When one thinks of autumn in Japan, the beautiful scenery of fall foliage comes to mind. The autumn leaves that can be seen all over the country reflect the unique charm of each region. In this article, we introduce four must-see autumn foliage spots in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions.

●Taishaku Gorge’s Autumn Leaves (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Located in the north of Hiroshima Prefecture, Taishaku Gorge (Taishakukyo) consists of the 18km long Taishaku River basin and the centrally located Shinryu Lake. Known for its magnificent natural scenery and beautiful autumn leaves, the lakeside of Shinryu Lake, surrounded by sheer cliffs, features a tunnel of autumnal trees. In the fall, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially during the autumn leaves season when the colorful trees fill the gorge, captivating those who visit. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late October to early November. From the lake’s sightseeing boat, you can admire the cliffs and strange rocks on both banks along with the colorful autumn leaves.

●Mt.Daisen (Tottori Prefecture)
Mt.Daisen (Daisen), the highest peak in the Chugoku region, attracts many tourists every year with its beautiful autumn leaves. Autumn on Mt.Daisen, many praise as the “Mount Fuji of the East, Daisen of the West.” The sight of the entire mountain dyed in seven colors in autumn leaves impresses many people. The peak of the autumn leaves is from late October to early November. There are many impressive spots such as the “Goenzan Noroshi-dai”, where you can enjoy the beauty of the plateau at the foot of the mountain, and “Stone Otorii”, where you can stroll down a fluffy leaf road.

●Okayama Koraku Garden (Okayama Prefecture)
Okayama Koraku Garden, located in Okayama City, is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Its vast Japanese garden shows the beauty of each season. The autumn leaves are spectacular, and the most beautiful period is from mid-November to early December. In particular, “Chishio no Mori” is a maple forest with beautiful autumn leaves weaving a brocade pattern should not be missed. Furthermore, during the autumn leaves season, the garden is lit up at night, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic night view.

●Oboke and Koboke Gorges (Tokushima Prefecture)
Oboke and Koboke Gorges are scenic spots located in Tokushima Prefecture, known for the beauty of their gorges carved by the rapid Yoshino River. The autumn leaves season is particularly beautiful, which color the valley are simply breathtaking. The contrast between the clear water, the sheer rock face, and the autumn leaves is stunning. The best time to see the autumn leaves is from early to mid-November, and you can also enjoy the spectacular view by taking a sightseeing boat.

We’ve introduced some autumn foliage spots in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Be sure to visit these places when you’re in the area in autumn.