Escape the Crowds: 13 Hidden Autumn Foliage Spots in Shirakami Sanchi You Can Explore by Car
If you’re looking for spectacular autumn colors away from the crowds, the Shirakami region has 13 hidden foliage spots that are best explored by car, from golden beech forests and mountain gorges to waterfalls and quiet countryside roads. Most can be visited between mid-October and early November, although the best timing varies by location and elevation.
From easy forest walks to scenic viewpoints and guided hikes, this guide helps you find the autumn spots that best match your travel style and route.
Table of Contents
Autumn Foliage in Shirakami Sanchi: At a Glance
| Number of spots | 13 hidden autumn foliage spots |
| Best season | Mid-October to early November |
| How to get around | Rental car recommended |
| Experience level | Easy walks to mountain hiking |
| Best for | Travelers seeking quiet scenery, photographers, nature lovers, and road trippers |
| Typical activities | Forest walks, photography, waterfalls, scenic drives, hiking |
| Public transportation | Limited or unavailable at most locations |
| Guided tours | Required for some locations, including Tomariyama |
| Recommended time | Choose several spots along the same route rather than trying to visit all 13 |
Tip: Autumn colors change with elevation and weather. Check the latest foliage and road conditions before setting out.
Before You Go: Important Information
Some of the hidden foliage spots in Shirakami require a little more planning than typical sightseeing destinations.
- A car is recommended: Most locations have no convenient public transportation, so renting a car is the easiest way to explore the area.
- A guide is required at Tomariyama: Entry to this protected primeval beech forest is only possible with a local guide and advance reservation.
- Some spots require walking: Several locations are reached by short forest trails, while others involve longer hikes. Check the walking time and difficulty before visiting.
- Road conditions can change: Mountain roads may be narrow or affected by weather, particularly later in the autumn season. Check local road conditions before departure.
- Foliage timing varies: The general season is mid-October to early November, but higher-elevation areas usually change color earlier.
- Facilities are limited: Bring water, snacks, warm clothing, and comfortable walking shoes when visiting remote areas.
- Plan your route: The 13 spots are spread across the Shirakami region. Rather than trying to visit them all, choose several that fit naturally into your driving route.
Hidden Autumn Foliage Spots in Fujisato Shirakami
Nestled at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi, the small mountain town of Fujisato transforms into a vibrant autumn landscape from late October to early November.
The mountains gradually turn shades of gold, orange, and crimson, creating one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. During this short period, hidden locations throughout the town become spectacular autumn foliage destinations.
This section introduces eight hidden autumn foliage spots in Fujisato. With careful planning, it’s even possible to visit all eight in a single day.
Hidden Spot ① Dakedai Forest – The Best Place to Experience Shirakami’s Beech Forest Without Hiking
Best viewing: Mid to late October
If you’d like to experience the magnificent beech forests of Shirakami Sanchi without tackling a mountain hike, Dakedai Forest is the perfect destination.
The forest features well-maintained walking trails through one of the region’s finest beech forests. No special hiking equipment is required, making it one of the easiest places to enjoy Shirakami’s pristine natural environment.
In autumn, the beech leaves turn brilliant shades of gold. Sunlight filtering through the trees creates a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fantasy film.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or guided tour recommended)
Experience: Easy nature walk (30 minutes to 2 hours)
Don’t Miss the Golden Peak
The beech leaves gradually change from green to golden yellow, then orange, reddish-brown, before finally falling.
The brilliant golden stage lasts only about one week, while the most vibrant golden colors often appear for just two or three days each year.
Although the later orange and red foliage is also beautiful, photographers consider the golden beech forest to be the highlight of the season.
Based on previous years, the best time is usually mid to late October.
Hidden Spot ② Subari Area – A Favorite Weekend Escape for Fujisato Locals
Best viewing: Mid to late October
The Subari Area, located near Shirakami Sanchi, is known for Lake Subari, Subari Dam, and Subari Recreation Area. Since the area is quite large, it’s best explored as several individual stops.
The Subari Dam is especially popular with photographers, while the park around Subari Recreation Area offers beautiful views of Mt. Fujisato-Komagatake framed by autumn colors.
Driving around Lake Subari is another wonderful way to enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you may even encounter wildlife such as Japanese macaques or Japanese serows.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive recommended)
Experience: Photography & Relaxing scenic drive
How to Enjoy the Subari Area
If you prefer a relaxing walk, spend time around Subari Recreation Area beside the lake.
Photography enthusiasts should visit viewpoints overlooking Mt. Fujisato-Komagatake, or head to Subari Dam for sweeping mountain views covered in autumn foliage.
If you’re looking for a slower-paced experience, simply enjoy a leisurely drive around Lake Subari and take in the changing autumn scenery.
Hidden Spot ③ Tanashiro Marsh – A Hidden Wetland Surrounded by Colorful Mountains
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Surrounded by mountains, Tanaeshiro Marsh becomes a peaceful autumn paradise.
As the surrounding forests turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, the marsh grasses change to warm golden-brown tones, creating a picturesque landscape perfect for photography.
The marsh is located along the trail leading to Mt. Fujisato-Komagatake, so many hikers stop here before beginning their climb.
Cars cannot reach the marsh directly. Park at the trailhead parking area and enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk to the wetland.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or local guide recommended)
Experience: Easy walking (30 minutes to 2 hours)
Continue Your Adventure
Since Tanaeshiro Marsh lies on the route to Mt. Fujisato-Komagatake, many visitors continue on to the summit.
From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Shirakami Sanchi’s vast beech forests, which become a colorful patchwork of gold, orange, and red during autumn.
Visitors interested in climbing the mountain can hire a local guide or join one of the guided hiking tours offered in the area.
Because the road to the marsh also passes Dakedai Natural Forest, many travelers visit both destinations on the same day.
Hidden Spot ④ Garo Falls – One of Fujisato’s Three Great Waterfalls
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Among Fujisato’s famous three waterfalls, Garo Falls is especially known for its beautiful seasonal scenery.
The powerful waterfall is framed by forests that blaze with autumn colors, creating a dramatic contrast between rushing water and vibrant leaves.
Despite being considered a hidden gem, it’s only a one-minute walk from the parking lot, making it an easy addition to any autumn itinerary.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or cycling tour recommended)
Experience: Photography
Hidden Spot ⑤ Choshi Falls – A Dramatic Waterfall Surrounded by Towering Cliffs
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Another of Fujisato’s three famous waterfalls, Choshi Falls is known for its impressive rock formations.
Huge cliffs surround the waterfall, creating a dramatic natural amphitheater.
While the falls are famous for ice formations in winter, autumn transforms the surrounding forest into brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
A hot spring facility nearby makes this an excellent stop during a day trip around Shirakami.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or cycling tour recommended)
Experience: Photography
Hidden Spot ⑥ Fudo Falls – The Most Secluded of Fujisato’s Three Waterfalls
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Hidden deep in the mountains, Fudo Falls offers one of the most tranquil autumn landscapes in the region.
The 24-meter waterfall is surrounded by colorful forests, creating a peaceful atmosphere that attracts photographers throughout the autumn season.
After parking near the nearby shrine, it’s only a three-minute walk to the falls.
There’s also a bridge above the waterfall that provides a completely different perspective.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or cycling tour recommended)
Experience: Photography
Hidden Spot ⑦ Dairakyo Gorge – A Spectacular Contrast of Red Bridge, Cedar Forest, and Beech Trees
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Located on the border between Akita and Aomori Prefectures, Dairakyo Gorge offers one of the region’s most striking autumn landscapes.
Brilliant red foliage contrasts beautifully with dark green cedar forests, while a vivid red bridge completes the dramatic scenery.
Because the autumn colors gradually descend from higher elevations, the landscape changes throughout the season, offering something different with each visit.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive recommended)
Experience: Photography
Hidden Spot ⑧ Tsurube-Otoshi Pass – Stunning Layered Autumn Colors Along the Akita–Aomori Border
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Tsurube-Otoshi Pass is one of Shirakami Sanchi’s most breathtaking autumn viewpoints.
White cliffs, evergreen forests, and colorful deciduous trees combine to create a dramatic mountain panorama filled with vibrant layers of autumn color.
Because of the direction of sunlight, morning is the best time to visit if you’d like to capture the brightest red foliage.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive recommended)
Experience: PhotographyLooking to enjoy Japan’s autumn colors away from crowded tourist destinations?
The Shirakami Sanchi area in northern Akita offers a quieter and more authentic way to experience fall in Japan.
5 Hidden Autumn Foliage Spots Around Shirakami Sanchi
Beyond Fujisato Town, the wider Akita Shirakami region is home to even more hidden places to enjoy Japan’s spectacular autumn colors.
From the famous maple trees of Kimimachizaka Park to the brilliant golden ginkgo trees at Ichosan Shrine, each destination offers its own unique seasonal charm.
Unlike the Fujisato area, where many attractions are located along the same route, these five spots are spread across different towns. Planning your driving route in advance will help you make the most of your autumn road trip.
Hidden Spot ⑨ Kimimachizaka Park – A Romantic Park Where Cherry Blossoms Give Way to Brilliant Autumn Colors
Best viewing: Mid-October to early November
Perched on a hillside, Kimimachizaka Park is best known as one of northern Akita’s most popular cherry blossom destinations. In autumn, however, the park transforms into an equally impressive spot for viewing colorful maple leaves.
One of its most distinctive features is the series of enormous rock formations scattered across the hillside. Towering cliffs, deep green pine trees, and vibrant red maple leaves create a dramatic landscape reminiscent of a traditional Japanese ink painting.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive recommended)
Experience: Relaxing stroll
Explore More Than Just Autumn Colors
Kimimachizaka Park is also known as one of Akita’s most romantic destinations.
While you’re here, don’t miss these unique experiences:
- Heart-shaped ema (wooden wish plaques): Purchase one at Michi-no-Eki Futatsui or Koibumi Café, write your wish, and hang it beside Koibumi Shrine.
- Exclusive heart-shaped postmark: Mail a postcard from the park’s mailbox to receive a commemorative Kimimachizaka Park postmark.
Nearby Michi-no-Eki Futatsui, one of the largest roadside stations in northern Akita, is an excellent place to shop for local souvenirs.
If you’re looking for lunch, popular local restaurants such as Shinju Shokudo and Restaurant Yamanoue are both highly recommended.
Hidden Spot ⑩ Ichosan Shrine – A Tiny Shrine Hidden Among Giant Golden Ginkgo Trees
Best viewing: Mid to late November
Ichosan Shrine is one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Tucked away in a quiet cedar forest in Futatsui, the shrine offers a peaceful atmosphere where sunlight filters gently through the towering trees.
A short walk deeper into the forest leads to two magnificent ginkgo trees that are over 300 years old. Every November, their leaves turn brilliant gold, illuminating the surrounding woodland with warm autumn colors.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive recommended)
Experience: Photography
After Visiting the Shrine
Two popular restaurants, Shinju Shokudo and Restaurant Yamanoue, are located nearby, making them perfect stops for lunch after your visit.
Since the ginkgo leaves reach their peak after most maple trees have finished, visitors who wish to see even more golden ginkgo trees can drive about an hour north to Fukaura in neighboring Aomori Prefecture to visit another famous giant ginkgo tree.
The peaceful shrine setting and the dramatic giant tree offer two completely different but equally memorable autumn experiences.
Hidden Spot ⑪ Mase Gorge (Sanjugama) – Crystal-Clear Emerald Water Framed by Autumn Colors
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Located in Happo Town, Mase Gorge, also known as Sanjugama, is a beautiful valley where waterfalls, streams, and rocky cliffs create a picturesque landscape.
A 1.5 km walking trail follows the gorge, making it one of the area’s favorite autumn hiking destinations.
On sunny days, the crystal-clear water reflects an emerald-green hue, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding red and yellow foliage.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or guided sightseeing tour recommended)
Experience: Easy hiking (approximately 20 minutes)
How to Explore Sanjugama
Park your car at Hachimori Bunakko Land, then follow the walking trail behind the visitor center.
The route begins through a peaceful cedar forest before reaching the scenic gorge, where the most impressive autumn colors await.
If you visit during the autumn season, you may also witness salmon swimming upstream to spawn. Seeing schools of salmon fighting the current beneath colorful autumn leaves is one of the area’s most remarkable seasonal spectacles.
If you prefer not to hike, you can often observe the salmon from the bridge near the mouth of the Mase River when conditions are right.
Hidden Spot ⑫ Mt. Ishikura – An Easy Hike with Panoramic Views of Shirakami Sanchi and the Oga Peninsula
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Standing just 143 meters above sea level, Mt. Ishikura in Mitane Town is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an easy autumn hike.
The mountain is covered in colorful foliage during autumn, and the gentle trail makes it suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
On clear days, the summit offers sweeping views of Shirakami Sanchi and even the Oga Peninsula in the distance.
Access: No public transportation (self-drive or guided experience recommended)
Experience: Easy hiking (30 minutes to 1.5 hours)
Enjoy an Akita-Style Outdoor Experience
Visitors looking for a guided adventure can join the Akita Dog Hiking & Miso-Tanpo Experience.
During autumn, the tour includes a walk along Mt. Ishikura’s colorful forest trails accompanied by a local guide and an Akita dog named Masa.
After the hike, participants learn how to make miso-tanpo, a traditional grilled rice specialty of Akita, from a local resident.
Combining nature, local cuisine, and one of Japan’s most iconic dog breeds, this experience offers an authentic taste of rural Akita.
Hidden Spot ⑬ Tomeyama – A Protected Primeval Beech Forest Along the Gono Line
Best viewing: Mid to late October
Along the scenic Gono Line lies Tomeyama, an untouched beech forest that can only be entered with a certified local guide.
For centuries, logging has been prohibited here, allowing the forest to preserve its magnificent old-growth beech trees.
In autumn, the entire forest glows in shades of golden yellow, creating one of the most peaceful and impressive landscapes in the Shirakami region.
Tomeyama and Dakedai Natural Forest are the only two accessible primeval beech forests in the Akita side of Shirakami Sanchi.
Because Tomeyama is carefully protected, visitors must reserve a guided tour through the Happo Tourism Association before entering.
Access: Transportation can be arranged with your guide.
Experience: Guided hiking (1–2 hours)
Guide reservation: Advance booking required (English available)
Tomeyama or Dakedai? Which Should You Choose?
Since both Tomeyama and Dakedai Forest preserve precious primeval beech forests, visitors often wonder which destination is the better choice.
Tomeyama is recommended for travelers without a rental car. Because entry is only permitted with a local guide, you can arrange to meet your guide at a station along the Gono Line, making transportation much easier.
Its location also makes it an excellent addition to a journey on the scenic Resort Shirakami sightseeing train.
Dakedai Forest, on the other hand, is more difficult to reach by public transportation but offers gentle walking trails that can be explored independently without advance reservations.
If you value guided interpretation and convenient transportation, Tomeyama is the better option.
If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, Dakedai Forest is an excellent choice.
Whichever you choose, both offer the rare opportunity to walk through one of Japan’s last remaining primeval beech forests.
FAQ: Visiting Shirakami Sanchi in Autumn
When is the best time to see autumn foliage in Shirakami Sanchi?
The main autumn foliage season is generally from mid-October to early November. However, the timing varies by elevation, location, and weather, so check the latest foliage conditions before your trip.
Do I need a car to visit these autumn foliage spots?
A rental car is highly recommended because most of the 13 spots have limited or no public transportation. Driving also makes it easier to combine several locations into one autumn road trip.
Can I visit all 13 spots in one day?
It is possible to visit several spots in a day, but visiting all 13 is not recommended because they are spread across a wide area. Choose locations along the same route to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Are these autumn foliage spots suitable for beginners?
Yes. The list includes easy forest walks and short walks to waterfalls, as well as more demanding mountain hikes. Check the walking time and difficulty for each location before choosing your route.
Do I need a guide to visit the beech forests?
A guide is required to enter Tomariyama, where the protected primeval beech forest can only be visited with a local guide and advance reservation. Dakedai Natural Forest, by contrast, can be explored independently without a guide reservation.
Is it safe to drive in the mountains during autumn?
Mountain roads can be narrow, and conditions may change with the weather, especially later in the season. Check local road conditions before departure, drive carefully, and allow extra time for your journey.
Plan Your Hidden Autumn Journey in Akita
The Shirakami region offers a side of Japan’s autumn that many international visitors never experience. Instead of crowded sightseeing spots, travelers can enjoy quiet forests, untouched natural scenery, and authentic local atmosphere at a slower pace.
For those seeking a deeper and more peaceful autumn journey in Japan, a self-drive adventure through Akita’s hidden Shirakami foliage spots may become one of the most memorable experiences of the season.
Getting Here
Find out how to reach the Shirakami area from Tokyo, Aomori, Akita and other destinations by train, bus and other transportation options.
Things to Do
Looking for more things to do? Explore hiking trails, outdoor adventures, local food and unique cultural experiences across Akita Shirakami.
Sample Itineraries
Not sure how to put everything together? Browse our sample itineraries for ideas on how to combine Shirakami’s nature, local culture and seasonal experiences.
Travel Tips
Get practical information to help you plan your trip, including the best time to visit, transportation, what to bring and other useful travel advice.