HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Autumn Foliage in Kaga, Ishikawa
Poetic colors, admired since days of yore: autumn in Kaga
Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture
When it comes to autumn foliage in Ishikawa, few can beat the views at Kaga’s Kakusenkei Gorge. A deep river valley flush with greenery located in Yamanaka Onsen, one of Kaga’s three hot spring towns, Kakusenkei Gorge provides beautiful seasonal views all year round. Every year in November, the valley is colored over in brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red as temperatures drop with the deepening of autumn. This flaming backdrop complements the gushing waters of the Daishoji River flowing through the valley, and the ever-iconic Ayatori and Kohrogi bridges—two vantage points situated along the gorge’s 1.3km riverside walking path that also double as prime photo-taking spots. Fans of Japanese poetry will be delighted to know that the scenic views of Kakusenkei Gorge were also a favorite of Edo period poet Matsuo Basho. It is said that Basho spent many evenings taking strolls along the gorge during his brief sojourn in Yamanaka Onsen, while on the epic journey that birthed his seminal work, Narrow Road to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi).
How to get there
From Haneda Airport, fly to Komatsu Airport (1 hour 5 minutes). Take a bus to Komatsu Station (about 10 minutes), then take the Hokuriku Line to Kagaonsen Station (about 10 minutes).
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train to Kagaonsen Station (available beginning in March 2024).
Wo6-2, Sakumi machi, Kaga-shi, Ishikawa-ken
