From the Zao Mountains to the Abukuma River — 7 Autumn Foliage Spots in Southern Miyagi and When to See Them (2026)
The mornings and evenings are turning crisp. In southern Miyagi, the autumn colour begins high in the Zao mountains in early October, works its way down the slopes, and reaches the Abukuma River gorge by mid-November. Because it moves from place to place, the season here lasts a good six weeks.
Kakuda sits right between the Zao mountains and the Abukuma River. Here are seven foliage spots you can visit as a day trip from MARUKI Saifuku, listed in the order they change colour.
1. Miyagi Zao (Zao Echo Line) — Zao Town
The first place in southern Miyagi to turn is the mountainside along the Zao Echo Line. The colour starts at Sai-no-Kawara, high up the road, and moves down to the Takimidai viewpoint, where you can see Sankai Falls and Fudo Falls — both among "Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls" — at the same time. It is an autumn drive where the colours change outside the window as you climb.
*The upper section of the Zao Echo Line usually closes at night (5:00 PM–8:00 AM) from around mid-October, and closes for the winter from early November. Please check the Zao Town Tourism Association road information (Japanese) before you go.
2. Lake Choro — Shichikashuku Town
A quiet lake at the foot of Mt. Fubo. When the red and yellow hillsides are reflected in the water, it is one of the loveliest views in southern Miyagi. A walk around the lake is also recommended.
3. Nametsu Otaki Falls — Shichikashuku Town
A broad, stepped waterfall right beside National Route 113, where white water and autumn leaves can be seen together. It is close to Lake Choro, so the two make a good pair.
4. Obara Gorge (Hekigyokukei) & Zaimokuiwa — Shiroishi City
Emerald-green water, a cliff of column-shaped rock that looks like timber stood on end, and autumn leaves — all in one gorge. Obara Onsen is right nearby, so you can warm up in a hot spring afterwards.
5. Michinoku Lakeside Park — Kawasaki Town
Tohoku's only national government park, which we also introduced in this summer article. The grounds are large and easy to stroll, so it suits families with small children (admission charged).
6. Taniyama Nature Park — Murata Town
A forest of about 1,000 hectares with views across to the Zao range. Rich in wildflowers and birds, it is a little-known foliage spot visited mostly by locals — good if you want somewhere quiet. There is no shop, so bring drinks and snacks with you.
7. Abukuma River Boat Ride — Marumori Town
The season in southern Miyagi ends in the gorge of the Abukuma River. From the boat, you can watch the leaves on both banks while the boatman tells you about the river (see also our earlier article). Plans with a meal must be booked in advance.
A note from MARUKI Saifuku
Staying in Kakuda lets you see both the mountain colours and the river colours in one trip. For example: on day one, enjoy the leaves around Zao and Shichikashuku and arrive at the house in the evening; on the morning of day two, take the Abukuma River boat ride, about 12 minutes away, before heading home. The Zao Echo Line closes in the evenings during part of the season, so head up the mountain early in the day.
Check-in is by key box, so if your day of leaf-viewing runs late, you can still arrive at any time — just let us know in advance. If you are travelling by rental car, your stay may also qualify for Miyagi Prefecture's Drive & Stay campaign (advance application required).
Bears are sometimes sighted around the mountain spots. When walking, carry a bear bell or a radio so that your presence is heard.
Check the latest colour and peak times
- VISIT MIYAGI (Miyagi Prefecture official) — Autumn
- Japan Meteorological Corporation — Autumn Foliage Forecast (English)
- tenki.jp — Miyagi foliage by spot (Japanese, most detailed)
Road information (Zao Echo Line)
*Typical peak times are based on the averages published by tenki.jp (Japan Weather Association) and shift with each year's temperatures. Driving times are estimates on local roads without expressways and vary with traffic. Please check the operating status of the boat ride on its official site.