Autumn Foliage Around Lake Shirakawa 2026

About this event

Lake Shirakawa is a dam reservoir overlooking the beautiful and majestic Iide Mountain Range. The lakeside is covered with deciduous broad-leaved trees, and in autumn, the colorful foliage reflected on the water's surface offers a truly exceptional charm. Moving beyond the lakeside along mountain streams into villages reveals even deeper and more beautiful autumn colors. Because of the large temperature difference in the Lake Shirakawa area, the autumn leaves are intensely deep and vivid. Japanese maples, maples, and oaks turn into rich shades as autumn deepens. Typically, colors begin to turn around mid-October, reaching their peak around late October. Nearby amenities include auto campsites and hot spring inns, making it recommended to enjoy them alongside autumn leaf viewing. In addition, Nakatsugawa Bridge, Genryu no Mori Observation Deck, and Toyogobashi Bridge are recommended scenic spots. Admission is free. Transportation access is about 20 minutes by taxi from JR Tenoko Station, and about 40 minutes from the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway Nanyo Takahata IC. However, please note that due to construction on Nakatsugawa Bridge on Prefectural Road Route 4, complete road closure will be in effect on weekdays from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00 between Tuesday, October 13 and Thursday, December 10, 2026 (one-way alternating traffic is permitted all day on weekends and national holidays).

Venue

Lake Shirakawa

Lake Shirakawa, Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata