5 Best Autumn Leaves Spots in Hokkaido: Japan's Earliest Fall Foliage

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Want to catch the first autumn foliage in Japan? Hokkaido — the country's northernmost prefecture — is the first region to welcome fall every year. With its vast wilderness and multiple national parks, it's the perfect place to hunt for brilliant autumn leaves. Here are five standout spots to add to your itinerary this season.

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1. Mt. Asahi / Asahidake (旭岳)

At 2,290 meters, Mt. Asahi is Hokkaido's highest peak and part of the Daisetsu-zan mountain range. It's usually the very first place in Japan to show autumn color — often from mid-September while the rest of the country is still in summer. Several hiking trails offer spectacular viewpoints.

Best time: mid to late September

2. Jozankei (定山渓)

A famous onsen town in southern Sapporo, about an hour from the city center and a popular day-trip destination. Alongside its hot springs, Jozankei is known for its beautiful valley scenery, especially in autumn, with riverside walking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Best time: early to mid October

3. Onneto Lake (オンネトー)

Onneto is a freshwater lake within Akan National Park in eastern Hokkaido, often called the "Five-Coloured Lake" for the way its hues shift with weather and season. The striking contrast of the blue water against colorful autumn leaves can be enjoyed from early to mid October, with a 4 km lakeside walking trail.

Best time: early to mid October

4. Blue Pond (青い池)

The iconic Blue Pond in central Hokkaido is worth visiting year-round, but autumn brings a stunning contrast of deep-blue water, white birch trunks and golden leaves. Nearby Biei Town also offers gorgeous autumn scenery of rolling hills and vast fields.

Best time: late September to early October

5. Hiraoka Jugei Center (平岡樹芸センター)

A botanical garden in Sapporo spanning 2.9 hectares, where thousands of plants flourish throughout the year. It's hugely popular in autumn for its more than 700 maples and a spectacular 150-meter arcade lined with bright red Japanese maple trees.

Best time: autumn (peak foliage season)

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