1
Sounkyo

A scenic spot to savor the autumn leaves of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, the earliest in Japan

Sounkyo, located at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountain range in central Hokkaido, is one of the most beautiful gorges in Japan, with 24 km of sheer cliffs along the Ishikari River. The peaks of the Daisetsuzan mountain range are the earliest place in Japan where the autumn leaves begin to change color, usually around late August. The autumn leaves gradually descend to the Sounkyo hot springs at the foot of the mountains, where they can be enjoyed until mid-October.
The Sounkyo area is full of spots where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the autumn leaves, such as the collaboration of two waterfalls, "Ginga and Ryusei no Taki", which are a couple waterfalls flowing down from a steep cliff, and the yellow leaves of the Dake-kamba trees seen from the Kurodake ropeway, which climbs up to the fifth station of Kurodake from the hot spring resort area. Ginsendai, located on the eastern slope of Mt. The beauty of the multiple layers of reds, oranges, and yellows of deciduous trees and broad-leafed trees and greens of coniferous trees, resembling a picture of extreme colors, will strike your heart.

Best time to view the autumn foliage: Usually from early October to mid-October.
Kind of trees】Hauchiwa maple, Japanese white birch, downy birch, etc.

▼ Miracle Illuminated 8th
Date：September 14 (Sun) to October 13 (Mon), 2025, 18:00 - 21:00 (last admission 20:30)
Place: Sounkyo Autumn Leaves Valley
Admission fee: 1,000 yen
URL: https: //sounkyo.net/event/illuminate/

Sounkyo

• Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 40 minutes from JR Kamikawa Station by car.
  Take a bus from JR Kamikawa Station and get off at "Sounkyo".
• Kurodake Ropeway 6:00-18:00 (varies depending on the season)
• Kurodake Ropeway Open all year round
• Kurodake ropeway (round trip) 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children
• 01658-2-1811（Sounkyo Tourist Association)
• Free of charge
• Ropeway operation status must be checked on SNS
  https://x.com/rinyu_kurodake

2
Biei-cho

Spectacular late autumn scenery created by nature and human activities

When one thinks of the town of Biei, many people may think of hills covered with colorful flowers like a patchwork. However, the scenery in late autumn, when the flowers have finished blooming, is also very tasteful. When the harvest of potatoes and beans is over and the young sprouts of autumn sown wheat are growing, the larch trees in the windbreak forest begin to turn bright colors. The gradation of earth and green seen here and there on the hillsides, including the flower garden "Shikisai-no-oka," the golden larch forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Tokachi Mountain Range stretching far beyond, create a beauty where nature and human activities are united.
Shirogane Blue Pond, a popular sightseeing spot in Biei, also takes on a different look during this season. The contrast between the blue surface of the water and the yellow leaves of the Japanese larch trees is a precious sight that can only be seen for a very short period of time in late autumn. Why not enjoy a leisurely drive and capture the heart-stirring moment with your camera?

Best time to view the autumn leaves: Late October, except in mountainous areas.
Kind of tree】Larch

Biei Town

• Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• Shikisai-no-oka: 12 min. by car from JR Biei Sta.
  Shirogane Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) 20 min. by car from JR Biei Sta.
  Take a bus from JR Biei Station and get off at "Shirogane Aoi Ike Iriguchi".
• Shikisai-no-oka 9:10 - 16:30 (varies depending on the season.) Please check with HP for details)
  Shirogane Aoi Ike: open all year round
• Shikisai-no-oka July-September: High school students and older: 500 yen, elementary/junior high school students: 300 yen, children under elementary school age: free
  Admission to rides and alpaca farm is charged.
  Shirogane Blue Pond Free
• 0166-92-4378（Shikisai-no-Information Center Information Center)
• Shikisai-no-oka: Paying in summer (500 yen)
  Shirogane Aoi Pond Paid (500 yen)
• Shirogane Aoi Ike Parking hours are as follows Check at the HP Confirm parking hours at the Shirogane Aoi Pond parking lot.

3
Jozankei hot spring

Enjoy the five major autumn foliage at Sapporo's Yunomori

Jozankei Hot Spring, designated as "Shikotsu Toya National Park," is "Sapporo's hot spring forest" blessed with magnificent nature and abundant hot spring water. Because it is easily accessible in less than an hour by car from the center of Sapporo, the area is crowded with many citizens and tourists throughout the year. It is also known as one of the best places in Japan to view the autumn leaves, and visitors can enjoy the colorful scenery just by strolling around the hot spring resort.
There are also a number of popular autumn foliage spots in the vicinity of the hot spring resort, and shuttle buses run to each of the "Five Great Foliage Spots," five selected areas with spectacular views, in October. The "Autumn Foliage Kappa Bus" takes you to the most beautiful autumn foliage spots in Hokkaido, including Lake Sadayama, Senjoiwa, and the Toyohirakyo Dam, the largest arch dam in Hokkaido, where a guide will guide you to the hidden spots.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from early to mid-October.
Types of Trees】Ithaya maple, Nanakamado (Japanese maple), Yamamomiji (mountain maple), poison oak, Japanese white birch, mountain grape, cherry, Japanese linden, Japanese Judas tree, etc.

Jozankei Five Great Autumn Foliage Season by ▼Bus
URL: https: //jozankei.jp/godaikoyo/

Jozankei Hot Spring

• Jozankei Hot Spring, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
• Approx. 50 min. from JR Sapporo Station by car.
  Take a bus from Hokuren Building (bus stop No. 26 or 27) and get off at "Jozankei Jinja-mae" (Jozankei Tourist Information Center).
• 011-598-2012（Jozankei Tourist Association)
• Free (Jozankei Sports Park Public Parking)

4
Hokkaido University

Take a leisurely stroll through the golden tunnels of the vast Kita no Gakushu-sha

Hokkaido University's main gate is a 7-minute walk from Sapporo Station. The campus, which boasts an area of about 38 times the size of the Tokyo Dome, is covered with lush vegetation, making it easy to forget that you are in the center of Sapporo.
The ginkgo trees 700 meters north of the main gate are one of the best places to visit in Sapporo in late autumn. Seventy ginkgo trees line both sides of the 380-meter path that runs between the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and begin to change color in late October. The area is overwhelmingly beautiful, with an arch of bright yellow leaves overhead and fallen ginkgo leaves covering your feet, giving the entire area a golden glow. Although the area attracts many citizens and tourists when the leaves are at their best, it is originally part of an Educational and Research Property. Please enjoy the site while observing the rules of the premises so as not to disturb the academic environment.

Best time to view the autumn foliage: Late October to early November.
Ginkgo, poplar, etc.

Hokkaido University

• Kita 13-jo Nishi 5-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
• 6 min. walk from Kita 12-jo Subway Station.
• No parking (use nearby toll parking)
• For the status of yellow leaves, please visit Hokkaido University's official Instagram account Hokkaido University's official Instagram account.

5
National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

Enjoy the collaboration of a waterfall and a rainbow only during the autumn foliage season

The only national park in Hokkaido is located in the southern part of Sapporo. The 400-hectare site is divided into four zones, each with its own unique features: a forest inhabited by rare plants and animals, a mountain stream, gardens decorated with seasonal flowers, large playground equipment for children, camping facilities, and more.
Another attraction of National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the variety of autumn foliage in different zones. There are many photogenic spots, such as 6,000 kochia plants turning bright red, walking paths filled with colorful autumn leaves, and a panoramic view from the Monomimi Tower. Among them, "Ashiribetsu Falls," selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, is a spectacular spot not to be missed: on a clear October morning, a rainbow forms, creating a collaboration between the vivid autumn leaves and the dynamic waterfall.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from early October to early November, with kochia (kochia) viewing from early to mid-October.
Types of trees】Momiji, katsura, larch, etc.

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

• 247 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido MAP
• 17 minutes drive from Makomanai Subway Station
  Take a bus from Makomanai Subway Station and get off at "Keiryu-guchi" or "Chuo-guchi".
• 9:00-17:00 (varies according to season)
• November 11 - December 22, April 1 - 19
  Open when April 19 and December 22 fall on Sundays
• Adults 450 yen, children under 15 free
• 011-592-3333 (Takino Park Information Center)
• Charged
• Check the website for information on foliage conditions and related events.

6
Temiya Park

A scenic spot with a view of Otaru Port beyond the bright red azaleas

Located on a hill in the northern part of Otaru City, this comprehensive park offers a panoramic view of Otaru Port and the city. About 690 cherry trees that delight the eyes during the cherry blossom viewing season show their beauty in autumn, which is worthy of the name "Sakura Momiji" (cherry blossoms and maple leaves). The approximately 230 chestnut trees, which are said to be the northern limit of natural forests, bear abundant fruit, and the sight of local residents enjoying picking chestnuts is also a poetic autumn tradition.
The Temiya Arboretum, located within the park, is one of Otaru's most beautiful spots for viewing autumn foliage. On a clear day, you can enjoy the contrast between the sea of Otaru Port and the clear blue sky. If your timing is right, you may be able to capture a great scene of an autumn day with the shadows of ferry boats coming in and out of the port.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Tree species: azaleas, maples, cherry trees, etc.

Temiya Park

• 2-5 Temiya, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
• 7 minutes drive from JR Otaru Station
  5 min. walk from "Temiya" bus stop after taking a bus from JR Otaru Stn.
• Temiya Arboretum 9:00-17:00 (Closes at 16:00 in October)
• Temiya Arboretum: November 1 - mid-April
• 0134-32-4111 (Parks and Greenery Division, Construction Project Office, Construction Department, Otaru City)
• Free of charge

7
Noboribetsu Onsen

Enjoy the autumn leaves surrounded by steam at a famous hot spring where the legend of a demon lives on.

Noboribetsu Onsen, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, is a very unique hot spring village with many different types of hot springs. Hot water and steam erupt from various places in Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and Oyunuma (Oyu Swamp), the largest hot spring area in Noboribetsu Onsen, and the whole area is filled with the smell of sulfur. When the leaves turn red, the surrounding Japanese white ash and poison ivy turn bright red, adding color to the desolate landscape that is reminiscent of hell. There is a natural footbath along the Oyunuma River, which flows out of Oyunuma Swamp, and it is fun to admire the autumn leaves while taking a footbath.
After sunset, footlights light up the promenade in Jigokudani, creating a fantastic atmosphere as the autumn leaves float in the darkness. The "Yuki-jin," or guardian deity of hot springs, sets off powerful handheld fireworks to wish people good health and good fortune.

Best time to view the autumn leaves: Usually from mid to late October.
Kind of trees】Red maple, mountain poison oak, and mountain maple

Oni Fireworks in the Valley of Hell
Date & Time：Every Thursday in September 2025 20:00-20 minutes *Canceled in case of bad weather
Place: Jigokudani Observatory
Fee: 500 yen *Free for elementary school students and younger
Remarks：Admission limited to 1,000 people (If the seats are full, admission will be closed even before the start time)
URL: https: //noboribetsu-spa.jp/spot/spot1005/

Noboribetsu hot spring

• Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido MAP
• Approx. 12 min. by car from JR Noboribetsu Stn.
  Take a bus from JR Noboribetsu Station and get off at Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Stop.
• 0143-84-3311（Noboribetsu International Tourism & Convention Association)
• Pay parking (500 yen, use Jigokudani Parking)

8
Lake Toya

Enjoy the autumn foliage in a variety of ways, such as a lakeside drive or a ropeway

Lake Toya was created by a huge eruption about 110,000 years ago. In mid-October, the surrounding mountains change colors around the lake, creating a beautiful contrast between the autumn leaves on the calm lake and the "Ezo Fuji" Mt.
Driving from Toyako Hot Spring located on the south side of the lake, one can see many scenic spots for viewing the autumn leaves, such as "Ukimido Park," where a cape-shaped hall overhanging the lake plays an elegant role, and "Takarada Nature Trail," which has been developed on the north side of the lakeshore. The Usu Ropeway takes visitors on a walk through the colored sky, and a cruise ship offers many other ways to enjoy the autumn foliage.

Best time to view the autumn foliage: Usually mid-October to early November.
Kinds of trees】Momiji, maple, quercus, ginkgo, etc.

Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Display
Date & Time: Every night from 20:45 to 20 minutes from April 28 (Mon) to October 31 (Fri), 2025
Place: Lake Toya hot spring lakeside
URL: https: //www.laketoya.com/event/fireworks/

Lake Toya

• Toyako Town, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• 10 min. drive from JR Toya Station
  Take a bus from JR Toya Station and get off at "Toyako Hot Spring".
• 0142-75-2446（Toyako Onsen Tourist Association)
• Free of charge
• For Usu Ropeway operation hours, fares, etc., please check the website (link https://usuzan.hokkaido.jp/ja/ ).

9
"Former Iwafune Clan Garden (Kosetsuen)" in Miharu Park

Hakodate's best autumn foliage viewing spot with a rich Japanese atmosphere

Miharu Park is located on a hill about 5 minutes by car from Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen, one of the three major hot spring villages in Hokkaido. The "Former Iwafune Garden (Kosetsuen)" in the park is a purely Japanese-style garden built as a villa for Minejiro Iwafune, a wealthy merchant in the Meiji period (1868-1912), and is the only nationally designated cultural property garden in Hokkaido.
The garden is planted with approximately 150 varieties of trees, including maples and maple trees, and is known as one of the best places in Hakodate to view the autumn leaves. The park is dotted with elaborate structures, such as a teahouse-style garden pavilion, a restored wooden house from the early Showa period, and a wooden bridge spanning a mountain stream, all of which are decorated with vivid autumn leaves.
During the "Hakodate Momi-G (maple) Festa" held from late October, the park's autumn foliage spots are lit up at night. Please dress warmly as it gets cold at night.

Best time to view autumn foliage: Usually mid-October to early November.
Tree species: Japanese maples, osakazukis, etc.

▼Hakodate MOMI-G Festa
Date: October 17 (Fri) - November 3 (Mon), 2025
Light-up: 16:00 - 21:00
Place: Former Iwafune family garden (Kosetsuen)
Fee: Free of charge
URL: https: //www.hakobura.jp/events/352

Former Iwafune Family Garden (Kosetsuen) in Miharu Park

• 56 Miharicho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido MAP
• 5 minutes drive from Hakodate City Tram "Yunokawa" stop.
  Approx. 1 min. walk from Kosetsuen bus stop after taking the bus from JR Hakodate Stn.
• Open year-round (Entei and Green Center 9:00-17:00)
• Open all year round (the Sonotei is closed to the public from December to March)
• Free of charge
• 0138-57-6210（Miharu Park Green Center)
• Free of charge

10
Onuma National Park

Enjoy the autumn foliage and activities in a scenic area with a view of Mt.

This national park is dotted with three lakes, marshes, and islands of various sizes centering on the majestic Mt. The lakes, marshes, and surrounding areas have winding shorelines and small islands that create a Japanese garden-like landscape.
The lakeside areas of Onuma, Konuma, and Junsai-numa turn brilliant colors during the fall foliage viewing season, and are beautifully combined with the neatly drawn ridges of Komagatake. The "Onuma Lake" is a popular destination for visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage. In late October, the "Onuma Halloween Night & Autumn Foliage Light-up Cruise" is held, where visitors can enjoy a cruise on a sightseeing boat (reservation required) while viewing the autumn leaves floating in the darkness.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Tree species: Japanese maples, mountain maples, quercus, beech, poison oak, etc.

▼Onuma Halloween Night & Autumn Foliage Light-up Cruise
Date: October 25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun), 2025
Place： Onuma Park Plaza
TEL：0138-67-3500 Gururi Donan Tourism Promotion Council

Onuma National Park

• Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• 5 min. walk from JR Onuma Koen Stn.
• 0138-67-3020（Nanaie Onuma International Tourism Convention Association)
• Yes (free of charge)
• For event-related information, check the website.

11
Hachironuma Park

The spectacular autumn colors reflected in the water mirror are a sight to behold.

This secluded park is located about 40 minutes by car from Hakodate City, in the mountains away from the city center of Hokuto City. Cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring and water lilies in summer are in full bloom, and people strolling around the swamp, enjoying crucian carp fishing, and children playing on the grass and playground equipment are all heartwarming.
There are approximately 2,000 trees planted on the 11-hectare site, and when the trees begin to change color from mid-October each year, the entire park is enveloped in autumn leaves, signaling the deepening of autumn. The "Hokuto Autumn Foliage Corridor" held during this season is a popular annual light-up event. Since the park is located in the mountains, it is unobstructed by city lights, and the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected clearly in the mirror of the swamp is incomparable. During the event, local gourmet food stalls and event booths will be set up to add color to the long autumn evenings.

Autumn foliage viewing season: Usually from mid-October to early November.
Tree species】Maple trees, azaleas, cherry trees, etc.

Hokuto Autumn Foliage Corridor
Date: October 17 (Fri) - November 3 (Mon), 2025
Light-up: 16:00 - 21:00
Location：Hachironuma Park
URL: https: //www.city.hokuto.hokkaido.jp/docs/7527.html

Hachironuma Park

• 132 Mukono, Hokuto-shi, Hokkaido MAP
• 15 min. by car from JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station
• 0138-77-5011（Hokuto City Tourist Association)
• Free of charge