I want to go there in the fall of 2023! 4 selected autumn foliage spots in Nasushiobara area, Tochigi

  • Tochigi
  • Sightseeing
Autumn leaves from Kaikyouno Suspension Bridge

When is the best time to see the autumn leaves in Tochigi Prefecture?

The Nasu/Shiobara area of Tochigi Prefecture is known for its close proximity to the Tokyo metropolitan area and abundant nature. Although there are differences in elevation, the best time to view the leaves is usually from mid-October to late November. We will introduce four selected spots (Nasu Ropeway, Taisho Roman Road, Momijidani Suspension Bridge, and Mikaeri no Taki Waterfall) where you can enjoy the autumn leaves.

Nasu Ropeway overlooking Mt. Chausu in the Nasu Mountain Range

Chausudake (Mt. Chausu) in autumn leaves
The first recommended spot is the Nasu Ropeway. The Nasu Ropeway connects the seventh station at the foot of Mount Chausu, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, with the summit area, and is known for its beautiful views of the mountains. As you ride the gondola to higher elevations, the surrounding scenery gradually expands to reveal the rugged mountains. You will surely be overwhelmed by the grandeur of nature as you experience a walk in the air.
Especially during the fall season starting in October, the mountains of Nasu are covered in beautiful autumn leaves, and the view from the ropeway is spectacular, with colors so vivid they resemble a painting. The autumn leaves usually begin to change color from mid-September in the early areas, and the best time to view them is from late September to early October, changing locations.

Operation Information

Operation Period】～December 10, 2023 (Sunday)
*Varies depending on maintenance and repairs.
[Operation Hours] 8:30-16:30
(Last up 16:00, Last down 16:20)

The bus will operate every hour at 20-minute intervals of 00 minutes, 20 minutes and 40 minutes.
*The first departure time is the opening time.
*Variable depending on customer conditions.
*Service may be suspended due to inclement weather.

Individual Fees】
Adults (junior high school students and older): round trip: 1,800 yen, one way: 1,200 yen
Children (3 years old to elementary school students): round trip: 900 yen, one way: 600 yen
Pets: 600 yen per pet
*Pet owners (dogs, cats, etc.) must place their pet in its own carry bag when riding the gondola.
*Adults must be junior high school students or older; children must be 3 years old to elementary school students; fare waiver...children under 3 years old are fare waiver.

Autumn leaves viewed from one of the largest suspension bridges in Japan Maple Valley Suspension Bridge

Momijidani Suspension Bridge in autumn leaves
The second recommended spot is the Momijidani Suspension Bridge, viewed from one of Japan's largest suspension bridges at 320 meters in length.
It has been selected as a "Lover's Mecca," a romantic spot suitable for marriage proposals, and is one of the most popular tourist spots with heart-shaped benches and other facilities. Especially in late October to mid-November, the beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of the colored leaves of the mountains reflected on the lake attracts many visitors and attracts a lot of people every year.

Mikaerino-Taki Waterfall, so beautiful you can't help but look back

Kaikou-no-taki waterfall
The third recommended spot is the Kaikan-no-taki waterfall viewed from the Kaikan-no-taki suspension bridge, a suspension bridge located near Momijidani Suspension Bridge.
This waterfall is one of the representative waterfalls in Shiobara, with a drop of 53 meters and a width of 3 meters. Crossing over the Kaikouno Suspension Bridge and viewing the waterfall from the observatory, you will see a spectacular view of the waterfall. This waterfall was introduced in the novel "Konjikiyasha" written by the novelist, Momiji Ozaki, and was so beautiful that travelers leaving the area could not help but look back, hence the name. The autumn leaves usually change from late October to mid-November. Why not take a look at the view from the waterfall, which is said to be so beautiful that travelers leaving the area cannot help but look back?

Autumn leaves loved by cultural figures Taisho Romantic Road

Taisho Roman Road Photo courtesy of Tochigi Tourism and Products Association
The fourth recommended spot is Taisho Roman Kaido.
This highway refers to National Route 400, which runs along the Shiobara Valley, upstream from the Shiobara Dam and through which the Broom River flows, and has long been known as the Shiobara Kaido. The old road, which has lost traffic due to tunneling, has been reborn as the Taisho Roman Kaido, a walking path. The name "Taisho Roman Kaido" comes from the fact that many great writers and cultural figures such as Akiko Yosano and Roka Tokutomi visited the area during the Meiji and Taisho periods, and many literary monuments have been left behind.
Shiobara Valley, which has been known as a scenic spot since those days, usually turns red in late October. A tunnel of beautiful autumn leaves stretches along both sides of the road, giving visitors the feeling as if they have wandered into a different world. The road is wide with little traffic, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll, and just walking along the road is sure to warm the heart.

Retro Eating in Shiobara Onsenkyo

Shiobara Onsen and Teyaki
Shiobara Onsenkyo townscape
Shiobara Onsenkyo, which is linked to the Taisho-Roman Kaido, is a quiet hot spring resort town in the mountains known for its magnificent valley beauty and abundant hot spring water, and there are also many fashionable places to eat and walk. Among them, we recommend the Shiobara Onsen Toteyaki, a thinly baked pancake filled with different ingredients, from whipped cream to sushi, at each store. Nasu Hot Springs and Nasu Highlands, which spread out at the foot of the Nasu Ropeway, are known as one of the leading resorts in the Kanto region, and visitors can enjoy various sightseeing spots, from scenic spots such as "Kakuseishi," which is derived from the mountain beliefs of Mount Nasu, to experience spots.
Why not fully enjoy autumn in the Nasu/Shiobara area with a sightseeing tour suited to you and the scenery that can only be seen during this season?

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

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The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

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For train + accommodation in the Tochigi area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
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