Autumn Colors of Fukushima
  • Driving
  • Aizu Area
  • Central Area
  • Autumn

  • 5 destinations
  • Multi day

Spend a couple of beautiful days admiring the colors of autumn in Fukushima from the comfort of your car. You will love zooming around the prefecture and seeing all that autumn has to offer. With some of the best autumn vistas in the prefecture right outside your window, be sure to have your camera at the ready.

Rent a car at Fukushima Station, and make your way down the picturesque Bandai-Azuma Skyline where you’ll see trees and mountainous views on either side. The colors of autumn will surround you like a cozy blanket and you will definitely want to take it slow to enjoy these brilliant leaves. Drive the mountain road down to the Bandai-Azuma Lake Line and admire the reflections of the autumnal trees on the surface of the beautiful waters. Take in the panorama of colors and nature in this tranquil setting before moving on to the next amazing site. Visit the fascinating Goshiki-numa Ponds that change color throughout the day; admire the various shades of these volcano-created ponds. Finish your crimson leaf tour of Fukushima at To-no-hetsuri Crags where you can drink up the gorgeous vista of trees against the stony edifice before heading back to Shin-Shirakawa Station and ending your trip.

For more places, check our Google Maps list of worthwhile autumn foliage trips in Fukushima.
 

Start

Fukushima Station

It takes around 40 min from Fukushima Sta. to reach the Bandai-Azuma Skyline.

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Bandai-Azuma Skyline

  • Central Area
  • 40

This is a sightseeing road that runs from Fukushima City's Takayu Onsen to Tsuchiyu Onsen, commanding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The spectacular views that stretch out at an average altitude of 1,350 meters attract visitors time and time again, and Bandai-Azuma Skyline has been selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan.

From Bandai-Azuma Skyline to Bandai-Azuma Lake Line, it takes 60 min by car.

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Bandai-Azuma Lake Line

  • Central Area
  • 60

Bandai-Azuma Lake Line is a scenic 13.1 km road, connecting Inawashiro Town and Kitashiobara Village. Outstanding backdrops of hundreds of lakes, including Lake Akimoto, Lake Onogawa, and Lake Hibara can be seen from along the road.

From Bandai-Azuma Lake Line to the Goshiki-numa Ponds, it takes 25 min by car.

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Goshiki-numa Ponds

  • Aizu Area
  • 60

The Goshiki-numa Ponds of Urabandai are a cluster of five volcanic lakes at the foot of Mt. Bandai. When Mt. Bandai erupted in 1888, the Five Colored Lakes were formed; in actuality there are dozens of lakes, but the Goshiki-numa are the most famous. It was thanks to the eruption that the lakes each took on rich color; the various minerals found in each lake give them a unique color and create a mystical aura.

From Goshiki-numa Ponds to Ouchi-juku, it takes 1.5 hours by car.

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Ouchi-juku

  • Aizu Area
  • 60

Take a journey to the past in Fukushima Prefecture’s Ouchi-juku area. This isolated village boasts thatched-roof houses and natural streets making you feel at one with the people wholived here hundreds of years ago. Nestled in the southwestern mountains of Fukushima, Ouchi-juku is a great spot to visit thanks to its unique charm and history.

Ouchi-juku to the To-no-hetsuri Crags takes 20 min by car.

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To-no-hetsuri Crags

  • Aizu Area
  • 40

To-no-hetsuri Crags to Shin-Shirakawa Station takes an hour by car.

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Finish

Shin-Shirakawa Station

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