Gassan Highland Autumn Foliage and Alpine Plants: Tohoku's Earliest Mountain Autumn
Gassan Autumn
Mt. Gassan's (1,984m) alpine zone in Yamagata is one of Tohoku's earliest places for autumn foliage. From early September, the high alpine zones above 1,500m see grass and bamboo grass coloring begin, with brilliant foliage covering the mountain trails by mid-to-late September.
Highlights
- Grass Autumn Color (Kusa Momiji): Alpine plants turning red, yellow, and orange
- Alpine Pond Reflections: Foliage reflected in the pools scattered across summit highland marshes
- Bamboo Grass Coloring: Carpet of yellow-tinged bamboo grass
- Eighth Station to Summit: Hiking course through autumn foliage
Foliage Period
- Early September: Color change begins near the summit
- Mid-to-late September: Most beautiful along the hiking trails
- Early October: Mid-mountain slopes color up
Getting There
- Shizu Course: Access from Nishikawa-machi via Gassan Ski Resort
- Yumisarihira Course: From Nishikawa-machi Yumisarihira
- Haguro-san Course: From Tsuruoka side via Haguro-san (requires more time)
Tips
Mt. Gassan weather changes rapidly. Bring thorough cold and rain protection. Trailhead parking lots fill early on foliage season weekends.
๐ Location & Access
Share this article
โ๏ธ About this article
This article is compiled by the Tabitabi JAPAN editorial team from official and primary sources, including facility and shrine/temple websites, tourism information published by municipalities and tourism associations, and cultural-property records released by national and local governments. Prices, opening hours and event dates may change, so please also check the official information of each facility or local government before you visit.