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Famous Locations in Northern Tohoku for autumn colors
Oirase Stream – Aomori Prefecture
| Typical viewing dates | Typically mid to late October |
|---|---|
| Location | Okuse, Towada, Aomori Prefecture |
| Links | |
| Things to see in the area |
Things to see
From Nenokuchi at Lake Towada to Yakeyama, a deep forest covers the watershed of Oirase Stream, some 14 kilometers long. The flow of the water undergoes innumerable transformations along its journey and the landscape is alive with a tingle of energy. Beginning around mid-October, the leaves of such trees as the katsura, Japanese horse chestnut and Japanese beech turn yellow, while matsumurae, Acer micranthum and other maple varieties paint the entire valley in brilliant colors.
Use your JR East Pass to visit the autumn beauty of Oirase Stream at great savings.
Chusonji – Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture
Photograph courtesy of Chusonji
| Typical viewing dates | Typically early to late October |
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| Location | Hiraizumi Koromonoseki 202, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishi Iwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture |
| Visitor information | 365 days a year Visiting times: March 1 to November 3: 8:30 to 17:00, November 4 to end February: 8:30 to 16:30 Admission: Adults: 800 yen Students: high school: 500 yen, junior high: 300 yen, elementary: 200 yen |
| Links | |
| Things to see in the area |
Things to see
Registered as a World Heritage Site in June 2011, Chusonji is a treasure trove whose collection includes more than 3,000 pieces of art in the Golden Hall and many other pieces from the Heian period that are unique to Eastern Japan and are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. In autumn, the natural red and yellow colors fill the temple compound, and seem to compete with the temples and accompanying buildings – which are wonderful examples of Buddhist culture – to provide the most beautiful views.
Use your JR East Pass to visit the autumn beauty of Chusonji at great savings.
Lake Tazawa – Akita Prefecture
| Typical viewing dates | Typically mid-October to early November |
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| Location | Lake Tazawa, Semboku, Akita Prefecture |
| Links |
Things to see
Boasting a depth of 423.4 meters, beautiful Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan and is circular, about 20 kilometers in circumference. In any season of the year, the views are filled with a mysterious atmosphere, and in fall, visitors particularly enjoy the spectacular contrast of the azure color of the lake and the reflection of the leaves, so brilliant they appear to be on fire. Nearby attractions include Nyuto Hot Springs Village, and Tamagawa Hot Spring, known for its strongly acidic water.
Use the JR East Pass to enjoy the fall colors of Lake Tazawa at great savings.
