Explore the miraculous beauty of Tsutanuma Pond in Aomori! From the autumn-limited “burning morning glow” and the Tsuta Seven Ponds walking trail to transportation and booking tips, plan your trip to Tsutanuma.
Introduction
Have you ever seen photos like this: the morning sun piercing through the mountains, dyeing the entire mountainside’s autumn leaves as if they were burning with fierce flames, and this fiery red perfectly reflected on the surface of a quiet lake, forming a breathtaking spectacle of “double flames”? This miraculous moment, hailed by countless photography enthusiasts and nature travelers as a “must-see once in a lifetime,” occurs in Tsutanuma Pond, a hidden gem within Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Tsutanuma is not only the most famous of the “Tsuta Seven Ponds,” but its autumn-limited “morning glow” (朝焼け – Asayake) phenomenon has made it widely renowned. However, the charm of this tranquil place, surrounded by pristine beech forests, extends far beyond autumn. This article will take you deep into Tsutanuma and the surrounding “Tsuta Seven Ponds,” exploring the seasonal scenery of this hidden gem, uncovering the secret of the “burning morning glow,” walking the “Numa Meguri no Komichi” trail, and providing a complete guide including transportation methods and important booking information for the autumn foliage season, helping you plan an unforgettable journey deep into Aomori’s nature.
Hidden Gem Ponds: The Tsuta Seven Ponds and the “Numa Meguri no Komichi” Trail
Tsutanuma Pond does not exist alone; it is part of the “Tsuta Seven Ponds” (Tsuta Nana Numa) – it is the most widely known of the seven lakes formed by volcanic activity. These ponds are quietly scattered within the “Tsuta Wild Bird Forest” at the southern foot of Mt. Hakkoda, surrounded by dense, pristine beech forests (ブナ林 – Buna-rin).
Exploring the Seven Ponds: Ponds with Unique Charms
The Tsuta Seven Ponds include: Tsutanuma, Kagaminuma, Tsukinuma, Naganuma, Suganuma, Hyotan-numa, and the slightly more distant Akanuma. Each pond has its own unique appearance and charm, with water colors that are either clear or hold a mysterious hue, and the surrounding vegetation also varies.
Walking in the Forest: Strolling the “Numa Meguri no Komichi” Trail
To visit these beautiful ponds (except Akanuma) in one go, you can take a walk along the well-maintained “Numa Meguri no Komichi” (Numa Meguri no Komichi) trail.
- Route and Time: This circular trail is about 2.9 kilometers long and connects six ponds: Tsutanuma, Kagaminuma, Tsukinuma, Naganuma, Suganuma, and Hyotan-numa. The entire walk takes about 80 minutes.
- Nature Experience: The trail winds through the dense, pristine beech forest, allowing you to enjoy the rich natural ecosystem along the way, listen to the babbling stream and the crisp calls of birds (it’s also a famous spot for wild bird watching), and enjoy a refreshing forest bath.
- Location of Tsutanuma: Tsutanuma is the largest and most easily accessible pond on this trail, requiring only about a 10-15 minute walk from the trail entrance (next to Tsuta Onsen).
The Miraculous Spectacle “Asayake”: Tsutanuma’s Burning Moment
What made Tsutanuma instantly famous and attracts countless photographers from afar is precisely the miraculous scenery of the autumn-limited “Asayake” (朝焼け – morning glow).
Why Does Tsutanuma “Burn”?
- Limited Time: This phenomenon only occurs in the early morning at sunrise during the peak autumn foliage season (usually from mid to late October each year).
- Magic of Light and Color: When the first rays of morning sunlight cross the eastern mountains and shine directly on the broadleaf trees such as maples and Japanese maples on the mountainside in front of Tsutanuma, which have turned bright red or golden yellow, if the weather is clear and the water surface is calm, the autumn leaves dyed fiery red by the sunlight will be perfectly reflected on the clear surface of Tsutanuma, forming a spectacular scene like two “burning flames” both above and below.
- Brief Miracle: This “burning” moment is very brief. As the sun rises higher, the angle of light changes, and that intense fiery red feeling gradually fades. Therefore, capturing this moment requires timing, location, and favorable conditions.
How to Capture This Miraculous Moment?
- Best Time: The key time is around sunrise. You need to get up very early, even arriving at the observation deck before dawn to secure a spot.
- Location: There is a wooden observation platform by Tsutanuma pond, which is the main location for shooting and viewing.
- Weather Conditions: It must be a clear, cloudless, and windless day to see a clear and perfect reflection.
- Photography Gear: To capture the low light at sunrise and stable images, a tripod is almost essential. A wide-angle lens can capture the full scene, while a telephoto lens can capture the details of the autumn leaves.
Beauty of the Changing Seasons: Tsutanuma’s Charm Beyond Autumn Leaves
Although the autumn morning glow is the most striking, Tsutanuma also shows different serene beauty in other seasons.
Spring and Summer: Reflection of Fresh Green and Lush Vitality
- Emerald Reflection: In late spring and early summer (approximately late May to August), the beech trees sprout new green leaves, and the entire forest is full of vitality. The emerald green trees are reflected on the clear pond surface, presenting a refreshing scene completely different from autumn.
- Skunk Cabbage: In spring, you may have the chance to see cute skunk cabbage flowers along the trail.
- Summer Retreat: The climate around Tsutanuma in summer is cool, making it a great place for hiking, enjoying forest bathing, and escaping the summer heat.
Winter: A Silent White World
- Traffic Restrictions: In winter (approximately late November to mid-April of the following year), the road leading to Tsutanuma is closed due to snow, and general vehicles cannot enter.
- Snowshoe Hiking: If you wish to visit in winter, you may need to join a snowshoe hiking tour organized by the local tourism association or operators (if available). The Tsutanuma and beech forests covered in white snow present a silent and solemn white world, which has its own unique charm.
Planning Your Trip to Tsutanuma: Transportation, Booking, and Precautions
Since Tsutanuma is located in a remote area, and it is very crowded during the autumn foliage season, thorough planning beforehand is very important.
Getting to Tsutanuma: Transportation Methods Explained
- Driving (Most Common Method): The most convenient and almost the only way to get to Tsutanuma is by driving.
- Navigation Setting: It is recommended to set your navigation to “Tsuta Onsen” (Tsuta Onsen). The entrance to Tsutanuma is right next to the Tsuta Onsen Ryokan.
- From Major Cities: Driving from Aomori City or Hachinohe City via National Route 103 (Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line) takes about 90 minutes.
- Public Transportation (Infrequent Services):
- Take the JR Bus Tohoku “Mizuumi-go” (Aomori-Lake Towada route, seasonal operation, suspended in winter) and get off at the “Tsuta Onsen” bus stop. Services are very infrequent, so you must check the latest timetable of JR Bus Tohoku in advance.
- Accommodation Shuttle: If you stay at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, the ryokan usually provides free shuttle service from JR Aomori Station or Shichinohe-Towada Station (advance reservation required).
【Important!】Autumn Foliage Season Early Morning Entry Reservation System
Due to the explosive popularity of the Tsutanuma morning glow scenery, a large crowd flocks there every autumn foliage season morning, causing traffic congestion, environmental damage, and other problems. To protect the environment and maintain order, in recent years, during the peak autumn foliage period (usually specific dates in late October) in the early morning hours (approximately 5:00 AM – 7:30 AM), entry to the Tsutanuma observation platform and surrounding parking lots requires advance application through an online reservation system and payment of a cooperation fee.
- How to Book: You need to make an online reservation through the designated reservation website (e.g., Peatix). Reservations usually open in September or early October, are on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited capacity, and are highly competitive.
- Fee: Includes the observation platform entry fee and parking fee (if driving). Please refer to the current year’s announcement for the fee (e.g., observation deck entry 2000 JPY/person, parking 2000 JPY/car).
- Daytime Hours: After the early morning restricted hours, entering Tsutanuma during the daytime usually does not require a reservation, but parking is limited, and if full, you may need to wait or visit at a different time.
- Always Check for Latest Information: The implementation period, time, fees, and booking method for this reservation system may change every year. If you plan to visit in the early morning during the autumn foliage season, you must, must, must closely check the latest announcements issued by the Towada Lake Area Traffic Congestion Countermeasure Council website or the Tsuta Onsen official website several months beforehand.
Suggested Clothing and Items to Bring
- Shoes: You need to walk on the “Numa Meguri no Komichi” trail, so please wear comfortable, non-slip hiking shoes or athletic shoes.
- Clothing: The weather in the mountains is changeable, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. The temperature in the early morning during the autumn foliage season is very low (possibly near freezing), so be sure to wear sufficiently warm clothing (down jacket, wool hat, gloves, etc.). Layered clothing is recommended.
- Rain Gear: Be prepared for rain at any time.
- Photography Gear: If you plan to photograph the morning glow, a tripod, spare batteries, lens cleaning cloth, etc., are essential.
- Bear Bell: When entering forest areas, it is recommended to carry a bear bell for safety.
- Others: Drinking water, snacks, insect repellent (in summer).
Conclusion
Tsutanuma Pond, this tranquil pond hidden within the pristine beech forests of Aomori Prefecture, with its short but stunning “Asayake” spectacle in the early autumn morning, has become a dreamlike destination sought after by countless travelers. The reflection of the autumn leaves burning like flames is the most exquisite visual feast bestowed by nature. However, the charm of Tsutanuma extends beyond this; the fresh greenery in spring and summer, the winter snowscape (if accessible), and the serene trails around the Tsuta Seven Ponds all make this a hidden gem where you can experience the beauty of nature throughout the year. Although it is not easy to get there, especially in the early morning during the autumn foliage season when advance reservation and planning are required, when you stand by the pond and witness that miraculous color, all your efforts will turn into deep emotion and admiration. Pack your bags and bring your sense of awe, and come to Tsutanuma Pond to find that burning scenery!
Were you also struck by the beauty of Tsutanuma’s “Asayake”? In which season do you plan to visit this hidden gem in Aomori? If you found this guide helpful for planning your trip, please share it with friends who also love natural beauty!
