The colors of autumn

12th October
On 12th October, hubby and I went to see Hottai-no-Taki, which is a waterfall in the southern part of Yurihonjo city of Akita prefecture. Hottai waterfall is in the mountains near Mount Chokai. It is about 60 km away from our home, and more than half of the way is curvaceous mountainous road. It took us about two hours to reach there by our car as hubby had to drive rather slowly. Somewhere at the beginning of the curvaceous road, there was a viewing platform from where we got a beautiful view of Mount Chokai and its surroundings. Mount Chokai was partly hidden by clouds. On our way we noted that the forests in the mountainous area showed signs of the beginning of autumn color change of the tree leaves.

View of cloud-covered Mount Chokai from observation platform

A small spring on our way to Hottai waterfall

Hottai waterfall looked fabulous. The serenity of the waterfall along with the sound of falling water was very relaxing and peaceful. The waterfall is located at a higher altitude in the mountains. So the waterfall and the surrounding areas had some trees with colored leaves here and there, but not that significantly striking to our eyes. The area looked rather green and fresh. We stayed there and enjoyed the nature for an hour or so.

Hottai waterfall and surrounding area

A mountain range near Hottai waterfall

Hottai waterfall

Close-up view of Hottai waterfall

Me standing near the waterfall

On our way back home, we saw cows grazing in a dairy farm which was located somewhere near the viewing platform. Hubby was very happy to see so many cows!

Cows grazing at a dairy farm

24th October
On 24th October, hubby and I went to Hottai-no-Taki waterfall again, this time to specifically view autumn leaf color. This waterfall is one of the most popular spots for autumn leaf viewing in Akita. During our car ride to the waterfall, we stopped at the viewing platform along the mountainous road. From this platform, we got a beautiful and amazing view of autumn colors. The effect of color gradation was magnificent and unique, which simply took our breath away.

Stunning view from the observation platform

Another view from the observation platform

We enjoyed the spectacular view of forest trees covered with autumn colored leaves during our drive throughout the mountainous road. There was a fiery display of autumn colors on our entire way up to the waterfall. We stopped our car several times to enjoy the view, which was really grand and splendid. The vibrant colors cheered us up.

On our way towards Hottai waterfall

Autumn colors in the mountain range

Autumn colors in the mountain range

Autumn colors along the mountainous road

Autumn colors along the mountainous road

Me standing in the mountain forest

Me standing in the mountain forest

At Hottai waterfall and the surrounding areas, we saw a fabulous display of autumn colored leaves of red, orange, and yellow mixed with a bit of green. The view was amazing and I found myself utterly transfixed by the majestic beauty of the autumn leaves. We stayed near the waterfall and enjoyed the beautiful stunning view for almost an hour.

Hottai waterfall and surrounding area

A mountain range near Hottai waterfall

Hottai waterfall

Close-up view of Hottai waterfall

Me in front of the waterfall

Hubby in front of the waterfall

Hubby standing next to a bridge and a mountain range near the waterfall

Me standing next to a bridge and a mountain range near the waterfall

While returning back home, hubby stopped his car at a car-parking area located somewhere near the viewing platform. We got a wonderful view of ice-capped Mount Chokai from this place. Hubby practiced golf swings in the car-parking area. Fortunately, the car-parking was empty at that time.

Mount Chokai

Ice-capped Mount Chokai

Hubby practicing golf swing at a car-parking area

Hubby and I enjoyed every moment we spent viewing the autumn colors.