed throughout the year

5
Utsue 48 Falls (Utsue Shijuhataki)

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

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 and Time: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (holiday), 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Around the Shibuki Rest House within Utsue 48 Waterfalls Park

Local Guide

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

• Utsue, Kunifu-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
• 25 min. by car from JR Takayama Stn.
• Take a bus from JR Hida Kunifu Station and get off at "Utsue 48 Waterfalls".
• Closed in winter (Nov. 16 - Mar. 31)
• Cleaning fee: Adults 200 yen, children (elementary school students) 100 yen
• 0577-72-3948
• Free
• 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

6
Hida-Mino-Seseragi Road

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

A long driving route approximately 65 km in total length, connecting Kiyomi-cho in Takayama City and Hachiman-cho in Gujo City. True to its name, “Seseragi Kaido” (Babbling Brook Road), you can enjoy a refreshing drive alongside the clear waters of three rivers.With many attractions—including the beautiful forests of white birch and larch at Nishi-Ure Pass, the Meihō highlands, and the castle town of Gujo Hachiman—you’ll never tire of the scenery passing by your window.
The fall foliage season is especially recommended. Since there is an elevation difference of about 700 meters between Hida-Kiyomi and Gujo-Hachiman, you can enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves over a period of about one and a half months as you gradually descend from Nishi-Ure Pass.
From the Hirataki Waterfall, which spans the full width of the river, to the open-air hot springs and roadside stations offering a variety of gourmet foods,you can fully enjoy a fall foliage drive filled with exciting detours that will set your heart racing.

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.

Local Guide

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

• Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture - Meiho, Gujo City - Kiyomi Town, Takayama City MAP
• Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Takayama Station (to Kiyomi Town, Takayama City)
• 0575-66-1239（Gunjo City Tourist Federation)
• Free of charge

7
Nakabashi Bridge

Cross the illuminated red bridge for a magical night stroll

If you want to admire the fall foliage in downtown Takayama, head to Naka Bridge, which spans the Miyagawa River flowing through the city center. The mountains glistening in the autumn sunlight, the cherry trees ablaze with deep orange and yellow hues, and the red bridge all stand out against the autumn sky, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
A short walk from Naka Bridge takes you to other famous spots for autumn foliage, such as the Higashiyama Promenade, Tenjō-ji Temple, and Shiroyama Park. Here, you can enjoy nature’s masterpieces, including maple and ginkgo trees.
As the sun sets, Nakahashi Bridge and its surroundings are illuminated. In a stark contrast to the daytime bustle, the area falls into a deep silence, enveloped in a magical atmosphere where only the sound of the river echoes. The sight of the red railings harmonizing with the colorful trees is sure to make for an unforgettable autumn evening.

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

▼ Nakahashi Autumn Illumination
Dates and Times: October 1 (Thu) – November 30 (Mon), 2026, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Around Nakahashi Bridge

Local Guide

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

• 49 Kawahara-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 13 min. walk from JR Takayama Station
• Take a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nobi Bus Center), get off at "Takayama Jinya-mae" and walk about 2 minutes.
• 0577-36-1011（Hida Takayama Tourism Convention Association)
• Admission Fee