Visit Towadako & Hirosaki, Japan

Straddling the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures is Towadako, one of Honshu’s most scenic lakes, and hugely popular with local visitors during the turning leaf ‘koyo’ season from mid- October, when the beech and maple-clad hillsides of the Oirase Valley turn to spectacular shades of gold and crimson.

The area is replete with atmospheric inns offering traditional fare and natural hot spring bathing. A little to the north the town of Hirosaki boasts a cosmopolitan ambience belying its location, with a splendid summer festival, a fine castle and samurai district.