One of Japan’s Most Photogenic Fall Spots Is Limiting Visitors Again in 2026

Why Is Access to Tsutanuma Pond Being Restricted?

Located around a 10-minute walk from Tsuta Onsen, Tsutanuma Pond is surrounded by a natural beech forest and offers beautiful scenery throughout the year.

Autumn, however, is on another level. Under the right weather conditions, the changing leaves glow in the early morning light and reflect across the water, creating the celebrated Tsutanuma sunrise scene.

Its popularity has also brought problems. Large crowds during peak foliage season have contributed to congestion, illegal roadside parking, damage to local vegetation, and overcrowding around the Tsutanuma observation deck.

To help protect the environment and ease traffic, visitor numbers will once again be controlled during the peak autumn period in 2026.

Want to See Tsutanuma Pond at Sunrise? Book in Advance

The biggest restriction applies during the early morning, when photographers and visitors gather in hopes of seeing the famous sunrise colors.

Early-morning restricted period
・October 23 to November 3, 2026, 5 AM–7:30 AM
Entry to the Tsutanuma Pond observation deck during this period requires an advance reservation, with visitor numbers limited each morning.

Environmental and congestion reduction fee
・2,000 yen per person
・Car: Additional 2,000 yen per vehicle
・Motorcycle: Additional 1,000 yen per vehicle
Reservations and payment must be completed online. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and close at 10 AM on the day before your visit. If a date sells out, spaces may become available again if other visitors cancel.

Visit the reservation site (in Japanese).

Important Rules for Early-Morning Visitors

There are several additional restrictions to keep in mind before booking.
・Each reservation may include up to eight people and one car or motorcycle. Group bookings are not accepted.
・Only standard passenger cars, compact passenger cars, and kei cars are permitted. Vehicles longer than 6 meters are not allowed.
・The area opens at 4:50 AM. Entry is prohibited between 8 PM the previous evening and 4:50 AM on the day of your visit.
・Parking during that overnight period is limited to guests staying at Tsuta Onsen.
・Travelers staying at Tsuta Onsen during the restriction period should contact their accommodation directly regarding access.

Visitors who have already booked can also check additional guidance provided by Towada City here (in Japanese).

Visiting During the Day? No Reservation, but Drivers Pay a Fee

If waking up before sunrise is not part of your vacation plans, Tsutanuma Pond can also be visited during the daytime.

Daytime restriction period
・October 23 to November 3, 2026, 7:30 AM–4 PM
Advance reservations are not required during these hours. However, vehicles entering the area must pay an environmental conservation and congestion reduction fee.

Daytime vehicle fees
・Car: 2,000 yen per vehicle
・Motorcycle: 1,000 yen per vehicle
・Bus: 10,000 yen per vehicle
Payment is available on-site in cash only. Parking is not guaranteed. If the parking area is full, visitors may be asked to leave and return later.

Buses are also unable to park in the area. After passengers disembark and the fee is paid, buses must leave the site.

Consider a Guided Autumn Tour

With traffic restrictions, parking limits, and heavy congestion expected around Tsutanuma Pond during peak foliage, joining a guided tour can be one of the easiest ways to visit.

Instead of worrying about driving, parking, or navigating busy roads, you can leave the logistics to someone else and focus on the scenery. Tours that include Tsutanuma Pond or the surrounding Oirase and Towada area can be especially convenient for travelers unfamiliar with rural Aomori, and may also make it easier to combine several autumn highlights in one day.

If you are visiting during the busiest fall-color period, it is worth checking available tours in advance, as popular dates may fill quickly.

Driving Between Aomori City and Oirase Gorge? Consider the Detour

Even travelers who are not stopping at Tsutanuma Pond should be aware of possible congestion.

During the fall foliage season, heavy traffic is expected along sections of National Route 103 leading toward Tsutanuma. Travelers driving between Aomori City and Oirase Gorge may find it more convenient to use the Towada municipal Yunodai Kogen Line as an alternate route.

Tsutanuma Pond remains one of Aomori’s most memorable autumn landscapes, but visiting during peak foliage now requires a little more planning.

For the famous early-morning view, reserve and pay online before 10 AM on the day before your visit. Daytime visitors do not need reservations, although motorists should bring cash for the vehicle fee and be prepared for parking congestion.

Most importantly, these measures are designed to protect the beech forest and surrounding environment so that Tsutanuma’s brilliant autumn scenery can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.