A gorge on the Tamagawa River between Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate. The emerald water and autumn leaves make a beautiful combination, and the fairly level walking trail makes for an easy stroll.
Varies with each year’s temperatures
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights are the vermilion Kami no Iwahashi suspension bridge and the 30 m Mikaeri Falls. The Dakigaeri Autumn Leaves Festival is held every year from early October to early November.
A vermilion suspension bridge over the emerald stream, and the entrance to the gorge walk
A 30 m waterfall. Its name comes from the urge to look back at it
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
FebruaryTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
From 2026, held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of February (the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonden events; changed to the second Friday and Saturday on a trial basis through 2029)
2027: Feb 12 (Fri) & Feb 13 (Sat)
AugustTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)
ZooTohoku ・ Akita City, Akita
A zoo in Omoriyama Park run by Akita City. As of August 2026, it keeps 524 animals of 88 species. Admission is free for high school students and younger, and with the Anipa amusement park and large play equipment on site, families can spend a whole day here.
AquariumTohoku ・ Oga, Akita
An aquarium on the Sea of Japan coast of the Oga Peninsula. It has a large tank recreating the Oga sea, exhibits of polar bears, seals, penguins, and more, and a museum devoted to hatahata (sandfish), an Akita specialty. From Akita Station, take the JR Oga Line to Oga Station (about 1 hour), then a bus or shared taxi.
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Temple🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peakTohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
Temple🍁 Typical peakTohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
Temple🍁 Typical peakPeak 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
