5 Romantic Fall Foliage Spots in Hokkaido 2024

Fall Foliage Forecast 2024: Enjoy the Earliest Fall Colors in Hokkaido

2024 Fall foliage map created by MATCHA based on information from Weathernews

The fall foliage season is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Japan! Due to its high latitude and cold climate, Hokkaido boasts the earliest coloration of red maple leaves in Japan. The leaves begin to change color as early as September.

This article features five superb Hokkaido locations to enjoy the autumn foliage and create memories for a lifetime.

1. Daisetsuzan Asahidake

The earliest autumn leaves across Japan begin at Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido. Every year, from early September for about a month, the trees gradually change color from the mountaintop downwards.

From Mount Asahi (Ashidake), you can take the Asahidake Ropeway to Sugatami Station, which takes about 10 minutes. Here, you can enjoy the earliest autumn leaves in Japan and observe a wide variety of alpine plants and small animals.

A 5-minute hike from Sugatami leads you to the first observation deck, where you can see the beautiful intermingling of coniferous and deciduous forests. The landscape is adorned with orange, red, yellow, and green trees, creating a stunning view of Mount Asahi.

If you want to enjoy Japan's earliest fall foliage, embark on a trip to Daisetsuzan!

2. Mount Moiwa

One popular maple viewing spot in Sapporo is Mount Moiwa, accessible on a 15-minute ride on the ropeway to the summit.

In addition to its beautiful autumn foliage, Mount Moiwa is famous for its night views and has been selected as one of Japan's new three major night views. During the day, you can enjoy the stunning autumn colors. When night falls, you can take in the brilliant city lights.

At the observation deck atop the mountain is the "Bell of Happiness," making it a popular date spot for couples!

Another recommendation is to take the Mount Moiwa Scenic Drive on the south side, which allows for a deeper exploration of autumn leaves at Mount Moiwa.

3. Jozankei Dam

Jozankei is a picturesque valley located southwest of Sapporo. It is a famous hot spring destination and a popular maple viewing spot.

The Jozankei Dam, situated in the southern area along the Toyohira River, offers beautiful autumn foliage that rivals that of the main valley. The observation deck at the dam provides an excellent vantage point for enjoying the fall colors.

When the foliage season arrives, the entire mountain and valley are painted in vibrant shades of orange and yellow, making it impossible not to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of nature.

4. Lake Akan

Lake Akan is a well-known tourist destination in eastern Hokkaido. From Lake Akan, you can see the trees on the dormant volcano, Mount Meakan, transforming into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn.

Additionally, Takiguchi is a scenic spot where the waters of Lake Akan and Lake Taro merge to form the Akan River.

If you walk about 4 kilometers along the lakeside towards National Route 240 in the Kurashiki area, you'll find the Takimi Bridge. Here, the waterfall marks the beginning of the Akan River. When autumn rolls around, the vivid colors of the trees and plants intertwine to create a breathtaking landscape.

5. Miharashi Park and Kosetsuen Garden

The only nationally designated cultural heritage garden in Hokkaido, Kosetsuen, is located on the mountainside of Hakodate's Yunokawa Onsen.

It was once the garden of a wealthy family's residence and features a tea room-style garden with streams, traditional thatched-roof houses, and a brick greenhouse.

In the park, there is a 100-meter-long alley lined with maple trees. Every autumn, the sunlight illuminates the bright red, orange, and yellow leaves, creating a dazzling golden spectacle.

Additionally, there is a small festival called Hakodate MOMI-G Festa (Autumn Leaves Festival) each year, which includes mini-concerts, exhibitions, and autumn night illumination events. Visitors can experience the enchanting night views of the maple leaves at this seasonal event!

Enjoy Autumn in Hokkaido

If you want to experience Japan's autumn colors early, Hokkaido is definitely the best choice! Whether you're looking for maple viewing spots near urban areas, highland lakes, or foliage along the roadsides, every location is worth stopping to appreciate the vibrant seasonal hues!

Just be mindful that temperatures in Hokkaido's mountainous areas and near water can be pretty low in the fall. Those planning to enjoy the autumn leaves should prepare enough warm clothing to ensure a comfortable experience!