Blog(Useful Information)
5 Hidden Autumn Colour Spots in Fukushima
Fukushima Prefecture is famous for its striking autumn scenery, the mountainsides and parks across the prefecture turning vibrant shades of golds, reds, oranges, greens and browns throughout late October, November and into early December.Make sure to check out our guide to 10 famous spots, as well as our Google Maps list of every major autumn leaves area in the prefecture. But here are our top five lesser-known gems that are worth a visit this year:1. Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine, Soma CityLocated at the end of a road with parallel rows of cherry trees, Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine is a popular spot among locals in both spring's blossom season, and again in autumn. The gingko beside the main worship hall turns a vibrant yellow, and leaves cascade across the shrine grounds.All of the buildings on site are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and even in autumn colour season, the shrine grounds have a calming, ethereal atmosphere. It was once known as 'Soma Nikko', calling to mind the splendour of the Nikko shrine complexes in Tochigi Prefecture.Best viewing time: Late November to early DecemberAutumn is one of the best times to visit the Soma region, an area affected by the 2011 disaster but rich in natural beauty. Consider pairing your visit with a trip to nearby Baryo Park and its Soma Nakamura Shrine for more autumnal scenery.2. Isasumi Shrine, Aizu-MisatoA beautiful shrine complex with a lot to offer, Isasumi Shrine makes for a worthwhile visit during a trip to the Aizu region. The shrine grounds are beautiful in autumn, when yellow leaves can be seen throughout, and there's a park where visitors can walk through rows of vermilion torii gates and feed the ducks. (Ask at the nearby kiosk for bread!)Isasumi Shrine is a well-loved spot among Aizu locals. Once upon a time it was named a 'Daijingu' or 'Great Shrine', said to enshrine the guardian deity of the Aizu region, and was well-looked-after by the great warlords who ruled here throughout history.Best viewing time: Early to mid NovemberVisiting the storied old city of Aizu-Wakamatsu? Learn more about its samurai heritage by touring some of its major historical sites.3. Shirahata Gingko, Shinchi TownSometimes called the 'upside down gingko', this massive tree was the subject of an urban myth that Masamune Date, the notorious warlord, planted a riding crop here upside down that later became this tree. The beautiful yellows of the Shirahata Gingko -- which typically reach their pinnacle in early December -- can be seen from quite a distance and contrast beautifully with the striking red torii gate at its base.Best viewing time: Late November to early DecemberFukushima has some of the most impressive gingko trees in all of Japan, with most sites hosting night-time illuminations during autumn colour season. Consider visiting Fukushima City's Azuma Sports Park with its rows of parallel trees, the Great Gingko of Akai in Aizu for its sheer scale, or Shingu Kumano Shrine in Kitakata with its legendary wooden pavilion.4. Kuimaru Elementary School, Showa VillageAlthough no longer a real elementary school day-to-day, this old wooden building was built in 1937 and still stands in Showa Village, these days as a tourism and local community centre. It's most popular in autumn for the massive gingko tree that dominates the front of the building. The interior has a quaint, homely atmosphere thanks to its all-wooden construction and Showa era design, and visitors can take photos sat at the desks, while looking out at the tree through the window.Most years there are night illuminations of the tree, but please be aware the 2025 edition has been cancelled due to repeated bear sightings in the area.Best viewing time: Mid October to Early November5. Hanitsu Shrine, InawashiroIn the heartland of the stunning Inawashiro lake region, Hanitsu Shrine is located a few hundred metres south of the ski fields at Inawashiro Ski Resort. The shrine is famous not only for its gorgeous autumn colours caused by 16 large maple trees, but also for its great white torii gate that greets visitors at the front of the shrine. Patterned artisanal parasols line the stairs here, making it a picturesque location popular for families and couples taking photos.Walking up past the main shrine building takes visitors into the woodlands behind the main grounds, where cobblestone paths lead to the site where Lord Hoshina Masayuki, founder of the powerful Aizu clan of samurai, is buried.During autumn colour season, the shrine can get a little busier, and temporary car parking areas are installed. Please follow the instructions of staff. Illuminations take place from 5pm to 9pm.Best viewing time: Late October - mid NovemberLooking for more information? Check out our: Guide of Top Things to Do in Fukushima Access guide for getting to Fukushima Itineraries page for trip ideas Activities page for tour experiences with English support