Since Aomori is commonly accessed by air or the shinkansen (bullet train), you'll find rental car services conveniently located in or near major transportation hubs. These include the car rental terminal at Aomori Airport and several outlets adjacent to Shin-Aomori Station and Hachinohe Station, making car rental in Aomori incredibly convenient!

There are also rental cars available in major stations like Hirosaki Station and Aomori Station, making it easy for those coming by highway bus to find a ride. Most offer a wide range, allowing you to choose a make and price that suits your travel style.

Now, let's delve into the exciting itinerary that awaits you as we explore the best fall foliage spots in Northern Japan.

Located in Towada, Oirase Gorge is Aomori’s definitive fall foliage spot! From late October to early November, this 14km trail through the gorge showcases a vibrant array of beech trees, rhododendrons, maples, and more, painting the region in brilliant hues.

Remarkably, Oirase Gorge is just a 90-minute drive away from both Aomori Airport and Shin-Aomori Station, ensuring effortless access and the opportunity for a fulfilling exploration during your brief Aomori autumn road trip.

While simply cruising through the enchanting tunnels of foliage is a visual delight in itself, Oirase Gorge has even more to offer. The real treasures of this place are the majestic waterfalls and the riverside walking trails that grace the landscape.

One standout attraction is the "Ashura no Nagare," a forceful stream weaving its way among rocks and trees. Another must-see is the Choshi Otaki Waterfall, a year-round spectacle that never fails to impress. Surrounded by the mystical beauty of autumn foliage, your camera will become your constant companion!

The roads in the vicinity offer convenient pull-over spaces for parking, giving you the flexibility to explore the area both on foot and by car. When it comes to experiencing Aomori's finest fall foliage, Oirase Gorge stands out as a remarkably accessible and exceptionally beautiful destination, making it a surefire choice!

Recommended hotels nearby

Towada is also home to another renowned Aomori fall foliage gem, Tsutanuma Pond. Its peak season typically falls between mid to late October, and one of its standout features is Tsuta Nananuma, a picturesque pond within the area. This pond is especially famous for its breathtaking landscape, where the surrounding ancient Japanese beech forest transforms into a brilliant shade of red.

While Tsutanuma Pond offers stunning vistas year-round, visiting during the early morning is a special treat. If the weather is favorable, the combination of the intense morning sunlight and the vibrant fall foliage gives the impression of a forest ablaze, casting a vivid reflection on the tranquil pond's surface. It's a spectacle that draws dedicated photographers who brave the morning chill to capture this breathtaking scene on camera.

You have the opportunity to explore the region and discover the charming hidden ponds along the "Numa Megurino Koji" trail, with the exception of Akanuma Pond.

Once you've captured those perfect photos, we suggest taking your time and enjoying a leisurely stroll to fully immerse yourself in the autumn ambiance. However, please note that temperatures can drop considerably, and the trail might even freeze during the early morning, so exercise caution and wear suitable footwear for your visit.

To reach Tsutanuma Pond, a 60-minute drive from JR Aomori Station will get you there. Simply park at the free car park located in front of the Tsuta Onsen Ryokan inn and take a 10-minute walk to reach the pond.

However, please note that during the early morning, the car park can fill up quickly, especially during peak foliage season. If you're keen on catching the sunrise amidst the stunning autumn scenery, consider spending the night at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan or another nearby accommodation and setting out early the next day.

Recommended hotels nearby

If you're looking to savor autumn's beauty without venturing too far from the city, Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki is the perfect choice!

This charming park, at its peak between mid-October to early November, is conveniently situated just a 10-minute car ride away from JR Hirosaki Station. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rustic ambiance of a 400-year-old castle town, adorned with the radiant hues of fall foliage.

The park boasts a rich assortment of maple and cherry trees, their vibrant red and yellow foliage creating captivating pathways that lead to numerous attractions, including the castle's turret and gate.

Furthermore, the "Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival," held from early November, transforms the park into a mesmerizing wonderland after sunset, offering a completely different and equally enchanting experience compared to its daytime splendor.

If you're arriving by car, you have parking options available. You can park at the Hirosaki City Hall Parking Lot, which offers the first hour for free, or choose the parkside car park, which comes with a fee.

For those with limited time, you can still enjoy the picturesque fall foliage by driving around the park, taking in the beauty that surrounds the castle's outer moat. Moreover, since autumn is apple season, consider making the most of your time by indulging in apple picking or savoring a delicious slice of apple pie!

You can join an autumn-only apple picking experience at the Hirosaki Apple Park, just a 10-minute drive from Hirosaki Park.

Recommended hotels nearby

Nakano Momiji-yama, situated in Kuroishi and approximately a 40-minute drive from Aomori Airport, stands as one of Aomori's most revered destinations for admiring maple leaves.

The park's striking vermilion bridge, torii gates, and stone stair promenades evoke the nostalgic charm of ancient Kyoto. Notably, Isabella Bird, a renowned British explorer and writer from the past, once exclaimed, "everything here is beautiful!" in reference to this enchanting place.

The peak of fall foliage at Nakano Momiji-yama occurs from mid-October to early November, and the park offers numerous designated photo spots to capture this natural spectacle in all its glory.

Among these spots is "Kanpudai," where fallen leaves create a vibrant red carpet, and Fudo Falls, a sight to behold with its clear waters encircled by 200-year-old maple trees. Additionally, the forest is illuminated at night during this season, providing an opportunity to rediscover its enchanting beauty after sunset.

During the peak fall foliage season, the free parking area near the car park entrance can get quite crowded, potentially leading to entry restrictions. In such cases, we recommend utilizing the free car park at the nearby Tsugaru Traditional Craft Center and taking a short walk to Nakano Momiji-yama.

Close by, you'll also find the Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen hot spring inn, a hidden oasis nestled in the midst of pristine wilderness. Here, you can truly disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kuroishi.

Recommended hotels nearby

Situated in the southern part of Aomori City, the Jogakura Ohashi Bridge is easily accessible with just a 50-minute drive from JR Aomori Station.

This impressive bridge, spanning a length of 255 meters, ranks among Japan's largest and serves a crucial role by connecting Tsugaru and Nambu. Moreover, it is renowned as one of Aomori's premier sightseeing attractions, providing a breathtaking 360° panorama of vibrant fall foliage, typically at its peak around mid-October.

Free parking is available at both ends of the bridge, allowing you to stop your car and walk across at your own pace. The jaw-dropping tapestry of reds and yellows attracts photographers from across the country, with the Jogakura mountain stream flowing 122m below creating a stunning yet somewhat terrifying sight!

Once you've crossed the Jogakura Ohashi Bridge and are en route to Hakkoda, you'll be delighted by a captivating tunnel of fall foliage along the Hakkoda Gold Line road. Continuing along the way, you'll come across Sukayu Onsen, renowned for its "Hiba Sennin Buro" bathhouse. Here, you can take a break, unwind, and rejuvenate in the therapeutic waters, a perfect respite on your autumn road trip.

Recommended hotels nearby

To truly savor the essence of autumn in Aomori, we wholeheartedly recommend embracing the freedom of a rental car and embarking on this road trip adventure. This carefully curated itinerary offers a diverse tapestry of autumn landscapes, delectable local cuisine, relaxing onsen hot springs, and captivating cultural experiences.

Remember, there's no need to rush. Take your time, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, and plan an Aomori autumn foliage excursion that aligns perfectly with your pace and preferences!

Text by: Ringoame inc.
*The information presented in this article is accurate as of October 2021 and updated in October 2023. For the latest information, be sure to check the official websites.