Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima: Video Introduction

Photo：Kurogane Lodge and autumn leaves on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture

This video, titled "World's First｜Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara｜6K Video" (世界初 紅葉の安達太良山 6K撮影), was uploaded by "International Drone Association" (国際ドローン協会).

This 6K video captures the beauty of the autumn leaves of Mt. Adatara as seen from the sky using a drone. Enjoy the incredible views of Mt. Adatara that you simply cannot see from the ground.
[Video] 0:32 - The Colorful Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara

Mt. Adatara Overview

Photo：Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture

Located in central Fukushima Prefecture, Mt. Adatara is an active volcano with an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters and has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. The beautiful Mt. Adatara, which appears in ancient texts and classic Japanese movies, is well known both inside and outside of the prefecture.

The ropeway makes it easy for beginner hikers to reach the summit, while intermediate and advanced courses are also available. From spring to fall, the mountain is crowded with hikers enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Mt. Adatara Ropeway & Parking Information

Photo：Mt. Adatara Ropeway, Fukushima Prefecture

Adatara Kogen Ski Resort is located at the foot of Mt. Adatara, and there is a ropeway station at the foot of the mountain near the ski resort and a free parking lot that can accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles.

A 10-minute ropeway ride will take you to the summit station of Mt. Yakushi (1,350 meters above sea level). From there, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on foot to reach the summit of Mt. Adatara.

During autumn, when the leaves change color, there are days when there are lines to board the ropeway, and depending on how crowded it is, you may also have to pay for parking. Because of this, we recommend doing some research before visiting. The ropeway costs 1,200 yen (one-way) and 2,000 yen (round-trip) for adults, and 900 yen (one-way) and 1,500 yen (round-trip) for children. In addition to group discounts and discounts for persons with disabilities, there are also special discount tickets available exclusively on the ropeway's website and discount packages for hot springs and Tohoku Safari Park, so be sure to check the Adatara Ropeway website for details.

When to Visit to See the Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara

Photo：The view from Yakushidake Panorama Park, Fukushima Prefecture

Mt. Adatara, famous for its autumn foliage, usually attracts many tourists and climbers, as well as many photographers who come to take pictures of the spectacular scenery. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September through October.

The best place to take pictures of the spectacular autumn foliage is Yakushidake Panorama Park, located just beyond the ropeway summit station. The park has a 300-meter promenade where visitors can relax and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the autumn leaves.

Hiking On Mt. Adatara – Trails, Hiking Time, Etc.

Photo：The summit of Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture

Mt. Adatara is a popular mountain for hiking and trekking with even beginner hikers due to its relative ease. The recommended hiking course is the approximately 9-km long, 4-hour course that starts from the ropeway summit station.

Mt. Adatara Ropeway Summit Station (ロープウェイ山頂駅) → Senjo-daira Trail (仙女平分岐) → Adatara Summit (安達太良山頂上) → Mine no Tsuji (峰の辻) → Kurogane Lodge (くろがね小屋) → Seshitaira Trail (勢至平分岐) → Okudake Trailhead (奥岳登山口).

There is a walking trail near Mt. Adatara Ropeway Station, but it has been closed for the time being due to heavy rainfall during the summer of 2022. Mt. Adatara is great for hiking during the fall, but also during the summer and spring as well, so consider visiting during different seasons to enjoy the various scenery!

Hot Springs Near Mt. Adatara

Photo：Kurogane Lodge and winter on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture

Kurogane Lodge, a mountain lodge on Mt. Adatara, has a hot spring bath with free-flowing hot-spring water, which is popular among climbers. It's available for day-trip bathing, but as of 2023 Kurogane Lodge is under reconstruction and is therefore unavailable; it's scheduled to be reopened in 2025, so be sure to visit when it's completed.

There is also a day-trip hot spring facility called "Adatarayama Okudake no Yu" near the ropeway station at the foot of the mountain, which is used by many hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter.

Both Kurogane Lodge and Adatarayama Okudake no Yu have unique acidic springs that are said to be good for relieving fatigue, fighting against nerve and muscle pain, and also help beautify the skin. It's a good place to relax and heal your body after a day of hiking to see the autumn foliage.

Admission is 700 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 500 yen for children (ages 4 to elementary school students).

Skiing on Mt. Adatara

Photo：Ski tracks in the snow on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture

During the winter (December - March), the Mt. Adatara Ropeway transforms into Adatara Kogen Ski Resort.

Adatara Kogen Ski Resort features 8 courses and relatively cheap lift tickets.

Pricing (1-day Pass/Weekdays): Adults (Junior-high school students and older): 3,500 yen, Seniors (60+): 3,100 yen, Children (Elementary school students and younger): 2,200 yen.

Pricing (1-day Pass/Weekends): Adults (Junior-high school students and older): 4,300 yen, Seniors (60+): 3,800 yen, Children (Elementary school students and younger): 2,600 yen.

Besides the passes listed above, there are a number of other tickets available to help fit your itinerary, plans, and budget.

Summary of Mt. Adatara

Photo：Winter on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture

Mt. Adatara is a mountain that attracts climbers not only during the fall when the leaves change color, but throughout the entire year. In summer, an illumination event is held at Adatara Kogen Ski Resort, making it a popular summer spot. ※In 2022, the illumination was held from July 30 to September 19, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm each day.

A chain of mountains and beautiful blue skies... Mt. Adatara is a place you'll want to visit again and again to discover the breathtaking scenery in each season.

【TripAdvisor】Mt. Adatara