AugustAomori Nebuta Festival
Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda
Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)
Autumn Leaves · Tohoku
Mt. Hakkoda (Hakkoda Ropeway)
Aomori & HakkodaMountain & highland🍁 Typical peak: Late Sep – Mid Oct
Overview
Overview
About 40 min by car from Aomori Station, Hakkoda is a mountain area where the autumn leaves start in late September. The Hakkoda Ropeway takes about 10 min, and from Sancho Koen Station you can look out over the colored mountains.
- Address
- 1-12 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori, Aomori (Hakkoda Ropeway)
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours for the ropeway round trip and a summit walk
- Official website
- http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookHakkoda, Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada Small-Group Day Tour (from Aomori)Small-group tour from Aomori Station West Exit to the Hakkoda Ropeway (ticket not included), Oirase Gorge and Lake TowadaView on Klook- PRKlookOirase Stream & Lake Towada Day Bus Tour (from Aomori)Bus tour from Aomori Station West Exit to Mt. Hakkoda, the Oirase Stream, Lake Towada and Towada Shrine, and Shirokura BridgeView on Klook
- PRKlookOirase Stream, Hakkoda & Lake Towada Small-Group Day Tour (from Aomori)Small-group car tour from Aomori Station West Exit with a plan covering the Hakkoda Ropeway, Oirase Stream and Lake Towada. Japanese-speaking driverView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late September to mid-October
September
October
November
December
The colors move from near the summit down to the foot of the mountain. 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
Highlights
The main highlight is looking down on slopes of autumn leaves from the ropeway gondola. Ponds and marshes dot the area around Mt. Tamoyachi, where Sancho Koen Station stands, and you can enjoy the autumn mountain scenery on a walk.
📷 Best views
Ropeway gondola
About 10 min from Sanroku Station to Sancho Koen Station, with a sea of autumn trees spread out below
Summit park (Mt. Tamoyachi)
The summit area, dotted with ponds and marshes. Take in the Hakkoda mountains from the walking trail
Hours
Opening hours
Operating hours9:00–16:20
Until 15:40 in winter
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Ropeway round tripAdults ¥2,200, children ¥700
Preschoolers free
Ropeway one wayAdults ¥1,400, children ¥450
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The ropeway may be suspended depending on the weather, so check the operating status before you set out
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Ropeway-eki-mae (JR Bus Tohoku)About 54 min by bus from Aomori Station
- From major stations & airports
- Aomori Station: JR Bus Tohoku; get off at Ropeway-eki-mae (About 54 min)
- Aomori Station: Car (About 40 min)
- By car & parking
- About 350 spaces
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- There are often waits at the ropeway station on weekends in the autumn leaves season
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings, right after opening
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- October normals for Aomori: high 18.3°C, low 9.1°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The summit area is high and much colder than the city
- What to wear & bring
- The summit is windy and some days are close to winter cold, so bring warm clothes such as a down jacket and gloves. Trekking shoes are best if you walk the trails
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Mt. Hakkoda (Hakkoda Ropeway)PR
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Aomori & Hakkoda
AugustAttractions
Attractions in Aomori & Hakkoda
AquariumAomori Prefectural Asamushi Aquarium
Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda
An Aomori Prefecture-run aquarium in Asamushi Onsen, facing Mutsu Bay. Admission is free for high school students and younger, and just ¥1,200 for general visitors. It's about a 10-minute walk from Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Aoimori Railway and about 20 minutes by train from Aomori Station, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Aomori City.
☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Tohoku
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Temple
Gorge
CastleTsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
TempleYamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
TemplePeak 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