[Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture] Recommended for the autumn leaves season! Walking around Kannonuma Forest Park

Shimogo Town is famous for the ancient, strangely shaped rock formations called To-no-Hetsuri, and Ouchi-juku, which still retains its traditional atmosphere, but that's not all. What I would like to recommend for the autumn tourist season is: ``Kannonuma Forest Park'' with spectacular autumn leavesis. This time we will introduce recommended spots in Shimogo Town, focusing on Kannonuma Forest Park.

What kind of place is Kannonuma Forest Park?

Kannonuma Forest Park is a forest park that covers approximately 8 hectares of swamp and surrounding area located at the foot of Mt. Kannon (1,640m above sea level), which was created by the eruption of Mt. Koshiasahidake about 17,000 years ago.
The tranquil swamp has several floating islands, giving it a mystical atmosphere. The entire park area is said to be a treasure trove of wild birds, and you can enjoy the chirping of birds throughout the year.

The area surrounding the swamp is approximately 1.2 km and there is a walking path, so you can leisurely enjoy the beautiful nature while strolling around the swamp.

Kannonuma Forest Park is especially beautiful when the autumn leaves are in full bloom from late October! It is also famous for many photographers who come here to capture the reflection of the autumn leaves on the mountain on the water surface.

Kannonuma Forest Park Walking Course

Kannonuma Forest Park is planted with flowers and trees that allow you to enjoy the beauty of each season, and there are 9 walking trails.

The circumference of Kannon-numa is about 1.2 km, but there is an easy-to-walk walking course with little difference in elevation, so you can walk around it in about an hour.You can walk safely with your family and children.

There are also other courses where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves.The nine courses are 3.2km long and each course has its own name. There are courses that go around the entire area around the swamp, as well as the Relaxing Path, the Soft Path, the Warmth Path, the Goat Path, the Smiling Path, the Longing Path, the Happiness Path, and the Peace Path.

In addition, there are four relaxing plazas where you can take a break on the lawns, including Suine-no-en and Kozan-no-en, which can be seen from a hill, and Suimei-no-wa and Mitarase-no-wa along the banks of the pond. If you get tired of walking around, take a short break in the square. It's a great place to see the marsh and autumn leaves.

It is said that ``Takekannon-do'', located on the banks of Kannon-numa, was built by Sakanoue Tamuramaro.

The temple, decorated with gorgeous carvings in the Tang style, stands there as if it blends in with the autumn leaves.It is said that the name ``Kannonuma'' comes from this temple.

When is the best time to see autumn leaves?

The autumn leaves begin to change color around the second week of October, and the best time to see them continues until the first half of November.

Kannonuma is located on a plateau at an altitude of 900 meters. The autumn leaves season, when the maples and rowan trees turn red and yellow, vividly dyeing the water surface, is the busiest time of the year.

Recommended spots in Shimogo Town

Here are some recommended spots in Shimogo Town that you might want to visit along with Kannonuma Forest Park.

Roadside Station Shimogo Ematto

"Roadside Station Shimogo Ematt" is a roadside station located along National Route 289 Koshi Road. It's right next to Kannonuma Forest Park, so it's perfect for a break.

From the premises, you can see the magnificent mountain range of Minamiaizu. At the restaurant, you can enjoy meals such as handmade soba noodles and Aizu chicken bowl, and it is characterized by its wide selection of woodwork and local specialties.

INFORMATION

• Name: Roadside Station Shimogo Ematto
• Address: 844-188, Minamikurasawa, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone number: 0241-67-3802
• Business hours: Shop 8:00-18:00 *December-March until 17:00 Restaurant Mikura 11:00-18:00 *December-March until 17:00
• Closed: December 31st, January 1st
• Parking: Large: 8 spaces, Regular cars: 31 (1 for the disabled)

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Tower of Hetsuri

Tonohetsuri has celebrated its 80th anniversary since it was designated as a national natural monument.This valley, created by nature over many years, was named ``To no Hetsuri'' because of the cliffs lined with pagoda shapes. (Hetsuri means cliff in the local language)

A suspension bridge has been built up to the tower-shaped cliff, and when you cross to the other side, the carved rock surface looks like a corridor. You can also tour part of the cliff interior.

The best time to see autumn leaves is usually from late October, when trees such as maples and oaks cover the cliffs with their colors.

INFORMATION

• Name: To no Hetsuri
• Address: Yagoto Shimotarashi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone: 0241-69-1144 (Shimogo Town Tourism Association)
• Opening hours: Free to visit (free) *Suspension bridge is closed to traffic during winter for safety reasons
• Access: 5 minutes walk from Aizu Railway Tonohetsuri Station

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Ouchi-juku

Ouchi-juku is a post station with more than 30 thatched-roof houses that still retains the townscape of the Edo period.
On both sides of the road connecting Aizu and Nikko, houses with thatched roofs lined up, and the area played an important role as a lodging station for feudal lords and travelers on their way to Edo.

Ouchi-juku's specialty is Negi Soba, which uses green onions instead of chopsticks.
Use green onions as chopsticks to serve as a condiment and bite into the dish.

There is a small hill just straight ahead of Ouchi-juku. It is a photo spot where you can take photos overlooking Ouchi-juku with a great view.

INFORMATION

• Name: Ouchi-juku
• Address: Yamamoto, Ouchi, Go-cho, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone number: 0241-68-3611 (Ouchijuku Tourism Association)
• Business hours: Around 9:00-17:00 *Varies depending on each store
• Access: Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Yunokami Onsen Station
• Parking lot: Regular car 500 yen

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Kannonuma Forest Park Summary　

Kannonuma Forest Park offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the autumn leaves. National Route 289 opened in 2008, and the Koshi Tunnel was also completed along the way. Access to Minamiaizu Shimogo Town has become more convenient. Why not enjoy viewing the autumn leaves along with sightseeing at Ouchi-juku and Tonohetsuri?

INFORMATION

• Name: Kannonuma Forest Park
• Address: Minamikurasawa, Shimogo-cho, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone number: 0241-69-1144 (Shimogo Town Tourism Association)
•  Parking: Available (free), several large spaces available
• Inquiries: Shimogo Town Tourism Association (inside Shimogo Town Hall)

GOOGLE MAP