Shikoku's autumn foliage is introduced according to five themes!

Set out for autumn foliage viewing in the valleys and waterfalls! Surrounded by mountains, Shikoku has a wide variety of natural attractions such as valleys and waterfalls. Let's enjoy the collaboration of art created by nature and the autumn leaves.

The waterfalls are impressive in scale!
The contrast between the dynamic waterfall, which cascades down 20 meters in three stages, and the graceful autumn leaves is an attractive sight. The maple trees and beech trees are dyed red and yellow, creating a beautiful scene that resembles a Japanese-style painting. To reach this point, you must take the very narrow Route 193, which gives you a great sense of accomplishment.In November, the lights will be turned on, so visit at this time.
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A valley created by a beautiful clear stream
The valley stretches about 7 km upstream from the town of Ayagawa in Kagawa Prefecture. The valley is famous for its clean water, which has been selected as one of the “100 best water source forests” and “Sanuki (Kagawa)'s famous water".The beautiful scenery of oddly shaped rocks and clear water continues, and in the fall, the autumn colors of sawtooth oak and maple trees illuminate the entire area.
There are also walking trails where visitors can enjoy hiking. Camping facilities with bungalows and cottages are also available, so it is recommended to stay overnight while enjoying the autumn leaves at night.
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Walking in Shikoku's Largest Gorge
Mt. Ishizuchi, a famous mountain in Shikoku, and offers dynamic and varied scenery of cliffs, oddly shaped rocks, and large forests.The cliffs, oddly shaped rocks, and large forests offer dynamic and varied scenery. Autumn foliage spots are scattered along the trail, such as Koyokawara and Tora-ga-taki Waterfall, where you can enjoy the wonderful sight of the red and yellow leaves on the white rock surface. The best way to enjoy the autumn foliage is to drive or cycle around the area, as there are many scenic spots scattered throughout the area.
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The beauty of the valley with its autumn leaves is an attraction
The Monobe River headwaters area is famous for its autumn foliage, and the collaboration with the beauty of the valley is spectacular. The limestone rocks eroded over a long period of time look like art created by nature. Located in Tsurugisan National Park, visitors can enjoy walking along the promenade. There is also a teahouse* open only during the season of autumn leaves, so be sure to stop by. There is also a hot spring town nearby where you can take a day trip and enjoy the hot spring water of Okumonobe.
* It is unclear if it will remain open after 2021.
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To the valley where the clear stream of the Shimanto River flows
Among the tributaries of the Shimanto River, the Kuroson River has the most beautiful clear water flowing through it. Along the river, a valley with virgin forests of beech and kumasasa (bear grass) stretches out, preserving the old scenery of the Shimanto River.
Known as a famous autumn foliage viewing spot, the vivid autumn leaves reflected on the clear surface of the river are beautiful. During the autumn foliage season, product sales are scheduled to be held every Sunday around the Kuroson Kanda Bridge. There are also facilities for canoeing and other activities and roadside stations scattered around the area.

The spectacular view outside the window is impressive.By riding a vehicle, you can enjoy the autumn foliage from above or below, from perspectives that you cannot usually see.If you have the chance, take a car, a ropeway, or a sightseeing boat and set off for autumn foliage viewing.

Oboke-Koboke Gorge was created by the torrent of Yoshino River over a period of 200 million years. A sightseeing boat is recommended to enjoy the autumn leaves of Oboke and Koboke at a leisurely pace. The autumn leaves cover the strange rock formations and the view from the river is spectacular. The contrast between the colored leaves and the emerald green river is also wonderful.
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[A spectacular view of autumn leaves, the Seto Inland Sea, and huge rocks]
This is one of the most scenic spots on Shodoshima Island and one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan. From the ropeway that takes you through the gorge with its towering giant rocks, you can enjoy the brilliantly colored red and yellow autumn leaves and the Seto Inland Sea stretching beyond the gorge all at once. The autumn leaves along the strange rocks around Kankakei Gorge are particularly spectacular. Enjoy the vast autumn foliage and the valley that has been created over a period of about 2 million years.
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[Enjoy the view of huge rocks and clear streams from the car window]
This is a scenic valley stretching about 10 km upstream from the Kokuryo River. It is named after the “Rhine River” in Germany. National Route 47 along the valley is popular as a driving course, offering beautiful views of giant rocks and clear streams. The area is also dotted with spots for viewing the autumn foliage, and the autumn scenery of outstanding scale that adorns the industrial heritage sites, Besshi Copper Mine, known as the “Machu Picchu of Japan” is a must-see.
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[Driving Route in the Sky Dyed with Autumn Leaves]
The “Yuuhou Line (formally known as the town road, Kamegamori Line)” offers a spectacular view of the sky.The “Yuuhou Line” is widely known as the “UFO Line” because of its proximity to the sky and the fact that the name of the road is pronounced like “UFO”.
The 27-kilometer route follows a ridge between 1,300 and 1,700 meters above sea level, and in autumn, the mountains are colored with Japanese white maple, beech, and quercus crispula, and depending on the year, you may be able to see both foggy ice and autumn leaves at the same time. Be sure to stop by the viewpoints of Kumazasa (bamboo grass) and Hakkotsu forests (means white bone forest) at “Kmegamori Himi-Nisengokuhara”. Mt. Ishizuchi can be seen right in front of your eyes.
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Climbing a mountain while admiring the autumn leaves.In Shikoku, which is home to many famous peaks, climbing mountains while viewing the autumn leaves is also recommended! The sense of accomplishment after climbing steep mountain paths is one of the attractions. There are also some mountain climbing spots for beginners, so choose according to your level of climbing experience.

[Enjoy the autumn leaves while riding the lift]
Mt. Kenzan, the second highest peak on Shikoku, rises to an elevation of 1,955 m. It is popular as a mountain that can be climbed easily, as you can take a lift from 1,420 m to the eighth station at an elevation of 1,750 m. The lift ride, which takes about 15 minutes, also offers a view of the mountains in their autumn colors. The summit of the mountain is a flat grassy plain. Because there are no obstructions, you can see as far as Wakayama Prefecture and Cape Ashizuri in the distance.
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[Enjoy the autumn foliage while feeling like a pilgrim]
Nagao Nyotaiyama (774 meters above sea level) is known as the last of the 88 sacred places in Shikoku. The traditional pilgrimage route remains, and visitors can enjoy hiking while viewing the autumn leaves. Near the summit of the mountain is the 88th temple, Okubo-ji, famous for its autumn foliage, with maple trees and ginkgo trees decorating the temple grounds. It is also a good idea to stop by the famous udon noodle store in front of the temple gate to fill your stomach.
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[Beautiful gradation of colors from the summit]
Mt. Ishizuchi is the highest mountain in western Japan, standing 1,982 meters above sea level. Mt.Tengu-dake, Nansenpou, and Mt.Misen are collectively called Mt.Ishizuchi.The leaves begin to change color near the summit of the mountain in early October, and then move to the foot of the mountain. The summit of Mt. Misen is also a popular view spot, offering a dynamic view of the autumn leaves of Mt.Tengu-dake and the red-colored rock peaks poking through the sky.
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[A panoramic view of the Shikoku Mountains from the highest peak in Kochi Prefecture]
This 1864-meter-high peak straddles Tokushima and Kochi prefectures. It takes about 4 hours from the trailhead to the summit, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Shikoku Mountains.
The best time to view the autumn leaves is in mid-October, when the mountain is dyed red and yellow with maple trees and dakenkamba (Betula maximowicziana). The trail from the Tokushima Prefecture side is relatively suitable for beginners. The “Sky Pond” near the summit is also a popular attraction for climbers.
*In Tokushima Prefecture, Mt.Sanrei is sometimes called Mt.Miune.
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[Strolling along a healing forest road]
The 1485-meter-high Tengu Plateau rises to the east of the Shikoku Karst.Starting from Tengu-so, a walking trail paved with cypress chips has been developed, allowing visitors to enjoy hiking in the forest. Blessed with rich vegetation such as beech, himeshara, and akebono azalea, the entire mountain is brightly colored in autumn. The area has been certified as a “forest therapy road,” and forest bathing is a relaxing experience for both body and mind.
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Heal yourself in a hot spring surrounded by nature! Here are some autumn foliage spots that you can enjoy together with hot springs! The autumn scenery seen from large public baths and open-air baths is exceptionally beautiful. We also introduce hot spring facilities where you can stop by after viewing the autumn leaves.

[Open-air baths in the sky and at the bottom of the valley are its specialty]
Iya Valley is the best spot in Tokushima Prefecture for viewing the autumn leaves. The deeply incised V-shaped valley is colored red and yellow all the way to the bottom of the valley, providing a magnificent view. A representative view spot is a rock jutting out from a 200-meter-high cliff where people used to test their courage. The little urinating boy erected here has become a symbol of Iya Valley.
There are many hot spring inns around the Iya Valley, also known as Oboke-Iya Onsen-kyo, and many of them offer one-day bathing. The open-air baths are famous for their cable car ride up and down the valley, where visitors can enjoy the stunning beauty of the valley and the autumn leaves while soaking in the hot springs.
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[Kagawa's oldest Onsen-kyo (hot spring village) deep in the mountains]
Shioe Onsen (hot spring) is said to have been founded by Gyoki* and spread by Kobo Daishi*. It is the oldest hot spring village in Kagawa Prefecture, and is well known as the “Oku-zashiki (back seat) of Takamatsu". During the autumn foliage season, the “Shioe Autumn Leaves Festival” is held, attracting many visitors. The area surrounding the hot spring village is dotted with spots where visitors can enjoy strolling through the autumn foliage. Mt.Otaki, the only place in the prefecture where visitors can see the autumn leaves of a natural beech forest, is one of the most scenic spots in Shioe.
*Gyoki and Kobo Daishi are figures that every Japanese learn about in history class. Kobo-Daishi was the founder of Shikoku Pilgrimage.
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[Luxurious bathing time with a view of autumn leaves]
A 3-km-long valley with a clear stream flowing over the white rock surface. The promenade is well maintained, making it easy to enjoy a stroll. There are hot springs, restaurants, and lodging facilities scattered around the area, so stop by after your stroll. Some of the hot springs' large baths offer beautiful views of the autumn leaves, making for a relaxing time that only autumn can provide. There are also campgrounds and lodges scattered around the valley, so you can enjoy the outdoors.
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[Hot spring resort to visit after viewing the Niyodo Blue]
The Niyodo River is known as a “miraculous clear stream". Nakatsu Gorge is one of the representative spots of the Niyodo River, where you can see the shining blue of the Niyodo blue, the surrounding strange rocks, and the autumn leaves that color the valley. A well-maintained promenade makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the valley to their heart's content. After strolling through Nakatsu Gorge, you can visit the Nakatsu Gorge Yunomori hot spring hotel located at the entrance to the valley. The open-air baths offer a view of the rich nature in the surrounding area.
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Enchanted by the Japanese autumn scenery. The collaboration of autumn leaves and Japanese traditional style is a must-see at famous temples in Shikoku and gardens that are also designated as special national scenic spots! Enjoy the scenery that will leave you spellbound.

[Enchanted by the autumn leaves reflected on the temple's architecture]
This temple is known as “Horyu-ji Temple in Awa (Tokushima)” because it preserves valuable cultural assets such as the Seated Statue of the Holy Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). The majestic Hondo (main hall), Kannon-do (hall for the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy), and Sanmon gate, designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, are illuminated by the autumn leaves, providing a view full of Japanese-style atmosphere. The autumn foliage around the rest area in front of the Sanmon gate is especially magnificent, and the maple trees covering the area overhead are unforgettably beautiful. Located in Tokushima City, it is also easily accessible.
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[A garden praised as “one step, one view"]
The garden is a “Kaiyu-shiki” style garden designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. The garden boasts a vast area of approximately 750,000 m2, with 1,000 pine trees and seasonal flowers and trees creating a beautiful garden. In the fall, the autumn leaves are reflected in the lake, creating an unforgettably beautiful scene. Every year from late November to early December, the leaves are illuminated. The golden glow of the leaves is a must-see.
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[Viewing the Autumn Leaves from a Building with Master Craftsmanship]
This historic villa is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The villa consists of three buildings, Garyu-in, Furo-an, and Chishi-an, all built in the sukiya style*, of which Furo-an is the best view point. The entire building is designed to look like a houseboat, and visitors can enjoy the view of Garyu-buchi and the surrounding mountains on the Hijigawa River as they turn red. The garden is also beautifully decorated with autumn leaves, which contrast beautifully with the lush moss.
*Sukiya is a traditional Japanese architectural style called sukiya-zukuri, and refers to a tea room or part of a tea room that is separate from the main house and used to house tea ceremony utensils, etc.
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[Autumn leaves color the famous garden that represents Kochi]
One of the 88 temples on the Shikoku pilgrimage route, this is a temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism founded by Gyoki. Visitors can see the five-story pagoda, which stands 31 meters high, as well as the main hall and Daishi Hall, both important cultural properties. The autumn leaves decorating the temple grounds and the garden viewed from the Shoin are also highlights of the temple. The garden was designed by the Japanese monk Muso Kokushi, and the maple trees and ginkgo trees in the garden begin to change color in mid-November. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Kochi City.
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