12 Best Fall Foliage Spots in Shikoku for 2026: Spectacular Gorges, Gardens, and Peak Viewing Times

Iya Valley is a V-shaped gorge extending for approximately 6.2 miles along the Iya River in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. Its dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and flowing water is impressive, and the statue known as the “Peeing Boy” standing on a rocky outcrop is another highlight.
During the fall foliage season, the mountainsides from the valley floor to the peaks turn red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the emerald-green water. The Hi-no-Ji Valley viewpoint offers a particularly expansive view of the sharply curving river and the surrounding mountains covered in fall colors.
A short drive away, visitors can also see nighttime illuminations at the Iya Kazurabashi Vine Bridge. Those interested in a more atmospheric scene after dark can combine it with other nearby attractions.

Oboke and Koboke are gorges extending for approximately 5 miles through Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. Formed by erosion from the Yoshino River, they are designated by the national government as both a Natural Monument and a Place of Scenic Beauty. Their dramatic crystalline schist rock faces and sweeping gorge scenery are their main attractions. One theory behind the names is that the terrain is dangerous whether walking with large steps or small ones.
In autumn, the trees along the gorges change color, adding vivid hues to the rock faces and emerald-green river. For an up-close view of the foliage, take an Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat. The rock walls towering overhead look even more impressive from the water, and the cruise lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Mt. Tsurugi, one of Tokushima Prefecture’s best-known peaks, rises to 6,414 feet and is the second-highest mountain in western Japan. A sightseeing chairlift takes visitors partway up the mountain, and the well-maintained trails allow even beginners to experience the expansive scenery of the Shikoku Mountains. Visitors may also wish to stop at Tsurugisan Hongu Hozoseki Shrine near the summit, a site associated with traditional mountain worship.
The fall colors gradually move from higher elevations down toward the foot of the mountain. Around the summit and ridgelines, rowan and Erman’s birch trees begin changing color from early to mid-October, with their red and yellow leaves contrasting against the green bamboo grass. As autumn progresses, the slopes around the chairlift and areas near Minokoshi also take on seasonal colors.
The changing scenery at different times of the season is part of the mountain’s appeal.

Kankakei Gorge is located on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture, at the heart of Setonaikai National Park. Andesite, agglomerate, and other rocks formed by volcanic activity approximately 13 million years ago were shaped over time by tectonic movement and erosion, creating a landscape of towering and unusual rock formations. It has been recognized as one of Japan’s three most scenic gorges, one of its three great natural wonders, one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan, and one of the 100 Natural Sites in Japan to Preserve for the 21st Century.
A ropeway crosses the deep gorge, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the valley covered in fall colors. It is the only ropeway in Japan where visitors can see the sky, sea, and an autumn-colored gorge all at once.

Ritsurin Garden was developed as a villa for the Matsudaira family, the lords of the Takamatsu Domain, and was completed nearly 300 years ago after successive generations expanded and improved it.
It is the largest of Japan’s traditional gardens designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty. This strolling garden features six ponds and 13 artificial hills. Often described as offering “a new view with every step,” the garden reveals a different scene as visitors walk through it.
During the fall foliage season, illuminated leaves are reflected in the garden’s ponds, creating an atmospheric nighttime landscape. The Nan-ko Japanese Boat Ride, which offers views of the garden and illuminated foliage from the water, is well worth experiencing during an autumn visit.

Okuboji Temple in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, is the 88th temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. This historic temple is known as the place where pilgrims complete their journey. Located at the foot of Mt. Nyotai, its main hall and two-story tahoto pagoda stand quietly against the rocky slopes of Taizogamine.
The highlight of the season is the scenery created by the colorful trees and historic temple buildings. The large ginkgo tree on the grounds generally reaches its peak from late October to early November, covering the area in what looks like a golden carpet. From around mid-November, the maple trees near Nitenmon Gate turn red, adding to the temple’s autumn atmosphere.
Between worship and foliage viewing, visitors can also try the local specialty, uchikomi udon, at one of the restaurants near the temple gate.

Mt. Ishizuchi stretches across Saijo City and Kumakogen Town in Ehime Prefecture. Its 6,503-foot Tengu Peak makes it the highest mountain in western Japan. Long revered as a sacred mountain for religious climbing, it is counted among Japan’s seven sacred peaks.
The leaves generally begin changing color near the summit around early October before gradually spreading to lower elevations. Rowan, beech, and maple trees cover the slopes in vibrant colors, further emphasizing the mountain’s impressive form.
The Ishizuchi Tozan Ropeway takes visitors to Sancho-joju Station at an elevation of approximately 4,265 feet in about eight minutes. From there, transfer to the sightseeing chairlift and head to an observation deck near the final stop for panoramic mountain views.
Those planning to climb the mountain should not miss Yoakashi Pass, which offers a direct view of Mt. Ishizuchi.

Omogo Gorge lies at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi and is designated by the national government as a Place of Scenic Beauty. One of its main attractions is the remarkably clear stream, whose riverbed can be seen even from walking trails some distance away.
The contrast between the emerald-green water and the red and yellow leaves creates a remarkable view with an almost mystical atmosphere. Waterfalls and unusual rock formations add further variety to the landscape.

Shirataki Park in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, is a nature-rich park with seven waterfalls of varying sizes. Walking trails run through the grounds, with benches and a free rest area available along the way. The park is also conveniently accessible by public transportation, approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Iyo-Shirataki Station.
The main attractions are its waterfalls, including Medaki Falls, which drops approximately 197 feet.
During the fall foliage season, the surrounding trees turn red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the white water and rocky surfaces. The Shirataki Momiji Festival is generally held from around mid-November to early December. During the festival period, events include waterfall illuminations, the Waterfall Festival, and the Rurihime Festival.

Yasui Gorge in Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, is a scenic area extending approximately 6.2 miles along the Yasui River, a tributary of the Niyodo River. It forms part of a prefectural natural park on the southern slope of Mt. Tsutsujo, which rises to approximately 6,102 feet. The area is characterized by steep cliffs and precipices formed by deep erosion of limestone.
The gorge is also known as a destination for seeing “Niyodo Blue,” the brilliant blue appearance of its exceptionally clear water. Major highlights include Suishobuchi Pool, with its mysterious blue surface, and Hiryu Falls, the largest waterfall in the gorge.
In autumn, the surrounding trees change color, with red maple leaves standing out against the pale blue rock faces and clear water. At Senjin Gorge, where rock walls rise approximately 98 feet, and around Hiryu Falls, visitors can experience both the dramatic scale of the gorge and the vivid colors of the season.

Nakatsu Gorge is a prefectural natural park shaped over many years by rain falling on Mt. Nakatsu Myojin and the flow of the river. A round-trip walking trail of approximately 0.8 miles leads from the entrance to Uryu Falls, the gorge’s symbol. Along the way, visitors can see a varied landscape of massive rocks, unusual formations, and deep pools at close range.
The fall foliage generally reaches its peak from mid- to late November, when the emerald-green stream contrasts vividly with red maple leaves. As the trail continues deeper into the gorge, visitors encounter a succession of scenes combining rocks, water, and seasonal colors.
The stretch from Momiji Falls to Ryugabuchi Pool is particularly scenic, offering some of the gorge’s finest autumn views.

Befu Gorge is a scenic area in Monobe, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, located near the headwaters of the Monobe River within Tsurugisan Quasi-National Park.
Steep limestone walls line this mountain gorge at elevations of approximately 1,640 to 1,970 feet, creating a distinctive landscape. Walking trails allow visitors to see highlights such as Byobu Rock up close.
The fall foliage generally reaches its peak from early to late November. Japanese hop hornbeam, heartleaf hornbeam, Japanese horse chestnut, Japanese zelkova, Mongolian oak, and various maple species add color throughout the gorge. With the mountainsides dressed in autumn hues and the sound of the river in the background, visitors can experience a peaceful fall outing in the mountains.