Local Guide
[2025 Edition] 8 Must-See Spots for Fall Foliage in Nasu and Nasushiobara

The Nasu and Nasu-Shiobara areas of Tochigi Prefecture are a place where you can experience the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. There are many famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, and you can enjoy the colorful and spectacular scenery from early September to late November. We will introduce you to must-see spots in Nasu in the fall, including the contrast between the waterfalls and the autumn leaves, as well as views from suspension bridges and ropeways. From classic spots to little-known gems, why not enjoy the autumn leaves season in the Nasu area?

A panoramic view of the magnificent waterfalls decorated with autumn leaves

Komadome Falls flows vigorously between colorful trees. It was once part of the Imperial Villa and was therefore known as the "Phantom Falls."
Komadome Falls flows vigorously between colorful trees. It was once part of the Imperial Villa and was therefore known as the "Phantom Falls."

A spot where you can enjoy forest bathing at the foot of the Nasu mountains. Originally, the area was off-limits to the public as it was the site of the Nasu Imperial Villa, but it was opened as a place where people can experience the rich nature. From the Field Center near Parking, take a walk through the forest to the Komadome Falls Observation Deck. It takes about 45 minutes one way, and you can admire the magnificent panoramic view of the falls colored by autumn leaves.

For those who want to experience autumn nature on a deeper level, we recommend a guided walk through the forest accompanied by a guide called an interpreter. You can enjoy the untouched nature with professional commentary.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid-October
[Types of trees] Mizunara, maple, azalea, etc.

Comments Local Guide
You can also drive right up to the Komadome Falls Observation Deck. Kita hot spring famous as a filming location for movies, is about a 10-minute walk from the falls, so it's also worth stopping by.
Nasu Heisei Forest
  • 住所3254 Takakuhei, Nasumachi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture (Nasu Heisei no Mori Field Center) MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 50 minutes by car from JR Nasushiobara Station
  • 営業時間Regular hours: 9:00-16:30, May, July, and August: 9:00-17:00 (Field Center)
  • 定休日Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)
  • 入場料Admission is free (fee-based programs available)
    *Guided walks are available for a fee and require prior reservations.
  • TEL0287-74-6808
  • 駐車場free
  • メモGuided walks require a fee and prior reservations (elementary school students and above)

A mountain spot where even beginners can enjoy autumn foliage climbing

Chausu-dake is recognized as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view below.
Chausu-dake is recognized as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view below.

It is the main peak of the Nasu mountain range and is an active volcano that still emits white smoke. In autumn, you can see the spectacular scenery of autumn leaves such as Enkianthus campanulatus and Rowan spreading across the mountain. It is a mountain that even beginners can enjoy, and there are various courses. The trailhead is the Nasu Ropeway base station at the 7th station.

If you're nervous about climbing, you can Direction the Nasu Ropeway from the base station to the summit station at the 9th station. You can enjoy a four-minute walk in the air and take in the slowly changing colorful scenery.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early October
[Types of trees] Enkianthus campanulatus, Rowan, Erman's birch, Japanese maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
It takes about 50 minutes on foot from the summit station to the summit of Mt. Chausu. As it is a volcano, there are some rugged rocky areas, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Mt. Chausu
  • 住所Tochigi Prefecture Nasu District Nasu Town Yumoto MAP
  • アクセスAbout 40 minutes by car from JR Nasushiobara Station (to Nasu Ropeway base station)
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0287-76-2619（那須町観光協会）
  • 駐車場Free (Nasu Ropeway free Parking)
  • メモ*Please check the official website for Nasu Ropeway fares etc.

A photo spot with a stunning contrast between the smoking Mt. Chausu and the autumn leaves

Autumn foliage at Ubagadaira as seen from Ushigakubi. It is also at Ubagadaira that you can see the combination of the smoke rising from Mt. Chausu and the autumn foliage.
Autumn foliage at Ubagadaira as seen from Ushigakubi. It is also at Ubagadaira that you can see the combination of the smoke rising from Mt. Chausu and the autumn foliage.

Ubagadaira is a shrub forest that spreads across Mt. Chausu and is famous as a photo spot for autumn leaves. The scenery is beautifully dyed a fiery red by the enkianthus azalea, rowan, and Japanese maple trees. It is about a 40-minute walk from the Nasu Ropeway summit station, and you can see Ubagadaira from Ushigakubi along the way.

Also, near Ubagadaira there is a pond called "Hyotan Pond," where the reflection of Mt. Chausu and the autumn leaves on the water's surface is like a painting. It is a popular photo spot that you can't miss.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early October
[Types of trees] Enkianthus campanulatus, Rowan, Japanese maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
There are no toilets on the mountain trails, so be sure to prepare for your climb by using the toilet at the ropeway's base station or summit station.
Ubagadaira
  • 住所Tochigi Prefecture Nasu District Nasu Town Yumoto MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 41 minutes by car from JR Nasushiobara Station (to Nasu Ropeway base station)
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0287-76-2619（那須町観光協会）
  • 駐車場Free (Nasu Ropeway free Parking)
  • メモ*Please check the official website for Nasu Ropeway fares etc.

Enjoy autumn leaves on a thrilling suspension bridge

A bridge spanning the Nigato River that flows from Chausuyama. Enjoy the red and yellow autumn leaves in the valley.
A bridge spanning the Nigato River that flows from Chausuyama. Enjoy the red and yellow autumn leaves in the valley.

Located in Nasu Yumoto, this suspension bridge is 130 meters long and 38 meters high. It is located near the Yahata Azalea Garden, which is famous for its azaleas, and from the bridge you can see the beautiful autumn leaves of the Nasu mountain range.

You can Direction the Tsutsuji Suspension Bridge on foot from either Parking of the Tochigi Prefectural Nasu Kogen Nature House on the Yawata Azalea Garden side, or the private Parking on the Sessho-seki side. The Yawata Nature Study Trail, which can be toured around the Yawata Azalea Garden in about an hour, is also available, so you can enjoy autumn trekking along with the suspension bridge.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid-October
[Types of trees] Maple, Mizunara oak, Yamaurushi, etc.

Comments Local Guide
The bridge has a lattice-like hole in the middle, allowing you to see the valley floor, making it a thrilling experience. At Daimaru hot spring, just a few minutes' drive away, you can enjoy Outdoor hot spring by the river surrounded by nature.
Azalea Suspension Bridge
  • 住所Tochigi Prefecture Nasu District Nasu Town Yumoto MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 33 minutes by car from JR Nasushiobara Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Nasushiobara Station, get off at "Tsutsuji Suspension Bridge Entrance" and walk for a short distance
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0287-76-2619（那須町観光協会）
  • 駐車場free

A romantic spot where colorful mountains reflect on the lake surface.

It is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in Honshu, supported by wires and without stiffening girders.
It is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in Honshu, supported by wires and without stiffening girders.

At 320m long, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Japan, spanning the Shiobara Dam Lake. The sight of the red and yellow mountains reflecting on the lake surface during the autumn foliage season is indescribable. It has been certified as a "sacred place for lovers" as a romantic spot perfect for proposals.

The neighboring Mori no Eki station has Restaurant with terrace seats where you can take a break while gazing at the colorful autumn leaves of the mountains. You can enjoy meals such as curry and tempura bowls, as well as light snacks such as soft serve ice cream. There is also a shop selling Tochigi's famous sweets, bamboo crafts, and woodwork.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early November to mid-November
[Type of tree] Maple, Japanese maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
At Mori no Eki, seasonal vegetables and fruits delivered directly from the producers are also sold. They also offer Experience tours such as SUP and kayaking (advance reservations required). The view of the autumn leaves seen from Momiji Valley (Shiobara Dam Lake) is sure to leave a different impression.
Momijidani Suspension Bridge
  • 住所1425-60 Sekiya, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 25 minutes by car from JR Nasushiobara Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Nasushiobara Station, get off at Momijidani Suspension Bridge and walk for about 5 minutes
  • 営業時間April to October 8:30 to 18:00
    November to March 8:30 to 16:00
  • 入場料Adults: 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
  • TEL0287-34-1037
  • 駐車場free

A maple tunnel worth visiting with your camera in hand

The maple tree tunnel is about 180 meters long and is registered as a cultural property of Nasu-Shiobara City.
The maple tree tunnel is about 180 meters long and is registered as a cultural property of Nasu-Shiobara City.

A spot where you can walk through a tunnel of bright red maple trees. The rows of Japanese maples were planted on the approach to the grave of Meiji statesman, General Oyama Iwao, and most of the trees are old and have thick trunks, so the branches are well shaped and the autumn leaves of the maples are worth seeing. The breathtaking beauty of the trees attracts visitors with cameras in hand.

In November, the best time to see the autumn leaves, the shrine is lit up at night, creating a fantastical sight as they emerge from the darkness. The area around the approach to the shrine has been developed into a park, where you can also enjoy the yellow leaves of the ginkgo trees and other autumn leaves.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Mid-November to late November
[Type of tree] Maple, Japanese maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
The history of the development of Nasunohara, including the Oyama Approach, was designated a Japan Heritage Site in 2018. We also recommend touring historical sites such as the Oyama Memorial Western-style building, which was built on the farm established by Oyama Iwao, and the Former Aoki Family Nasu Villa, where you can learn about the life of Meiji aristocrats.
Oyama approach
  • 住所2-3 Shimonagata, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes walk from JR Nishinasuno Station
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0287-37-5107（西那須野観光協会）
  • 駐車場Free (Oyama Park)

A dazzling maple tree spot in the center of the hot spring town

As the most famous maple viewing spot in Nasu-Shiobara, the number of visitors is increasing every year.
As the most famous maple viewing spot in Nasu-Shiobara, the number of visitors is increasing every year.

This 52.5m-long suspension bridge spans the Houki River along the main street of Shiobara hot spring town. As its name suggests, in autumn the bridge is surrounded by crimson-hued maple trees, creating a breathtaking view. Beyond the bridge is a 900m-long promenade where you can take a leisurely stroll while listening to the murmuring of the river.

Nearby is the Shiobara Monogatarikan, which consists of an exhibition room (fee required) that tells the history of Shiobara hot spring, Restaurant, a direct sales shop, and more. We recommend the terrace, where you can take a break while looking out at the autumn leaves and the suspension bridge.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early November to mid-November
[Type of trees] Zelkova, maple, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Shiobara hot spring has a number of Outdoor hot spring with rustic charm, traditional public baths, and day-trip bathing Property you can easily drop into. The spring quality and atmosphere vary, so why not combine your visit to hot spring with viewing the autumn leaves?
Red Suspension Bridge
  • 住所Shiobara-aza Furumachi, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 34 minutes by car from JR Nishinasuno Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Nishinasuno Station, get off at "Shiobaramonzen" and walk for about 5 minutes
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0287-32-4000（塩原温泉観光協会）
  • 駐車場Free (Shiobara Storytelling Hall)

Stroll along Maple Road along the valley

From Nishinasuno, turn left just before the Gamaishi Tunnel and head to the entrance of the Taisho Romantic Highway. You can enjoy the autumn leaves of the shrubs.
From Nishinasuno, turn left just before the Gamaishi Tunnel and head to the entrance of the Taisho Romantic Highway. You can enjoy the autumn leaves of the shrubs.

National Route 400 runs through Shiobara hot spring and the Hokigawa Valley. This gently sloping 1.3km paved road was built by improving an old road that saw less traffic due to the construction of a tunnel. During the autumn foliage, you can enjoy the full beauty of Shiobara in the fall by walking slowly and admiring the colorful trees.

You can see many waterfalls from the walking trails, and if you go a little further you can stop by the "Kaigeki no Tsuribashi" (Recollection Suspension Bridge) and "Momijidani Otsuribashi" (Momijidani Suspension Bridge). In addition, Shiobara has been visited by many writers since the Meiji period, and there are literary monuments scattered around, so you can enjoy touring literary spots.

[Best time to see autumn leaves] Early to late November
[Types of trees] Zelkova, Japanese maple, oak, etc.

Comments Local Guide
It's a walking path along the valley, but there are many benches along the way and toilets are also available. It's not pedestrian-only, so you can of course enjoy the autumn leaves while driving.
Taisho Romantic Highway
  • 住所Sekiya (Gamaishi Tunnel), Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 26 minutes by car from JR Nishinasuno Station
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0287-32-4000（塩原温泉観光協会）

MAP

Nasu area
Nasushiobara area
Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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