Find your own best autumn foliage spot "here and now" in Norikura Kogen.

The autumn foliage front gradually runs down the mountainside from near the summit of Mt. Norikura. From late September to early November, you can enjoy the changing autumn leaves here and there. The charm of the autumn leaves at Norikura is that you will want to experience them again and again, on different days and in different places. Go out and find your best spot to see the autumn leaves right now.

After mid-September, the leaves begin to change color gradually from the top of the mountain. Along the Echo Line, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of autumn leaves along with views of Mt. Kengamine and Mt. Hotaka. The autumn foliage front gradually moves down from the summit, and the peak of the autumn leaves around Igahara, where the mountain lodge is located, usually occurs in early October.When the first snow falls on the summit, you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful three-tiered autumn foliage.

You can access the mountain by using the Mt. Norikura shuttle bus, or by riding an e-bike or road bike up the mountain trails to enjoy the autumn leaves at your own pace while experiencing the changing colors up close.

It's also recommended to enjoy the autumn leaves of Mt. Norikura by walking along the mountain trails. For example, on the mountain trail between the Hotokureishin bus stop and Igahara Sanso, there is a spectacular spot known as "Yaneita no Saka" (Rooftop Hill), where a carpet of autumn leaves spreads out below. If there are no clouds, you can also see the Hotaka mountain range, and you can enjoy the majestic scenery and the moment.

The mountain trail that continues down from Igahara Sanso is also a great place to take a leisurely stroll during the autumn foliage season. You can walk while admiring the colorful broadleaf trees up close, as if passing through a tunnel of autumn leaves. Find your favorite way to enjoy the trail, such as taking the shuttle bus one way and walking down the mountain trail to the point on the way back.

The autumn leaves that start to change color near the mountain peak gradually decline, and by mid-October every year, you can enjoy the colors all over the plateau. The area around Zengoro Falls is particularly beautiful, with the yellow leaves of the Mizunara and birch forests, and you can enjoy a stroll to the falls and take in the autumn colors.

During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the waterfall and Mount Norikura directly in front of you from the observation point, Takimidai. The Futari no Michi path connecting Zengoro Falls and Ushidome Pond also features a beautiful tunnel of autumn leaves. Listen carefully to the sound of the stream as you enjoy a leisurely hike amid the autumn foliage.

The autumn leaves of Ichinose begin with the red of the Japanese lacquer trees, and the colors gradually become more and more layered. The entire Ichinose area is gorgeously colored, and the vivid colors and colours are sure to delight anyone. We especially recommend taking a walk around the waterside, admiring the autumn leaves at Maimenoike Pond, Dojoike Pond, and Azalea Pond. Why not enjoy the scenery of the autumn colours reflected softly on the water to your heart's content?

Deep in Ichinose, in a place with a magnificent view of Mt. Norikura, stands the giant maple, a symbol of the autumn foliage season. It stands out among the many small Japanese maples that grow within the Norikura Plateau. Its changing colors signal the deepening of autumn and also teach us the beauty of constant change.

After the peak of autumn leaves has passed, in late October to early November, the trees on the plateau begin to shed their leaves and prepare for winter. As silence returns to Norikura, the larch leaves begin to shine golden yellow. The larch trees, the last runners of the Norikura autumn foliage season, can be enjoyed from within the plateau, but it is also recommended to enjoy a walk through the larch forest.

In particular, the trekking route to Miharashi Rock passes through a larch forest, and the autumn scenery from Miharashi Rock is outstanding, making it one of the routes you should definitely visit in late autumn. The comfort of walking on the soft carpet of larch leaves, showered with fallen leaves swaying in the wind, will bring a smile to your face. Take in the late autumn air as you walk.

We've introduced five autumn foliage spots from among the many available on the plateau. What do you think? The highlights change from time to time, so if you stay for an extended period of time or return after a few days, your favorite autumn foliage spot may change daily.