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.