Autumn is one of the best times to experience Fukushima’s Bandai-Azuma Skyline, a winding mountain road that takes you through some spectacular scenery in the Azuma mountain range.
Opened in 1959 as Japan’s first mountain road, the Skyline stretches for approximately 29 kilometers between Takayu Onsen and Tsuchiyu Onsen. It reaches a maximum elevation of 1,622 meters and has been named one of Japan’s 100 Best Roads. As you climb, the scenery changes dramatically, with mountain peaks, valleys, volcanic landscapes, and colorful foliage all appearing along the route.
One particularly scenic stop is Fudosawa Bridge, where visitors can walk across the bridge and look out over the Fukushima Basin. In autumn, the surrounding trees provide a striking contrast with the rugged form of Mount Azuma-Kofuji.
At the heart of the Skyline is Jododaira, a plateau sitting at around 1,600 meters above sea level. Located within the Bandai-Asahi National Park, it combines volcanic scenery with wetlands, alpine plants, and hiking trails. A short walk takes visitors to the crater rim of Mount Azuma-Kofuji, while more ambitious hikers can head towards Mount Issaikyo and Goshikinuma, also known as the Witch’s Eye. In autumn, the mountains around Jododaira change into vivid shades of red and yellow.
For travelers without a car, getting to this high-altitude scenery has also become easier in 2026. The Jododaira Sky Access bus service connects Fukushima Station with Jododaira via Takayu Onsen, with sightseeing and longer mountain-hiking options available. Fukushima Station is also only around 90 minutes from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen, making the area a realistic addition to an autumn trip beyond the usual Tokyo and Kyoto route.
The 2026 autumn service operates from October 1 to November 3, coinciding with the Skyline's autumn foliage season.
