The best spots to enjoy the Red Foliage season in Tsuruoka (Yamagata, Tohoku)
Starting in October, the mountains around Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture transform into a stunning tapestry of red and yellow. The autumn colors gradually descend from mountains like Gassan and Mt. Yudono, reaching their peak in town around November. Don’t miss the chance to visit Tsuruoka and enjoy the fall scenery!
Mt. Gassan
One of the three sacred Dewa mountains, Gassan offers peak autumn colors from mid-September to late October. Colors start at the summit and gradually move down the slopes. Maple trees, rowans, and autumn grasses paint the mountain in vivid reds and yellows—a view you can only experience at this time of year.
At 1,984 m, Gassan is one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, attracting many hikers on weekends.
Popular beginner-friendly hiking routes to the summit include the Haguro Trail from the 8th station and the Shizu (Lift) Trail. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Shonai Plain, the Sea of Japan, and Mt. Chokai.
Hiking season: until mid-October
Peak foliage: Late September – early October
Access: Nishikawamachi (from Shizu Onsen), Haguro Town, Tsuruoka City (Gassan 8th Station Rest House)
Mt. Yudono
One of the sacred Dewa mountains, Mt. Yudono (Yudonosan) reaches its peak autumn colors in mid-October (in 2025, the peak is expected to be between October 22nd to 28th). At 1,500 m, it is one of the earliest spots for autumn foliage in Yamagata Prefecture, attracting many visitors during the season.
Visitors can reach the mountain from the rest house near the large torii gate, by bus or on foot. The gentle 1 km ridge to the main shrine is perfect for a scenic stroll. The contrast between the bright vermilion torii and the colorful mountains is incredibly photogenic.
Note: Photography is prohibited at the main shrine itself, so enjoy the beauty with your eyes and memory.
Season open until November 1st-3rd.
Peak foliage: October
Access: 7 Rokujuri, Tamugimata, Tsuruoka City (Yudonosan Rest House). By car or hiking through the Rokujurigoe Kaido Pilgrimage Route, (hiking route here)
Tamugimata village & the Nanatsu Falls
Along the Rokujurigoe Kaido, a historic pilgrimage route connecting Shonai and Mt. Yudono, lies the Nanatsutaki Falls, selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Six streams merge into a single, spectacular 90 m waterfall. In autumn, the surrounding red and yellow mountains create an unforgettable scene. The Tamugimata village at the waterfalls’ entrance, is particularly flamboyant with its two thatch-roofed houses: the Tasominka and Kayabukiya Inn, surrounded in red, orange and yellow leaves.
Know more about the Rokujurigoe Kaido Pilgrimage Route on www.thedewasanzan.com
Peak foliage: late October – early November
Access: The Rokujurigoe Kaido Pilgrimage Route, (hiking route here, detailed course here)
Bonjigawa Gorge
Bonjikawa Gorge offers stunning views of the flowing Bonji River surrounded by autumn foliage. Highlights include Komenoko Falls and nearby Akakura Aokura, both popular foliage spots. The Nabira-Yukitsuri Bridge features a heart-shaped rock where visitors can toss small stones wrapped in leaves for good luck.
Peak foliage: late-October – early November
Access: 3-1 Naira, Echu Mountain, Tsuruoka City (Michi-no-Eki Gassan) (car only)
Tsuruoka Park
Located on the site of the former Tsuruoka Castle, home of the Shonai clan for 250 years, Tsuruoka Park is filled with historic remnants like moats, stone walls, and centuries-old cedar trees. Known for flowers in every season, it’s also a famous cherry blossom spot. In autumn, the park becomes a prime location for colorful foliage, surrounded by historic buildings and sites, and settings featured in Shohei Fujisawa’s novels.
Peak foliage: early November
Access: 4 Baba-cho, Tsuruoka City, by bus (bus stop names: Chidohakubutsukan)
Yutagawa Onsen’s surroundings (Minakami Hachiman shrine, Tagawa’s Kumano-jinja shrine)
Located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, Yutagawa Onsen is one of the three famous hot spring resorts in the Shonai region. Surrounded by lush nature and known for its warm hospitality, it welcomes many visitors every year.
With a history spanning 1,300 years, Yutagawa Onsen was recognized in 2001 by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as a National Health and Wellness Hot Spring, a designation that highlights its excellent water quality and pristine natural environment.
The hot spring, famous as a traditional “toji” therapeutic bath with naturally flowing spring water, can be enjoyed at the local inns, two communal bathhouses, and one foot bath. Not far from Yutagawa Onsen is Mt. Kinbo, a small mountain that can be hiked within 2 hours up and 2 hours down, giving a beautiful view on the Shonai plains and the Sea of Japan. Within 2 km is the Mizusawa Kumano Shrine, a picturesque hidden spot featuring a vibrant red torii gate, gracefully framed by a circle of bamboo and beech trees, not far from the Minakami Hachiman Shrine, a spot famous for its moss-covered paths; which make Yutagawa Onsen the perfect place to stay for a “red foliage hunting cycling session”. You can rent e-bikes from Yutagawa Onsen’s Tsukasaya ryokan up to 48h before planned cycling date.
Peak foliage: early November
Access: By bus (bus stop names: Yutagawa Onsen for the inner hot spring village, Tagawakomisenmae for the Mizusawa Kumano shrine)
Gyokusenji Temple
Founded in 1251 during the Kamakura period, Gyokusenji is a Soto Zen temple renowned for its expansive gardens, which are designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Also known as the “Temple of Flowers,” it offers visitors a vibrant display of blooms throughout the year.
- Spring: Weeping cherry blossoms
- Summer: Azaleas and Japanese irises
- Autumn: Bush clover and Japanese anemones
One of the temple’s highlights is the rare full colony of Kurinsō flowers, which turns the garden red, white, and pink from mid-May to early June.
Visitors can enjoy a traditional matcha tea with seasonal wagashi while admiring the flowers—a unique experience at Gyokusenji.
The temple also hosts the hidden Zen café Suigetsuan, where you can savor coffee, sweets, and even a lunch (available by reservation).
It’s a perfect stop when visiting Mt. Haguro, offering both natural beauty and a peaceful retreat.
Peak foliage: late October
Access: By bus (bus stop name: Otorii + walk 2km until temple)
The Shimoike & Kamiike ponds and Oyama village’s surroundings
Located in the Ōyama district in western Tsuruoka City, the Ōyama Kamiike & Shimoike ponds are two freshwater reservoirs of different sizes. Still used for agricultural irrigation today, they are believed to have nearly 400 years of history, appearing on maps dating back to the Edo period.
By early October, winter birds such as whooper swans and mallards begin arriving from the continent. At dusk, the swans return from nearby rice fields to the ponds, while ducks that rested in the ponds during the day take flight to feed—creating a dramatic scene of intersecting waterfowl in flight.
In early November, Mt. Takadate’s autumn foliage reaches its peak, providing a breathtaking view combining colorful leaves, waterfowl, and the clear blue sky.
Peak foliage: early November
Access: By bus (bus stop name: Oyamakouenguchi)
