Autumn in Tohoku is like a treasure chest of Japan’s finest foliage spots. The 2025 fall colors are predicted to be on schedule or slightly late, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle from early October in the highlands through early November in the plains. To freely explore this vast area, there’s no better way than a campervan. Unbound by time, you can wake up before breathtaking views and fall asleep under a canopy of stars. Such luxurious experiences await in Tohoku’s autumn.
Tohoku Autumn Foliage Forecast 2025
Autumn foliage in Tohoku begins in the high mountains and gradually descends to the valleys. Opening with Mt. Hakkoda and Hachimantai in late September, the peak viewing period cascades like a relay across all six prefectures until mid-November, spanning approximately two months. This chart shows the typical peak viewing periods for each prefecture, helping you plan your journey.
Campervan Travel Tips
🚐 Use Roadside Stations as Your Base
Tohoku has many roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) with hot springs and scenic views, perfect as bases for overnight stays. Be sure to check the usage rules in advance.
🛣️ Mountain Road Driving
Many foliage spots are in mountainous areas with narrow roads. The sun sets early, so start early for safety. Consider the possibility of icy conditions.
🌡️ Temperature Fluctuation Measures
Even if warm during the day, mornings and evenings can drop below freezing. Bring layered clothing like fleece and down jackets, and prepare winter sleeping bags.
🐻 Wildlife Encounters
This is a particularly active season for bears. Avoid solo early morning and evening activities, and don’t forget to carry bear bells or play radio sounds as precautions.
【Aomori】Hakkoda & Oirase ~ A Brocade World Woven by Streams and Primeval Forests
The starting point for a Tohoku autumn foliage tour is Aomori Prefecture. At Mt. Hakkoda, elevation 1,300m, colors begin to appear in late September, and by early October, a carpet of fiery foliage spreads out. Take the ropeway for an aerial stroll, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the grand panorama of beech, maple, and white birch.
After sightseeing at Hakkoda, head to the 14km-long Oirase Stream. The walking path along the clear stream features tunnel-like canopies of giant beech and horse chestnut trees in autumn colors, creating a fantastical landscape with numerous waterfalls. With a campervan, you can monopolize the beauty of the stream wrapped in morning mist in the crisp early morning air.
Don’t miss Tsutanuma Pond if you can extend your visit. The “Crimson Reflection” at dawn, when autumn foliage mirrors perfectly on the water surface, is a once-in-a-lifetime view. With a campervan stay, you can enjoy the privilege of waiting at the best photography position before dawn.
Secret hot springs like Sukayu Onsen and Tsuta Onsen are scattered around the area. Bathing while viewing autumn colors from open-air baths will warm your body to the core after photography. For souvenirs, we recommend “Kininaringo” (Curious Apple), a whole Aomori apple wrapped in pie.
【Iwate】Hachimantai & Shizukuishi ~ A Supreme Base Embraced by Sea of Clouds and Starry Skies
Iwate Prefecture is an area where the true value of campervan travel multiplies. Particularly noteworthy is the JRVA-certified “RV Park Iwatesan“. With paved flat parking spaces, 24-hour accessible toilets, and electrical hookup sites, this ideal base has everything campervan users need.
About 10 minutes from this base, Shizukuishi Ski Resort operates special ropeways during the autumn foliage season. Riding special early morning or sunset gondolas allows you to enjoy evening scenery and seas of clouds from above. Participating in nighttime and early morning events, which would be difficult with hotel stays, can be realized safely and comfortably with RV Park stays.
On the Hachimantai Aspite Line at about 1,600m elevation, the gradation of autumn colors created by painted maple, white birch, and mountain ash is spectacular. From Mikaeri Pass, you can see magnificent views of the sea of clouds and autumn valley below. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Japanese serow, a special natural monument, standing by the roadside.
At night, the RV Park, far from city lights, transforms into an excellent spot for stargazing. The Milky Way clearly visible to the naked eye, shooting stars, and countless stars. The luxury of viewing the starry sky from a high-altitude location, from your warm RV, is a privilege unique to campervan travel.
Next, visit Geibi Gorge, created by the Satetsu River, a tributary of the Kitakami River. You can leisurely navigate the approximately 2km gorge by hand-rowed boat, flanked by limestone cliffs nearly 100m high. From late October to early November, maple, sumac, and mountain ash reflect on the water surface, and you can enjoy the fantastical scenery along with the boatman’s “Geibi Oiwake” song. The contrast of emerald green water and autumn foliage will remain in your memory as Tohoku’s finest gorge beauty.
Mt. Kurikoma, straddling Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita, is a famous foliage spot praised as “God’s Carpet.” The brocade-colored mountainside spreading from Sukawa Plateau on the eastern foot is a spectacular view. Colors begin at the summit area around 1,626m elevation in late September to early October, with mid-slope to foot areas enjoyable until mid-October. Veitch’s silver fir, mountain ash, maples, and beech create gradations at different altitudes, displaying a mosaic pattern of red, orange, yellow, and green at a glance.
Sukawa Onsen is a highland hot spring resort at 1,120m elevation, famous for its acidic sulfur springs. The open-air bath “Sennin-iwa Yokujou” surrounded by autumn colors under blue skies offers an outstanding sense of openness and soothes hikers’ fatigue. For souvenirs, take home Iwate specialties like “Kamome no Tamago” (Seagull’s Egg, custard wrapped in castella and white chocolate) or Nanbu senbei crackers.
【Miyagi】Naruko Gorge & Akiu ~ Captivated by Gorge Beauty and Famous Waterfalls
Naruko Gorge, representing Miyagi Prefecture, is a spectacular spot where a V-shaped gorge 100m deep continues for about 2.5km. The diverse patchwork created by beech, maple, oak, and sumac is magnificent. The best viewing period is from late October to early November. The contrast between Ofukazawa Bridge and the autumn foliage is a must-photograph composition.
After photography, head to Naruko Onsen area. Known as a “department store of spring qualities” with distinctive waters at five hot spring towns—sulfur springs, salt springs, sulfate springs, etc.—you can choose according to preference. Many free foot baths are available, perfect for rest during walks.
Don’t miss the area around Akiu Onsen, Sendai’s inner retreat. Akiu Otaki, one of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, cascades 55m down with a thunderous roar in a gorge colored by maple and sumac. From late October to early November, the view from the waterfall viewing platform is spectacular. If you descend the walking path near the basin, you can experience autumn foliage and water spray in a space full of negative ions.
Rairaikyo Gorge near Akiu Onsen town is a gorge of strange rocks created by the Natori River. Maples line the approximately 1km walking path, making it a hidden gem where autumn foliage reflecting on the water and emerald green flow are beautiful. The Akiu area, where you can enjoy hot springs and autumn foliage simultaneously, is ideal as a healing spot for campervan travel.
The Zao Echo Line, which allows driving up to about 1,600m elevation, lets you enjoy foliage changing with altitude. The color contrast woven by the crater lake “Okama’s” emerald green and surrounding autumn foliage is a unique Zao sight. On clear days, staying near the summit with a campervan allows you to monopolize spectacular views that change moment by moment, from sunset to starry skies.
【Akita】Dakigaeri Gorge & Oyasu Gorge ~ Steam and Autumn Fantasy World
Dakigaeri Gorge, called “Michinoku’s Yabakei,” is a scenic area spanning about 10km along the Tamagawa River. The landscape of emerald green pools contrasting with maple and sumac foliage is so beautiful you’ll want to look back. The area around Kaiko-no-Taki waterfall is the best scenic point, with peak viewing from mid to late October.
Troops of Japanese macaques inhabit the forests around the gorge, and in autumn they may appear by the river seeking tree nuts. Quiet encounters with wildlife are also one of the attractions of campervan travel.
Oyasu Gorge in southern Akita is a 60m-deep gorge created by the Minase River. From late October to early November, the fantastical scenery woven by Dai-funto (large geyser jets), where 100°C steam billows from between cliff rocks, and beech and maple covering the gorge, is worth seeing. The collaboration of autumn foliage and white steam viewed from the bridge partway down the stairs to the valley floor is powerful.
At nearby Doroyu Onsen and Kawarage Onsen, you can enjoy natural open-air baths. Particularly, Kawarage Oyutaki is where a 20m hot spring waterfall itself becomes an open-air bath, and during foliage season you can experience the luxury of bathing under a warm waterfall while viewing surrounding autumn colors.
Nearby Nyuto Onsen area is a must-visit spot. Hot spring cure lodges with thatched roofs, including Tsurunoyu, are scattered about, with open-air baths surrounded by beech forests where you can enjoy autumn foliage. Tsuta Onsen, where spring water wells up from the bottom of the bath, maintains its Taisho-era wooden main building as a charming single-inn establishment.
For Akita souvenirs, we recommend traditional sweets like “Kinman” and “Nama Moroko.” Their gentle sweetness will kindly soothe your fatigue from mountain areas.
【Yamagata】Yamadera & Zao ~ Elegant Land Where History and Nature Intersect
At Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple), known from Matsuo Basho’s haiku, maple and sumac color both sides of approximately 1,000 stone steps, creating a mysterious world contrasting with moss-covered rocks. From late October to early November viewing season, the entire temple grounds are wrapped in red and yellow. The panorama of Yamadera village and autumn foliage viewed from Godaido Hall midway up is spectacular.
Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley is a scenic road connecting Yamagata and Fukushima. From Shirabu Pass at 1,400m elevation, mountain ash red and beech yellow spread out, with views of Mt. Bandai and Lake Hibara below. Mid-October is the peak viewing period, allowing you to fully savor highland driving pleasures.
Hot spring options are abundant, including Ginzan Onsen’s wooden inn district overflowing with Taisho romanticism, and Zao Onsen’s milky white sulfur springs. For souvenirs, traditional sweets like “Noshi-ume” (ume plum set in agar, a Yamagata specialty) and “Kokyou” are appreciated.
【Fukushima】Bandai Plateau & Mt. Adatara ~ Competition of Starry Skies and Autumn Foliage
The finale of a Tohoku autumn foliage tour is the Bandai Plateau area in Fukushima Prefecture. Here there’s an ideal base called “Bandai Plateau – Spectacular Inawashiro Ski Resort RV Park“. Located within Bandai-Asahi National Park, this location means extremely little surrounding light pollution, functioning as the pinnacle spot for astronomical observation in the Tohoku region.
On the Goshikinuma Nature Trail, where over 30 ponds of various sizes connect, the combination of lakes shining emerald green and cobalt blue with autumn foliage is fantastical. From mid to late October viewing season, maple and enkianthus reflect on the water surface, creating unique Ura-Bandai scenery.
Mt. Adatara, where Takamura Kotaro praised the “real sky” in his poem “Chieko-sho,” is also must-see. Taking the ropeway from Dake Onsen at the mountain base allows you to quickly ascend to Yakushi-dake, where a panorama of autumn foliage spreads from around 1,350m elevation. Mid-October is peak viewing, with Veitch’s silver fir and mountain ash red near the summit, and beech and maple yellow on the mid-slopes. From the observation deck “Ushi-no-se,” a 10-minute walk from the ropeway summit station, you can view the spectacular crater hill of steaming Mt. Adatara beyond the autumn valley.
At Jododaira around 1,600m elevation, alpine plant grass foliage dyes the entire area orange, while mountain ash and white birch red and yellow are scattered across surrounding mountain surfaces. Walking around the crater rim of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, you can view the autumn valley below and the distant Adatara mountain range.
And then, night. The RV Park within the national park provides a starry sky under zero light pollution conditions. Staying during the late October 2025 new moon period allows you to enjoy the Milky Way, shooting stars, and deep space stars from inside your warm campervan or wrapped in a sleeping bag outdoors. The high elevation and surrounding darkness create a “starry sky within reach.”
Warm up in Takayu Onsen’s sulfur springs, and let the gentle milk-flavored sweetness of Fukushima specialty “Mamador” sweets soothe your travel fatigue. Such blissful moments leave a lingering impression worthy of concluding a Tohoku autumn foliage tour.
Selected Autumn Foliage Photography Spots in 6 Prefectures
Aomori Prefecture: Oirase Stream
A stream continuing about 14km from Lake Towada to Yakeyama. The tunnel of maples and beeches woven with ever-changing water flow is magnificent. Well-maintained walking paths allow easy strolling.
Travel Detours
Hot Springs: Tsuta Onsen, Sukayu Onsen
Sweets: Apple pie with apples
Stargazing: Lake Towada shore is an excellent observation site
Iwate Prefecture: Hachimantai
One of Tohoku’s earliest autumn foliage spots. “Grass foliage” where vast wetlands turn golden, and the beautiful contrast of white birch white and mountain ash red.
Travel Detours
Hot Springs: Toshichi Onsen, Matsukawa Onsen
Sweets: Nanbu Senbei
Sunset: Evening scenery from Hachimantai Aspite Line
Akita Prefecture: Dakigaeri Gorge
A scenic spot called “Tohoku’s Yabakei.” The emerald green gorge stream and autumn foliage of primeval forests on both banks are magnificent. The area around “Kaiko Falls” is a popular photography spot.
Travel Detours
Hot Springs: Nyuto Onsen area, Tazawako Kogen Onsen
Sweets: Morokoshi
Experience: Autumn foliage stroll in Kakunodate samurai residences
Miyagi Prefecture: Naruko Gorge
A large gorge 100m deep carved by the Otani River. Trees in red and yellow color cliffs with strange rock formations. The view from Naruko Gorge Rest House is truly like a painting.
Travel Detours
Hot Springs: Naruko Onsen area
Sweets: Yubeshi, Zunda-mochi
Train: Rikuu East Line crossing autumn gorge
Yamagata Prefecture: Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple)
A sacred site known for Matsuo Basho’s haiku. While climbing 1,015 stone steps, enjoy the harmony of autumn foliage filling the valley and historical structures. The view from Godaido is must-see.
Travel Detours
Hot Springs: Tendo Onsen, Kaminoyama Onsen
Sweets: Chikara-konnyaku, Noshi-ume
Experience: Autumn foliage illumination (check availability)
Fukushima Prefecture: Goshikinuma Lake Group
Mysterious lakes born from Mt. Bandai’s eruption. Water colors change to emerald and cobalt blue depending on the pond, and the contrast with autumn foliage is breathtakingly beautiful.
Travel Detours
Hot Springs: Ura-Bandai Onsen, Goshikinuma Onsen
Sweets: Mamador, Yubeshi
Stargazing: Bandai-Azuma Skyline Jododaira
🍁 Tohoku Autumn Foliage Campervan Travel – Frequently Asked Questions
Summary ~ Free and Rich Tohoku Autumn Realized by Campervan
A journey touring autumn foliage across Tohoku’s six prefectures multiplies in value many times over with campervans as transportation. While securing safe and comfortable bases at certified RV Parks, you can fully enjoy time-limited experiences like early morning seas of clouds, sunset spectacular views, and midnight stargazing without missing anything. This is the greatest charm of campervan travel.
Tohoku’s autumn in 2025 is expected to be enjoyable over a long period, from early October highlands through early November plains. Starting from Aomori and heading south through Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima, chasing peak foliage in each area. Along the way, encounters with hot springs, local sweets, wildlife, and the warmth of local people will make your journey even richer.
Autumn foliage, hot springs, starry skies, and freedom. A campervan journey touring Tohoku’s autumn is the ultimate luxury for experiencing Japan’s autumn beauty with all five senses.
