Autumn Foliage at Mt. Akita-Komagatake | Spectacular Autumn Scenery That Colors the Mountain

The autumn foliage at Mt. Akita-Komagatake typically reaches its peak from late September to early October.

Autumn begins gradually at higher elevations, transforming the once-green mountainsides into shades of red, orange, and yellow. On clear days, you can even see Lake Tazawa shimmering blue beyond the autumn-colored mountains.

The short yet beautiful autumn at Mount Akita-Komagatake offers a landscape completely different from that of spring or summer.

The Entire Mountain Is Drenched in Autumn Colors

What makes hiking Mount Akita-Komagatake so memorable is not just the trees in their autumn colors, but the way the entire mountainside gradually transforms into autumn hues.

Slopes tinged with red and orange, interspersed with patches of green. When the clear blue autumn sky blends with this scene, a truly vivid landscape unfolds.

The scenery changes little by little as you proceed along the trail. You might look back or pause briefly to gaze at the distant mountains.

On Mount Akita-Komagatake in the fall, you’ll find yourself wanting to savor the very journey toward your destination.

Akita Mt. Komagatake, bathed in autumn colors. Under the blue sky, shades of red and orange spread across the mountain’s slopes.

Lake Tazawa as seen from Mount Akita-Komagatake

Standing at an elevation of 1,637 meters, Mt. Akita-Komagatake is the collective name for a group of mountains including Men-dake, Otoko-dake, and Onna-dake. From near the summit, you can see Lake Tazawa, and if the weather permits, you can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Chokai and Mt. Iwate.

A sight you definitely don’t want to miss in the fall is the view of the autumn-colored mountains and Lake Tazawa together.

The mountains stretch out below, and beyond them, the blue surface of Lake Tazawa comes into view.

Mountains tinged with red and orange, and a deep blue lake. This is one of those quintessentially Akita landscapes that you can only experience by hiking up to such high altitudes.

Lake Tazawa as seen from Mt. Akita-Komagatake. The blue surface of the lake stretches out beyond the mountains ablaze with fall colors.

Enjoying the Fall Foliage While Hiking the Ridge Line

The fall foliage at Mt. Akita-Komagatake isn’t something you can fully appreciate by viewing it from just one spot.

As you walk along the ridgeline, new mountains appear beyond the ones you’ve just passed, and the colors of the autumn foliage shift depending on the slope’s orientation and how the sunlight hits them.

Just when you think you’ve taken in the distant scenery, you’ll find vibrant reds and oranges right at your feet.

Being able to enjoy both the majestic scenery and the small signs of autumn right at your feet is part of the joy of actually hiking in the mountains.

The ridgeline of Mt. Akita-Komagatake, tinged with red and orange. The appearance of the fall foliage changes depending on where you walk.

Autumn on Mt. Akita-Komagatake: Experienced Firsthand

Mount Akita-Komagatake looks beautiful in photos, but standing amidst the mountains in person reveals a different kind of charm.

The sound of the wind and the rustling of the trees and grass. The shadows of the clouds slowly drift across the mountainside, and when the sun comes out, the colors of the autumn foliage become even more vivid. Even in the same spot, the scenery can look completely different just a few minutes later.

Whenever we hike Mount Akita-Komagatake, we find ourselves stopping to take it all in time and time again.
Take your time and walk while taking in the scenery—

that’s our recommended way to enjoy the fall foliage on Mount Akita-Komagatake.

A hiking trail winding through the autumn foliage of Mt. Akita-Komagatake. There are views you can only encounter by actually walking the trail.

“Moomin Valley”: The Baba Trail

On Mt. Akita-Komagatake, there is a trail known affectionately as “Moomin Valley.” This route takes you through a valley
surrounded by mountains; in the fall, the surrounding vegetation turns vibrant colors, allowing you to enjoy a different side of Mt. Akita-Komagatake than the views from the ridgeline.

However, trail conditions can change depending on the weather and natural environment. The City of Semboku may post updates regarding Baba’s Path, such as wooden walkways submerged due to rain or landslides on slopes.

Please check the latest trail information in advance before visiting.
Semboku City Official Website “Trail Information”

When is the best time to see the fall foliage on Mt. Akita-Komagatake?

The autumn foliage at Mt. Akita-Komagatake typically reaches its peak from late September to early October.
However, due to the elevation differences, the entire mountain does not turn color all at once.

The foliage changes color starting from higher elevations, and autumn gradually descends toward the 8th Station area and the mountain’s base.

Since the way the leaves change color and the peak viewing period vary each year depending on temperature and weather, we recommend checking the latest fall foliage information before hiking.

Semboku City “Fall Foliage Information”

Access to Mount Akita-Komagatake

You can reach the 8th Station of Mt. Akita-Komagatake by local bus from the direction of JR Tazawako Station.

Additionally, during the hiking season, there are days when private vehicles are restricted from using the road leading to the 8th Station to protect the natural environment and alleviate congestion.

On days when restrictions are in effect, park your car at a location such as “Alpa Komakusa” and transfer to a bus to reach the 8th Station. Restriction dates, times, and bus schedules are subject to change, so please check the latest information before departing.

Semboku City “Akita Mt. Komagatake Private Vehicle Restrictions”

Akita Mt. Komagatake Fall Foliage FAQ

When is the best time to see the fall foliage at Mt. Akita-Komagatake?

Typically, the best time to view the fall foliage is from late September to early October. Due to the high elevation, the leaves begin to change color near the summit and gradually spread to the 8th Station area and the foothills. Since the timing may vary depending on the weather, please check the latest fall foliage information before your visit.

Can you see Lake Tazawa from Mt. Akita-Komagatake?

Yes. If the weather is clear, you can see Lake Tazawa from near the summit of Mt. Akita-Komagatake. One of the major attractions of autumn is the view of the colorful mountains alongside the blue waters of Lake Tazawa.

Where is “Moomin Valley” on Mt. Akita-Komagatake?

It is the nickname for Baba no Kōji on Mt. Akita-Komagatake. It is a popular spot where a hiking trail winds through the valley, but since trail conditions vary depending on natural factors, please check the latest trail information released by Semboku City before visiting. Semboku City Official Website “Hiking Trail Information”

Can I drive to the 8th Station of Mt. Akita Komagatake?

It depends on the season and day of the week. During the hiking season, Mount Akita-Komagatake enforces restrictions on private vehicles; on restricted days, you cannot drive your own car to the 8th Station. In such cases, take a bus from locations like Alpa Komakusa. Semboku City “Mount Akita-Komagatake Private Vehicle Restrictions”

What should I wear when visiting Mt. Akita-Komagatake during the fall foliage season?

Akita Mt. Komagatake is a mountain with an elevation exceeding 1,600 meters. Even if it’s warm at the base, temperatures are low at the summit, and the wind can make it feel even colder. Please prepare hiking gear such as warm clothing and rain gear, and check the weather and trail conditions for the day before heading into the mountains.

Can beginners enjoy hiking Mount Akita-Komagatake?

While there is a hiking route starting at the 8th Station, Mt. Akita-Komagatake is a natural mountain. The difficulty level varies depending on the weather and trail conditions. Semboku City also encourages hikers to submit a hiking registration form, so please check the route, weather, and equipment in advance and make a plan that you can comfortably manage.
Semboku City Official Website: “Hiking Plan Form (Hiking Registration)”

Akita Mt. Komagatake in Autumn

Akita Mt. Komagatake, where many alpine flowers bloom from spring through summer, takes on a completely different appearance in the fall.

The mountain slopes are tinged with red and orange.
The ridgelines stretch as far as the eye can see.
Lake Tazawa lies beyond them.

One of the joys of Mount Akita-Komagatake is not just admiring the fall foliage, but also walking through the mountains, feeling the breeze, and discovering the unique scenery of each day.