JAPAN
A mountainside reflects on Tsutanuma Pond.

(Photo courtesy of Amazing Aomori)

Every autumn in Aomori Prefecture, crowds take to the parks, forested mountains and tree-lined streets to enjoy the stunning foliage. One very popular spot is Tsutanuma Pond in Towada City and this year city officials are again putting measures in place to ensure protection for the natural environment and safety of the public.

A photographer takes a photo of Tsutanuma.

(Photo courtesy of Amazing Aomori)

The stunning site known for its gorgeous foliage and crystal clear waters is about an hour away from Misawa Air Base. So popular, in face, that starting in 2020 officials have put in measure to deal with issues including traffic congestion, illegal parking and damage to the local nature due to overcrowding. This year, fall-season entry to the pond on the southern foot of Mount Hakkoda is limited and requires advanced reservations.

A woman standing on a pier on Tsutanuma Pond.

(Photo courtesy of Amazing Aomori)

So, when visiting the pond looking for the breathtaking autumn view this fall, keep the following points in mind.

Restrictions for access to the Tsutanuma Observation Deck (Oct. 23 – Nov. 3)

Early morning visitors (5 – 7:30 a.m.)

  • Advance reservation: Required (visit https://peatix.com/event/5090455 for reservation and payment)

  • Environmental Conservation Fee: Individuals- 2,000 yen 

  • Vehicles- 2,000 yen

  • Motorcycles- 1,000 yen

Daytime visitors (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)  

Advance reservation: not required

Environmental Conservation Fee: Individuals- not required

  • Vehicles- 2,000 yen

  • Motorcycles- 1,000 yen

  • Buses- 10,000 yen

*The area opens from 4:50 a.m. to 4 p.m., and any entry between 8 p.m. and 4:50 a.m. are prohibited.

The beautiful fall foliage season doesn’t last long, so make plans now to enjoy one of Aomori’s most memorable autumn landscapes with a little more planning before it’s too late.

For more information, visit here.

Takahiro Takiguchi is a writer based in Yokosuka, Japan. Takiguchi covers travel, food and culture stories for Stars and Stripes Japan. Follow along as Takiguchi takes readers to less crowded destinations around the mainland, you might also catch him out and about recording Speakin’ Japanese lesson videos for Instagram.

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