Hokkaido Autumn Foliage Guide: 10 Best Places

Autumn in Hokkaido offers a distinctly different seasonal spectacle compared to the rest of Japan. Beginning as early as September in the high mountains and gradually moving south toward Sapporo and Hakodate through November, the autumn foliage front spans roughly two months. Travellers can time their journeys to catch peak autumn colours alongside local hot springs, seasonal illuminations, and regional cuisine.

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1. Asahidake (Daisetsuzan)

As the highest peak in Hokkaido, Asahidake is famous for experiencing the earliest autumn foliage in Japan. Taking the ropeway straight up to Sugatami Station at an elevation of approximately 1,600 metres reveals a landscape painted with crimson Erman's birch, golden dwarf stone pine, and alpine azaleas. The sight of the coloured foliage and volcanic smoke reflecting in Sugatami Pond is a uniquely northern view.

* Best viewing forecast: Mid to late September

* Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District (Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway)

* Opening hours: Ropeway hours vary by season (approximately 6:30 to 17:30 during the foliage period)

* Ropeway round-trip fare: Adults 3,500 yen, children 1,750 yen (June 1 to October 31); Adults 2,800 yen, children 1,750 yen (November 1 to May 31)

* Official website: https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/

2. Sounkyo and Mount Kurodake

Located within the heart of Daisetsuzan, Sounkyo features a striking gorge defined by 200-metre-high columnar jointed cliffs stretching for roughly 24 kilometres. Connecting the Kurodake Ropeway and lift allows visitors to overlook mountain slopes painted in vibrant reds and yellows from the air. The contrast between the sheer rock walls and the autumn leaves provides a striking alpine panorama.

* Best viewing forecast: Mid to late September for high elevations like Kurodake; late September to mid-October for the gorge

* Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District (Kurodake Ropeway)

* Kurodake Ropeway opening hours: 6:00 to 18:00 (varies by season)

* Kurodake Ropeway fare: Round-trip approximately 3,000 yen for adults (junior high school students and above), 1,500 yen for children (lift requires a separate fee)

* Official website: https://sounkyo.net/

3. Lake Onneto

Positioned within Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido, Lake Onneto is a mystical body of water also known as "Goshikinuma" (Five-Colour Swamp) because its surface colour shifts depending on the weather, viewing angle, and season. In autumn, the surrounding virgin forest turns red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the blue lake and the backdrop of Mount Meakan and Mount Akan Fuji.

* Best viewing forecast: Late September to mid-October

* Address: Moashoro, Ashoro, Ashoro District (Onneto Observation Deck)

* Opening hours: Open 24 hours for strolls

* Fee: Free

* Official website (Ashoro Tourism Association): https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/spot/onneto_area/index.html

4. Lake Shikotsu

Renowned for having some of the clearest water in Japan, Lake Shikotsu sits within easy reach of New Chitose Airport, making it a popular destination for day trips. Painted maples, mountain maples, and rowan trees decorate the lakeshore, casting vivid autumn reflections across the clear water. Visitors can also view the foliage from sightseeing boats or underwater tourist boats.

* Best viewing forecast: Early to mid-October

* Address: Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose

* Opening hours: Open freely for walking (sightseeing boats and facilities operate according to individual business hours)

* Fee: Free (sightseeing boats and other services require separate fees)

* Official website: https://lake-shikotsu.jp/enjoy.html

5. Jozankei and Toyohira Gorge Dam

Toyohira Gorge Dam stands out as one of Hokkaido's premier autumn foliage locations, where maples and rowan trees dye the steep gorge in vibrant red hues. The surrounding hot spring town also features walking trails like Futami Suspension Bridge and Kappa-buchi. During the foliage season, overnight guests can enjoy the Jozankei Nature Luminarie night illumination, alongside the autumn gondola at the nearby Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.

* Best viewing forecast: Late September to mid-October

* Address: Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo (Toyohira Gorge Dam)

* Opening hours: Electric buses provide access inside the Toyohira Gorge Dam gate from 8:45 to 16:00 (last inbound bus at 15:30)

* Fee: Free (Toyohira Gorge Dam electric bus round-trip during the foliage period costs 1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for children)

* Official website (Jozankei Tourism Association): https://jozankei.jp/

6. Lake Toya

Popular as a hot spring destination, Lake Toya transforms in autumn as the lakeshore is framed by changing foliage. Visitors can walk through tunnels of red and yellow trees along the Nakajima island floating in the lake or the Takarada Nature Observation Trail. Silo Observatory on the opposite shore from the hot spring district offers panoramic vistas of the autumn-wrapped lake.

* Best viewing forecast: Mid to late October

* Address: Toyako Onsen, Toyako, Abuta District

* Opening hours: Open freely for walking (sightseeing boats and observation deck operate according to individual hours)

* Fee: Free (sightseeing boats and other facilities require separate fees)

* Official website: https://www.laketoya.com/

7. Nakajima Park

Situated in central Sapporo with direct subway access, Nakajima Park is an urban autumn viewing spot. The Japanese garden inside the park displays a fine gradient of red, orange, yellow, and green, while Shobu Pond mirrors the overhead colours. The location hosts a temporary autumn illumination event highlighting the pond and Japanese garden.

* Best viewing forecast: Mid-October to early November

* Address: Nakajima Park, Chuo Ward, Sapporo (Directly accessible via Nakajima-Koen Station on the Subway Nanboku Line)

* Opening hours: Open freely for park entry (Japanese garden is open seasonally from 9:00 to 17:00)

* Fee: Free park entry (the Japanese garden may charge an admission fee during the foliage illumination period)

* Official website: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/

8. Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue

Located a short 15-minute walk from Sapporo Station along North 13th Street on the Hokkaido University campus, this 380-metre ginkgo avenue forms a beloved golden destination. Roughly 70 ginkgo trees create a golden canopy overhead and a yellow carpet underfoot. The student-organised Konyou-sai festival aligns with the peak viewing window, featuring evening illuminations from 18:00 and food stalls.

* Best viewing forecast: Late October to early November

* Address: Kita 13-jo Nishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo (Near the North 13th Gate of Hokkaido University campus)

* Opening hours: Open freely for viewing

* Fee: Free

* Official website: https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/

9. Koshoen and Mihาระ Park

Koshoen in Hakodate is designated as a national scenic spot and stands as the only garden of its kind in Hokkaido. A 100-metre maple avenue inside the grounds transforms into a crimson tunnel as the maples change colour sequentially. As one of the latest areas in Hokkaido to experience autumn foliage, it allows visitors to enjoy the season well into its final stages, accompanied by the Hakodate MOMI-G Festa evening light-up.

* Best viewing forecast: Late October to early November

* Address: 56 Miharahama, Hakodate (Inside Mihara Park)

* Opening hours: Open freely for park entry

* Fee: Free

* Official website: https://www.hakobura.jp/spots/354

10. Onuma Quasi-National Park

Located near Hakodate in Nanae, Onuma Quasi-National Park pairs the active volcano Mount Komagatake with the lakes and autumn leaves of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore walking paths connecting small islands or take sightseeing boats and rental boats. Accessible on foot from JR Onuma-Koen Station, the park delivers expansive water and mountain views.

* Best viewing forecast: Late October to early November

* Address: Onumacho, Nanae, Kameda District

* Opening hours: Open freely for walking (sightseeing boats and rental boats operate according to individual hours)

* Fee: Free (sightseeing boats cost 1,460 yen for adults, 730 yen for children)

* Official website: http://onumakouen.com/

Practical Tips

* Timing Your Trip: Hokkaido's autumn foliage moves from the mountains in mid-September down to major cities like Sapporo and Hakodate by early November. Check individual forecasts before finalising travel dates.

* Transport: While many spots are accessible via public transit or ropeways, renting a car offers added flexibility for reaching lakes and mountain gorges.

* Evening Events: Several locations feature seasonal evening light-ups during peak viewing periods, offering a different perspective from daytime strolls.

Source

https://www.funliday.com/posts/hokkaido-kouyou-spot/