Niigata 1 ~ 6

1 Dragondola (ドラゴンドラ) in Yuzawa

First colors: Beginning of October

Color Peak: End of October
Details: Long gondola that gives you a panoramic view of the mountains in full fall beauty. The ropeway connects Naeba ski resort and Tashiro ski resort, so even in the winter this is a good visit. The gondola is the longest and fastest in Japan (5,5 km, 6m/s). Also visit the nearby Prince Hotel for the 1,800 yen all-you-can-eat buffet.
Festival: October 31st (Monday) – November 1st (Tuesday). Autumn appreciation day.
Access: 35min bus ride from Echigo-Yuzawa Station (JR Joetsu Line; Hokuetsu Express – Hokuhoku Line)
Admission: 2,400 yen (adults) / 1,200 yen (children) for a return ticket
Address: 202-4 Mikuni, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata 949-6212
Ranking: ★★★★☆
tripadvisor.com

2 Okutainai (奥胎内) in Tainai

First colors: Middle of October
Color Peak: End of October
Details: This valley in the Bandai Asahi National Park is virtually untouched by human hands.
Special sight: One of Japan’s best photo spots for crystal clear water. Nearby hut to enjoy nature.
Access: By car: 50min from Nihon-kai Tohoku Expressway Nakajo IC
90min from JR Uetsu Matin Line “Nakajo Station”
Address: Okutainai-san, Shimoarasawa, Tainai-shi, 959-2816 Niigata
Ranking: ★★★★☆
nihon-kankou.or