Here are the best places to go in autumn 2024! Kakunodate and Tazawako area, Akita Prefecture: Autumn Foliage Special [Buke Yashiki Dori, Hukagari Canyon, Tazawako Lake].
Kakunodate Buke Yashiki Dori (Akita Prefecture Tourism Federation)
A spectacular autumn foliage viewing spot in Akita Prefecture that can be visited by Shinkansen bullet train
When is the best time to see the autumn leaves in Akita Prefecture?
In the northern Tohoku region, you can feel the arrival of autumn earlier than other areas in Honshu. The best time to see the autumn leaves in Akita Prefecture is usually from mid-October to early November, although it varies depending on the altitude and location. 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 area has a lot to see and do, and we will introduce spots where you can enjoy the autumn leaves.
15-minute walk from Kakunodate Station on the Akita Shinkansen bullet train Kakunodate Buke Yashiki Street
Kakunodate Buke Yashiki Street The first spot we will introduce is Kakunodate's Buke Yashiki Street. The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from late October to early November. The samurai residences in Kakunodate were built in the early Edo period by Ashina Yoshikatsu, who ruled the Kakunodate area. The samurai residences and many other historic buildings still exist today, and the main street of the samurai residences has been designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The main street of the samurai residences has been designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The spring scenery is very popular, with about 400 weeping cherry trees all blooming at once in April, and the autumn foliage is also a great time to visit. The reddish scenery of the historical townscape, which stretches for about 700 meters, evokes the atmosphere of the good old days. Along the road, there are many spots where visitors can enjoy sightseeing, such as samurai residences that retain the atmosphere of the old days, restaurants where you can enjoy various gourmet foods such as Inaniwa udon, and the Kakunodate Kabazaiku Tradition Museum where you can see a demonstration of Kabazaiku, which is widely known as a traditional Kakunodate handicraft, and is called "Michinoku no Little Kyoto. Why not take a stroll through the historic townscape, recalling the lives of people in the Edo period?
Exquisite sweets to enjoy with autumn leaves
In addition to the wonderful scenery, you should also check out the delicious food. Kakunodate is known for its many delicious sweets shops throughout the area. Why not enjoy the autumn leaves with a variety of sweets such as western sweets, pudding, taiyaki, etc. in your hand? *Please refer to the article about Kakunodate's sweets tour using the on-demand transportation service "Yobunoru Kakunodate" written by the editor of and trip!
Take the convenient Yobunoru Kakunodate shared-ride transportation service and enjoy a sweet trip to Kakunodate in winter.
Kakunodate-cho, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, 014-0332
Access
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Kakunodate Station
15 min. drive from JR Kakunodate Station: Hukagari Canyon
Hodoretari Valley - Autumn Foliage Beginning Hodogari Valley - Autumn Foliage at its Best The next recommended spot is Hogarari 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 is said to come from the fact that the valley was so steep that passersby had to hug each other to pass each other. It is a 10-km-long valley leading to Lake Tazawa and the middle stream of Tamagawa River flowing through Kakunodate. During the season of autumn leaves, the mountains on either side of the valley change color, creating a spectacular scene. On a clear day, the autumn leaves are reflected in the water of the river flowing below, making the scenery even more beautiful and picturesque. The area is a popular tourist spot due to its unique scenery and easy access from Kakunodate, and is especially visited by more people than usual during the autumn foliage season.
A girls' trip to Kakunodate in winter using the convenient shared-ride transportation service "Yobunoru Kakunodate
You can also use the on-demand transportation system "Yobunoru Kakunodate" to visit the samurai residences and Hagari Canyon!
Tazawako Tsubota, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, 014-1113
Access
About 15 minutes by car from JR Kakunodate Station
Approximately 12 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station on the Akita Shinkansen Line
View from Katamae Mountain Forest Park The next recommended spot is around Lake Tazawa, a 12-minute bus ride from Tazawa-ko Station on the Akita Shinkansen Line. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late October to early November. Lake Tazawa is about 20 km in circumference and boasts the deepest water depth of 423.4 m, making it one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan. 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. Why not take a short trip to visit this spectacular view?
Location
Aza-Nyugiko, Tazawako Lagoon, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, 014-1203
Access
Train: 12 minutes by bus from Tazawako Station on the Akita Shinkansen Line to "Tazawako Kohan" stop.
Car: 1 hour from Morioka IC of Tohoku Expressway via Route 46 and Route 341
Why don't you go to Akita Prefecture to see the autumn leaves?
Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!
You can create your own original trip!
We recommend the " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " an Internet-based product that includes a JR ticket (Shinkansen) and accommodation, for your stay in Akita City!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely 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.
