During the season when the autumn breeze is pleasant, the mountains, valleys, and hot spring areas of Yamagata Prefecture are decorated with bright autumn leaves. Yamagata Prefecture has a large temperature difference, so during the fall foliage season, the mountains turn bright colors, creating a landscape that will make you forget about your daily routine.
This time, we will introduce 11 carefully selected autumn foliage spots in Yamagata Prefecture. Be sure to check it out before you go out in the fall.

11 recommended autumn leaves spots in Yamagata!

The unique charm of Yamagata is that you can enjoy the scenery of autumn leaves, along with hot springs and famous historical sites.
This time, we will introduce recommended autumn foliage spots where you can fully experience the beauty of nature.

*The best time to see autumn leaves at each spot is listed, but please note that the timing of autumn leaves changes depending on the climate each year, so please use this as a reference only.

[Yamagata City] Zao (Zao Onsen/Zao Ropeway)

Zao Onsen and Zao Ropeway in Yamagata City are popular spots for autumn leaves, where the hot spring town and mountain range turn bright colors in the fall.

The best time to see the autumn foliage in the hot spring town (approximately 880 meters above sea level) is usually from early to late October, when you can enjoy the scenery where the trees turn red and yellow and harmonize with the riverside and wooden buildings of the inns. If you take the ropeway to the top of the mountain, you can see the gradation of autumn leaves that change color starting from the highest altitudes, and you can see a spectacular view of the Iide Mountain Range and the Asahi Mountain Range in the distance.

From the promenade and observation deck at the top of the mountain, you can see the beautiful contrast between the red, orange, and yellow leaves and the green coniferous trees, and enjoy the depths of autumn as you stroll around.

It gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so don’t forget to take measures to protect yourself from the cold. The Zao area, where you can enjoy both hot springs and autumn leaves, is perfect for an autumn trip.

[Nishikawa Town, Nishimurayama District, etc.] Gassan/Gassan Hanagasa Line

The autumn leaves of Mt. Gassan are one of the magnificent scenery that symbolizes autumn in Yamagata.

The mountain surface at an altitude of about 2,000 meters is dyed red and golden yellow, creating a natural gradation of alpine plants and beech forests. The view of autumn leaves from the 8th station of Mt. Gassan and the Midagahara Wetlands is especially spectacular, and you can enjoy the spectacular view as if you were floating in the clear air.

If you’re going for a drive, the Gassan Hanagasa Line is also popular, and you can get a panoramic view of the Shonai Plain from observation decks along the way. The best time to see them is usually from late September to mid-October. It gets cold quickly, so it is recommended that you prepare warm clothes before heading out.

[Yamagata City] Yamadera (Mt. Hoshu Risshakuji)

Yamadera Temple (Mt. Hoju Risshakuji Temple) offers a fantastic view of autumn leaves in autumn, as if the entire mountain is covered in brocade.
Along with the steep rock faces, stone steps, and appearance of the ancient temple, the vivid colors of the maples, maples, and beech trees stand out, and the more you climb, the more the scenery in front of you changes.

The best time to see them is usually from late October to early November. In particular, the experience of “travelling up the stone steps” and the view from Godaido Hall, which juts out from the cliff, strongly attract visitors.
It is illuminated at night, and is a spot where you can enjoy the autumn leaves, which are wrapped in a tranquil beauty that is completely different from the daytime.

[Yamagata City] Omoshiroyama Momijigawa Valley

As the name suggests, Omoshiroyama Momijigawa Valley is a popular spot where the autumn leaves are very beautiful. In autumn, maples and maples line both sides of the valley, making you feel as if you are walking in a painting just by walking along the river.

In particular, the “Momiji River Walking Course” that starts from “Oshiroyama Kogen Station” on the JR Senzan Line is a popular route that can be easily enjoyed, and the scenery of the autumn leaves tunnel and waterfall is also a highlight.

The view of the autumn leaves from the train window is also spectacular, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy autumn while traveling by train. The best time to see them is usually from mid-October to late October.

[Obanazawa City] Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen, located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular hot spring resort where nature is in harmony with the retro townscape lined with wooden inns.

In autumn, the mountains turn red and yellow, and the entire hot spring town is covered in bright autumn leaves. The best time to see them is usually from late October to early November, and the area along the Ginzan River and around Shirogane Falls, located in the back of the hot spring town, is a particularly beautiful spot.

The scenery created by the waterfall, autumn leaves, and wooden inn is truly picturesque! At dusk, gas lamps softly illuminate the autumn leaves, creating a magical atmosphere. You can spend a luxurious time looking at the changing colors of the mountains while soaking in the hot springs.

It gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so don’t forget to take measures to protect yourself from the cold. Ginzan Onsen in autumn, where you can fully enjoy both the autumn leaves and hot springs, is a special place that warms the hearts of visitors.

[Yonezawa City/Okitama region] Nishiazuma Sky Valley

“Nishiazuma Sky Valley” is a mountain road with a total length of approximately 17.8 km that connects Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture and Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture. The route goes over Shirabu Pass and continues from Shirabu Onsen towards Lake Hibara, and is a popular scenic drive spot during the autumn leaves season.

The best time to see them is from mid-October to late October. Rowan and birch trees dyed red and yellow decorate the mountain surface, and from the observation deck at Shirafu Pass, you can see Lake Hibara, Mt. Bandai, and the Iide Mountain Range in the distance.
The road is open from mid-April to early November, but please note that it is closed during the winter.
Although the road has many curves, we recommend parking your car at the observation parking lot along the way and enjoying the magnificent panoramic view of the autumn leaves.

[Mogami region] Mogami Gorge (Mogami River basin)

Mogami Gorge (Tozawa Village) in the Mogami region of Yamagata Prefecture is a famous spot full of beauty, with both sides of the valley covered in bright autumn leaves in the fall.

The best time to see them is usually from late October to early November, when the red maples and maples, as well as the oaks and beech trees with their yellow leaves, create a breathtakingly beautiful view, including the reflection on the river surface.

Particularly recommended is the Basho Line boat ride, which takes you down a mountain stream. From the boat, you can enjoy the contrast between the colorful mountains along the canyon and the calm water surface, making you feel like you’re in a painting.

Because it spreads over slightly higher mountain areas, it tends to change color all at once when the mornings and evenings get colder.
It is also recommended to visit early in the day, as it tends to get crowded during peak autumn leaves.

[Yamagata City] Momiji Park (Hoshoji Garden)

Momiji Park is a tranquil autumn foliage spot where you can feel the same Japanese garden with a pond and stroll around it that was created in the early Edo period.

Approximately 190 maple trees and maples are planted around a pond shaped like the character for “kokoro (heart)” in the park, and as autumn deepens, the red, orange, and yellow colors reflect on the water surface, creating a calming landscape that is hard to believe that you are in the middle of a city.

The colorful trees reflected across the pond, the autumn leaves swaying on the surface of the water, and the elegant appearance of the tea room Hokoan and the former shoin make it the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a moment of tranquility while strolling through the autumn leaves.

The best time to see autumn leaves is from early November to mid-November, and the leaves may have already fallen by mid-November.

[Higashine City] Otaki Park

Sekiyama Otaki, located in Otaki Park in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a direct waterfall approximately 10 meters high and 15 meters wide, and provides an impressive scenery along with the autumn leaves. Near the waterfall, there is a giant Katsura tree that has been designated as a natural monument by Yamagata Prefecture, giving you a sense of the power of nature.
Also, don’t miss the view from the waterfall viewing platform and the panoramic view from the suspension bridge.
Every year, from late October to early November, the beech and maple trees change color and you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the valley and the waterfall.

There is also a parking lot, and there is “Otaki Drive-in Izumiya” nearby, where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.
It is recommended to visit early in the morning as it is expected to be crowded during the peak autumn foliage season.

[Yonezawa City] Namegawa Otaki

The autumn leaves at Namegawa Onsen offer a special autumn experience that combines the beauty of nature with the healing power of hot springs.

One of the highlights of Namegawa Onsen’s autumn leaves is Namegawa Otaki, located upstream of the Maekawa River. This waterfall, which boasts a drop of approximately 80 meters, has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, and you can enjoy a magnificent view combined with the autumn leaves. There is a promenade leading to the waterfall, and the view of the autumn leaves looking up from the basin of the waterfall is exceptionally beautiful.

In addition, at Fukushimaya, an accommodation facility in Namegawa Onsen, you can view the autumn leaves from the open-air bath. A luxurious moment looking at the brocade-colored mountains while soaking in the hot springs is sure to soothe your mind and body.

[Oguni Town] Akashiba Gorge

Akashiba Gorge belongs to Arakawa Gorge in Bandai-Asahi National Park and is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves.

Every year, from late October to early November, deciduous trees such as Japanese maple, Japanese maple, and beech change color, creating a vivid color on both sides of the gorge. Due to its beauty, it is also called “Japan’s Red Cliffs” and attracts visitors.

The charm of Akashiba Gorge is its magnificent natural beauty. The gorge where the clear stream of the Arakawa River flows is filled with huge boulders, and the contrast between the steep white rock surface and the autumn leaves is stunning. There is a promenade, and it is about 1.2 km one way, a distance that can be walked in about 30 minutes. There are benches along the way, making it a perfect place to take a break during your drive.

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Oguni Station on the JR Yonesaka Line. There is a parking lot nearby, and it is crowded with many tourists during the autumn foliage season. There are also hot springs scattered around the area, so you can enjoy the hot springs while viewing the autumn leaves.

Summary

Yamagata’s fall foliage spots are attractive because they offer a variety of scenery including valleys, plateaus, hot spring towns, and historic parks.
The contrast between the red and yellow trees, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains makes you feel the natural beauty of each season.

At Zao Ropeway and Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley, you can enjoy the gradation caused by the difference in altitude, at Ginzan Onsen you can enjoy the retro townscape, and at Mogami Gorge and Otaki Park, you can enjoy mountain streams, waterfalls, and colorful autumn leaves. At Momiji Park, you can quietly enjoy the autumn leaves across the pond.

The colors vary depending on the time of year and altitude you visit, so check the information and enjoy Yamagata’s autumn to the fullest.