Fukushima Autumn Foliage in 2024: Hidden Gems and Light Displays

Enjoy the Autumn Foliage in Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture is known for its sublime autumn colors. It features many renowned spots for enjoying the vibrant fall foliage created by its rich nature. This article introduces recommended autumn foliage spots within Fukushima to enjoy seasonal scenic sites.

Every year, from mid-October to early November, this area is enveloped in colorful autumn leaves. From parks where families can have fun to the beautiful foliage of historic buildings, we will showcase spots where you can sense the deepening of autumn along with the peak of the fall colors in Fukushima.

Fukushima autumn Guide

1. Azuma Sports Park: Brilliant Yellow Ginkgo Tree Avenue
2. Tsurugajo City Park
3. Goshikinuma Ponds in Kitashiobara Village
4. To-no-Hetsuri
5. Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall
6. Ja no Hana Gardens: Flower and History Village
7. Hanamiyama Park
8. Ouchi-juku

1. Ginkgo Trees Avenue at Azuma Sports Park

The Ginkgo Avenue at Azuma Sports Park features 116 ginkgo trees that shine in their golden hues over a stretch of about 520 meters, making it a popular sight of autumn.

In 2024, the best time to visit will be from late October to mid-November. The Ginkgo Light Promenade will be illuminated daily from 17:00 to 20:00, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical landscape (closed on Tuesdays).

Additionally, the beautiful autumn foliage viewed alongside ancient houses built from the Edo to Meiji periods at the Minka-en within the park is a popular photo spot.

Access: About 30 minutes by bus from JR Fukushima Station, get off at Azuma Sports Park.

If driving, it's about 10 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Fukushima Nishi IC. There is a large parking lot available for free.

Azuma Sports Park
Address: 1 Kamijiba, Sahara, Fukushima City
Business Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (200 spaces, free)
Tel: 024-593-1111
Official Website: https://www.azumapark.or.jp/english/

Best Viewing Period
Late October to early November

Light-up Information
Period: Late October to early November
Time: 18:00 to 22:00

2. Autumn Foliage at Tsurugajo City Park

Tsurugajo City Park is an iconic castle park in Aizuwakamatsu City. It is known for being a famous autumn foliage spot with Japan's only red-tiled main castle keep.

From late October to early November each year, the maple and ginkgo trees beautifully change colors, blending seamlessly with the historical castle scenery. During this period, the foliage is illuminated from sunset until 20:30, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical night view.

The vistas from the main keep and the bell tower are also magnificent, making it a popular photo spot for visitors.

Access: About 10 minutes by bus from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, get off at Tsurugajo Entrance or Tsurugajo North Entrance.

If driving, it's about 15 minutes from the Ban-etsu Expressway Aizuwakamatsu IC. There are three parking lots available, with ordinary vehicles costing 200 yen for the first hour.

Tsurugajo City Park
Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
Closed: None
Fee: Adults 410 yen, Children 150 yen
Parking: Available (100 spaces, paid)
Tel: 0242-27-4005
Official Website: https://www.tsurugajo.com/ (Japanese)

Best Viewing Period
Late October to early November

Light Up Information
Period: Late October to early November
Time: 17:00 to 21:00

3. Goshikinuma Ponds in Kitashiobara Village

The Goshikinuma Ponds are a cluster of five volcanic lakes in Kitashiobara Village. The best time to see the autumn foliage is from mid-October to early November.

The colors of the maple, larch, and rowan trees reflect on the surface of the lakes, creating a fantastical landscape. Each spot, such as Bishamon-numa, Ao-numa, and Ruri-numa, has its own unique hues and beauty to enjoy while strolling.

The views of the autumn foliage reflected on the water are breathtaking, making it a trendy spot among photography enthusiasts.

Access: About 30 minutes by Bandai City Bus from JR Inawashiro Station along the Ban-Etsusai Line and get off at Goshikinuma Entrance.

If driving, it's about 25 minutes from the Ban-etsu Expressway Inawashiro Bandai Kogen IC via National Route 115 and 459. Free parking is available at the Goshikinuma Entrance and the Urabandai Visitor Center.

Goshikinuma Ponds in Kitashiobara Village
Address: Kengamine Hibara, Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours (no park closing times)
Closed: None
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (50 spaces, free)
Tel: 0241-32-2349 (Urabandai Tourist Association)
Official Website: https://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/ (Urabandai Tourist Association)

Best Viewing Period
Mid-October to early November

Light-up Information
Period: None
Time: None

4. To-no-Hetsuri

To-no-Hetsuri is a nationally designated natural monument in Shimogo Town. It is known for its stunning autumn foliage and approximately 70-meter-high sheer cliffs. The unique terrain formed by nature over a million years, combined with the colors of maple and oak trees, creates a breathtaking landscape.

Crossing the suspension bridge allows you to enjoy the impressive cliffs and the beautiful contrast of the valley adorned with autumn foliage up close. The atmosphere becomes enchanting, especially in the early morning or evening when the light filters through, adding to the area's charm.

Incidentally, "Hetsuri" is a local dialect in the Aizu region that refers to cliffs approaching a river or steep precipices.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from Aizu Railway To-no-Hetsuri Station. If driving, it takes about one hour and 30 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Shirakawa IC. Admission is free and open for visits 24 hours a day. There are parking facilities nearby.

To-no-Hetsuri
Address: 5316 Yamagoshi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours (no park closing times)
Closed: None
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (30 spaces, free)
Tel: 0241-69-1144 (Shimogo Town General Policy Division, Commerce and Tourism Section)
Official Website: https://shimogo.jp/sightseeing/tonohetsuri (Shimogo Town Tourism Association) (Japanese)

Best Viewing Period
Late October to early November

Light Up Information
Period: None
Time: None

5. Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall

Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall is a nationally designated natural monument in Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture. It is a stunning autumn foliage spot characterized by approximately 70-meter-high sheer cliffs.

The unique terrain formed by natural forces over a million years, combined with the colors of maple and oak trees, creates a breathtaking landscape.

Crossing the suspension bridge allows you to enjoy the impressive cliffs and the beautiful contrast of the valley adorned with autumn foliage up close. Particularly during early morning or evening, when the light filters through, the atmosphere becomes enchanting, adding to the area's charm.

Incidentally, Hetsuri is a dialect in the Aizu region that refers to cliffs approaching a river or steep precipices.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from Aizu Railway To-no-Hetsuri Station. If driving, it takes about one hour and 30 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Shirakawa IC. Admission is free and open for visits 24 hours a day. There are parking facilities nearby.

Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall
Address: 5316 Yamagoshi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours (no park closing times)
Closed: None
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (30 spaces, free)
Tel: 0241-69-1144 (Shimogo Town General Policy Division, Commerce and Tourism Section)
Official Website: https://shimogo.jp/sightseeing/tonohetsuri/ (Shimogo Town Tourism Association) (Japanese)

Best Viewing Period
Late October to early November

Light-up Information
Period: None
Time: None

6. Flower and History Village: Ja no Hana Gardens

Flower and History Village: Ja no Hana Gardens is a beautiful garden located in Motomiya City. It features over 500 maple trees that are over 100 years old.

The best time to see the autumn foliage is from late October to late November, with mid-November being the peak period. During this time, a foliage festival and light-up events are held, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical autumn experience.

There is also the Ja no Hana Gardens Goten, a nationally registered tangible cultural asset, where autumn leaves and historical buildings are a major attraction.

It is a great spot to enjoy the rich beauty of nature, along with seasonal flowers.

Access: About a 10-minute drive from JR Tohoku Main Line Motomiya Station.

If driving, it's about 15 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Motomiya IC. Parking is available.

Flower and History Village: Ja no Hana Gardens
Address: 38 Janohana, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (40 spaces, free)
Tel: 0243-34-2036
Official Website: https://janohana.com/ (Japanese)

Best Viewing Period
Early to mid-November

Light-up Information
Period: Early November
Time: 17:00 to 21:00

7. Hanamiyama Park

Hanamiyama Park is located in Fukushima City. The best time to see the autumn foliage is from early to mid-November.

The vibrant colors of maple and other trees adorn the park. You can enjoy the autumn leaves while walking along the trails, and from the summit, there are spectacular views overlooking the city of Fukushima.

The October cherry blossoms also bloom in the fall, creating a beautiful interplay with the autumn colors.

With a diverse array of flowers blooming throughout the seasons, it is a spot where families and friends of all ages can have fun.

Access: About a 15-minute drive from JR Fukushima Station.

By bus, get off at Hanamiyama Entrance and walk for about 25 minutes.

If driving, it's about 20 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Fukushima Nishi IC or Fukushima Iizaka IC. Entrance is free, and ample parking is available.

Hanamiyama Park
Address: 17 Watarihara, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed: None
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (50 spaces, free)
Tel: 024-531-6428 (Fukushima City Tourist Information Center)
Official Website: https://www.hanamiyama.net/ (Hanamiyama Tourism Promotion Council) (Japanese)

Best Viewing Period
Early November

Light Up Information
Period: Early November
Time: 18:00 to 22:00

8. Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku is a historical post town located in Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture. It is known for its preserved Edo period atmosphere and beautiful autumn foliage.

The best time to visit is typically from mid-October to late November when ginkgo, maple, and mountain azalea trees colorfully adorn the post town. The contrast between the thatched-roof buildings and autumn leaves is charming, allowing visitors to enjoy history and nature while strolling.

Local specialties, such as negi soba (buckwheat noodles with green onions) and Tochimochi (a type of rice cake), are also highly recommended. It is a popular tourist destination enjoyed by people of all generations.

Access: About a 10-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute bus ride from Aizu Railway Yunokami Onsen Station.

If driving, it takes about 40 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway Shirakawa IC. Parking is available for 500 yen and can accommodate approximately 400 vehicles.

Ouchi-juku
Address: Ouchi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Business Hours: 24 hours (the road itself does not close)
Closed: None
Fee: Free
Parking: Available (50 spaces, free)
Tel: 0241-68-3611 (Ouchi-juku Tourism Association)
Official Website: https://ouchi-juku.com/

Best Viewing Period
Mid to late October

Light Up Information
Period: None

Enjoy the Autumn Colors in Fukushima

Fukushima has many notable places to enjoy autumn foliage, history, and culture. From the enchanting views of To-no-Hetsuri and Tsurugajo City Park to the natural beauty of Goshikinuma and Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall, you'll surely find spots you haven't visited yet, even if you live locally.

Be sure to visit this autumn weekend with family and friends. You'll likely rediscover the charms of Fukushima. Remember to check the latest traffic information and event schedules when planning your visit.