Known as one of western Japan’s finest scenic spots, this is Shikoku’s largest gorge, on the southern slopes of Mt. Ishizuchi, and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Enjoy the autumn beauty of the gorge, woven from an emerald-green stream, strange rock formations and colored trees.
Varies with each year’s temperatures. Check the official website or the tourism association’s autumn leaves updates for the latest colors
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
The Sekimon walking trail, about 600 m and about 20 min one way along the river from the Omogo Mountain Museum parking lot, makes it easy to see Sekimon, where strange rocks close in on both sides, and the mysterious Soraebune Bridge.
The narrowest point of the Omogo River, with sheer, strange rocks closing in on both sides
A bridge over the gorge, with mysterious scenery
About 600 m along the river from the Omogo Mountain Museum parking lot to Tsutenkyo Bridge, about 20 min one way
OctoberChugoku & Shikoku ・ Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen
Every year October 5–7 (Yoimiya on the 5th, main festival on the 6th, Honmiya on the 7th; the hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station is early in the morning of the 7th)
2026: Oct 5 (Mon) – Oct 7 (Wed); hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station early in the morning of the 7th
ZooChugoku & Shikoku ・ Tobe, Ehime
An Ehime Prefecture-run zoo in Tobe, about 20 minutes by car from central Matsuyama. Under the concept A Zoo Full of Everyone's Smiles, it keeps many animals, including polar bears, African elephants, Malayan tapirs, sea lions, and flamingos. Admission is an affordable ¥600 for adults.
Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge
GardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
🍁 Typical peak: Early Nov – Early Dec
ParkChugoku & Shikoku ・ Iwakuni, Yamaguchi
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
ParkChugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
GardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Okayama & Kurashiki
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
GardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
