The Nichien Momiji Line is a mountain road approximately 28 km long connecting Kinugawa Onsen and Shiobara Onsen. As its name suggests, the road is lined with many Japanese maple and other trees, and in autumn the entire road is painted in shades of red and yellow. The leaves change color gradually from higher elevations upwards, so you can enjoy the different expressions of autumn foliage depending on the location while driving. There are also scenic spots such as viewpoints and waterfalls along the way, making it a recommended driving course to enjoy Nasu Shiobara in autumn.
Hunter Mountain Shiobara, with its summit at an altitude of 1,643m, offers stunning views of vibrant autumn foliage. The leaves begin to change color near the summit and gradually move down the mountainside. In autumn, the "Autumn Leaves Gondola" operates, allowing visitors to enjoy a 10-minute aerial stroll while admiring the mountains below, painted in shades of red, yellow, and orange. The summit is equipped with walking trails, trekking courses, and observation decks, where visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Nikko Mountains, Aizu Mountains, and the Kanto Plain along with the autumn leaves. ○Best time to see the autumn leaves: Mid-October to early November. *The best time to see the autumn leaves may vary depending on the climate and weather conditions of the year. ○ Autumn Leaves Gondola Operating Period: October 10th (Sat) - November 8th (Sun), 2026 ○ Fares (Round Trip) Adults (Junior High School Students and above) 2,000 yen Children (Elementary School Students) 1,000 yen Pets 1,000 yen Preschoolers Free *Elementary school students residing in Tochigi Prefecture are free *Operating period, hours, and service details may change due to weather conditions, etc. Please check the official website before you go.
This suspension bridge spans the Hoki River, which flows beside the Shiobara Monogatari Museum, and was completed in 2003. In autumn, the maple trees along the river turn a fiery red. It is one of Shiobara's most famous spots for viewing autumn foliage. Location: Shiobara, Nasushiobara City, Furumachi Parking: Available (approximately 15 regular cars, free) Restrooms: Available
Crossing the 20-meter-long Kaiko Suspension Bridge, you'll see Kaiko Falls on the opposite bank. This waterfall, with a drop of approximately 53 meters, is one of the ten famous waterfalls of Shiobara, and is mentioned in Koyo Ozaki's "Konjiki Yasha" (Golden Demon) as "The Kaiko Bridge crosses a waterfall over 30 feet high, and the scenery in the mountains is truly remarkable." Location: Nishiyama National Forest, Sekiya, Nasushiobara City Parking available (approximately 5 cars, free) Restrooms available
Located in the Shiobara Onsen area, the Momijidani Suspension Bridge is a 320-meter-long suspension bridge. It's a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. In autumn, the surrounding mountains are dyed red and yellow, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage. From the suspension bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the autumn leaves coloring the Hoki River and the valley, and take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the spectacular autumn scenery.
The three-tiered gradation of autumn leaves, known as "three-tiered dyeing," that spreads from the mountaintop to the foothills is a magnificent sight. Location: Hyakumura, Nasushiobara City Parking: Available (approx. 20 spaces for regular cars, free) Restrooms: Available (closed in winter)
沼ツ原湿原
Numappara Marshland is a subalpine marshland located at the western end of the Nasu mountain range, at an altitude of 1,230 meters, stretching approximately 250 meters east to west and 500 meters north to south. It serves as a trailhead for the secluded Santogoya Onsen hot spring, as well as for Mount Minamitsuki and Mount Shirasasa (leading to Mount Chausu). Location: Itamuro, Nasushiobara City Parking: Available (approximately 100 regular cars, free) Toilets: Available (closed in winter)
Itamuro Onsen is located at the western edge of the Nasu mountain range, along the upper reaches of the clear Nakagawa River. Nestled in the mountains at an altitude of approximately 550m, this quiet hot spring resort sees the surrounding mountains and valleys turn red and yellow in autumn, offering beautiful autumn foliage to enjoy. The charm of Itamuro Onsen lies in being able to slowly enjoy the autumn nature, whether by strolling through the hot spring town while admiring the autumn leaves or enjoying the scenery along the Nakagawa River. After enjoying the autumn leaves, a relaxing soak in the hot springs is also highly recommended for a healing autumn trip.
Kinomata Park, located in the Itamuro area of Nasushiobara City, is a nature-rich spot where the clear Kinomata River flows. In autumn, the trees along the gorge turn red and yellow, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery created by the clear stream, large rocks, unusual rock formations, and beautiful autumn leaves. There are walking paths within the park, and it is recommended to take a leisurely stroll while listening to the babbling of the Kinomata River. There is also the "Giant Rock Suspension Bridge" at the back of the park, where you can enjoy the autumn nature while walking through the gorge adorned with autumn leaves.
Located in the Kuroiso district of Nasushiobara City, Nakagawa Riverside Park is a nature-rich park that stretches along the clear waters of the Nakagawa River. The park features a Japanese garden centered around a large pond, spacious lawns, and walking paths, and in autumn, the trees in the park turn red and yellow. Its charm lies in being able to stroll leisurely while admiring the colorful trees and listening to the gentle murmur of the Nakagawa River. You can enjoy a peaceful autumn landscape that is quite different from the autumn foliage spots in the mountains.
Nasu Senbonmatsu Ranch, located in Nasushiobara City, is a naturally rich ranch with vast pastures and grazing areas. In autumn, the maple, zelkova, sawtooth oak, and other trees on the ranch change color, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique autumn scenery of a ranch, along with the spacious pastures and grazing cows. It is recommended as an autumn outing with family and friends, where you can stroll around the ranch while admiring the colorful autumn leaves, interact with animals, and enjoy local cuisine.
A row of maple trees leads to the grave of Field Marshal Iwao Oyama, who was active during the Edo period. This is a recommended spot where you can enjoy spectacular autumn foliage despite being located in the city. Location: 2-3 Shimonagata, Nasushiobara City Parking: Available (approx. 30 regular cars, free) Restrooms: Available
After enjoying the autumn foliage, why not relax and soothe your travel fatigue in one of Nasushiobara's proud hot springs? Nasushiobara City boasts a variety of hot springs, including Shiobara Onsenkyo and Itamuro Onsen, each with its own unique water quality. Some facilities offer day-use bathing, allowing you to easily enjoy a hot spring bath after visiting the autumn foliage spots. After enjoying the vibrant autumn scenery, relax and unwind in a hot spring—combine the autumn leaves and hot springs for a truly unique autumn day in Nasushiobara. *Day-use bathing hours and availability vary by facility. Please check with each facility in advance before using their services.