Local Guide
[2025 Edition] 7 Recommended Spots to Enjoy Autumn Foliage in the Okuhida Area of Gifu Prefecture

Hida Takayama is home to many famous autumn foliage spots, including Okuhida hot spring, nestled in the bosom of the Northern Alps. Enjoy the pleasant autumn season in a variety of ways, from hiking and aerial walks on the ropeway, to driving and strolling through the city. We'll also introduce the best viewing times for each spot.

A close-up view of the magnificent waterfall surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage

The magnificent flow of Hirayu Falls. The sound of the babbling water is also soothing.
The magnificent flow of Hirayu Falls. The sound of the babbling water is also soothing.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,400m, Hirayu Otaki Falls is a dynamic and famous waterfall boasting a drop of 64m and a width of 6m. Due to its power and the purity of its waters, it has been named one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls and one of Gifu Prefecture's 50 best waters.
In early October, the surrounding trees begin to change color, and the vibrant red of the maples and the gradation of yellow from the beech and birch trees color the waterfall as it cascades down with white spray. You can drive up to the Takimi Observation Plaza, so it's also appealing that you can view the magnificent waterfall and autumn leaves in just a few minutes' walk along the promenade.
Every February, the Hirayu Otaki Frozen Waterfall Festival is held, where the frozen waterfall is lit up, allowing you to enjoy the artistic scenery created by nature throughout the seasons.

[Start of coloring] Early October every year
Best time to see: Mid-October
[Types of autumn leaves] Beech, birch, maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Near Hirayu Otaki waterfall is the Hirayu Giant Nezuko, an estimated 1,000-year-old tree. The tree is 23 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of 7.6 meters, making it a spectacular sight and giving you a sense of timelessness.
Hirayu Waterfall
  • 住所Hirayu, Okuhida Onsen Village, Takayama City, Gifu hot spring MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 50 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nohi Bus Center), get off at "Otakiguchi Campsite Mae" and walk for about 20 minutes
  • TEL0578-89-2614（奥飛騨温泉郷観光協会）
  • 駐車場free

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and autumn leaves from a two-story gondola

Take the first and second ropeways to the summit. The contrast between the Northern Alps and the autumn leaves is beautiful.
Take the first and second ropeways to the summit. The contrast between the Northern Alps and the autumn leaves is beautiful.

Shinhotaka Ropeway, located in Shinhotaka hot spring, is the gateway to the Northern Alps. Boarding Japan's only double-decker gondola, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from the all-glass windows.
The entire mountain is dyed in colorful colors over the course of about a month, something that is unique to mountainous areas with varying altitudes. As autumn deepens, you can sometimes see a "three-tiered autumn foliage" scene: green trees in the lowlands, red and yellow beech and maple trees on the mountainside, and the Northern Alps covered in white snow.
After enjoying your walk in the sky, you'll arrive at Nishihotakaguchi Station, at an altitude of 2,156m. At the rooftop observation deck, you'll be greeted by a magnificent 360-degree view, which has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon. In 2024, the walking area "Suminomori" will open, adding even more ways to enjoy the area. On autumn weekends, a "stargazing tour" will also be operated, allowing you to view the star-filled sky.

[Start of coloring] Usually late September
[Best time to see] Mid-October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Birch, beech, Mizunara oak, maple, etc.

▼Stargazing tour
Dates: September 12th (Fri) - 14th (Sun), 19th (Fri) - 21st (Sun), October 10th (Fri) - 12th (Sun), 17th (Fri) - 19th (Sun), 2025
Shirakabadaira Station: First departure 18:00 etc. / Last departure 20:20
Nishihotakaguchi Station: First departure from 18:00 and other times, last departure from 21:00
Viewing location: Nishihotakaguchi Station rooftop observation deck and Summit Forest
URL: Learn more

Comments Local Guide
At CAFÉ GOKAN on the second floor of Nishihotakaguchi Station, be sure to try the "Cho Churros" shaped like the character for "Cho" (top). You can take some great photos with the spectacular view from the observation deck.
Shinhotaka Ropeway
  • 住所Shinhotaka hot spring MAP, Okuhida hot spring, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
  • アクセスApproximately 60 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station
  • バスアクセスTake a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nohi Bus Center) and get off at "Shinhotaka Ropeway", then a short walk
  • 営業時間Shinhotaka hot spring Station First departure 8:30, last departure 16:00
    Nishihotakaguchi Station First departure for outbound trains: 8:45, last departure for outbound trains: 16:45
  • 定休日Open everyday * May be suspended during bad weather or for maintenance
  • 入場料Round-trip ticket for ropeway 1 and 2: Adults (middle school students and above) 3,800 yen, children (ages 6 and above) 1,900 yen, etc.
  • TEL0578-89-2252
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモOpening hours (ropeway timetable) vary depending on the season

A 70m-high sky bridge surrounded by colorful mountain scenery

Take an exhilarating drive towards the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps
Take an exhilarating drive towards the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps

This magnificent arch bridge is 70 meters high from the valley floor and approximately 150 meters long. It connects Nakao Plateau in Shinhotaka hot spring with Nabehira Park, the second station of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and is a spectacular spot to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery that changes with the seasons.
The peak of autumn leaves is mid-October.With Mount Kasagatake and Mount Shakujo in the background,You will be fascinated by the gradations of nature, with a variety of colors including yellow, red, orange, and brown.
It's a popular driving and touring route, but you can also park your car at Parking at the foot of the bridge and walk along it. Why not enjoy a walk under the sky, taking in the contrast between the clear autumn sky and the endless rows of autumn foliage covering the mountains?

[Start of coloring] Early October every year
[Best time to see] Mid-October to late October
[Types of autumn leaves] Beech, maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Standing in the center of the bridge, you'll see the majestic Northern Alps mountains in front of you and a deep valley below, creating a truly otherworldly view. There are no sidewalks, so be sure to watch out for cars and motorbikes as you enjoy the view.
Northern Alps Bridge
  • 住所Nakao, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City, Gifu hot spring MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 75 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nohi Bus Center), get off at "Nakao Yakedake Trailhead" and walk for about 20 minutes
  • TEL0578-89-2614（奥飛騨温泉郷観光協会）
  • 駐車場free

Enjoy glittering autumn leaves and hiking in one of Japan's most scenic mountain areas

Kappa Bridge, where you can see the clear waters of the Azusa River and autumn leaves with the Hotaka mountain range in the background
Kappa Bridge, where you can see the clear waters of the Azusa River and autumn leaves with the Hotaka mountain range in the background

It is one of Japan's most scenic mountain areas and has been designated a national cultural property (special place of scenic beauty and special natural monument). As many as 1.2 million tourists and climbers visit every year to enjoy the pristine scenery that unfolds at an altitude of 1,500 meters.
During the autumn foliage season, the leaves of maples such as silver maples and Japanese maples turn orange and red on the promenade leading from Kappa Bridge, the symbol of Kamikochi, to Myojin Pond. The colorful autumn leaves, viewed against the backdrop of the majestic Hotaka mountain range and Dakezawa, are so beautiful they will cleanse your soul.
About a week after the maple leaves change color, the rows of larch trees around Weston Gardens, Tashiro Pond, and Taisho Pond all change color at once. Larch leaves turn yellow, so they are called "yellow leaves" rather than "autumn leaves," and when exposed to sunlight, they turn a sparkling golden color. If you hike along the Azusa River, even the fallen leaves at your feet will add color to your autumn journey.

[Start of coloring] Usually late September
[Best time to see] Mid-October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Larch, birch, Japanese maple, rowan, etc.

Comments Local Guide
If this is your first time in Kamikochi, we recommend getting off at the Taishoike bus stop and walking towards Kappabashi Bridge upstream of the Azusa River. You can enjoy a little over an hour of hiking while admiring the autumn leaves while looking out at the Hotaka mountain range ahead.
Kamikochi
  • 住所Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Azumi Kamikochi MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 50 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station, transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi at Hirayu Akandana Parking, and get off at Kamikochi Bus Terminal, a short walk away
  • バスアクセスTake a bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nohi Bus Center), transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi at Hirayu Bus Terminal, and get off at Kamikochi Bus Terminal, then a short walk
  • 定休日Closed for winter from November 16th to mid-April
  • TEL0263-95-2433（上高地インフォメーションセンター）
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモYear-round private car restrictions

Visit 13 hidden waterfalls and soak in the beauty of the autumnal valley

The waterfall is especially beautiful when surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. It is also lit up every year (though this event is scheduled to be canceled in 2025).
The waterfall is especially beautiful when surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. It is also lit up every year (though this event is scheduled to be canceled in 2025).

Located within a vast prefectural natural park designated as a Gifu Prefecture Natural Monument, Utsue 48 Waterfalls is the collective name for the group of waterfalls created in a secluded valley by the 48 Waterfalls River, which originates from the Takinoue River at an altitude of 1,200 meters. There are 13 waterfalls, large and small, gushing down, and you can enjoy a one-hour hike around the waterfalls by walking along the well-maintained walking trails.
As November approaches, the maple and beech trees paint the valley in a vibrant array of colors, creating a spectacular show of autumn leaves alongside the waterfall.
On November 3rd, when the autumn leaves are at their peak, the park will hold an Autumn Thanksgiving Festival, where visitors can enjoy the famous Yosohachi soup, local vegetables, and woodwork. After your stroll, we recommend relaxing at the nearby day hot spring, Shibuki no Yu Yuyukan.

[Start of coloring] Late October every year
[Best time to see] Early to mid-November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, beech, magnolia, etc.

▼Utsue Shijuhachitaki Park Autumn Thanksgiving Festival
Date and time: November 3, 2025 (Monday/Holiday) 9:00-16:00
Location: Utsue Shijuhachitaki Park, near Rest House Shibuki

Comments Local Guide
If you bring your cleaning contribution receipt, you will receive a 100 yen discount (50 yen discount for elementary school students) on the admission fee to Shibuki-no-Yu Yuyukan.
Utsue 48 Waterfalls
  • 住所Utsue, Kokufu-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 25 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Hida-Kokufu Station and get off at "Utsue Shijuhachitakiguchi"
  • 定休日Closed in winter (November 16th to March 31st)
  • 入場料Cleaning contribution: 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children (elementary school students)
  • TEL0577-72-3948
  • 駐車場free
  • メモBus (Nora My Car Kokufu Utsue Line) requires advance reservations
    The waterfall illumination will be canceled in 2025

A driving route filled with spectacular views of autumn foliage

A leisurely 90-minute drive. There are also plenty of photo spots that will make you want to take your camera.
A leisurely 90-minute drive. There are also plenty of photo spots that will make you want to take your camera.

This long driving route stretches for approximately 65km, connecting Kiyomi-cho in Takayama City and Hachiman-cho in Gujo City. As the name "Seragi Kaido" (Burning Road) suggests, you can enjoy an exhilarating drive along the clear flow of three rivers. There are many sights to see, such as Nishi-Ure Pass with its beautiful forests of white birch and larch, the plateau of Myoho, and the castle town of Gujo Hachiman, so you'll never tire of the scenery outside the car window.
The autumn foliage season is especially recommended. Hida Kiyomi and Gujo Hachiman are about 700 meters apart in altitude, so you can enjoy the changing of the autumn leaves over a period of about a month and a half, as they gradually descend from Nishi-Ure Pass.
Hirataki Falls stretches across the entire width of the river, hot spring with a sense of openness, and roadside stations with a wide selection of gourmet food.You can enjoy an exciting drive to see the autumn leaves, even if you take a detour.Look forward to the autumn festival at the ski resort, which will be bathed in the autumn colors.

[Start of coloring] Usually mid-October
[Best time to see] Late October to late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Oak, beech, konara oak, sawtooth oak, rowan, etc.

▼31st Meiho Plateau Autumn Festival 2025
Date and time: October 26, 2025 (Sunday) 10:00-15:00
Location: Meiho Ski Resort
URL:https://www.gujomeiho.jp/news/3006/

Comments Local Guide
Located halfway along Seseragi Kaido, the roadside station Myoho (Masumi no Sato Park) is a great spot to stop by. The statue of the famous horse "Surusumi" is the landmark. The autumn leaves from here are also exceptionally beautiful. You can also try Myoho ham and gohei mochi.
Hida-Mino Seseragi Highway
  • 住所Gifu Prefecture Gujo City Yahata-cho ~ Gujo City Meiho ~ Takayama City Kiyomi-cho MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station (to Kiyomi-cho, Takayama City)
  • TEL0575-66-1239（郡上市観光連盟）
  • 駐車場Paid/Free

Cross the illuminated red bridge and enjoy a magical nighttime stroll

During the traditional Takayama Festival in the spring, gorgeous floats cross this bridge. Nakabashi Bridge is also photogenic in autumn, when it is decorated with vibrant autumn leaves.
During the traditional Takayama Festival in the spring, gorgeous floats cross this bridge. Nakabashi Bridge is also photogenic in autumn, when it is decorated with vibrant autumn leaves.

If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves in Takayama city, head to Nakabashi Bridge, which spans the Miyagawa River that runs through the city center. The crimson maple leaves sparkling in the autumn sunshine color the mountains, and the deep orange and yellow cherry leaves and the red bridge stand out against the autumn sky, creating a breathtaking sight.
A short walk from Nakabashi Bridge will take you to Higashiyama Promenade, Tenshoji Temple, Shiroyama Park, and other famous autumn foliage spots. You can also enjoy the tunnel of autumn leaves, which seems to cover your head with the maple trees overhead.
As the sun sets, Nakabashi Bridge and its surrounding area are lit up. In stark contrast to the bustle of the day, the area becomes silent and quiet, with only the sound of the river echoing, creating a mystical atmosphere. The sight of the red railings harmonizing with the colorful trees is sure to make for an unforgettable long autumn night.

[Start of coloring] Usually mid-October
[Best time to see] Late October to early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Cherry blossoms, maples, etc.

Autumn illumination of Nakabashi Bridge
Date and time: October 1st (Wednesday) - November 30th (Sunday) 17:30 - 21:00, 2025
Location: Around Nakabashi

Comments Local Guide
This beautiful bridge will evoke a sense of travel. Walking along the river while admiring the retro buildings will give you a tasteful moment. There is also a live camera installed on Nakabashi Bridge, so you can check the progress of the autumn leaves in advance.
Nakahashi
  • 住所49 Kawaharacho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 13 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Takayama Station (Takayama Nohi Bus Center), get off at "Takayama Jinya-mae" and walk for about 2 minutes
  • TEL0577-36-1011（飛騨・高山観光コンベンション協会）
  • 駐車場Paid

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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