Here is the place to go in autumn 2025! Autumn Foliage Special in Kakunodate and Tazawako Area, Akita Prefecture [Buke Yashiki Dori (Samurai Residence Street), Hukubari Canyon, Lake Tazawa

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
Samurai Residence Street in Kakunodate (Akita Prefecture Tourism Federation)
The northern Tohoku region is one of the first places in Honshu where you can feel the arrival of autumn. Although it varies depending on elevation and location, the best time to view the autumn leaves in Akita Prefecture is usually from mid-October to early November. The most notable spots are the Kakunodate and Tazawako areas centering on Senboku City in Akita Prefecture, where you can enjoy the natural and historical scenery. Accessible from Tokyo by the Akita Shinkansen bullet train in about 3 hours with no transfers, the Kakunodate and Tazawako areas offer plenty to see and do to enjoy the autumn foliage.

Kakunodate: The colorful autumn leaves reflected in the townscape with blackboard fences.

The first spot we will introduce is Buke Yashiki Street, located about 15 minutes on foot from Kakunodate Station. The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually in early November. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist spot representing Akita, attracting attention not only from within Japan but also from abroad. Kakunodate is famous as one of the "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan" for its 400 weeping cherry trees that bloom in spring, but it is also recommended to visit during the fall foliage season when the maple trees and ginkgo trees change color. The view of the old historical townscape, which stretches for about 700 meters and turns bright red, evokes the atmosphere of the good old days.
The samurai residences in Kakunodate were built by Ashina Yoshikatsu, who ruled the Kakunodate area in the early Edo period. The samurai residences and many other historic buildings that have remained from that time still exist, and the Buke Yashiki Street has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan. Along the street, there are many places to enjoy sightseeing, such as restaurants where you can enjoy various gourmet foods including Inaniwa udon and the Kakunodate Kabazaiku Tradition Museum, where you can see a demonstration of Kabazaiku, a traditional Kakunodate handicraft. Why not take a stroll through the historic townscape, recalling the lives of people in the Edo period?
A garden where fallen ginkgo leaves look like a yellow carpet
Maples turning bright red and samurai residences

Hogarari Gorge: The blue of the mountain stream, the colors of the virgin forest, the oddly shaped rocks, and the waterfalls create a spectacular view.

The next recommended spot is Hogaraki Canyon, located about 15 minutes by car from JR Kakunodate Station. The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from late October to early November. The name "Hogaretsuri" comes from the fact that the mountain path used to be so narrow and steep that people had to hold each other up as they passed each other to get through. The valley is also known as the "Yabakei of Tohoku," with its valley beauty created by a mountain stream and precipitous cliffs in a virgin forest.
In the season of autumn leaves, the mountains on both sides change color, and on a clear day, the reflections of the leaves on the water of the river flowing below make the scenery even more beautiful and picturesque. The beauty of the autumn foliage attracts more visitors than usual during the autumn foliage season.
Hoderari Canyon - the first autumn leaves
Hodogari Valley - Autumn leaves at their best

Lake Tazawa: The deepest lake in Japan, with its lapis lazuli color and autumn leaves.

The last recommended spot is Tazawako Lake, about 12 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station on the Akita Shinkansen Line. The best time to see the leaves is usually from late October to early November. Lake Tazawa is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan, with a circumference of about 20 km and a depth of 423.4 m, making it the deepest lake in Japan. The surface of Lake Tazawa is characterized by its lapis lazuli color, which deepens in autumn, and the mountains with red leaves create a beautiful scene as if they are surrounded by a red folding screen.
The autumn leaves from the shore of the lake offer a beautiful view, but a particularly recommended spot is the view from the observatory in Katamae Mountain Forest Park. The view from the elevated observatory overlooking Lake Tazawa and the colored leaves is breathtaking. The view is breathtaking. Why not take a short walk to visit this magnificent sight?
View from Katamae Mountain Forest Park

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and apply for them all at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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