Read before you travel! Sightseeing tips included! ️ Breathtaking fiery views of the "mirror maple leaves" in the early morning forest 🍁✨

[Summary] Tsuta Numa is one of the "Tsuta Seven Swamps" in the Hakkoda mountain range in Aomori Prefecture. This mystical lake, surrounded by a primeval beech forest, is known for its spectacular "mirror-like water scenery," especially seen early in the morning during the autumn foliage season. As the sun rises, the fiery red beech forest is perfectly reflected on the still lake surface, creating a world that is almost like a painting. This area is located within the Tsuta Wild Bird Forest, a national natural monument, and is a place where you can experience the dynamic beauty of nature in the midst of silence. [Recommended Points] * The miraculous "mirror-like autumn leaves": On a windless, clear morning, the morning sun paints the forest red, and the color is reflected inversely on the lake surface. This "mirror-like water" spectacle, which can only be seen under these special conditions, is awe-inspiring to all who visit. * Stroll along the "Swamp Trail": This approximately 90-minute walking trail takes you around six unique ponds, including Tsuta Numa, Kagami Numa, Tsukinuma, and Naga Numa. Stroll through the autumn foliage forest and enjoy the different beauty of each pond. * Thousand-Year Secret Hot Springs: At Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, located at the start and end of the trail, you can enjoy a day trip to the warm beech wood baths. Warm up your chilled body and soothe your travel fatigue. ♨️ [Note!] To enjoy the autumn foliage at Tsuta Numa, it's important to follow the rules and prepare accordingly. * Early Morning Reservations Required: During the autumn foliage season, when the spectacular views are best seen, admission to the Tsuta Numa Observation Deck requires advance reservations and payment. Due to capacity restrictions, reservations must be secured online in advance. * Contributions Required: To prevent traffic congestion and protect the environment, a contribution is required during special measures. A parking fee is required for both early morning and daytime parking. (See the information desk for details.) * Requirements for viewing the spectacular view: The autumn leaves do not turn red; rather, the morning glow dyes the forest red, reflecting this phenomenon on the water's surface. To see the best view, it's important to have clear skies, no wind, and high humidity. * Thorough cold weather precautions: During the autumn foliage season, it can get cold enough to cause frost in the early morning hours. Be sure to bring a flashlight for walking through the pitch-black forest and all the necessary cold weather gear (down jacket, gloves, knit hat, etc.). [Event Period] * Peak viewing time for autumn leaves: Usually mid- to late October. * Special promotion period (advance reservations and contributions): In 2025, the period is from October 23rd (Thursday) to November 3rd (Monday, national holiday). [Information] * Address: Okuse Tsutanoyu, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture (near Tsutano Bird Forest/Tsuta Onsen Ryokan). 📍 * Access: * Bus: Get off at "Tsuta Onsen" on the JR Tohoku Bus. 🚌 * Car: Approximately 60 minutes from Kuroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway. * Opening Hours: Viewing is permitted, but early morning (5:00 AM - 7:30 AM) admission is by reservation only. No reservations are required during the day (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM), but a contribution is required. * Fees: Congestion Prevention and Environmental Conservation Contribution (during the Special Autumn Foliage Promotion Period) * ​​Early Morning (5:00 AM - 7:30 AM): * Tsuta Numa Observation Deck Admission: ¥2,000/person * Parking (Car): ¥2,000/car (¥1,000/car for motorcycles) * Advance online reservation and payment required. * Daytime (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM): * Parking (car): ¥2,000 per car (¥1,000 per car for motorcycles) * No reservations required, cash payment required on-site. (Free for pedestrians and bicycles.) [Nearby Tourist Information] When visiting Tsuta Numa, there are plenty of other scenic spots worth enjoying. * Oirase Gorge: Relatively close by car from Tsuta Numa, this clear stream flows about 14 km from Lake Towada. Designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument by the national government, it is a beautiful place with waterfalls and lush moss. * Lake Towada: A huge caldera lake formed approximately 200,000 years ago. Take a sightseeing boat ride to enjoy the mystical scenery of autumn leaves and columnar-jointed rock faces from the lake. * Jogakura Bridge: Japan's largest deck arch bridge, offering panoramic views of the autumn-covered valley from the bridge. This is a spectacular spot where you can also enjoy the majestic view of the Hakkoda mountain range. [Summary] The "mirror autumn leaves" you can see at Tsuta Numa in Aomori are not only beautiful, but are also a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that can only be seen when miraculous natural conditions are met. There are rules for viewing, such as early morning reservations and a contribution fee, but all of these are efforts to preserve this beautiful natural environment for future generations. Make sure you're well prepared and head out to experience this fiery, breathtaking view that symbolizes autumn in Japan! #AutumnLeavesSeason