Recommended course

This coastal route along the Sea of Japan in Aomori prefecture features three different vistas of autumn colors.

Take a trip to view three different stunningly beautiful autumn settings. You’ll marvel at the fall foliage in the beech forests of the Shirakami Mountains, the scarlet colored maple trees in Hirosaki Park, and the bright yellow of the ginkgo tree in Kitakanegasawa.

Recommended course

Day 1
Aomori Airport


約1H


Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle Ruins, National Historic Site)


約1H


Sea Station Wando


約30min


Largest Ginkgo Tree in Japan (Kitakanegasawa)


約10min


Senjojiki Coast


約30min


Furofushi Onsen
Day 2
Juniko & Beech Forest


約2H


Momiji Gondola, Naqua Shirakami Ski Resort


約45min


Michi-no-Eki Namioka Apple Hill


約15min


Aomori Airport

Recommendation tourist attraction

Day 1

The tower, three turrets, and five castle gates of Hirosaki Castle, all registered as Important Cultural Properties, are retained in the Park. Various seasonal events are held in the park, such as the Autumn Foliage Festival in autumn, Snow Lantern Festival in winter, and more.


This ginkgo tree was recognized as the largest in Japan during research conducted in 2001. It stands 30m high and has a trunk girth of 18.8m, making it far and away the largest of the many giant ginkgo trees in Japan. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as a sacred tree. The custom of placing sacred sake and rice at its roots and saying prayers is said to have been practiced for more than 40 years.


Senjojiki is a rocky coastline formed by uplift due to an earthquake in 1792. The view of the rock shelf coast facing the Sea of Japan at sunset is magnificent and ranks as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan.


The hot spring is famous for its outdoor seaside bath nestled in the coast facing the majestic Sea of Japan. Soak in the bath and relax after the long drive as you watch the sun set over the horizon.


Day 2

Juniko is the name given to a group of 33 lakes and ponds scattered across a huge beech forest at the foot of the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains, a World Natural Heritage Site. We recommend the 1-hour trail through the beech forest and around Aoike, a lake so blue it seems someone spilled blue ink in the water.


A roadside station for drivers and the like. Souvenir shop sells specialties from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The homemade apple pie and ice cream are also popular.