Must-visit in fall! Red leaf spots in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture

Now that the hot summer is coming to an end, don’t you want to spend some time outside? Fall arrives earlier in Niigata Prefecture where there are many beautiful leaf-viewing spots. Today, we’ll show you spots that can be easily visited from Tsubame-Sanjo City. Enjoy fall and go take some beautiful photos.

The expansive Yahiko Park. Enjoy vibrant fall leaves at this hotspot: Momijidani

This park is beloved by the locals and is close to 33 acres. It was built in 1918 by a railway company and boasts a rich history. Now, it is a shrine and there are waterfalls, streams, and tunnels on its grounds. In spring cherry blossoms bloom and in fall the leaves turn. Among its many spots, Momijidani is famous for leaf viewing. The bright red bridge blends in with the fall leaves in the back and is a sight to behold. Usually, peak viewing season is from mid-October to mid-November, but it is predicted to be later in 2024. Check the official website for weather and leaf updates. At night, it lights up and is quite magical.

Hours	Light up period: From October 26th, 2024 until the end of red leaf season 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Address	667-1 Yahiko, Yahiko-mura, Nishi-kamabara-gun, Niigata Prefecture
Access	Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel: 21-min. car ride from the hotel
URL	https://www.e-yahiko.com/en/

Boasting thousands of years of history: Yahiko Shrine. The gods pass through Tama no Hashi Bridge

Yahiko Shrine is a spiritual power spot in Niigata Prefecture. It’s beloved by the local residents. It was built over 2,400 years ago and you can feel the history in the air. It has Yahiko Mountain in the back and a river flowing through it. It’s right near Yahiko Park, so hit both spots when you visit. It is said that gods pass through Tama no Hashi Bridge. People aren’t able to walk on it. Its bright red colors bring out the vibrant reds in the leaves. It’s a mystical sight. Listen to the babbling river and enjoy a moment of peace.

Hours	8:30AM – 4:00PM
Address	2997-2 Yahiko, Yahiko-mura, Nishi-kamabara-gun, Niigata Prefecture
Access	Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel: 23-min. car ride from the hotel
URL	https://www.yahiko-jinjya.or.jp/

Classical modern buildings and fall leaves glow at night at Suido Park

This park is located in Nagaoka, Niigata. There is a water tank that was built in 1927. It can be identified by its red roof. The classical modern building next to it is a former water pump building. You can feel the old history when you look at it. The tank and the building are important cultural properties in Japan. They’ve been featured in movies and music videos. Be sure to take pictures. In fall, the leaves turn and create beautiful scenery. Also, it lights up at night. Gaze upon the retro, mystical scene of the leaves at night.

Park hours	24 hours
Address	3-11-1 Suido-cho, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Access	Tsubame Sanjo Washington Hotel: 28-min. car ride from the hotel
URL	https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCNAGAOKA/ns/tl.cgi/https%3a//www.city.nagaoka.niigata.jp/shisetsu/sports/suidou.html?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0