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Shimogo Town is famous for the ancient rock formations of Tonohetsuri and Ouchijuku, which still retains its traditional atmosphere, but there's more to it than that. We recommend the following places for autumn outings:Kannonuma Forest Park: Spectacular autumn foliageThis time, we will introduce recommended spots in Shimogo Town, focusing on Kannon Numa Forest Park
What kind of place is Kannon Numa Forest Park?
Kannon Numa Forest Park is a forest park that covers approximately 8 hectares of land, including a swamp at the foot of Mt. Kannon (1,640m above sea level), which appeared when Mt. Koshiasahi erupted approximately 17,000 years ago, and the surrounding area The quiet pond is home to several floating islands, creating a mystical atmosphere. The entire park is said to be a treasure trove of wild birds, and you can enjoy the chirping of birds throughout the year
The circumference of the swamp is about 1.2 km and there is a walking path, so you can take a leisurely stroll around the swamp and enjoy the beautiful nature
Kannon Numa Forest Park is especially beautiful when the autumn leaves reach their peak from late October! The park is also famous for attracting many photographers who want to capture the autumn leaves that adorn the mountains reflected on the water's surface
Kannonuma Forest Park Walking Course
Kannon Numa Forest Park is planted with flowers and trees that can be enjoyed in all four seasons, and has nine walking trails
The circumference of Kannon Numa is about 1.2 km, but there is an easy walking course with little elevation change, so you can go around it in about an hourIt's a safe place to stroll with your family and children
There are also other courses where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn leavesThere are nine courses in total, each 3.2km long, and each has its own name. These include the course that goes around the entire "periphery of the swamp," the Relaxation Path, the Talking Path, the Warmth Path, the Flowering Goat Path, the Smile Path, the Longing Path, the Happiness Path, and the Serenity Path
There are also four rest areas where you can take a rest on the grass, including Suirei-no-en and Kozan-no-en, which offer a panoramic view from the high ground, and Suimei-no-be and Mitarase-no-be along the shore of the swamp. If you get tired from walking, take a short break in the plaza. It's a great place to see the swamp and autumn leaves
The Dake Kannon Hall, located on the banks of Kannon Pond, is said to have been built by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
The hall, decorated with gorgeous carvings in the Tang Dynasty style, seemed to blend in with the autumn leavesIt is said that the name "Kanon Numa" comes from this temple
When is the best time to see the autumn leaves?
The leaves begin to change color around the second week of October and remain at their best until early November
Kannon Numa is located on a plateau 900 meters above sea level. The autumn foliage season, when the maple and rowan trees turn vibrant red and yellow and paint the surface of the water vividly, is the busiest time of the year
Recommended places to visit in Shimogo Town
We will introduce some recommended spots in Shimogo Town that you should visit along with Kannon Numa Forest Park
Shimogo Roadside Station Ematto
"Shimogo Ematto Roadside Station" is a roadside station located along National Route 289 Koshi Road. It is located right next to Kannon Numa Forest Park, making it the perfect place to take a break
The grounds offer a magnificent view of the Minamiaizu mountain range. The restaurant serves dishes such as handmade soba noodles and Aizu chicken rice bowls, and the property is known for its wide selection of woodwork and local specialties
Opening hours: Shop 8:00-18:00 *Until 17:00 from December to March Restaurant Mikura 11:00-18:00 *Until 17:00 from December to March
Closed: December 31st and January 1st
Parking: 8 large cars, 31 standard cars (1 handicap parking space)
GOOGLE MAP
Tower of Hetsuri
Tonohetsuri is celebrating its 80th anniversary since being designated a national natural monumentThis valley, created by nature over a long period of time, was named "Tou no Hetsuri" (Tower Hetsuri) after the cliffs that stand in the shape of towers (Hetsuri is the local word for cliff)
A suspension bridge stretches to the tower-shaped cliff, and once you cross to the other side, the carved rock surface forms a corridor. You can also see part of the cliff's interior
The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from late October, when maple, oak and other trees take on a colorful appearance that covers the cliffs
Phone: 0241-69-1144 (Shimogo Town Tourism Association)
Opening hours: Free to visit (free) *The suspension bridge is closed during the winter for safety reasons
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Aizu Railway Tonohetsuri Station
GOOGLE MAP
Ouchi-juku
Ouchi-juku is a post town lined with over 30 thatched-roof houses, retaining the atmosphere of the Edo period Thatched-roof houses line both sides of the road connecting Aizu and Nikko, and played an important role as a lodging station for feudal lords and travelers heading to Edo
The specialty is Ouchijuku's "Negi Soba," which uses green onions instead of chopsticks Use the green onions as chopsticks and nibble on them as a condiment
If you go straight to the end of Ouchi-juku, you will come to a small hill. It is a great photo spot with a great view overlooking Ouchi-juku
If you go up the stairs, you will come to a photo spot where you can get a panoramic view of Ouchijuku
Access: About 20 minutes by bus from Yunokami Onsen Station
Parking: 500 yen for standard cars
GOOGLE MAP
Kannonuma Forest Park Summary
Kannon Numa Forest Park offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, but the autumn foliage season is especially recommended. National Route 289 opened in 2008, and the Koshi Tunnel was also completed along the way. This makes access to Minamiaizu Shimogo Town even more convenient. Why not combine your visit to Ouchijuku and Tonohetsuri with viewing the autumn leaves?
A housewife writer born and raised in Fukushima. Her favorite food is freshly harvested hard peaches from Fukushima. Her favorite things are driving and gourmet food. She would be happy if she could share the charm of Tohoku.
![Takato soba (negi soba) in Ouchi-juku](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/24446478_m-150x150.jpg.webp "[Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture] Enjoy "Takato Soba" at Ouchi-juku!")
