Introduction
Autumn in Tohoku district , especially Shirakami mountains, Lake Towada/Oirase Valley and Hachimantai mountains, begins more than one month earlier than Kyoto. Nature in the countryside shows a variety of expressions. Autumn leaves above the clouds are dynamic and delicate. So, let’s walk and feel your autumn crossing the border between Aomori and Iwate prefectures !
Detail
1st day
09:09 arrival at Ninohe* by Tohoku-Shinkansen(JR High speed railway)
*)If you use public transportation, Aomori or Hirosaki station is convenient for accessing the Shirakami Mountains.
11:50 Shirakami mountains(World Heritage) (stay time: 2.5h) passing through Apple Road with the view of Mt.Tsugaru-Fuji(Mt.Iwaki)*
*)You can buy fresh apples at the farm direct sale on the road.
15:40 stop by Johgakura Bridge*
*)Avoid traffic congestion in Hirosaki downtown beween Shirakami and Hakkoda mountains.
16:20 stop by Hakkoda Mountains (Hell swamp, Suiren swamp*)
*)Not to lost sign of the entrance(left side) due to the autumn colors.
Be careful frequent deep fog and sunset time before 17:00.
16:40 arrival at hotel (Tsuta Hot Spring)
2nd day
06:30 morning walk at Tsuta swamp* before breakfast
*)Red autumn leaves illuminated by rising sun have recently caused unusual congestion and traffic strictly regulated from early morning except for shuttle bus service. Be careful if you are not planning to stay at Tsuta hot spring.
10:00 departure
10:45 Oirase Valley walk start (from Ishigedo to 13:50 Chosi-Ohtaki* )
*)14:22 return to Ishigedo by bus to pick up the parked car there. Coffee made with spring water had a special taste and warmed my body.
15:10 Hakka Pass (Lake Towada could not be seen due to fog.)
17:55 arraival at hotel (Matsukawa Hot Spring) in deep fog
3rd day
06:30 walk tour with a guide at the foot of Hachimantai Mountains* before breakfast
*)The tour is organized by the hotel where I stayed and surprisingly free of charge!
08:45 departure
08:55 a carpet of autumn leaves (Hachimantai Mountains) from the bridge
09:45 stop by Matsukawa Valley*(stay time:30mins)
*)Not to lost sign of the entrance(right side).
11:45 Bullfight Festival on Hiraniwa Plateau passing through beautiful vast cabbage fields in Iwate town and foothills of the Alps in Kuzumaki town (driving recommended)
13:15 departure (unfortunately leaving before the end of festival for yesterday’s revenge*)
*)The itinerary would have been drastically changed to the following(more recommended) if it were fine on 2nd day.
[Alternative Itinerary]
1st day: Snoopy Fall > Hakka Pass (Lake Towada) > Oirase Valley
2nd day: Tsuta Swamp > Hakkouda Mountains (sign side changed) > Johgakura Bridge > Apple Road > Shirakami Mountains (busy day a little)
3rd day: walk tour with a guide > autumn leaves at Hachimantai Mountains > Matsukawa Valley > Bullfight
15:00 SnoopyWaterfall (stay time:20mins) passing through rough roads in real
16:10 Lake Towada at twilight (Hakka Pass again, Kankodai view point and camp field; stay time:less than 1h)
18:15 arraival at Ninohe station to take a Tohoku-Shinkansen (to Morioka, Sendai, Tokyo, etc.)
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Gallery (click and get ideas !)
