Gero Onsen in Autumn

Maples blaze in the city's Ujo Park

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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A small waterfall sits at the northern end of Ujo Park

A red bridge is a colorful highlight in a stroll of Ujo Park

The banks of the stream are a riot of color in the autumn

Dozens of maples line the park's paths

Mid to late November is the best time to catch the foliage at its peak

Several pavilions line the route, meaning you can plan a picnic for under the foliage

A red maple hangs over the stream at Ujo Park

The train from Nagoya to Takayama runs right by the hot springs town of Gero Onsen, though most travelers never disembark. In autumn, however, it seems almost criminal to miss the stunning display of fall foliage that surrounds this town in Japan's central mountains. Perhaps the best place to observe the changing colors is Ujo Park, where easy walking paths following a terraced stream up into the hills. Benches and pavilions make this the perfect picnic spot and the area is remarkably quiet on weekdays. For the best foliage, aim to be in town from mid to late November. As off-the-radar as Gero Onsen is, don't expect much in the way of crowds, meaning you can enjoy the beauty in relative peace.