Kurikoma Highland Autumn Foliage: Golden Mountain Colors Said to Be Tohoku's Finest

Kurikoma Autumn Foliage

Kurikoma Mountain (1,626m) straddling Akita, Iwate, and Miyagi is called the "King of Tohoku Autumn Foliage." The mountain's transformation into a brocade of autumn colors during the short window from late September to mid-October is breathtaking, drawing many foliage fans.

Highlights

- Summit-area Foliage: Color change begins near the summit in late September - Iwakagami-daira (Akita Side): Akita-side base camp for Kurikoma climbing - Sukawa Onsen (Iwate Side): Unique strongly acidic hot spring combined with autumn foliage - "Divine Carpet": Colloquial name for the period when foliage covers the entire mountain

Hiking Information

- Beginner Course: Iwakagami-daira to summit and back: about 4–5 hours - Sukawa Course: Sukawa Onsen (Iwate side) to summit and back: about 4 hours

Getting There

- Akita Side: Akita Expressway Senboku IC → National Route 342 to Iwakagami-daira (car required) - Iwate Side: Bus from Ichinoseki Station to Sukawa Onsen (confirm schedule)

Tips

Foliage peak varies by year — gather information early. The summit is cold even in summer; warm layers are essential.