15 Beautiful Autumn Leaves Spots in Hokkaido

Autumn leaves in Hokkaido are a season many people look forward to, to experience the beauty of nature changing with the seasons. Hokkaido has many outstanding and popular spots for viewing autumn leaves. Each place has its own unique charm, from the highest peak in the region to parks full of many different tree species.

In this article, we introduce 15 of the most beautiful autumn leaves spots in Hokkaido, with travel information and interesting details about each place. Whether you enjoy hiking, ropeway views, or relaxing in a park, Hokkaido has everything you need for viewing autumn leaves. Let's see which places you should not miss this season.

Related article ▶︎Recommended tourist attractions in Hokkaido

Watch our full Hokkaido autumn road trip vlog here:

1. Mount Asahidake (Daisetsuzan National Park)

Mount Asahidake is located in Daisetsuzan National Park. It is the highest peak in Hokkaido, and here you can see autumn leaves earlier than anywhere else in Japan. The Asahidake Ropeway takes just 10 minutes and offers views of the autumn colors on the mountain. The best time to visit is mid to late September. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Sapporo, or about 90 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station.

2. Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls in Sounkyo Gorge

Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls are located in Sounkyo Gorge in the Kamikawa region. Both waterfalls are beautiful during the autumn leaves season, from late September to mid-October. The trip from Sapporo takes about 3 hours, or you can take an express train to Asahikawa Station and then a bus to Sounkyo Onsen.

3. Jozankei Onsen in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Jozankei Onsen is a popular hot spring area just an hour from central Sapporo. It has excellent hot springs and beautiful autumn leaves, especially around Hoheikyo Dam. The best time to visit is late September to mid-October. It takes about an hour to drive from Sapporo, or you can take the Jotetsu Bus from Sapporo Station.

4. Jigokudani Valley in Noboribetsu Onsen

5. Sapporo Botanic Garden

Sapporo Botanic Garden is located in central Sapporo and is a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves. It has many tree species that turn beautiful colors in autumn. Nearby is a street leading to the Old Government Building, lined with ginkgo trees that turn a stunning golden yellow. The best time to visit is late October to early November. It is just 10 minutes from JR Sapporo Station.

6. Mount Moiwa Ropeway in Sapporo

Mount Moiwa in Sapporo is famous for its night views of the city and for its autumn leaves. Ride the Mount Moiwa Ropeway to the summit for stunning views. The best time to visit is mid to late October.

7. Goryokaku Tower in Goryokaku Park, Hakodate

Goryokaku Fortress, a five-pointed star-shaped fort, is a star-shaped park in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. The autumn leaves here are beautiful, with trees turning red and yellow. The best time to visit is mid-October to early November. Travel by tram from JR Hakodate Station to Goryokaku-Koen-Mae Station.

8. Kosetsuen Garden in Miharashi Park, Hakodate

Kosetsuen Garden is located in Miharashi Park in Hakodate. It is a beautiful Japanese garden during the autumn leaves season. Take a bus from JR Hakodate Station. The best time to visit is mid-October to early November.

9. The Blue Pond in Biei

The Blue Pond, also known as Aoiike, in Biei is a pond with strikingly blue water, made even more beautiful when surrounded by autumn leaves. The best time to visit is late September to early October. It's about a 30-minute drive from Biei Station.

10. Onuma Quasi-National Park on Oshima Peninsula

Onuma Quasi-National Park is located on the Oshima Peninsula in southwestern Hokkaido. It has a beautiful lake and forest, especially during the autumn leaves season. The best time to visit is mid-October to early November. It's about a 30-minute drive from Hakodate, or you can take the train to Onuma-Koen Station.

11. Chidori Waterfall in Takinoue Park, Yubari

Takinoue Park in Yubari, central Hokkaido, is known for Chidori Waterfall and beautiful autumn scenery. It has well-maintained nature trails. The best time to visit is late September to mid-October. It's about an hour's drive from Sapporo.

12. Hakusen Falls in Eniwa Valley

Eniwa Valley, near Sapporo, is known for three waterfalls: Hakusen Falls, Rarumanai Falls, and Sandan Falls. Each waterfall is beautiful during the autumn leaves season. The best time to visit is late September to mid-October. It's about an hour's drive from Sapporo.

13. Shiretoko Pass on Shiretoko Peninsula

Shiretoko Pass, on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, has beautiful autumn views with a mix of red, yellow, and green. The best time to visit is early October. Travel by car from the towns of Utoro or Rausu.

14. Nakajima Park in Sapporo

Nakajima Park in Sapporo is a beautiful park during the autumn leaves season. It's easy to reach by subway from Sapporo Station. The best time to visit is mid to late October.

15. Furano Ropeway in Furano Ski Resort

Furano is located in central Hokkaido and is known for its wide fields and beautiful views, especially during the autumn leaves season. The Furano Ropeway in Furano Ski Resort is a great viewpoint. The best time to visit is late September to early October. You can travel by train or bus from Sapporo.