Japan’s fall season is the perfect time to get out and appreciate the changing of the landscape.

In Aomori Prefecture, home to Misawa Air Base, the temperature dropped, and the pleasant season arrived earlier than the rest of the mainland.

If you are on or around Misawa, let’s hit the road to Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site that extends over Aomori and Akita Prefectures, to see the vibrant autumn leaves.

Shirakami-Sanchi is covered with pristine beech forests, and is home to black bears, serows and 87 bird species. As autumn deepens, leaves turn their colors into gorgeous crimson hues.

Various hiking trails in Shirakami-Sanchi lead through the forests to majestic waterfalls, mountain peaks with breathtaking panoramic views, a miniature version of the Grand Canyon, and scenic lakes and ponds of crystal-clear blue water.

Among dozens of lakes or ponds in the forest, Aoike (blue pond) is a must-visit pond, as it has unworldly, mysterious deep blue water.

“I saw the blue pond water was so clear that it reflected the surrounding mountains filled with gorgeous autumn colors on the surface of the water brilliantly,” said Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Commissary employee who recently visited the World Heritage site. “It was an impressive view, indeed.”

While well-maintained hiking trails allow hikers of any age to enjoy autumn colors of the pristine beech forest, there are cottages and shops for visitors, so you can stay overnight in the beautiful forest.

Besides hiking in the pristine forest, driving along the mountainous highway lets you enjoy extremely refreshing mountain air and views of majestic Mt. Hakkoda in autumn colors. Shirakami-Sanchi is a three-hour drive from Misawa Air Base.

On your way home, be sure to drop by Fukaura-kaigan, also known as “sunset beach,” to enjoy a breathtaking sun-set in the Sea of Japan. 

The fall season doesn’t last long, so make plans to enjoy the beauty of this vibrant time before it’s too late!

Shikakami-Sanchi mountain range

Misawa Air Base

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