2025 Edition! Let's enjoy autumn foliage viewing at Nakano Momijiyama, a small storm mountain in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture!

Aomori
Sightseeing

2025/09/22

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Nakano Momijiyama Fudo no Taki Waterfall

In Aomori Prefecture, the autumn foliage season usually begins around mid-October. Nakano Momijiyama, located in Kuroishi City, is one of the most popular autumn foliage viewing spots in the prefecture, and is relatively close to the city center. This month's article will introduce how to enjoy Nakano Momijiyama!

What is Nakano Momijiyama?

It is said that the Nakano Maple Viewing Area was established in 1802, when Yasuchika Tsugaru, the 9th lord of the Hirosaki Domain, was fascinated by the maple trees and the Fudo Falls on Mt.

Maple trees planted by Yasuchika Tsugaru (photo in summer)

Nakano Momijiyama is located in the precincts of Nakano Shrine. The entrance is located at the shrine's torii gate.

Entrance to Nakano Maple Mountain (photo in summer)

At present, the number of maple trees over 100 years old is said to be as many as 130. It is now called Koarashiyama (small Arashiyama) in contrast to Arashiyama in Kyoto, and is a favorite autumn foliage viewing spot for many people both inside and outside of the prefecture.

Three recommended photography spots

Nakano Momijiyama has several photo spots such as rivers, waterfalls, and red bridges, and we will introduce three of the best spots!

Panoramic view of Nakano Maple Mountain

The first spot we will introduce is the photo spot before passing through the torii gate of Nakano Shrine. When looking at the torii gate from the front, walk a little to the left side and you will see the Nakano River, so look for the best position where the Nakano River is in the foreground and Momijiyama (Mt. Momiji) is in the background!

From here, you can see the Nakano River in the foreground, maple trees in the center, and various shades of autumn leaves in the back, which is very beautiful. The contrast of the bridge with its red parapet and the blue sky is also very beautiful.

The entire view can be photographed here, and the photos that are used to introduce Nakano Momijiyama are always taken from here, so don't miss it! It is also beautiful when illuminated at night.

Fudo Waterfall

Next is Fudo Falls. This waterfall is located at the end of a flight of stairs after passing through the torii gate at the entrance.

The collaboration of the waterfall, maple leaves in red and yellow, and the clear stream is so beautiful that you can't help but admire it. It is recommended to take a photo of the waterfall together with the nearby Fudo Bridge with its distinctive bright red parapet.

From the other side (Fudo Falls can be seen in the back)

Kanfuedai

The last stop is Kanpu-dai, a 10-minute walk up the mountain from the entrance. Here, the ground is covered with red and yellow autumn leaves, and a carpet of fallen leaves can be enjoyed when the leaves fall.

During the peak season, the entire area is covered in red and yellow, making it a picturesque place no matter where you cut the leaves. Although some parts of the path to Kanpu-dai are paved, it is a bit of a mountain path, so it is recommended to wear good shoes.

The entrance to the maple viewing platform is next to the main shrine of Nakano Shrine.

When is the best time to see the autumn foliage in 2025?

The best time to view the autumn leaves at Nakano Momijiyama is usually from mid-October to early November. However, the heat is often prolonged these days, and the colors may not be satisfactory in mid-October. The latest foliage information will be posted on Amazing AOMORI, Aomori Prefecture's official tourist information website, so please check here before visiting.

For more information about autumn foliage in Aomori, visit

Let's enjoy the illumination of autumn leaves at night!

Nakano Momijiyama will be lit up at night every day from October 18 (Sat) to November 9 (Sun) to coincide with the best time to view the autumn leaves. The illuminated foliage is so fantastic that it was ranked No. 1 in the "Best View of Autumn Foliage by a Certain Tourist Media" in 2023. Please watch your step in the dark.

During the lighting-up period, a temporary tourist information center will be set up and stalls will be set up. Please enjoy the contrast of the maple leaves and the stream of Nakano River, which will be beautifully illuminated by the lights.

The red color is even more vivid when illuminated!

Fudobashi bridge at night has atmosphere.

Schedule

○Light-up
Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, November 9, 2025 16:30 - 21:00

○Temporary Tourist Information Center
Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, November 9, 2025 9:00 - 21:00

○Stalls
Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, November 9, 2025 *Stalls may change depending on manpower and weather

Capture a beautiful scene in one photo! Photo Contest!

A photo contest will be held in conjunction with the autumn foliage period at Nakano Momijiyama. This is an Instagram-only campaign. The theme is "The beautiful autumn of Nakano Maple Mountain that you want to tell us about" Follow the official Instagram account "Visit Kuroishi" and post your photo with "#Nakano Maple Mountain Photo Contest 2025" to enter.

Visit Kuroishi's Instagram here

The winners will receive an assortment of Kuroishi City products, so please submit your best photos♪ For details, please visit the Kuroishi Tourist Association website.

Visit Kuroishi Tourist Association HP here

Recommendations other than Autumn Foliage

Nakano Maple Viewing has other attractions in addition to the autumn leaves, so we will briefly introduce them here!

Chicken guardians at Nakano Shrine

Nakano Maple Mountain is located in Nakano Shrine, which is home to Komatori (guardian chickens), not komainu (guardian dogs).

In the Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture, there is a custom called "Tsugaru Ichidai-sama," in which the zodiac sign of the year of the rooster is used as a guardian deity. Nakano Shrine itself is also a shrine with a long history, so please take the time to visit...

Giant tree over 200 years old

There are five well-known giant trees on Nakano Maple Mountain. There are two fir trees and three giant cedars, all over 200 years old! The tallest osugi is said to be a whopping 700 years old. The trunk of the tallest one is approximately 7 meters in circumference, which is very impressive when seen up close! Although the autumn leaves may attract your eyes, please take a look at the greenery of the osugi.

This is a 500-year-old cedar tree in the precincts of the shrine.

Sightseeing around the area is also recommended!

Near Nakano Momijiyama, there is a Tsugaru Handicrafts Museum where you can try your hand at making Tsugaru-nuri (Tsugaru lacquerware) and the Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum where cute Tsugaru Kokeshi dolls are displayed, both of which are located within a 10-minute walk from Nakano Momijiyama. Please spend a day to fully enjoy Kuroishi City when you visit Nakano Momijiyama.

Ochiai Bridge near Tsugaru Kokeshiki-kan

Why not visit Nakano Momijiyama in 2025?

Nakano Maple Viewing is a popular autumn foliage viewing spot among locals, so the roads will be crowded during the best season to view the leaves. Please plan ahead and use public transportation to enjoy the autumn foliage viewing. The pamphlet also includes information on the photo spots and parking lots mentioned above.

●Location:

Nakano Shrine, 27 Fudodate, Minaminakano, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture

●Access:

Car: 10 minutes from Kuroishi IC on Tohoku Expressway via Route 102 toward Towada

Bus: Approximately 31 minutes from Kuroishi Station by Konan Bus. Take the Okawahara Line, get off at Nakano Jinja-mae bus stop, and walk about 1 minute. Or take a bus bound for Itadome, Nijinoko, or Onkawa line, and get off at Nakano-minamiguchi bus stop. 5 min. walk.

*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.

*All images are for reference only.

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