Located south of Mt. Tsurugi, Kōnosekyō canyon is so famous for its beautiful autumn colors that it has been chosen as one of the top “100 best places in Japan to see autumn colors”. Once, it even took 1st place among the “100 best sightseeing spots in Tokushima”!

A rest house and a huge parking area are located near the entrance of the valley.

Allowing visitors to enjoy picnics while viewing the beautiful autumn colors, there are wooden benches and tables near the parking area.

The best viewing point, however, is down a path from the parking area through the forest to an observation deck.

Featuring strange rocks and precipices, the V-shaped valley is situated between mountains that are over 1700 m high. The view of the autumn colors that “dye” the valley is magnificent. Reds, oranges, yellows, and greens … colorful autumn foliage fills up the steep valley.

You’ll be left speechless in admiration of the gorgeous view!

As the observation deck is relatively unknown, very few people visit even though the scenery on the easy walk to the deck is breathtaking!

Along with Kōnosekyō, another place I recommend visiting is “Befukyō”.

Located only 5km west (as the crow flies) from Tōnosekyō, Befukyō is another canyon that has been chosen as one of the top “100 best places in Japan to see autumn colors”.

As a prefectural border runs through these mountains, Befukyō belongs to Kōchi Prefecture. (It takes about 30 minutes by car from Kōnosekyō.)

This is the only place in Japan where 2 spots on the country’s “100 best for autumn color viewing” list are to found such a short distance apart.

A symbol of the canyon, Befukyō has a red suspension bridge near its entrance. There is also a big parking area and a promenade along the canyon.

While the view at Kōnosekyō is wide, by contrast, Befukyō feels like both precipitous cliffs are coming towards you.

Oh, by the way, during the autumn foliage season, “Rest House Taira no Sato” is open. You can enjoy delicious dishes such as hand-kneaded Soba noodles, Udon, and Oden.

Behind the rest house is one of the best viewing spots – please take a walk there!

The most beautiful autumn foliage in Shikoku dyes the V-shape canyon of Kōnosekyō, and just across the border the stunning Befukyō is to be found. This is a great area where Shikoku’s famous autumn color viewing spots are lined up side by side!

This autumn, would you like to see THE best autumn foliage?

Kōnosekyō:

Location: Kitōkitagawa, Naka-chō, Naka-gun, Tokushima

Website (English): http://www.topia.ne.jp/english/tourism/s-a01.html

Befukyō:

Location: Befu, Monobe-chō, Kami-shi, Kochi

Website (Japanese): http://www.city.kami.kochi.jp/map/befukyo.html

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka