Top 5 Autumn Colour Spots in Gifu

Gifu Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan is a great spot to enjoy the colourful Autumn leaves in Japan. We are lucky to be surrounded by mountains in Gifu which means lots of trees, especially beautiful Japanese maple trees. This is a post we shared on the fantastic website, Cheapo Japan, a guide to getting the most out of Japan on a budget.

The best time to view the fall foliage is typically early November to early December. Here are my top 5 spots to see the Autumn leaves in Gifu.

Gujo Hachiman Castle 

Gujo Hachiman Castle perched atop Mount Hachiman in Gujo Hachiman is worth a visit just alone for its beautiful castle, but the colourful Autumn leaves make this experience even more enjoyable. Every Autumn the surrounding grounds of the castle come alive with ablaze of colours. The Autumn leaves contrast beautifully against the white walls of the castle. You can also enjoy the foliage at night when the trees are illuminated from sunset to 9pm.

Address: 659 Hachiman-cho, Yanagimachi, Gujo, Gifu Prefecture 501-4212
Best Time: Early to Late November
Admission: FREE to the surrounding area, 310 yen to enter the castle

Autumn Colours at Gujo Hachiman Castle

Yoro Park 

Yoro Park on the western edge of Gifu Prefecture near Mie Prefecture is a picturesque place situated between the stunning Yoro Mountains and Ibigawa River. The main attraction of the park is the famous Yoro Falls, ranked among the top 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The park and surrounding area has an impressive collection of Japanese maple trees which make it a breathtaking spot to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Address: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro-cho, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Late November to early December
Admission: FREE to Yoro Park

Autumn Colours at Yoro Park

Oyada Maple Valley 

The Oyada Maple Valley in Mino City is considered one of the best locations in Gifu to appreciate the autumn leaves. The valley which includes Oyada Shrine is surrounded by around 3,000 Japanese maple trees, some more than 1,000 years old. The contrast of the vermilion reds, apricot oranges and golden yellows of the trees against the traditional carvings of the shrine is magnificent. It is a sight not to be missed in Autumn.

Address: Oyada, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Mid November to early December
Admission: FREE to the shrine and surrounding valley

Autumn Colours at Oyada Maple Valley

Ena Valley 

The Ena Valley in Ena City is a must see location in Autumn. The red and yellow of the beautiful maple leaves create a mesmerizing reflection in the emerald-green water of the river. The best spot to enjoy this breath-taking sight is from a sightseeing boat on the water. Make sure to take a soak in the hot spring bath to continue the fabulous view. I recommend the early evening to see the sun setting in all its glory.

Address: Okudo, Oi-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Early to Mid November
Admission: FREE to the valley

Gifu Park 

Gifu Park located right under Mount Kinka in Gifu City is where samurai warlord, Oda Nobunaga made his famous palace and home. The park is stunning in Autumn with the whole park coming alive in brilliant red and yellow colours. Gifu Castle at the summit of Mount Kinka is also spectacular when surrounded by Autumn colours. There is a Chrysanthemum Flower Show held every year from late October to late November.

Address: Omiya-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Best Time: Mid to Late November
Admission: FREE to the Gifu Park (Gifu Park picture)

Autumn Colours at Gifu Park

Autumn Colours Forecast 2014 in Japan

Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park

Yoro Park (養老公園) is regarded as one of the best spots in Gifu Prefecture for the beautiful Autumn Leaves. Yoro lies at the western edge of Gifu Prefecture close to Mie Prefecture. It is beautifully situated between the Yoro Mountains and the Ibigawa River. The main attraction of Yoro Park is the spectacular Yoro Falls, which is ranked among the top 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. In Japanese it is called Yoro no Taki (養老の滝). The waterfall is about 32 meters high and 4 meters wide. The water from the falls is top quality and is also ranked one of the top 100 best spring water in Japan. The water is said to not only give silky smooth, clear skin but cure all diseases as well. It is believed the water can returned lost hair and restore failing eyesight. It is basically a Japanese Fountain of Youth! Well, that is according to Empress Gensho, who ruled Japan during the Nara Period from 715-724. She was so impressed with Yoro Falls that she even named her era after Yoro in 717.

Yoro no Taki (Yoro Falls)

There is also a famous legend surrounding the power of Yoro Falls “Kokogenjonai”. According to the legend, in the 8th century, a poor woodcutter and his father lived in the area. One day, the woodcutter went into the woods to find firewood and discovered the water of the spring had turned to sake. He filled a gourd with the spring water/sake as this was his father’s favourite drink, and as they were so poor they couldn’t afford to buy it. The woodcutter brought the water/sake to his elderly father who was very sick. The father drunk the sake and was instantly returned to good health. The transformation of the water to sake was believed to be the gods rewarding the son for his dedication to his father.

Spring Water at Yoro Falls

The water today is not sake but tasty water and the locals make a carbonated drink from it called “Yoro-sanroku Cider”. It is a must try when at Yoro Falls. The water of Yoro Falls is naturally filtered through the mountain of chalk that is Mount Yoro, producing water rich in minerals and natural gases.

Yoro-sanroku Cider

Yoro Park has around 3000 cherry trees the bloom during the spring, as well as many Japanese maple trees that turn the park into ablaze of yellow, orange and red during the Autumn. The mountains surrounding the waterfall and park are stunning this time of the year and many people visit the park to see the changing leaves or Koyo (紅葉) in Japanese.

Beautiful Autumn Colours at Yoro Park

The park is also home to the Site of Reversible Destiny (養老天命反転地). A conceptual art project that opened in 1995. According to their website, it is an “experience park” conceived on the theme of encountering the unexpected. By guiding visitors through various unexpected experiences as they walk through its component areas, the site offers them opportunities to rethink their physical and spiritual orientation to the world. The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and entry costs 710 yen (USD$7.10).

More Pictures of Yoro Park

Starting Point at Yoro Park

Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park

The Beautiful Path to Yoro Falls

Lantern Shaped Light at Yoro Park

The Famous Yoro Falls

Red Autumn Leaves at Yoro Park

Yoro Park Manhole Cover

Yoro Park Information 

Location: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro-cho, Gifu Prefecture
Closed: Mondays & from December 29 to January 3
Admission: FREE to Yoro Park but entrance fees apply for the Site of Reversible Destiny
Access: Yoro Park can be reached by car with parking available. Public Transportation is also available with trains running from Ogaki to Yoro Station. From Nagoya take the JR Tokaido Line to Ogaki Station and then change to the Kintetsu Yoro Line. The park is a short 10 minute walk from Yoro Station.

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