【Autumn in Japan】World Heritage Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi, Autumn Colors of Hachimantai, Hakkoda, Lake Towada, and Oirase Gorge

Chuson-ji Temple, Hiraizumi

Chuson-ji Temple is one of the World Heritage Sites of Hiraizumi, built by Oushu Fujiwara Family.  Konjiki-do or the golden Amida hall is the first structure designated as a Japanese National Treasure.  Konjiki-do is accessible but there is a long slope to reach the area.  They have wheelchairs and one electric wheelchair for visitors (barrier-free information (Japanese))

Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Dori Street

Kakunodate is called “Little Kyoto in Michinoku”.    Long black-painted fences along the street are full of atmosphere.  In Kakunodate Cherry Bark Work Museum (Kakunodate Shirozaiku Denshokan)  the area’s traditional artisanal craft, kaba-zaiku, is exhibited.

There are three wheelchair-accessible toilets along the street.  (Akita Barrier-free Tourism Center)

Hachimantai Aspite Line is a 27km-long highland driving route connecting Hachimantai and Toroko Hot Spring.  You can enjoy autumn leaves and the view of Mt. Iwate.  At Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center there are exhibits of Hachimantai nature.  There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet in this facility.

Mt. Hakkoda is located in the southern part of Aomori Prefecture.  With Hakkoda Ropeway, you can go up close to the peak of the mountain.  Under the ropeway, the mountain is covered with beech, betula and maple and other coloring leaves.

The ropeway is accessible with wheelchairs, at Summit Station and Base Station, there are elevators, universal design toilets.  They also rent wheelchairs.   

Lake Towada is a caldera lake, surrounded by mountains with maple, beech, and rowan.  The lake and its surroundings are especially beautiful in Autumn.

To board the treasure boat, wheelchair users need assistance.

Oirase Gorge starts from Lake Towada.  It is one of the nation-designated special scenic points and also one of the natural monuments.