Peak viewing season: Late October – Mid-November
Take a walk through the woods to Amedaki, one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls. The surrounding area contains 48 other waterfalls of different sizes.
Access: From Tottori Sta., take the bus bound for Amedaki. The falls are a 20-30 min. walk from the bus stop.
Access by Car: Take Kokudo (National Route) 53 from Chugoku Jidoshado Sayo I.C. and change to Kendo (Prefectural Route) 31. [Map]
Website: Tottori Sightseeing Association (English)
Peak viewing season: Late October – Mid-November
Lying at the convergence of four different gorges, the area surrounding Hikimikyo, especially the valleys at Oku-Hikimi, Omote-Hikimi and Ura-Hikimi, abound with a variety of nature and scenery sure to delight visitors.
Access: From JR Masuda Sta. take the bus bound for Hikimi and get off at the Hikimi Hoken Center stop.
Access by Car: By car, get off Chugokudo at Togouchi I.C. and take Kokudo (National Route) 191 and turn to Kendo (Prefectural Route) 307. [Map]
Website: Hikimi Town, Mauda City (Japanese)
Peak viewing season: Throughout November
Tumbling from 110 meters high, this easily accessible waterfall is one of the hundred most famous in Japan.
Access: 10 min. from Chugoku-Kastuyama Sta. [Map]
Website: Maniwa City Tourism Information: Kanba Waterfall (Japanese)
Maniwa City Tourism Information: Kanba Waterfall (English)
Peak viewing season: Late October – Early November
The stone arch at Taishakukyo, naturally formed by years of erosion, is a recognized national monument of Japan. The contrast of the arch with the changing colors is especially renowned.
Access: From JR Tojo Station take the bus and get off at Taishaku Shinryuko bus stop.
Access by car: A 20 min. drive on Kendo (Prefectural Route) 23 from the Chogokudo Tojo I.C. [Map]
Website: Taishakukyo Tourist Association (Japanese)
Peak viewing season: Mid-Late November
One of the most famous spots in Shikoku, the sharp cliffs falling down to the Yoshino River below are an unforgettable sight.
Access: 30 min. on foot from JR Oboke Sta.
Access by Car: 35 min. drive on Kokudo (National Route) 32 from Tokushimado Igawa Ikeda I.C. [Map]
Website: Tokushima Sightseeing AWANAVI (English)
Peak viewing season: Late October – Early November
The eroded limestone cliffs at Yasui Keikoku create various types of rock formations that line the valley as it winds for nearly 10 kilometers.
Access: From JR Sagawa Sta. take the local bus and get off at Niyodogawa Machiyakuba Sogo-Shisho, and change to the town bus or taxi.
Access by car: About a 1 hour drive from Kochido Ino I.C. [Map]
Website: Niyodogawa Town (Japanese)
Photo: Kochi Visitors & Convention Association