[3-Day Autumn Weekend] Must-Visit Destinations in Japan This September – Avoid the Crowds!

Introducing recommended spots around Japan where you can avoid the “Three Cs” (closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings). In September 2021, there’s a three-day weekend! For those planning sightseeing over this long weekend, we recommend spots where you can fully observe infection‑control measures while steering clear of dense crowds and indoor areas—places where you can enjoy the superb natural scenery that heralds the arrival of autumn.

Note that this September’s holiday isn’t the full Silver Week, but only a three‑day weekend from September 18 to 20. There’s also a holiday on Thursday the 23rd; if you take Tuesday and Wednesday off, you could enjoy a six‑day break. Whether you’re traveling overnight or just taking a day trip, we’ve listed recommended sightseeing spots—please use this as a reference. Almost all the spots featured here are best reached by car. We also recommend SkyTicket car rentals.

[Aomori Prefecture] Ōirase Gorge

Located within Towada‑Hachimantai National Park in central Aomori, Ōirase Gorge offers expansive nature and plenty of room to avoid crowds.

A well‑maintained walking trail follows the 14 km watercourse starting from Lake Towada—perfect for a long, refreshing hike.

Because the park’s interior is vast, reaching the site and hiking the gorge takes considerable time. It’s challenging to fit into a day trip, but the stunning scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

[Iwate Prefecture] Genbikei Gorge & Hiraizumi

Another “Three‑Avoidance” spot: Genbikei Gorge. A spectacular ravine designated both one of Japan’s Top 100 Views and a Natural Monument.

The nearest station is Ichinoseki (served by the shinkansen), and with a rental car you can reach Genbikei quickly, making a day trip feasible. Renting a car also simplifies local travel, so it’s recommended if you arrive by train.

Next to Ichinoseki lies Hiraizumi, a medieval Tōhoku capital that flourished under the Fujiwara clan from the mid‑Heian era. Its legacy remains in numerous sites, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Don’t miss Chūson‑ji’s Golden Hall—with its seven types of precious stones, it’s a must‑see historical treasure.

[Tochigi Prefecture] Oshiraji Falls

Located north of the famous Nikko in northern Tochigi, Oshiraji Falls sits along Prefectural Route 58.

The road to the top is a mountain pass—best approached by car, which also lowers infection risk. However, Route 58 is notorious as a “kudō” (difficult road), so drive carefully.

From the small parking area (space for about five cars), it’s a 5‑minute walk to the falls. There are no onsite facilities aside from parking, but the vibrant blue plunge pool makes the strenuous drive worthwhile. To avoid crowds, plan to arrive after 3 PM.

[Gunma Prefecture] Lake Nozori

Nestled in western Gunma near lush Nagano mountains, Lake Nozori is best reached by car via Route 405. Note that, as of September 2021, a section of Route 405 on the Niigata side remains unconnected—plan your route accordingly.

Surrounded by two‑thousand‑meter peaks, this highland reservoir and its adjacent wetlands and meadows boast over 300 alpine plant species in early autumn. A popular camping spot, it’s perfect for “Three‑Avoidance” outdoor fun.

Avoid visiting during heavy‑snow months, when weather conditions can be severe.

Lake Nozori lies within the Jōshin’etsu Kōgen National Park’s special zone at over 1,500 m elevation.

[Nara Prefecture] Ruins of Hon‑Yakushi‑ji Temple

Next is a spot where you can enjoy September scenery while avoiding crowds: the Ruins of Hon‑Yakushi‑ji Temple. This archaeological park in Nara Prefecture was the predecessor to the present Yakushi‑ji in Nara City.

Unlike many surviving Kyoto and Nara monuments, few structures remain here, giving the site a more natural‑park feel.

You’ll find foundation stones for the main hall and pagoda that mark where the temple once stood. From late August through late September, the site is adorned with blooming water hyacinths—peaking perfectly over the three‑day weekend.

[Hyōgo Prefecture] Takeda Castle Ruins

Next up: the “Japanese Machu Picchu,” Takeda Castle Ruins.
Perched in central Hyōgo Prefecture, this mid‑Muromachi–era fortress’s precise founding date is unknown, though tradition places it before the Sengoku period.

Nicknamed “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” the ruins sit atop a mist‑shrouded mountain—much like the Peruvian site.

Reachable by train or car, it’s an ideal spot for viewing dramatic landscapes while minimizing infection risk.

[Kōchi Prefecture] Monet’s Garden Marmottan

Located in southeastern Kōchi Prefecture near the Niyodo Interchange, Monet’s Garden Marmottan is easily reached by car, reducing travel‑related infection risk.

Modeled on Claude Monet’s Giverny garden—famous from works like “Water Lilies”—this sprawling estate is divided into three zones, each evoking Monet’s artistic world. Depending on the season, you can see scenes reminiscent of his paintings, including water lilies in bloom.

The garden is divided into three zones, each one unfolding Monet’s world. The grounds are quite extensive for a garden, allowing even those who wish to stroll at leisure to enjoy a truly high‑quality experience. Please fully immerse yourself in this world of Western masterpieces.

[Fukuoka Prefecture] Hoshino Village

A recommended spot in Kyushu: Hoshino Village in southern Fukuoka Prefecture. This mountain village is far from crowded downtown areas, and traveling by personal car or rental keeps infection risk low.

You’ll need a car even within the village, so you can maintain social distancing throughout your trip.

Hoshino Village’s highlights include Kyushu’s largest radio telescope and terraced rice‑field observatories. From vantage points like the Hirouchi/Uehara lookout, you can admire stone‑built rice terraces amid vast natural scenery—and you’re likely to discover your own favorite view just by driving around.

◎Summary

We’ve carefully selected spots where you can enjoy sightseeing and scenery over September’s three‑day weekend while avoiding crowds. With infections still a concern, it’s best to steer clear of busy urban areas and public transportation. The best way to safely enjoy autumn’s seasonal beauty is outdoors in expansive natural settings.

Most of these destinations are most easily reached by private car—still, be sure to practice thorough infection‑control measures before heading out. Have a safe and rewarding three‑day weekend!

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[3-Day Autumn Weekend] Must-Visit Destinations in Japan This September – Avoid the Crowds!