Gunma Autumn Foliage 2026: Mt. Tanigawa, Fukiware Falls & Mt. Akagi

Autumn Foliage in Gunma

When the Japanese archipelago turns to autumn colors, Gunma Prefecture's mountains reveal a particularly vivid and dramatic character. The extraordinary gradations of color produced by the region's varied elevations — reds, oranges, and yellows layered one over another across entire mountainsides — create a landscape that resembles a vast living painting. Mt. Tanigawadake, Fukiware Falls, Mt. Akagi — each has its own distinct personality as an autumn stage, drawing visitors from across Japan every year.

The peak season runs roughly from early October through late November. Autumn color begins at the higher elevations of Mt. Tanigawadake as early as early October, then descends progressively through Mt. Akagi and Fukiware Falls, meaning that by staggering visits across the season, you can enjoy a "leaf-hopping journey" between multiple spots — one of the distinctive pleasures of autumn travel in Gunma.

There is one more reason why a Gunma autumn journey is truly special: every major foliage spot in the prefecture is located near a famous hot spring. To drink in the glory of autumn foliage and then warm yourself from the inside out in a mountain hot spring afterward — this golden combination is the greatest attraction of Gunma in autumn. Let the multicolored mountains and the drifting steam of the onsen call you to an unforgettable autumn journey.

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Mt. Tanigawadake (Tanigawadake)

At 1,977 meters above sea level, Mt. Tanigawadake — selected as one of Japan's One Hundred Famous Mountains — offers autumn foliage of overwhelming scale and grandeur. The ropeway carries you in minutes to the Tenjindaira plateau (approximately 1,300 meters), where the panoramic view over a vast carpet of autumn color stretching to the horizon is one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Kanto.

Best Season

At the summit level, autumn color typically begins in early to mid-October. The best time to see the entire mountain in full color, from the high alpine ridges down through the middle slopes visible from the ropeway, is generally mid-October to late October.

Highlights

• Ropeway Panoramic View: The gondola ride from Tenjin (base station) to Tenjindaira takes approximately 15 minutes and provides continuous views over the autumn-colored slopes of the massif. On clear days, the Minakami Basin and surrounding mountain ranges are visible in the far distance.
• Tenjindaira Boardwalk: A short walking trail from the summit station traverses the high plateau among dwarf pines and alpine vegetation, offering close-up views of the autumn tundra colors and sweeping panoramas in all directions.
• Minakami Onsen: At the foot of the mountain, the Minakami Onsen district offers a wide range of hot spring baths, from large resort hotels to intimate traditional inns. Soaking in an outdoor hot spring bath with a view of the autumn mountains is pure luxury.

Access

The Tanigawadake Ropeway base station is approximately 20 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus from JR Joetsu Line Doai Station (approximately 2 hours from JR Shinjuku Station on the JR special express). By car, approximately 2 hours from central Tokyo via the Kan-etsu Expressway (Minakami IC).

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Fukiware Falls (Fukiware no Taki)

Known as the "Niagara of the Orient," Fukiware Falls is one of Japan's most spectacular waterfalls — not because of its height, but because of its extraordinary width. The Katashina River plunges over a wide basalt ledge approximately 7 meters high and 30 meters wide, creating a curtain of white water of remarkable power and beauty. When the surrounding forests turn to red and gold in mid-autumn, the contrast between the white water and the vivid foliage creates a scene of exceptional photographic drama.

Best Season

The peak foliage period at Fukiware Falls is typically late October to early November. The maples and other deciduous trees growing on the cliffs immediately above and around the falls turn particularly vivid shades of crimson and orange, creating the most dramatic combination of waterfall and autumn color.

Highlights

• Upper Viewing Platform: A platform on the south bank provides a direct frontal view of the full width of the falls. This is the classic viewpoint for photography, particularly effective in afternoon light when the sun is behind the photographer.
• Streamside Trail: A walking trail along the riverbank above and below the falls allows you to explore the gorge and experience the roar of the water up close.
• Katashina Village: The small village near the falls offers traditional mountain food — particularly local soba noodles and konnyaku (konjac) dishes — at a handful of rustic restaurants and rest houses.

Access

Fukiware Falls is approximately 30 minutes by car from Numata IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. Public transport involves taking the Joetsu Line to Numata Station and then a local bus (approximately 80 minutes) to the falls.

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Mt. Akagi (Akagiyama)

Mt. Akagi is a large volcanic massif that dominates the central Kanto Plain, rising to 1,828 meters at its highest point. Its broad, gently rolling summit plateau is home to two volcanic lakes — Onuma and Konuma — whose dark surfaces mirror the surrounding autumn foliage in spectacular fashion. The combination of the calm lake reflections and the blazing autumn color on the surrounding ridge is one of the most photogenic scenes in all of Gunma.

Best Season

The summit plateau of Mt. Akagi typically reaches peak color in mid to late October, a week or two later than the higher elevations of Mt. Tanigawadake. The lower slopes around the Akagi road approach reach their best color in early November.

Highlights

• Onuma Lake Reflections: On calm, windless mornings, the surface of Onuma Lake becomes a perfect mirror for the surrounding autumn foliage. Early morning is far and away the best time for reflection photography here.
• Kakuma Falls: A scenic waterfall at the edge of the plateau surrounded by autumn-colored maples. Reachable via a short hiking trail from the Onuma lakeshore.
• Ikaho Onsen: Located on the southeastern slopes of Mt. Akagi, Ikaho Onsen is one of Gunma's most famous hot spring resorts, known for its stepped shopping street (Ishidan-dori) lined with traditional inns and souvenir shops. A wonderful place to spend the evening after a day of autumn leaf viewing.

Access

Mt. Akagi's summit plateau is approximately 40 minutes by car from the Maebashi IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. Buses operate from Maebashi Station (JR Ryomo Line) to the Akagiyama summit area, taking approximately 1.5 hours.