Discover Uonuma in Autumn! 5 Unmissable Places to See the Autumn Colours — from Famous Spots to Secret Escapes!
Kaede Tadami Lake Excursion Boat Award
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Uonuma City, located in southern Niigata Prefecture, is a town rich in nature at the foot of the Echigo Sanzan mountain range. Winter snow and spring meltwater irrigate the land, helping to cultivate delicious Uonuma koshihikari rice. Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, outdoor experiences in summer, golden rice fields and autumn leaves in autumn, and blankets of snow in winter. Every season offers stunning scenery that will make you want to take a photo. After your trip, take a relaxing dip in a hot spring. The flavors unique to a snowy country, such as freshly cooked koshihikari rice and wild vegetable dishes, will satisfy your soul. It's about two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Why not take a leisurely trip to experience the warmth of nature and people?
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As the weather cools down, Japan’s seasonal delicacies begin to appear — and autumn is the perfect time to head out and enjoy the colourful foliage.Located in the mountains, Uonuma offers a rich variety of autumn scenery, with its vast elevation range from mountaintops to valleys. This not only means plenty of spots for viewing the leaves, but also a longer season to enjoy them.
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Table of Contents
- Lake Okutadami — Uonuma’s most famous destination for autumn colours
- Ginzan-daira — a hidden hot spring town full of exotic charm
- Discover Aburumagawa Gorge — a hidden autumn leaf paradise
- A Top Choice for a Road Trip — Autumn Foliage Route along Shiori Pass
- Popular Road Trip Route — Rokujūri Pass
- Meguro Residence, a Japanese National Important Cultural Property, is also a great spot for autumn leaves
- This autumn, why not plan a trip to Uonuma to enjoy the autumn leaves?
When to See the Autumn Colours in Uonuma
Lake Okutadami every end of October to early November
Ginzandaira every end of October
Aburuma River Valley every end of October to early November
Shiori Pass every mid-October to the end of October
Megurotei every beginning of November to the middle of November
Rokujyurigoe mountain road every end of October to the beginning of November
The peak season for autumn leaves varies each year depending on the temperature and weather conditions.
Lake Okutadami — Uonuma’s most famous destination for autumn colours
Lake Okutadami Autumn Foliage Guide
Hop on and cruise through the autumn leaves
Hop on a sightseeing boat at Lake Okutadami for the ultimate autumn foliage experience! In autumn, there are two main routes: the route that circles the lake and the Ginzan-daira route to Ginzan-daira Pier. You’ll get stunning lake views and some of the best spots to admire the colourful leaves.
Have lunch at Okutadami Lake House
Right by the Okutadami car park, the “Okutadami Lake House” offers a stunning view of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains, painted in autumn colours. From Uonuma’s local favourite Kenchin-jiru, to Okutadami Dam Curry Rice, and creamy “Waterfall Cloud” coffee, there’s plenty to try. Don’t miss the wild grape ice cream — highly recommended!
Ginzan-daira — a hidden hot spring town full of exotic charm
Ginzan-daira is a hidden hot spring town nestled at the foot of Mount Echigo-Komagatake and Mount Arasawa.
Enjoy the sound of the Kitanomata River from Ishidaka Bridge, framed by stunning autumn leaves — a truly unmissable sight.
Ginzandaira Onsen
In 2024, Ginzandaira saw the opening of “10 stories hotel Oze”, a new accommodation where you can enjoy a gastronomic experience featuring dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Additionally, Ginzandaira is home to the hot spring facility “Shiroganenoyu,” where you can enjoy the perfect combination of a relaxing soak and autumn leaf viewing.
Discover Aburumagawa Gorge — a hidden autumn leaf paradise
Aburumagawa Gorge, near the Fukushima Prefecture border, is still a hidden gem for autumn leaves. The area features native birch forests alongside numerous maple trees, making it perfect for visitors who want to enjoy the foliage in a quiet, uncrowded setting.
When you visit Aburumagawa Gorge, don't forget to visit the following places!
Asakusa Sanroku Ecological Museum (浅草山麓エコミュージアム)
The Asakusa Sanroku Ecological Museum is a prefectural park located deep in Aburumagawa Gorge. The expansive park features multiple hiking trails, allowing visitors to choose routes based on time and distance. The shortest trail takes about 20 minutes and is equipped with well-maintained boardwalks. The park is suitable for people of all ages to enjoy the autumn leaves. At the visitor centre, you can also explore exhibits about the local ecology, enhancing your understanding of the area’s natural environment.
Asakusadake Park（浅草岳公園）
Asakusadake Park is planted with numerous birch trees, allowing sunlight to filter through the forest and letting visitors fully enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of autumn in Uonuma. Even beyond the peak foliage season, when leaves begin to fall, the ground and canopy are painted in stunning shades of red and gold.
A Top Choice for a Road Trip — Autumn Foliage Route along Shiori Pass
Shiori Pass, located along National Route 352, is a popular spot for autumn foliage. From its 1,065-metre-high summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Oyu Onsen, Okutadami, and the Ginzandaira region. Early risers might even witness the stunning “waterfall cloud.” For tips on how to catch this phenomenon, see our comprehensive guide.
Notice: National Route 352 is closed to vehicles in winter. Please check the latest traffic information before travelling.
Popular Road Trip Route — Rokujūri Pass
Rokujūri Pass located along National Route 252 leading to Fukushima Prefecture, gets its name from a historical perception: though the road is about six ri long (roughly 24 km today), people in the past felt it was ten times as long. From the summit to the base, you can slowly enjoy the changing scenery of all four seasons. Along the way, you may spot trains on the JR Tadami Line, which was once named “the most romantic railway route” by Taiwan. With a bit of luck, you can watch the train winding through the beautiful mountain landscapes.
Notice: National Route 252 is closed to vehicles in winter. Please check the latest traffic information before travelling.
Meguro Residence, a Japanese National Important Cultural Property, is also a great spot for autumn leaves
Meguro Residence was built in 1797 and took five years to complete. It is now designated as one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. From inside the thatched-roof house, visitors can enjoy views of the meticulously designed Japanese garden. In autumn, the scene is further enhanced by the vibrant maple leaves, making it even more enchanting.
This autumn, why not plan a trip to Uonuma to enjoy the autumn leaves?
Uonuma City is not far from Tokyo. Take the Joetsu Shinkansen “Toki” and you can reach Urasa Station in about 1.5 hours. The Uonuma City Tourism Association warmly welcomes your visit!
For more information about Uonuma, please check out our official website↓
Uonuma City, located in southern Niigata Prefecture, is a town rich in nature at the foot of the Echigo Sanzan mountain range. Winter snow and spring meltwater irrigate the land, helping to cultivate delicious Uonuma koshihikari rice. Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, outdoor experiences in summer, golden rice fields and autumn leaves in autumn, and blankets of snow in winter. Every season offers stunning scenery that will make you want to take a photo. After your trip, take a relaxing dip in a hot spring. The flavors unique to a snowy country, such as freshly cooked koshihikari rice and wild vegetable dishes, will satisfy your soul. It's about two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Why not take a leisurely trip to experience the warmth of nature and people?
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