Popular among the locals! Yamagata's Autumn Foliage Spots 【Tsukiyama / Zao

  • Yamagata
  • Sightseeing
Autumn colors of Mt.
Yamagata Prefecture is a place where one can enjoy the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons, but the autumn foliage season is especially spectacular. The mountains turn red and yellow, and the scenery is mesmerizing to visitors. In this issue, we will introduce three autumn foliage viewing spots in Yamagata.

Three Autumn Foliage Spots in Yamagata

In autumn, Japan's mountains are tinged with autumn leaves, and their beauty has attracted many people since ancient times. In particular, the dynamic scenery of autumn foliage in the Tohoku region, where there are many natural features such as mountains and lakes, attracts tourists from all over the country, and each place is filled with excitement. In this issue, we will introduce three typical autumn foliage spots in Yamagata.
Gassan, characterized by the autumn leaves of shrubs

Natural Picture Scroll World: Autumn Leaves of Mt.

The first one we will introduce is Gassan (moon). Located in the center of Yamagata Prefecture, this 1,984-meter-high mountain is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. In summer, Gassan is famous for its skiing, but in autumn, the mountain is decorated with beautiful autumn leaves, and is called "the world of natural picture scrolls where the entire mountain becomes a carpet of brocade.
Autumn leaves seen along the ridge line
Visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves from the top of the mountain from early to mid-September until mid-October, when the Gassan Pair Lift service ends. The color change of the leaves is instantaneous! With each rainfall, the leaves gain color, and after a week or so of vivid coloring, they gradually fade away. In autumn, the leaves of shrubs and grasses, such as the Minerasakura, Nanakamado, and Minemie-mae (Japanese maple), change to take center stage. As we walk along the ridge line surrounded by shrubs, we can look down at the beautiful autumn leaves of the mountains from the top of the mountain.
Gassan Asahi Tourist Association

The vast nature of Zao

Next is Zao, which is synonymous with Yamagata. Zao is the general name for the Zao mountain range, which straddles Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, and is also one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. Many people think of Zao in winter when they think of the ice on the trees, but it is also famous for its autumn foliage, which is a popular destination for tourists from all over the country in autumn. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September to late October, when the vast nature and elevation of the area allows visitors to enjoy the brilliant changes from the top to the bottom of the mountain.
Zao in brilliant colors. Photo courtesy of Zao Ropeway Co.
The best place to view the autumn foliage in Zao is from the Zao Ropeway. The vast expanse of autumn foliage spreads out below the windows of the ropeway, and the entire mountain is covered with colorful foliage. The ropeway ride from Zao Sanroku Station to Juhyokogen Station on the way up takes 7 minutes, and from Juhyokogen Station to Jizoyama Summit Station takes 10 minutes. You can also enjoy the autumn leaves at various places in Zao, such as Iroha-numa and Kanshodaira walking course (about 50 minutes around), Sanpo-arajinzan walking course, and the area around Hyakumanjin Terrace. Zao is also famous for its hot springs. After enjoying the autumn foliage, it is a special treat to warm up in the Zao Hot Springs and recover from the fatigue of climbing the mountain (Zao ropeway prices are subject to change).
Autumn leaves seen from the Zao Ropeway Photo courtesy of Zao Ropeway Co.
Zao Onsen Tourism Association HP is here

Visit Yamagata's autumn foliage spots this fall!

Why not visit Yamagata in time for the autumn foliage season? You will surely experience the splendor of Japanese nature in autumn!

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

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.

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For train + lodging "Yamagata Area" reservations, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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