Japan’s Premier Long-Season Fall Colors
The main attraction of autumn in Hakuba is its “extended fall foliage season” created by the varying elevations. Starting from mid-September at Tsugaike Nature Park, the colorful autumn leaves gradually transform the mountainside, moving through the Iwatake summit, Goryu Alps Plain, and down to the foothills.
That’s why in Hakuba, you can enjoy spectacular autumn colors for about two months. Furthermore, from October to November, you can witness a dynamic landscape unique to this region called “three-tier autumn colors,” where snowy peaks, autumn foliage on the mountainside, and green vegetation at the foot of the mountains create a stunning natural tapestry.
Hakuba’s autumn foliage, showing different faces with each visit, promises an autumn journey unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
* The autumn foliage season is approximate and may vary from year to year.
Mid to Late September
Tsugaike Nature Park Gondola Lift “Eve”
Take a gondola and ropeway to reach the alpine wetlands at an elevation of approximately 1,900m. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the Northern Alps and panoramic autumn foliage. The aerial view of beech and maple trees in their fall colors is particularly magnificent, offering a spectacular gradient of autumn hues from the foot to the summit. Locals consider this the area’s premier autumn foliage spot, noting that “Hakuba’s fall colors begin here first and offer the most impressive views.”
About 70 minutes by car from our hotel
* Photo for illustrative purposes only
Mid to Late September
Hakuba Happo
The autumn colors begin at the high mountain peaks and gradually descend to the foothills, creating an ever-changing landscape. Walking along the Happo Ridge Nature Trail, you can enjoy a grand panorama of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains and fall foliage. In the clear early autumn air, the view extends from the Southern Alps to Mount Fuji.
About 5 minutes by car from our hotel
Late September to mid-October
Hakuba Goryu
This fall foliage spot is known for its vivid contrast of golden, red, and brown colors created by the diverse mix of trees. The gondola ride offers an aerial walk through the autumn colors. The hiking course from the summit to Mount Kotomi offers a close-up view of the impressive Mount Goryu.
About 10 minutes by car from our hotel
Early October
Iwatake
From Iwatake summit, enjoy a spectacular view of autumn colors with the Hakuba Sanzan mountains as a backdrop. Peak viewing is in early October, and the gondola ride offers a luxurious view of color gradients at different elevations. Standing at the terrace on Iwatake’s summit feels like having the magnificent autumn scenery all to yourself.
About 15 minutes by car from our hotel
Mid-October
Yarigatake Prefectural Road
The Yarigatake Prefectural Road is an autumn drive course surrounded by mountains. By mid-October, the valley trees turn red and yellow, with scenery changing as you drive along. Under the crystal-clear autumn sky, the colorful landscape of larches and broad-leaved trees creates a majestic view even from the car window, complemented by the solemn presence of Mount Yari.
About 40 minutes by car from our hotel
Mid to Late October
Lake Aoki
Around Lake Aoki, you can witness three-tiered autumn colors from mid to late October. Snow on the peaks, autumn colors on the slopes, and evergreen forests at the base create a picture-perfect reflection on the lake surface. The clear autumn sky and water surface enhance the natural contrast, creating a magical autumn scene unique to Shinshu.
About 15 minutes by car from our hotel
Mid to Late October
Hakuba Ohashi Bridge
The iconic Hakuba Ohashi Bridge offers a majestic view of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains in the Northern Alps. In autumn, the mountain base is painted in vibrant red. The bridge, surrounded by emerald-green waters, autumn foliage, and early snow, creates a unique seasonal landscape.
About 4 minutes by car from our hotel
Mid-October to Early November
Kitakuzusawa (Takase Valley)
The maples and beech trees along the valley create stunning reflections on the lake surface, attracting many photography enthusiasts as one of the prefecture’s premier locations. The autumn colors, enjoyed amid the peaceful mountain environment and the sound of flowing water, offer a soothing experience to visitors.
About 40 minutes by car from our hotel
Early November
Ryosho-ji Temple
At Ryosho-ji, Azumino’s oldest temple, the maple trees in the grounds turn brilliantly colorful in early November. The harmony between the historic buildings and autumn colors is solemn, with particularly spectacular views from the temple gate. The falling leaves add to the atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility unique to ancient temples and the deepening of autumn.
About 30 minutes by car from our hotel
Autumn Special Plan
Now accepting reservations for “Discovery Wine Tasting” with
French course featuring seasonal Shinshu ingredients
From Monday, September 1 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, we offer a special autumn package at the same price as our regular half-board plan, including
“Dégustation Libre,” a free-style wine tasting experience
.
Our wine concierge, Yoshida, with over 20 years of experience, presents
“Obuse Chardonnay Cuvée Yoshida”
along with rare labels from across Japan that wine enthusiasts cherish.
Enjoy this wine-club-style “discovery tasting” where you can freely sample and compare multiple wines
to find your personal favorites.
From Monday, September 1 to Sunday, November 30, 2025, we are offering a special autumn package that includes our “Dégustation Libre” discovery wine tasting program at the same price as our regular half-board plan.
Our wine collection features rare labels from across Japan, including the “Obuse Chardonnay Cuvée Yoshida,” which our Wine Concierge Yoshida has been involved with for over 20 years, along with sought-after wines from Nagano, Yamanashi, Yamagata, Hokkaido, and other regions.
Enjoy this wine-tasting experience where you can freely sample and compare different wines to discover your preferences, similar to a wine appreciation event.
