4-Day Itinerary: The Best Autumn Foliage in Tohoku

Tohoku, boasting a vast area, offers various beautiful autumn foliage spots throughout the region! Since many of you might be having a hard time deciding where to go to see the autumn leaves, here’s our recommended itinerary for enjoying the best autumn foliage spots in Tohoku!

Day 1: Spend the day in Matsushima – Miyagi Prefecture

One of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan, Matsushima is beautiful all year round. There are many ways to explore the area, such as by taking a sightseeing boat around Matsushima Bay and visiting temples.

Opened in October 2020, “Matsushima Rikyu, Miyagi Prefecture” is a commercial facility housing restaurants, souvenir stores, a Starbucks, as well as a museum and a workshop. You can also rent kimonos here, which you should definitely try especially if you haven’t. Just think how memorable it would be to stroll around Matsushima in a kimono!

Right beside Matsushima Rikyu lies Rikyu Garden, where Japanese maple trees including the Iroha maple and Yama maple varieties can be found. In autumn, the entire garden turns a fiery red color. The autumn leaves are at their best around early November, and the view from the rooftop garden is also worth seeing. During the autumn foliage season, the garden is also illuminated at night, making it a sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed from day till night!

Day 2: Walk along rows of golden zelkova trees and try out beef tongue – Sendai City

The zelkova trees along Jozenji-dori Avenue have become a symbol of Sendai, which is also known as the City of Trees. In autumn, the rows of zelkova trees turn golden and the atmosphere changes from that of summer to one of tranquility. However, Jozenji-dori Avenue can of course be enjoyed every season. It’s a spot you should visit at least once when you travel to Sendai.

For lunch, try out Sendai beef tongue, which is characterized by its thickness. While beef tongue is usually sliced thinly, Sendai beef tongue feels a little more luxurious as it’s sliced thickly and uses only the tender inner part of the tongue, which still has a satisfying bite to it despite its tenderness. The ox tail soup and Sendai miso (fermented soy bean paste) served with Sendai beef tongue are quite good as well.

Since there are several restaurants serving beef tongue in Sendai City, you might not know which one to visit. If so, we recommend Gyutan Ryori Kaku, which specializes in beef tongue cuisine! Using only the most tender part of the tongue, Gyutan Ryori Kaku’s beef tongue has a unique texture that is fluffy and soft, but crispy to bite through at the same time. Each piece is expertly sliced by their chefs. In addition, the recipe has not been changed since the establishment of the restaurant. Once you’ve had their beef tongue, you won’t forget how good it tastes! Drop by on your trip to Sendai and try it for yourself.

For accommodation, we recommend Yuzukushi Salon Ichinobo Sakunami, a relaxing hot spring resort in Sakunami, Sendai where you can enjoy hot spring water from three different sources and through eight different baths. One of the most popular baths is the open-air bath offering an overlooking view of the autumn leaves. Every year in late October, the trees in the surrounding mountains turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, and the autumn foliage along the mountain stream can be viewed from a variety of angles. How about enjoying viewing the autumn leaves while soaking in the baths surrounded by rich nature?

Day 3: Make the trek up Hojusan Risshakuji Temple and get on the KAIRI Joyful Train – Yamagata Prefecture

Hojusan Risshakuji Temple, a 1,100-year-old mountain temple, is one of the best spots for viewing the autumn leaves in the Tohoku Region. Climbing the 1,015 stone steps leading to Okuno-in Temple at the top is the most popular route among visitors. It is said that climbing the stone steps helps one extinguish their worldly desires, making the task an important part of one’s ascetic training. Once you reach the top, you will be able to see the wonderful and vibrant scenery of the Momijigawa Valley’s and Mt. Omoshiroyama’s maple trees and ginkgo trees, making you forget about the climb it took to get there at once!

Next, get on the sightseeing train “KAIRI” that connects Niigata Station to Sakata Station in Yamagata. Take it in the morning to witness the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Japan, or in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Another feature of this train is that passengers can enjoy delectable meals made with ingredients from Niigata Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture’s Shonai region onboard. The train departing from Niigata Station offers Japanese cuisine, while the train departing from Sakata Station offers Italian cuisine. Choose your preferred scenery and menu and enjoy a relaxing trip by train!

Day 4: Visit Kiyotsu Gorge and get on Japan’s longest gondola – Niigata Prefecture

Huge cliffs cutting across the Kiyotsu River form a grand V-shaped gorge, and the majestic columnar-jointed rocky walls and clear emerald-green streams deeply impress visitors. The 750-meter Kiyotsu Tunnel offers spectacular views from three viewing decks and the Panorama Station. The Panorama Station also features a mirror-like water surface that reflects the beautiful scenery of the gorge. It has been attracting a lot of attention as an artistic space, since it started as a natural artwork called the “Tunnel of Light.”

The Naeba Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola, connects “Naeba Kogen”, where the Naeba Prince Hotel is located, with “Tashiro Kogen” on the top of a mountain. You will be amazed by the thrilling and powerful gondola ride as it takes you up and down repeatedly over a distance of 5.5 km and an elevation difference of approximately 430 m. How about taking a ride to witness the changing of the seasons from above? This is a very popular spot that numerous people visit during the autumn leaves season.

Top Hotels in Tohoku

Chikusenso Mt.Zao Onsen Resort & Spa

Yuzawa Grand Hotel

Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso