Jozankei Onsen: 9 Spectacular Autumn Foliage Spots in Hokkaido

Jozankei Onsen: Enjoy the Autumn Leaves and Hot Springs

Jozankei―one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring areas―is surrounded by beautiful nature and is also known as a famous location for enjoying fall colors.

Jozankei's autumn foliage is known for its vivid colors. These are due to the big temperature differences caused by its 300-meter altitude and the fresh high-quality water in the nearby river. The mountains surrounding the area are steep, creating spectacular views that enchant visitors.

The best time to see Jozankei's fall foliage is from early October until mid-October.

This article introduces 9 autumn foliage spots in Jozankei, including Jozankei Dam and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.

Autumn Foliage Spots in Jozankei Onsen

1. Jozankei Dam
2. Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge
3. Iwato Kannondo
4. Hoheikyo Dam
5. Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori
6. Maizuru no Toro Water Pool
7. Mt. Hakkenzan
8. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
9. Jozankei Shrine

1. Jozankei Dam

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

Jozankei Dam is Sapporo's second largest water reservoir after Hoheikyo Dam. This water storage dam was built in 1989. The man-made lake, which came into existence by the damming of the Otaru River, is called Lake Sapporo. It has been designated as a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Jozankei is also famous as an autumn leaves viewing spot. The colorful foliage can be enjoyed at Jozankei Downstream Park on the downstream side. But our recommended spot is Jozankei Dam Crest Observatory, located at the top of a 365-step staircase leading from Downstream Park.

From the observatory, 117 meters above ground at an elevation of 392 meters, visitors can enjoy the scenic fall colors of the Kaede maple trees, mountain grapes, and Japanese mountain-ash trees. But the highlight here is not limited to the 360-degree panorama of autumn leaves. It's also worth seeing the reflection of the leaves on the deep-blue waters of Lake Sapporo.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Jozankei
Business Hours	Downstream Park is open from 9:00 - 17:00 (until November 3)
Official Homepage	Jozankei Tourist Association
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

2. Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

The Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge is a bright red suspension bridge that spans the Toyohira River flowing through the gorge. The contrast between the bridge's deep red color and the surrounding fall colors is spectacular. Here, regardless of the time of year, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of each season.

You can especially enjoy the natural scenery during the autumn season.

The Kappabuchi Water Pool area in the nearby gorge that's visible from the bridge, gets dyed in brilliant colors. Visitors here are treated to a landscape painting-like view. It's also possible to walk down to the riverbed from the bridge. The view of Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge and the fall colors from below is truly photogenic.

Until the end of October, an event called JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE is held. During this event, the area from Futami Park to Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge will be illuminated (note: this event is only for guests staying at Jozankei Onsen).

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Jozankei Onsen Nishi 4-Chome
Business Hours	Open throughout the year
Official Homepage	Jozankei Tourist Association
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October
Illumination Information	June 1 to October 31, 19:00 - 21:00 (September and October. from 18:00. Limited to guests of Jozankei Onsen).

3. Iwato Kannondo

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

Iwato Kannondo was erected in 1936 with the aim of developing Jozankei Onsen.

This power spot is said to bring academic success and good luck in matchmaking.
The main hall (hondo) features a corner with exhibits of gohonzon (Buddhist objects of devotion such as scrolls and statues) and also of the Gozankei area.

One of the temple highlights is a 120-meter-long cave extending from the back of the main hall, where 33 Kannon statues are enshrined. Worshippers visit the Kannon statues daily in search of blessings.

When the fall season arrives, the Kaede maple trees on the temple precincts turn brilliant red. These fall colors harmonize with the red-colored roof of Kannondo, creating exquisite autumn scenery.

Kokoro no Sato Jozan is a sightseeing hub near Iwato Kannondo and also a hidden autumn leaves spot. It's just 150 meters from the temple so it's also worth a visit.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Jozankei Onsen Nishi 4-Chome
Business Hours	7:00 - 20:00
Official Homepage	Jozankei Tourist Association
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

4. Hoheikyo Dam

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

Hoheikyo Dam was built in 1972 to help manage the Toyohira River and to generate hydroelectric power. This arch-type concrete dam stands 102.5 meters tall. The dam's lake is called Lake Jozan and was even chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Reservoirs .

Hoheikyo Dam is also famous throughout Japan as a fall color spot. The towering vertical cliffs of Senjo-iwa are beautifully decorated with broadleaved trees such as Kaede and Momiji maple trees. The scenery created by the white rock surfaces and the fall foliage brings joy to the visitors who come here.

Also, until the end of October, water will be discharged from the dam daily for the benefit of visitors, and spectacular autumn foliage can be seen.

To protect the environment, the two-kilometer area from the entrance up to the dam itself prohibits the entry of general vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles all year round.
So sightseeing visitors will basically need to walk or take the electric bus while enjoying the autumn leaves.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Jozankei 840
Business Hours	Electric Bus 9:00 - 16:30 (Last departure up to the dam is at 16:00)
Official Homepage	Hoheikyo Dam
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

5. Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Farm

Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori is a fruit farm inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park. In addition to activities such as fruit picking and hands-on farming experiences, visitors can also enjoy strolling through Orchard Garden which has an attractive blend of fruit trees and flowers.

When autumn arrives, the trees on the farm―including blueberry, plum, and prune trees―show off their beautiful fall colors. The farm is located in an open area that allows you to enjoy 360-degree views of the autumn leaves. But at Orchard Garden the contrast between the flowering trees and the fall leaves is especially striking.

Why not go for a leisurely walk on the farm with some delicious fruit in one hand?

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Jozankei 832
Business Hours	April 27 to end of September, 10:00 - 17:00. October 1 to November 30, 10:00 - 16:00.
Official Homepage	Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

6. Maizuru no Toro Water Pool

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

Maizuru no Toro (*1) Water Pool is a deep pool near Nishiki Bridge. This bridge spans the Toyohira River which flows through the Jozankei Onsen area. It's been said that this pool appeared after the construction of the Ichinosawa Dam in 1926.

When autumn arrives, the trees overhanging both banks of this deep pool area turn into beautiful fall colors that reflect on the water's calm surface. This breathtaking scenery impresses everyone who visits here.

*1 Toro: is a spot where a river slows down to a gentle flow and where the water is deep.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Jozankei Onsen Higashi 1-61
Business Hours	Open throughout the year
Official Homepage	Jozankei Tourist Association
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

7. Mt. Hakkenzan

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

Mt. Hakkenzan sits at an elevation of 498 meters and is located southeast of Sapporo City. The mountain was named for its distinctive rock face that resembles eight swords (hakken). But the mountain's original name is Mt. Kannon Iwazan.

Painted maple, katsura, and other deciduous broad-leaved trees extend down from the exposed rock surface of Mt. Hakkenzan's peak. During the fall season these turn brilliant colors of red and yellow. At the mountain's base, the elderberry trees also get colored in deep red. While it's fun to admire the fall colors from a distance, those who enjoy hiking might want to take in the amazing views from the top.

Near Mt. Hakkenzan there's a thriving fruit-growing area that includes the cultivation of cherries and strawberries. In addition to a farm where you can try fruit picking, there's also a winery and a spot where visitors can try horseback riding.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Toyama
Business Hours	Open throughout the year
Official Homepage	Sapporo Tourist Association
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

8. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort boasts some of the best powder snow and the biggest ski slopes in all of Hokkaido. The resort's eight ski slopes can cater to beginners all the way to expert skiers, and there are also four terrain parks for sledding and snow tubing.

The ski resort is also famous as a great autumn leaves spot. When fall arrives, the ski hill operates a special koyo (fall foliage) sightseeing gondala.

The scenery that's visible from the gondola is exceptional. In particular, you'll be dazzled by the sight of the fall colors as they gradually change, starting from the mountain's base and extending to the summit. This is due in part to the big temperature differences occurring at this altitude.

At the summit's observatory, you get an all-encompassing view of the autumn splendor. Also, when the weather is good, you can see places north of the ski resort including Ishikari Port and Otaru Port. The panoramic view of mountains and sea stretching far into the distance is simply spectacular!

The Taste of Autumn Festival is held from October 1st to the 20th. It features food stalls selling dishes using Hokkaido ingredients as well as a retail stand.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporto, Minami, Jozankei 937
Business Hours	9:00 - 17:00 Autumn Leaves Gondola 9:00 - 15:30 (Final departure up the hill is 15:00, until October 20)
Official Homepage	Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

9. Jozankei Shrine

Picture courtesy of Jozankei Tourist Association

Jozankei Shrine stands quietly on a hill overlooking the Jozankei Onsen area. The shrine was built in 1905 and enshrines Miizumi Jozan, the founder of Jozankei Onsen.

The shrine is also known as a famous fall foliage spot and in early October the trees on the precincts turn deep red and yellow. It's not a panorama of autumn foliage, but up until the winter when a popular event called Yukitoro (Snow Candle Way) is held here, visitors can feel the elegance of the fall colors for a short period of time.

Main Information
Location	Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Jozankei Onsen 3-218
Business Hours	Open throughout the year
Official Homepage	Jozankei Tourist Association
Best Time To See the Autumn Leaves	Early October to mid-October

Experience the Autumn Splendor of Jozankei

Today we introduced nine spots in Jozankei showcasing the brilliant autumn splendor.

Jozankei's fall colors―orchestrated by Hokkaido's magnificent nature―are truly breathtakingly beautiful! You'll undoubtedly be impressed when you see this in person.