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Autumn Leaves · Tohoku

Naruko Gorge

Naruko, MiyagiGorge🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
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Overview

Overview

A gorge near Naruko Onsen and one of Miyagi Prefecture’s best-known spots for autumn leaves. From the Rest House observation point you can look down on the autumn leaves coloring the gorge.

Address
Hoshinuma, Naruko Onsen, Osaki, Miyagi (Naruko Gorge Rest House)
Time needed
30 min for the observation point only; about 1.5 hours if you also walk the trail
Official website
https://www.miyagi-kankou.or.jp/theme/detail.php?id=9805
Peak Time

When to See the Leaves

Typical peakUsually late October to early November
September
October
November
December

Varies with each year’s temperatures. Check the Naruko Onsen Tourism Association for the latest colors

Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

Highlights

Beeches, oaks, maples and other trees change color, and the contrast with the evergreens is the highlight. It is a prefectural Natural Monument, and the Ofukasawa walking trail, a 2.2 km loop, starts from the Rest House.

📷 Best views
Naruko Gorge Rest House observation point

The classic viewpoint overlooking the gorge

Ofukasawa walking trail

A loop trail of about 2.2 km starting from the Rest House

Hours

Opening hours

Walking trail open hours9:00–16:00

Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓On busy weekends, taking the temporary bus lets you avoid waiting for parking
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Narukokyo (stop for the temporary Koyo-go bus)In 2026 it runs from Naruko-Onsen Station 10/26–11/8
From major stations & airports
  • Naruko-Onsen Station: Temporary Koyo-go bus (runs daily 10/26–11/8, 2026)
  • Furukawa IC (Tohoku Expressway): Car (About 50 min)
Getting back
  • Koyo-go fares are cash only. Have small change ready (only ¥1,000 bills can be changed on board)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest
Parking lots around the Rest House tend to fill up on weekends at the peak
Quieter times
Weekday mornings
Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures
Normals for Sendai: October high 19.8°C, low 11.9°C; November high 14.1°C, low 5.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Naruko is inland in the mountains and colder than Sendai
What to wear & bring
The gorge is cold in the mornings and evenings, so bring a warm jacket such as a light down jacket. The trail has stairs, so wear comfortable walking shoes
☁ Tohoku weather by month
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Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Naruko GorgePR

PRSee more places to stay near Naruko Gorge on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Sendai & Matsushima

August

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Sendai & Matsushima

Aquarium

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

An aquarium near Sendai Port. Across two floors, it shows sea life from Tohoku, Japan, and the world's oceans, starting with the large Sanriku-themed tank Inochi Kirameku Umi. It's about 18 minutes from Sendai Station to Nakanosakae Station on the JR Senseki Line, so it's easy to fit in between sightseeing in the city.

Zoo

Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

A zoo run by Sendai City on Yagiyama hill. It's close to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line, about 12 minutes from Sendai Station. General admission is an affordable ¥480, making it a good half-day trip from central Sendai.

See all attractions →
Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves in Tohoku

Mountain & highland

Hachimantai

Tohoku ・ Hachimantai, Iwate

🍁 Typical peak: Late Sep – Early Oct

Gorge🍁 Typical peak

Dakigaeri Gorge

Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen

🍁 Typical peak: Early Oct – Early Nov

Gorge🍁 Typical peak

Oirase Gorge

Tohoku ・ Lake Towada & Oirase

🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Late Oct

Gorge🍁 Typical peak

Geibikei Gorge

Tohoku ・ Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki

🍁 Typical peak: Mid Oct – Early Nov

Temple

Chusonji Temple

Tohoku ・ Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki

🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov

✦ Illumination
Temple

Entsuin Temple

Tohoku ・ Matsushima, Miyagi

🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Mid Nov

✦ Illumination
See all autumn leaves spots →

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

PRKlookNaruko Gorge, Mogami River Cruise & Ginzan Onsen Autumn Day Tour (from Sendai)Bus tour from Sendai Station East Exit to Naruko Gorge, a Mogami River boat cruise and Ginzan Onsen. Lunch and the boat ticket includedView