After meeting your tour conductor, you will depart from Tokyo between 7:40 and 9:30 AM aboard the Shinkansen Yamabiko in a reserved standard seat, traveling toward Fukushima. Lunch is not included. Please prepare your own meal in advance and enjoy it on the bus during the journey. Upon arrival at Fukushima Station, you will transfer to a bus and begin your journey through the Tohoku countryside. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.

Travel approximately 80 minutes to Choro Lake, a peaceful hidden spot surrounded by nature. During autumn, the mountains around the lake are covered with colorful foliage, and their reflections create a mirror-like surface on the water. The scene feels quiet and almost painterly, offering a calm introduction to the region’s seasonal beauty. The best viewing season is typically mid-October to mid-November.

Yamabiko Tsuribashi

Continue by walk to Yokokawa Valley, known for its dramatic landscape. From the long Yamabiko suspension bridge, one of the longest in the Tohoku region, you can look out over the valley below, where autumn colors spread across the mountains. The elevated viewpoint creates a sense of scale and depth, making the scenery especially impressive during peak foliage season. The best viewing season is typically mid-October to mid-November.

Travel approximately 80 minutes to a historic temple complex. Here, the contrast between traditional architecture, including a five-story pagoda, and surrounding autumn leaves creates a distinctly Japanese seasonal landscape. The combination of cultural heritage and natural color makes this a memorable stop during autumn. The best viewing season is typically late October to early November.

After approximately 110 minutes, arrive at Naruko Onsen and check in to Hotel Kameya. Naruko Onsen is recognized in the Top 100 Hot Springs of Japan, selected by the Tourism Economy Newspaper. The area is known for its rich hot spring waters, and you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the hotel’s spacious facilities, often referred to as having rejuvenating qualities. Guest rooms are Japanese-style tatami rooms or twin rooms, all equipped with bath and toilet facilities. Dinner is a traditional Japanese kaiseki-style meal, including Hidaka beef prepared as grilled shabu-style dish and abalone cooked on a ceramic plate, offering a regional dining experience.

Naruko Valley

After breakfast at the hotel, travel approximately 10 minutes to Naruko Gorge, one of Tohoku’s most famous autumn foliage sites. You will visit early in the morning, around 8:10, allowing you to experience the area before peak crowds. Highlights include 3 key viewpoints: Naruko Dam, Observation point, Ofukasawa Bridge. During peak season, typically mid-October to early November, the gorge fills with vibrant autumn colors, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in the region.

Travel approximately 55 minutes to Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring town known for its nostalgic atmosphere. The streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, and walking through the area feels like stepping back into another era. During autumn, the surrounding mountains add seasonal color, enhancing the charm of this historic setting. The best viewing season is typically late October to early November.

Continue approximately 70 minutes to Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple), a historic temple complex associated with the famous poet Matsuo Basho. Set on a mountainside, the temple is known for its scenic atmosphere and spectacular views over the surrounding valley. To reach the Okunoin (Inner Sanctuary), you can climb approximately 1,015 stone steps, a journey that typically takes 30 to 40 minutes while passing through cedar forests and historic temple buildings. Access to the Okunoin requires an additional fee of 500 yen per person, payable on-site. Lunch is not included and will be taken individually during free time here. *The best autumn leaves viewing season is typically late October to early November.

After approximately 90 minutes, return to Fukushima Station and board the Shinkansen Yamabiko in a reserved standard seat for your journey back to Tokyo. Train details will be provided approximately 1 week before departure. The tour concludes with arrival at Tokyo between 7:20 and 8:50 PM, with optional drop-off at Omiya or Ueno along the way.