Autumn in Unzen: Leaves Changing Colors
The changing of leaves is said to begin when the lowest temperature reaches 8C, and in Unzen, it is best to see from late October to early November. The representative trees that turn red or yellow are mainly maple trees such as the Kohauichiwakaede（Acer sieboldianum）,Kominekaede（Acer micranthum）,Urihadakaede（Acer rufinerve）Itayakaede(Acer mono Maxim), and Irohamomiji(Acer palmatum). In addition, there are scattered evergreen trees such as Yamaguruma in the mountains, creating a contrast of red, yellow, and green, beautifully coloring the mountainside.
The autumn leaves around Mt. Fugen were designated as a natural monument of the country in 1928. There are about 80 species of trees and 40 species of herbaceous plants that change color. The peak of the autumn leaves is usually around late October, and the view from the ropeway to Mt. Myoken is stunning.
Afterwards, the leaves gradually move to lower altitudes, and from early to mid-November, you can enjoy the autumn leaves around the hot spring town, the old Hatiman Hell, and the Shirakumo Pond.