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 Motsuji
Temple Garden (Hiraizumi Town) Peak Season: from late Oct
- early Nov
Famous as one of Japan's most spectacular remaining Heian (794-1192)
Pure Land gardens, Motsuji's beauty is most striking when the
first snow falls over the fallen leaves around the temple's numerous
ruins and remains.
Transportation: 8 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Hiraizumi-Maesawa
IC
Information: Motsuji Temple Office 0191-46-2331
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Mt.
Hayachine (Ohasama Town) Peak Season: from mid - to late
Oct
The Kitakami Range's tallest peak, 1,917-m Hayachine has long
been the object of local faith and more recently of national fame.
Though the fall colors here do not by any means envelop the entire
mountain, Hayachine's rugged rock formations born of Ice Age upheavals
provide a stunning contrast with the foliage. Hayachine is also
known for its indigenous flora, including the Hayachine usuyukiso.
Transportation: 1 hr 10 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Hanamaki
IC to Kawaranobo Trail Entrance
Information: Ohasama Planning and Commerce Division
0198-48-2111
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Mt.
Kurikomayama (Iwate and Akita Prefectures) Peak Season:
from late
Sep - mid Oct
At about 1 km of elevation, autumn cuts a blazing swath across
the mountain. Kurikomayama is especially beautiful along Rte 342
headed from Shinyu Hot Spring to the prefectural border, and around
Sukawa Kogen Hot Spring, Nagorigahara, and Lake Showako.
Transportation: 1 hr 30 mins by car via Rte 342 from Tohoku Expwy
Ichinoseki IC
Information: Ichinoseki Commerce and Tourism Division 0191-21-8413
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Hachimantai
and Matsukawa (Matsuo Village) Peak Season: from late Sep
- mid Oct
The great shield volcano known as Hachimantai straddles the Iwate-Akita
border, and is easily accessible by the Aspite and Jukai Line
roads, along which the leaves begin to turn as early as late September.
Enjoy the beauty of Matsukawa Gorge from around the geothermal
power plant while you are here, and maybe hit a hot spring, too.
Transportation: 15 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Matsuo-Hachimantai
IC to Matsukawa; 40 mins to Hachimantai Mikaeri Pass
Information: Matsuo Division of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism
0195-74-2111
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Mt.
Inukurayama (Shizukuishi Town) Peak Season: from late Sep
- mid Oct
Birches and firs blanket this 1,408-m peak accessible by ski lift
from Amihari Ski Resort, also home to a great hot spring. Enjoy
the scenery on the way, stop for a scenic view, and then take the
15-min hike to the peak, where the hot spring's steam softens the
majestic mountain panorama spread out before you.
Transportation: 40 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Morioka IC
Information: Shizukuishi Division of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism
019-692-2111 |
Iwate
Park (Morioka City) Peak Season: late Oct - early Nov
The ruins of the castle and the fall foliage create an exquisite balance
in the heart of Morioka city.
Access: 30 mins by car from Tohoku Expy Morioka IC
Information: Morioka City Tourism Association 019-621-8800 |
Gembikei
Gorge (Ichinoseki City) Peak Season: mid Oct -
mid Nov
Following Natl Rte 342 toward Gembikei, the fall foliage shines against
the deep pools and beautiful rock formations.
Access: 7 mins on Natl Rte 342 from Tohoku Expy Ichinoseki IC
Information: Ichinoseki Commerce and Tourism Division 0191-21-8413 |
Mt.
Gassan (Miyako City) Peak Season: late Oct - early
Nov
The peak of Mt. Gassan (456 m), located on the Omoe Peninsula, can be reached
by car. The observation deck looks out over both Miyako City and Jodogahama Beach.
The view from the opposite coast of the fall foliage is breathtaking.
Access: Natl Rte 106 to Miyako from Tohoku Expy Morioka IC,
then 40 mins south on Natl Rte 45 to Omoe Penninsula
Information: Miyako City Products and Tourism Division 0193-62-2111 |
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