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 Yagen
Gorge (Ohata Town) Peak Season: mid - to late Oct
This 4-km stretch of the Ohatagawa River is known for a beauty
rivaling that of Lake Towada's Oirase Gorge. The well-maintained
trail a magnificent spot for walking among the maples, Hiba arborvitae,
and beeches lining a swift-flowing stream of falls, pools, and
rocks, while the waters themselves offer up trout, char, and more
to the angler.
Transportation: 45 mins by car from Shimokita Sta
Information: Ohata Industry and Tourism Division 0175-34-2111
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Mt.
Nakanomomijiyama (Kuroishi City) Peak Season: mid - Oct
This mountain's reputation as an oasis of autumn extravagance
began in 1803, when the head of the Tsugaru Clan planted over
100 varieties of maples specially ordered from Kyoto. The entire
mountain is draped with a brilliant cloak of fall foliage, making
this a much-loved spot among locals and tourists alike.
Transportation: 10 mins by car from Tohoku Expwy Kuroishi IC
Information: Kuroishi Division of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism
0172-52-2111
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Mt.
Hakkoda (Aomori City) Peak Season: early - to mid Oct
Actually an unbroken range of sixteen peaks along the northern
edge of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the tallest of which
reaches 1,585 m, Hakkoda is a natural wonderland of innumerable
streams, falls, and ponds dotting lush beech and fir forest. This
area has also long been a treasure trove of healing hot springs,
which provide a wonderful view of the fall colors through a veil
of steam rising through the crisp October air.
Transportation: 1 hr by car from Tohoku Expwy Aomori IC
Information: Aomori Tourist Information Center 017-723-4670
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Juniko
Lakes (Iwasaki Village) Peak Season: mid - to late Oct
With a name meaning "twelve lakes," you might be expecting
say, twelve lakes. But you will be pleasantly surprised to find
a total of 33 ponds and lakes scattered throughout this dense
beech and Hiba arborvitae forest. You may be even more pleased
to find these ponds and lakes bedecked with fallen autumn leaves,
whose yellow, orange, and red continue to draw visitors from near
and far.
Transportation: 15 mins by Konan Bus from Juniko Sta.
Information: Iwasaki Industry and Tourism Division 0173-77-2111
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Lake
Towada (Towadako Town) Peak Season: mid - late Oct
The charm of Lake Towada is its mystical ambience,
with its beautiful cobalt blue water and the reflection
of the autumn foliage. It is one of the most essential
sightseeing spots in North Tohoku. Trees such as beeches,
Japanese oaks, katsura trees, and maples compose an exquisite
harmony. There are high walls of rock and many fine viewing
spots all around, so you can enjoy a scenic drive around
the lake as well.
Access: 1 hr by car from Tohoku Expy Towada IC; or
2 hrs by car from Aomori Sta
Information: Towadako General Information Center 0176-75-2506
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Oirase
Gorge (Towadako Town) Peak Season: mid - late Oct
Oirase Gorge is the only stream to flow out of Lake Towada. Spanning
14
kilometers from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama, the Oirase flows through a capricious
path, and the trees and the rocks near the water have the air of a Japanese
garden. You will enjoy a delightful walk along the flow, with its thick,
scenic beech and maple foliage.
Access: 1 hr by car from Tohoku Expy Towada IC; or 1 hr 30 mins by
car from Aomori Sta
Information: Towadako General Information Center 0176-75-2506
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World
Heritage Site “Shirakami Sanchi” (Nishimeya Village,
Ajigasawa Town, Fukaura Town, Iwasaki Village)
Peak Season: early - mid Oct
The impressive foliage of trees such as beeches
and maples cover the landscape like a thick carpet.
If you look closely, you can see the delectable color
contrast between the foliage, the rock walls, and
the green deciduous trees along the ridge. Come shine,
the leaves of red and gold glisten; come rain, the
scene turns into a monochrome Japanese ink painting.
Access: 70 mins by car from Hirosaki Sta
Information: Buna no Sato Shirakamikan 0172-85-3011
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Mt.
Iwaki (Iwaki Town) The best time to visit: early
- mid Oct
The view while driving on Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline, which weaves through
the beautiful autumn foliage, is exquisite. It’s a refreshing drive
through 69 consecutive curves along the 10 kilometers to the eighth station.
From the top of the mountain, you can see the vast landscape all the
way to Hokkaido.
Access: 60 mins by car from Tohoku Expy Owani-Hirosaki IC
Information: Iwaki Town Tourism and Commerce Division 0172-82-3111
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