Complete Guide to Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple (Nagano Prefecture) | Thorough Explanation of Best Viewing Season, Access, and Photography Tips
The “Seven-Color Great Maple” standing majestically on Oomine Plateau in Ikeda Town, Kita-Azumi District, Nagano Prefecture, is known as a miraculous ancient tree with an age exceeding 250 years. This giant tree standing at an elevation of 1,000m on a highland displays beautiful autumn foliage that changes from green to yellow, orange, and red in seven colors, earning it the name “Seven-Color Great Maple.” From mid-October to early November each year, it attracts numerous tourists and photography enthusiasts as one of Nagano Prefecture’s premier autumn foliage destinations.
This article comprehensively provides information you should know before visiting, from the charm of Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple, the optimal visiting season, access methods, photography tips, to nearby tourist attractions.
Seven-Color Great Maple | History and Characteristics of the Miraculous Ancient Tree
A Giant Tree of Overwhelming Scale
The Seven-Color Great Maple boasts an imposing scale with a height of approximately 11m, branch diameter of approximately 15m, and a root circumference of 3.25m. Compared to humans, you can truly feel how overwhelmingly large it is. The branches extending in all directions create a beautiful silhouette like an artwork created by nature.
An Ancient Tree Living Through the History of Pioneer Settlement
Shortly after the end of World War II, pioneer settlers moved into Oomine Plateau. In an effort to overcome food shortages and produce as many agricultural products as possible, the pioneer settlers chose to preserve this great maple when clearing the land. Since then, this tree has continued to live through the history of Oomine Plateau and has been carefully protected as a symbol of the region.
Why “Seven Colors”?
The Seven-Color Great Maple begins to display vibrant green leaves in spring, but as autumn arrives, each individual leaf gradually changes from green to yellow, orange, and red colors. This color change does not happen all at once but progresses gradually over approximately one month, creating a mystical sight where green, yellow, orange, red, and various other colors exist simultaneously within a single tree. This is truly a color art created by nature, worthy of the name “Seven Colors.”
Autumn Foliage Viewing Season and Color Changes
Seven-Color Great Maple’s Autumn Foliage Season
The autumn foliage of Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple typically begins to color in early October. The most beautiful “Seven-Color” state can be seen during mid-October to early November, when this period attracts the most tourists.
- Early October: Beginning of coloring, a period where the contrast between green and yellow is beautiful
- Mid-October: Peak of seven colors, the most vibrant period with various colors mixed together
- Late October to Early November: Autumn foliage dominated by red and orange tones with depth
- Mid-November: Fall foliage advances, late season
Enjoying the Color Changes Day by Day
The greatest charm of the Seven-Color Great Maple is the ability to enjoy the day-by-day changes in color. By visiting multiple times during the season rather than just once, you can see different appearances. The way colors appear changes with the time of day—morning light, bright daytime sunlight, and soft evening light—so there are always new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
Fluctuations in Viewing Season Due to Weather Conditions
The peak foliage viewing season varies depending on the year’s temperature and precipitation and other weather conditions. Particularly, the temperature from late September to early October significantly impacts the progression of autumn foliage. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the latest foliage information on the official website of Ikeda Town Tourism Association and social media.
Access Methods | How to Get There by Car, Train, or Taxi
Access by Car
Car access is the most convenient.
From Tokyo
- Approximately 30 minutes from Azumino IC on the Chuo Expressway (approximately 20km)
- To Oomine Plateau via Prefectural Road 51 and National Road 147 from Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway
From Nagoya
- Approximately 30 minutes from Azumino IC on the Chuo Expressway
Parking Information
- Temporary parking areas are prepared during the autumn foliage season
- Parking capacity: Approximately 150 spaces
- Parking fee: Approximately 500 yen as a cooperation fee (varies by year)
- The lot may become full during peak times, so early morning visits are recommended
Access by Train and Bus
Public transportation access is limited, but the following options are available.
Using JR Ōito Line
- Get off at “Shinano-Matsukawa Station” or “Ikeda Station” on the JR Ōito Line
- Approximately 20-25 minutes by taxi from the station (approximately 3,000-4,000 yen)
Taxi Usage Tips
- Pre-reservation is recommended during the autumn foliage season
- It is also wise to arrange return taxi in advance
- Contact local taxi companies, as they may offer sightseeing taxi plans
Time Periods with Expected Congestion
During the peak foliage viewing season, especially on weekends and holidays, many tourists cause congestion.
Congested Time Periods
- 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Most crowded
- Weekends and holidays: 2-3 times more visitors than weekdays
Recommended Visiting Times
- Early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM): Fewer people, opportunity to see morning mist or sea of clouds
- Weekday mornings: Relatively quiet
- Dusk (4:00 PM onward): Soft light provides beautiful photographs
Photography Tips and Best Spots
Points for Photographing the Seven-Color Great Maple Beautifully
1. Choose the Time of Day
- Early morning: Fantastical appearance floating in morning mist
- Morning: Front-lit with vivid colors
- Dusk: Backlighting makes leaves glow and shine through
2. Work on Your Angle
- Wide-angle shooting capturing the entire tree
- Telephoto shooting capturing branch details and leaf color changes
- Upward angle emphasizing contrast with sky
- Including people to express scale
3. Composition Variations
- Classic composition with the great maple at the center
- Expansive composition including surrounding landscape
- Grand composition with the Northern Alps as background
Opportunity for Sea of Clouds Photography
If weather conditions align, you can see a mystical sea of clouds in the early morning. Conditions favorable for sea of clouds occurrence are as follows:
- Previous day was rainy with clear current day
- Large temperature difference between morning and night
- Weak wind
- High humidity
When targeting a sea of clouds, visiting around sunrise, between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, is recommended.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Facilities to Visit
Facilities Accessible from Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple
1. Takagari Mountain (Takagari-yama)
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Seven-Color Great Maple
- Observation platform at 1,164m elevation overlooking the Northern Alps and Azumino Plain
- Popular as a night view spot
- Enjoy spectacular views of both foliage and the Northern Alps simultaneously
2. Omachi Alpine Museum Attached Garden
- Approximately 25 minutes by car from the Seven-Color Great Maple
- Museum where you can learn about the nature of the Northern Alps and mountaineering history
- In the attached garden, observe alpine animals including Japanese serows and ptarmigans
- Admission: Adults 450 yen, High school students 350 yen, Elementary/middle school students 200 yen
3. Ikeda Town Herb Center
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from the Seven-Color Great Maple
- Herb garden and shop with cafe combined
- Purchase locally produced herb products and souvenirs
Nearby Autumn Foliage Spots from Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple
Prefectural Natural Park Sakikiri Gorge (Sakikirikyō) Autumn Foliage
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from the Seven-Color Great Maple
- Collaboration of gorge beauty and autumn foliage along the Takase River flowing through Omachi City
- Best viewing: Late October to early November
- Hiking trails are well-maintained allowing leisurely gorge-side walks
Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino City
- Approximately 40 minutes by car from the Seven-Color Great Maple
- Japan’s largest wasabi farm
- Beautiful scenery of clear streams and water wheels
- Wasabi soft serve ice cream and other gourmet offerings are popular
Events and Facility Information During the Autumn Foliage Period
Tourist Information Centers and Vendor Information
During the autumn foliage season (mid-October to early November), the following facilities are set up around the parking area.
Tourist Information Center
- Information on foliage viewing season and nearby tourism
- Pamphlet distribution
- Restroom access
Food and Beverage Booths
- Local cuisine and light meals
- Okaki, goheimochi, pork soup and other warm menu items
- Shinshu soba, mountain vegetable dishes, etc.
Local Vegetable and Specialty Product Sales
- Fresh highland vegetables
- Apples, grapes and other fruits
- Locally produced jams and pickles
- Herb products and craft goods
Business Hours and Fees
Viewing Hours
- Generally free to view 24 hours
- However, parking lots and shops operate only during the autumn foliage season
- Operating hours: Approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until sunset)
Admission Fee
- Free viewing
- Parking lot cooperation fee: Approximately 500 yen (varies by year)
Period
- Facilities operate only during the autumn foliage season (mid-October to early November)
- Generally closed no days during the period
Precautions and Items to Bring When Visiting
Clothing and Items to Bring
The highland at 1,000m elevation is cooler than lower elevations.
Clothing
- Average temperature mid-October to early November: 5-15 degrees
- Warm clothing is essential, especially in early morning and evening
- Layered clothing is recommended
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or light hiking boots)
Items to Bring Checklist
- Camera/smartphone (including chargers)
- Warm clothing (fleece, down jacket, etc.)
- Rain gear (collapsible umbrella or raincoat)
- Beverages and light snacks
- Binoculars (also useful for bird watching)
- Tripod (if taking photographs)
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits: Significantly quieter compared to weekends
- Early morning visits: Before 8:00 AM, relatively quiet with morning mist expected
- Avoid peak viewing periods: Early October and early November are quieter than mid-October
Etiquette and Precautions
- Be careful not to step on tree roots
- Always take trash with you
- Do not break branches or pick leaves
- Show consideration to other tourists (avoid prolonged spot-taking and loud conversations)
- Drone photography requires prior confirmation
Charm of the Oomine Plateau Area
Views of the Northern Alps
On clear days, you can see the majestic mountain range of the Northern Alps from Oomine Plateau. In particular, the scenery of famous peaks including Mt. Yari, Hotaka Mountain Range, and Mt. Jonen lined up is spectacular. The combination of the Seven-Color Great Maple’s autumn foliage and the Northern Alps is truly a spectacular view unique to Nagano Prefecture.
Different Faces Throughout the Seasons
The Seven-Color Great Maple displays different faces throughout all four seasons, not just during the autumn foliage season.
- Spring (May): Bright green new foliage is beautiful
- Summer (June-August): Deep green leaves create cool shade
- Autumn (October-November): Seven-color autumn foliage is the main highlight
- Winter (December-March): Powerful appearance standing in snowy landscape
Filming Location for NHK Asadora “Ohisama”
Also known as the filming location for NHK’s serialized morning drama “Ohisama,” it attracts many drama fans. This place, which appeared in important scenes in the story, continues to be loved by many people along with memories of the drama.
Touring Nagano Prefecture’s Autumn Foliage Spots
Characteristics of Autumn Foliage in the Koshinetsu Region
The Koshinetsu region, including Nagano Prefecture, has large elevation differences, allowing enjoyment of autumn foliage for an extended period from late September to late November. The characteristic feature is being able to see different autumn foliage appearances at various elevations from high mountains to rural areas.
Nagano Prefecture’s Autumn Foliage Spots to Visit Along with Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple
Kamikochi (Matsumoto City)
- Best viewing: Mid to late October
- Mountain resort at 1,500m elevation
- Collaboration of Hotaka Mountain Range and autumn foliage
Shirakomanoike Pond (Sakuho Town)
- Best viewing: Late September to early October
- Mystical lake at 2,100m elevation
- Beautiful moss forest and autumn foliage
Tsugaike Nature Garden (Otari Village)
- Best viewing: Late September to early October
- Alpine plants of the Northern Alps and autumn foliage
- Access by ropeway
Summary | Before Visiting Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple
Oomine Plateau’s Seven-Color Great Maple, known as a miraculous ancient tree exceeding 250 years in age, is one of Nagano Prefecture’s representative autumn foliage destinations. The mystical sight of a single tree changing into seven colors is an unforgettable emotional experience once witnessed.
The best timing for a visit is mid-October to early November, particularly on weekday early mornings. You have the chance to avoid crowds and encounter fantastical scenery surrounded by morning mist and sea of clouds.
Car access is most convenient, but if using public transportation, do not forget to pre-reserve your taxi. The highland at 1,000m elevation is cooler than lower areas, so prepare adequate warm clothing.
Nearby are attractive tourist spots including Takagari Mountain, Omachi Alpine Museum Attached Garden, and Sakikiri Gorge. Centering on the Seven-Color Great Maple, fully enjoy the autumn charm of the Azumino area at the base of the Northern Alps.
Before visiting, check the latest foliage information on the Ikeda Town Tourism Association’s official website and prepare your camera thoroughly. Fully savor the spectacular autumn foliage that Nagano Prefecture boasts. The colors that the Seven-Color Great Maple weaves will surely become a deep memory etched in your heart.
