In 2025! From Ouchi-juku to Tonohetsuri! Five recommended spots to enjoy autumn foliage in Aizu, Fukushima

  • Fukushima
  • Sightseeing
Ouchi-juku (©Provided by Fukushima Prefectural Tourism and Products Exchange Association)

Aizu Area] Four recommended spots for viewing the autumn foliage!

It takes about 3 hours from Tokyo Station to Aizu Wakamatsu Station via Shinkansen and local train. In addition to tourist attractions such as Tsurugajo Castle and Aizu Sazae-do Temple, Aizu is famous for Aizu lacquerware and traditional Akaibeko crafts, but the autumn leaves are also recommended in fall! Here are four carefully selected autumn foliage viewing spots in Aizu, Fukushima, where there are many hot spring resorts such as Higashiyama Onsen and Ashinomaki Onsen.
Tsurugajo Castle (©Courtesy of Fukushima Prefecture Tourism and Products Exchange Association)

What is the best time to see the autumn leaves in a typical year?

The autumn foliage season in the Aizu area is usually from late September to mid-November. In addition to Aizu Wakamatsu, you can enjoy the autumn foliage in many other areas such as Minami Aizu and Oku Aizu!

Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle), the symbol of the Aizu domain

Tsurugajo (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle), the symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu City, is one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan, famous for its red-tiled castle tower, the only one of its kind in Japan, which was completely renovated in April 2023 and reborn as an interactive museum combining history and digital technology. Visitors can experience AR that brings historical buildings back to life and experience the stories hidden in history with all five senses.
Tsurugajo Castle Keep (©Courtesy of Fukushima Prefectural Tourism and Products Exchange Association)
The best time to view the autumn leaves at Tsurugajo (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle) is usually from late October to mid-November. The castle's soaring five-story chalk castle tower and Mt. The castle tower is lit up at sunset throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience a fantastic night view of Aizu different from that of the day.
Light-up of the castle tower（©Provided by Fukushima Prefectural Tourism and Products Exchange Association)

Tonohetsuri (Tower of the Goddess of Mercy), a natural beauty created by nature

Tonohetsuri, named after the local word "hetsuri" (meaning "cliff" in Japanese) for the cliffs lined with pagoda-shaped towers, is designated as a national natural monument, and is one of the famous scenic spots in Aizu, a valley created by nature over many years.

The best time to view the autumn leaves at Tonohetsuri is usually from late October to early November. From the suspension bridge over the cliff, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the cliff filled with maple trees and oak trees, and feel the grandeur of Aizu. Located about 350 meters from the Aizu Railway "To-no-hetsuri" station, it is an easily accessible sightseeing spot. You can see the railroad and autumn leaves at the same time, and there are several restaurants and souvenir stores in the vicinity, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves at your leisure.
Tonohetsuri (©Provided by Fukushima Prefectural Tourism and Products Exchange Association)

Autumn colors of the inn town, Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku, which flourished in the Edo period as an inn town connecting Aizu Wakamatsu City and Nikko Imaichi, is a row of thatched-roof houses surrounded by mountains, and is lined with souvenir stores selling Aizu folk crafts and original products, as well as stores where visitors can enjoy local cuisine such as the famous Negi-soba and Tochimochi rice cakes.

The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from late October to early November. The autumn scenery of the inn town is exceptional and attracts many tourists. Visitors can also try their hand at painting red beko (red cow-shaped dolls), making this a spot where visitors of all ages can enjoy the autumn foliage.
Autumn leaves at Ouchi-juku (©Provided by Fukushima Prefectural Tourism and Products Exchange Association)

View of the autumn foliage from the top [Hidama Toge

The Shimogo Aizu Hongo Route (Prefectural Road 131), commonly known as "Hidama Toge", is a well-known spot where visitors can avoid traffic jams on the way to Ouchi-juku and enjoy the autumn foliage from the pass. The wide road allows visitors to park their cars and enjoy the autumn colors.

The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually in early November. The view of the sky, clouds, and autumn leaves spreading all over the area will soothe away the stress of daily life.
Autumn foliage in the area (© Courtesy of the Aizu Misatomachi Tourist Association)

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

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, allowing 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! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

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For train + accommodation reservations in the Aizu area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package.
All photos are for reference only.
The foliage information is a rough estimate of the best time to view the leaves. The time of autumn foliage may vary depending on weather conditions.
The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
The information in this article is current as of August 2025.
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