VIDEO: Surround yourself in autumn foliage near Misawa AB

Mt. Hakkoda in autumn colors (Photos by Yoshihito Morita)

Japan’s fall season is the perfect time to get out and appreciate the changing of the landscape. The soft chirping of crickets in the evenings serves as a gentle serenade to guide your autumn stroll.

In Aomori Prefecture, home to Misawa Air Base, the temperature drops, and the pleasant season arrives sooner than in the rest of the mainland. Fall here provides the ideal weather to get out and enjoy the many attractions.

Hit the road to Mt. Nakano-Momijiyama in Kuroishi City to see the vibrant autumn leaves. Along the highway, you can also enjoy views of Mt. Hakkoda and stop by Jogakura Bridge, which is less than a two-hour drive from the air base.

Jogakura Bridge is one of the largest arch bridges in the country and offers sweeping views of autumn leaves and another majestic mountain, Mt. Iwaki.

From there, head to Nakano Jinja, a Shinto shrine at the foot of Mt. Nakano-Momijayama. In the evenings during the autumn season, the shrine illuminates the trees for a beautiful sight you can’t miss. The evening hours are from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Nov. 10. There are also food booths serving some delicious treats from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

According to Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Commissary employee, the autumn leaves in the area can be enjoyed until middle of November, even after the light-up period. Parking at the shrine tends to get full quickly, Morita said, so he recommends using the Tsugaru Densho Kogeikan parking lot, which is a 15-minute walk away.

If you have time, add Oirase Gorge to your itinerary. The gorge is another must-visit autumn hot spot in Aomori and is only an hour away by car from the shrine.

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