[2024 Edition] This is the true fall foliage of Japan! Secret spots to see the autumn leaves in the fall

Tsuta Swamp (Aomori Prefecture)

This swamp can be found about a 10-minute walk from Tsuta Onsen along the promenade. Tsuta Numa is surrounded by broadleaf trees, including beech trees, and the trees are reflected on the surface of the swamp, creating a beautiful landscape.

Homei 48 Waterfalls (Miyagi Prefecture)

It is said that the name of the 48 falls of Houmei Falls comes from the fact that the beautiful sound of the waterfalls resembles the cry of the legendary bird "Phoenix". The numerous stepped waterfalls flowing with white foam are very beautiful. The contrast with the autumn leaves is also breathtaking.

Tsukimachi Falls (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Tsukimachi Falls is a 17m high, 12m wide, three-stream waterfall created by the Oise River, a tributary of the Kuji River. Normally it is a husband and wife waterfall, but when the water level rises, a baby waterfall appears from the middle tray, making it a parent-child waterfall. It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.

Kesakake Bridge (Gunma Prefecture)

It is a rare suspension bridge with a steep incline of 44%. After crossing the Genta Bridge from the parking lot and going through the tunnel, you must see the view of the crimson bridge. After crossing the Kesakake Bridge, you can see the magnificent view of the Konaka-Otaki waterfall.

Ryuokyo Gorge (Tochigi Prefecture)

It is said that 22 million years ago, volcanic rocks erupted from undersea volcanic activity were eroded by the flow of the Kinugawa River, resulting in the current landscape. As its name suggests, the spectacular, dynamic scenery is reminiscent of a writhing dragon.

Takikawa Valley (Fukushima Prefecture)

Takikawa Valley is a rare hidden area in the prefecture, with 48 magnificent waterfalls in a row along a 3km-long walking trail, and was chosen as number 10 in the "50 Best Walking Trails in Fukushima." The valley is filled with beautiful waterfalls, huge rock formations, and old natural trees, captivating visitors.

Three-tiered autumn foliage in the Northern Alps of Hakuba Village (Nagano Prefecture)

In Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, where the 3,000m-class mountains of the Northern Alps tower, there is a view that can only be seen for a limited time. The "Sandan Momiji" is a spectacular view where you can enjoy three colors at the same time: the white of the snow piled up on the mountain ridges, the red of the autumn leaves on the middle slopes, and the green of the trees at the foot of the mountains. It can be seen from around late October.

Ainokura Gassho Style Village (Toyama Prefecture)

It is a precious and beautiful village that preserves the historical scenery of Gokayama, with rows of Gassho-style houses from about 100 to 350 years ago. Even today, 20 Gassho-style houses remain in Ainokura Gassho Village.

Oyosezawa Fudo Falls (Saitama Prefecture)

The waterfall falls about 50m in three stages. It is said that the name comes from King Fudo due to its majestic appearance, and it was once a training ground.

Kanoto Rock (Tokyo)

This gorge is located on the Kobe River, a tributary of the Kitaakigawa River. In the upper reaches of the Kobe River, huge rock walls rise up to a height of about 100m, creating a spectacular work of art by nature.

Nishizawa Valley (Yamanashi)

The mountain streams flowing through the virgin forest create numerous waterfalls, giving the area a mystical charm. The beauty of the valley, woven together by the various waterfalls including the famous Nanatsugama Godan Falls, Mie Falls, Ryujin Falls, Koito Falls, and Teizen Falls, is truly overwhelming.

Hiryu Falls (Kanagawa Prefecture)

This waterfall, which flows spectacularly in two tiers, 15m above and 25m below, is the largest waterfall in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is said that it was once a training ground for ascetic monks.

Shiori Pass (Niigata Prefecture)

This is a spot where you can see the natural phenomenon of "waterfall clouds," in which the mist that forms in Okutadami and Ginzandai turns into a sea of clouds and cascades down like a waterfall over the mountain ridges.

Oodake (Nara Prefecture)

On the border between Nara and Mie prefectures, in the plateau-like mountain range of Odaigahara, with Mt. Hinodegatake as its highest peak, there is a scenic spot called "Daijadake." You can see a magnificent view from the sheer cliffs.

Ootoro Falls (Tokushima Prefecture)

The water cascades down in three tiers from a drop of about 20 meters, creating a spectacular sight, and the surrounding Kamagaya Gorge offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, from the spring greenery to the autumn leaves.

The dictionary defines the word "secret place" as "a place rarely visited by humans and where the state is not well known." In the past, it usually referred to places that were difficult to access and not known to the general public. These places were rich in natural environments and often kept in an undeveloped state, and were often surrounded by rugged terrain and harsh climates, but now an increasing number of them are known as tourist destinations.

There is no clear definition of a hidden place, but their beauty and mystery inspire a longing for the unknown world and remind people of the greatness and fragility of nature. Fortunately, there are still many hidden places in Japan. Why not try to find your own "hidden place" in the pursuit of unknown discoveries?