Enjoy fall drives through the vivid Shirakami area. Smell the sweet, caramel scent of the yellow katsura leaves and take pictures of the dramatic Japanese maple. Below are the top spots for fall foliage:

Dairakyo Gorge

The colorful mountains slope down to contrast perfectly with the strikingly blue water of the river that runs through this gorge. Park and walk over the red bridge to capture the landscape in its entirety.

Dakedai Forest

Beech trees turn a golden yellow in autumn. Hear the leaves crunch beneath your feet as you stroll through this mystical forest.

Tomeyama Forest

Autumn is the last chance to see this hidden forest. Like Dakedai, this beech tree forest turns golden during the final months of fall.

Mase-keikoku, Mase Valley

Apart from its beautiful fall colors, this valley is known to be a spot where visitors can see salmon swimming upstream to lay eggs. In addition, you can see picturesque Sanjugama — clustered boulders with small falls and clear pools of water. Free parking is available at Hachimori Bunnako Land (address below), from which Sanjugama is a short fifteen minute stroll. There is a small educational facility next to the parking lot.

Tsurubeotoshi Mountain Pass

On the border of Akita and Aomori Prefectures, Tsurubeotoshi overlooks the Shirakami mountain range, and is a great fall photo spot for those driving through the area.