The JR East Tohoku Area Pass makes long-distance travel across the region easy and affordable. With unlimited rides on JR trains, it’s a convenient way to reach major cities and scenic areas before switching to local transport.

For more flexibility, consider renting a car at Fukushima Station. Driving allows you to reach secluded hot springs, scenic overlooks, and hidden valleys that lie beyond the train and bus routes.

Rental agencies such as Nissan Rent-a-Car, Orix Rent-a-Car, and Toyota Rent-a-Car are located near the station. However, we recommend Nippon Rent-a-Car for its 10% discount (when booked via Live Japan) and nationwide English customer service, which is ideal for international visitors. Booking online is simple, with clear pricing displayed at checkout. Please note that some options may be non-refundable.

Azuma Sports Park is easily accessible by bus from the center of Fukushima City. From JR Fukushima Station, take the Fukushima Kotsu bus #7 at the East Exit Bus Pool, bound for Sawara; get off at Shimobayashi, and walk 10 minutes.

By mid-October, you will be able to see the golden splendor of the 116 ginkgo trees that stretch for 520 meters to the center of the park like a beautiful yellow tunnel.

The trees are lit at night from mid-October to mid-November, making them emerge in the dark, creating a magical scene. As you walk down the golden ginkgo tunnel, you’re sure to fall right in love with the season.

The Bandai Azuma Skyline is a driving course that will take you through the Azuma-renpou area and past many incredible viewpoints, like Tengu’s Garden, where the mountainside is painted with autumn leaves, or Tsubakuro Valley, where the entire valley is dyed red and orange.

From these locations, you will be able to see not only the foliage on Mt. Bandai but also the four lakes in the area, like Lake Inawashiro and Lake Hibara, which are also spectacular spots you won’t want to miss.

The starting point of the Bandai Azuma Skyline is at Takayu Onsen. To get there, from JR Fukushima Station, take Prefectural Road 70 on the Fukushima Azuma Ura Bandai Line for about 30 minutes.

The best time to see the autumn leaves here is between late September and mid-October.

45 minutes away from JR Inawashiro Station by shuttle bus (reservation required), you will find Grandeco Resort, a leisure facility with hotels and ski resorts. From here, you can take the ropeway, which offers an amazing view of the mountainside dyed in crimson and gold.

The ropeway takes about 10 minutes each way. It will take you 1,400m above sea level to an observation deck offering a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains. To enjoy the scenery even more, be sure to stop by the footbath, where you can soak your feet and warm up while gazing out at the colors.

The best time to see the autumn leaves here is from early to late October.

Goshikinuma Lakes refers to a series of 20-30 ponds formed after Mount Bandai erupted in 1888, which generated a cascade that blocked a river.

What makes these places unique is that the landscape changes with the time of day and the way sunlight hits the water.

In autumn, the beautiful contrast of red and yellow foliage permeates the area, and it is reflected in the emerald green and cobalt blue of the lakes.

The best time to visit the Goshikinuma Lakes for autumn leaves is from mid-October to early November. We recommend enjoying the view from the Goshikinuma Sightseeing Road, which winds around the ponds.

You can reach it in 30 minutes from JR Inawashiro Station by Bandai Toto Bus bound for Ura Bandai Kogen Station. The entrance is by the Urabandai Visitor Center, a short walk from the Goshikinuma Entrance.

Hanitsu-jinja is a shrine dedicated to Masayuki Hoshina of the Aizu Clan. To get there, take the Bandai Toto Bus from JR Inawashiro Station and get off at the Bus Center stop in about 7 minutes, then walk for about 18 minutes.

The area’s highlight is the yellow ginkgo and the red maple trees on both sides of the bridge. The best period to enjoy these sights is from late October to early November. You’ll love the maple leaves falling and creating a beautiful carpet extending as far as you can see.

From mid-October to mid-November, the trees are lit up. The most popular spot is the bridge by the entrance to the shrine. You can take fantastic pictures of the red maples by the bridge with a white torii gate in the background in the magical evening lights.

Shingu Kumano Shrine is about a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Kitakata Station.

When you enter the area around the shrine, you will see the Nagatoko, a hall of worship with no walls, designated as an Important National Cultural Property.

The best time to admire autumn leaves here is mid to late November. Among the many trees, you will also see a large ginkgo, 30 meters in height, with a trunk circumference of 7.73 meters. The trees are surrounded by a large garden carpeted with bright golden leaves.

Night illumination (free admission) usually takes place from November 15 to November 22. Walk up the path to better enjoy the view of the golden fluttering leaves.

Tsurugajo Park is built around the famous Tsurugajo Castle, the symbol of Aizu-Wakamatsu. The park is about 20 minutes from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station via the Machinaka “Haikara-san” sightseeing bus. You’ll find the popular foliage spot just a 5-minute walk away from the Tsurugajo Castle entrance.

Depending on the angle, you can enjoy different views of the ginkgo and maple leaves. While walking through the park, find your favorite spot to immortalize your visit at Tsurugajo Castle.

The best time to visit for autumn leaves is from late October to mid-November. The Tsurugajo Autumn Leaves Illumination, one of Fukushima’s popular autumn events, is typically held during this period. The sight of red leaves and the pure white walls of the castle illuminated at night is simply stunning.

The Yukiwari Valley stretches for 4 kilometers, and at its center is the Yukiwari Bridge, an iron bridge connecting the two sides of the Abukuma River.

During the autumn foliage period, flocks of tourists head to the area to snap pictures of the red iron bridge and the valley dyed in green and yellow hues.

A popular spot for taking pictures is the Nishinosato Promenade, which runs along the river.

The best time to visit in autumn is from late October to early November. You can take the Fukushima Kotsu Bus from JR Shin-Shirakawa Station and get off at Yuigaharairiguchi, about 30 minutes away; then reach your destination on foot in 15 minutes.

Nanko Park, considered Japan’s oldest public park, is where you can enjoy a garden of green pines and red maples overlooking the beautiful Lake Nanko.

Scattered around the south side of the lake are 17 viewing spots, giving access to just as many unique sights. Here, you can also find a monument engraved with Japanese poems reflecting each scenic spot’s view.

The peak season for autumn foliage is typically from late October to mid-November. It’s easy to reach by taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Shirakawa Station, then a 10-minute bus ride towards Iwaki Tanagura Station. Get off at the “Nanko Park” bus stop. Convenient access by Shinkansen is another great reason to visit.

Legend has it that Yamamoto Fudoson appeared when Kobo Daishi prayed to rid Yamizo Mountain of all evil spirits. The trees in the area take on beautiful reds, greens, and yellows. The most spectacular of these are the trees that line the 130 stone steps, extending over the whole mountainside.

Access is approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Chikatsu Station. Yamamoto Fudoson is located in the beautiful Yamamoto Park.

Text by: ShoePress