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Hokkaido: Top 10 Fall Foliage Spots in 2024
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Hokkaido boasts splendid fall foliage spots from the public gardens in Sapporo and Hakodate to the Onuma Quasi-National Park and Sounkyo Gorge. Read on to learn the best 10 places to visit for fall foliage in Hokkaido in 2024.
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Fall Foliage in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture in Japan, sees the first foliage of the year. Visitors can enjoy the autumn colors as early as September in Sounkyo Onsen In the areas around Sapporo and Hakodate, the best time to enjoy the foliage is from late October to early November.
Top 10 Fall Folliage Spots on Hokkaido
1. Onuma Quasi-National Park
2. Sounkyo in the Daisetsuzan National Park
3. The Five Lakes of Shiretoko
4. Jozankei Gorge
5. Noboribetsu Onsen
6. Sapporo: Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Trees
7. Mt. Moiwa
8. Goryokaku in Hakodate
9. Kosetsuen Garden in Hakodate
10. The Blue Pond in Biei
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1. The Fun-Filled Onuma Quasi-National Park
Onuma Quasi-National Park spreads on 9000 hectares. Blessed with stunning scenery, it has been chosen as one of the New Best Three Scenic Views of Japan.
Visitors can enjoy various activities here, such as hiking, canoeing, and cycling at this park, all while viewing the autumn leaves. In winter you can also try fishing on a frozen lake!
There are buses from the Hakodate Station and Hakodate Airport, so the park can be accessed easily. From Hakodate Station, the limited express Hokuto reaches the park in thirty minutes.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From October 20 to late October
2. Japan's Earliest Fall Foliage! Sounkyo in Daisetsuzan National Park
Picture courtesy of Tourism Association of Sounkyo
From Asahikawa Airport, it takes about an hour and a half by car to reach the huge canyon named Sounkyo. It is located near the entrance of Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest of its kind in Japan.
From Sounkyo Onsen, the Kurodake peak can be reached by using the ropeway and lifts. From the ropeway station, it's about a one-hour hike to the mountaintop. The trek allows the visitors to fully take in the landscape, not to mention the great view from the mountaintop.
Visitors should stay at Sounkyo Onsen, as Momiji Daki, a famous waterfall, is located just a half-hour walk away. The trekking course is easy for beginners, but be sure to wear sports shoes.
The Daisetuzan area, including Kurodake, is said to be the earliest spot in Japan to enjoy the autumn leaves, where the mountaintop leaves start changing colors in late August. It's best to see it at the start of the season.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
Mountaintop: From late August.
Eighth and ninth stages: From early September.
Fifth, sixth, and seventh stages: From late September.
Sounkyo Onsen Area: From early October.
3. The Five Lakes of Shiretoko
Photo by Pixta
There are five lakes (goko) in the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is designated a World Natural Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves in the area, walking along the two trekking courses surrounding the lakes.
Wheelchair users can access the Elevated Wooden Path, an 800-meter path stretching through the trees. As the area is inhabited by brown bears, this path is equipped with an electrified fence for safety and can be used for free.
The Ground Pathway winds through a deep forest, and visitors can see various wild animals and plants along the way. Please note that this path is closed from October 1 to November 11, and when bears are active. For most of the season, visitors who wish to take this pathway will be asked to join a paid lecture tour.
Tour reservations can be made at the Shiretoko Goko Field House.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From early to mid-October.
4. Jozankei Gorge in Sapporo
From the central area of Sapporo, it's a one-hour bus ride to reach Jozankei, where visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves while strolling along a mountain stream.
Futami Tsuribashi (suspension bridge) is a popular viewing spot that is completely surrounded by foliage. Visitors can reach the mountaintop using the ropeway, and enjoy the view from high above.
There are many hot springs for day-trippers in the area, so you can even enjoy the view while soaking in the water. There are also fun canoeing and horseback riding activities.
Koyo Kappa Bus Tour is held during the autumn leaves season, from October 1 to October 20. The bus leaves from Jozankei Tourist Information Center, and tours the area for an hour, four times a day. The fare is 500 yen.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From early to mid-October.
5. Noboribetsu Onsen: Enjoy the Foliage and World-Class Hot Springs
Noboribetsu Onsen is a prominent hot springs area in Hokkaido where ten thousand tons of hot water flow each day. There are nine different types of hot springs to enjoy here.
There are many varieties of gold and crimson trees in the Jigokudani Valley, the source of Noboribetsu Onsen, and Oyunuma, a former crater. The area is filled with volcanic gases and vapors from the hot springs, creating a perfect backdrop for the colorful scenery.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From mid to late October.
6. Stunning Ginkgo Trees at Hokkaido University in Sapporo
Hokkaido University is one of the major National Universities in Hokkaido, famous for its large campus in Sapporo.
Seventy ginkgo trees are lined up along a road stretching for 380 meters, with the yellow leaves virtually filling the sky. The campus is located only a seven-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, which is one of the reasons it has become a popular foliage viewing spot.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From late October to early November.
7. Panoramic View from Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo
Sapporo is renowned throughout Japan for its spectacular evening scenery. This is the amazing view from Mt. Moiwa, where the mountaintop is connected to the foothills by a ropeway.
Visitors can look out over the autumn leaves from the ropeway cars. In the autumn you can appreciate the leaves at daytime as well as the magnificent view of Sapporo at nighttime.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From mid to late October.
8. The Star-Shaped Goryokaku Fortress in Hakodate
Photo by Pixta
Goryokaku is a star-shaped structure and one of the main sightseeing spots in Hakodate. Built in the late Edo Period, it was once a fortress but has now been renovated into a park.
In spring the park will be colored pink by the cherry blossoms, and turn red and yellow in fall. The whole park can be viewed from the top of the 107-meter tall Goryokaku Tower.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From mid-October to early November.
9. Kosetsuen Garden in Hakodate
Picture courtesy of City of Hakodate Tourism Department
Another great Hakodate destination is the Kosetsuen. It's a Japanese garden located inside Miharashi Park, which used to be the villa of a wealthy merchant.
Photograph courtesy of City of Hakodate Tourism Department
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From mid-October to early November.
10. The Blue Pond in Biei
Photo by Pixta
The Blue Pond in Biei has become a famous destination in Hokkaido. Although the view changes every season, the best time to visit may be from mid-May to late June, when the pond shows the most beautiful colors of cobalt blue.
The scenery in fall, with the leaves changing colors, and their reflection on the pond surface creating a multi-hued sight, is exceptional. Accessing this area may not be easy, but this is a destination worth visiting.
Annual Fall Foliage Season
From early to mid-October.
FAQ
When to see autumn leaves in Hokkaido?
In Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, autumn foliage, known as "koyo," typically begins to emerge in mid to late September in the higher elevations and northern regions before gradually progressing southwards and to lower altitudes through October and into early November. The peak season for viewing fall colors in Hokkaido varies across the island, with areas like Daisetsuzan National Park and Sounkyo Gorge displaying their vibrant hues in mid to late September, while destinations like Niseko and Biei/Furano reach their color peaks in mid to late October. The specific timing of peak foliage can fluctuate yearly due to weather conditions, making it advisable to check local foliage reports for real-time updates to catch the best of Hokkaido's magnificent autumn scenery.
When can you see fall colors in Hokkaido?
In Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, fall colors typically begin to appear in September in the higher elevations and northern regions before progressing southwards and to lower altitudes through October and November. Hokkaido is known for its stunning autumn foliage, which transforms the landscapes into a palette of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, offering picturesque vistas for visitors to enjoy.
The timing of the peak season for viewing fall colors in Hokkaido varies depending on the specific location and altitude within the island. Generally, the best time to see fall colors in Hokkaido is from late September to early November, with the progression of colors moving from northern Hokkaido towards the central and southern regions during this period.
Keep in mind that weather conditions and the changing of the leaves are influenced by numerous factors, so it's recommended to check regional forecasts and updates as well as visit specific locations known for colorful autumn foliage to ensure you catch the best of Hokkaido's fall scenery.
Is Sapporo worth visiting in autumn?
Sapporo in autumn offers a compelling blend of attractions and experiences that make it a worthwhile destination for travelers. The city showcases vibrant fall foliage in parks like Maruyama Park and Hokkaido University's campus, providing picturesque settings for leaf-peeping and enjoying the seasonal beauty. With mild weather, visitors can explore Sapporo comfortably, partake in cultural events such as the Sapporo Autumn Fest and the International Film Festival, and revel in the autumn flower displays at the Botanic Garden. Nearby hot springs like Jozankei Onsen offer a relaxing retreat amidst the colorful mountain landscapes. Sapporo's landscapes transform into a scenic tapestry, offering a serene and visually appealing backdrop for exploration and immersion in Hokkaido's autumn charm, making it a compelling destination for autumn travelers seeking nature, culture, and relaxation.
Where to see autumn foliage in Sapporo?
In Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city, several scenic spots offer enchanting views of autumn foliage, known as "koyo," during the fall season. Maruyama Park and Nakajima Park showcase vibrant hues amid serene settings, ideal for leisurely walks and leaf-peeping. Moerenuma Park, designed by artist Isamu Noguchi, combines modern art installations with nature, creating a unique backdrop for enjoying the fall colors. The tree-lined avenues of Hokkaido University's campus provide picturesque vistas, particularly along Gingko Avenue and Poplar Avenue. For a relaxing retreat just outside Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen offers stunning autumn scenes amidst its hot spring resort, where the surrounding mountains burst with colorful foliage, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Hokkaido's seasonal beauty.
What month are autumn leaves in Japan?
In Japan, the autumn foliage season, known as "koyo," typically begins in September in the northern regions and higher elevations before progressing southwards and to lower altitudes through October and November. The timing of the peak viewing season varies across the country, with Hokkaido and northern Japan experiencing early foliage changes in September, followed by central regions like Hakone and Nikko in late October to early November. The Kansai region, including Kyoto and Nara, typically sees the peak of autumn colors in mid to late November, while Tokyo and surrounding areas like Nikko may showcase their vibrant foliage from late November to early December. Monitoring regional forecasts and updates is recommended to catch the best of Japan's picturesque autumn scenery during this enchanting seasonal spectacle.
Take in the Fall Colors in Hokkaido
As Hokkaido is such a large prefecture, it will take time to travel around! Be sure to check the routes to your destinations in advance, as some may be tricky to access. For transportation tips, please refer to the article linked beow:
In Hokkaido, there are many one-of-a-kind destinations where travelers can enjoy the foliage along with the hot springs or outdoor activities like canoeing and cycling. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable autumn trip to Hokkaido.
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Main image by Pixta
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The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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