Autumn Spots: Hokkaido

In this guide, we're covering Hokkaido!

Where to Find Them

How to get there:

By car: Approximately 50 minutes from Sapporo City
By bus: Take the 快速７H bus from Sapporo Station to Jozankei onsen higashi 2 chome then walk for 1 minute (approx 1 hour 10 minutes)

Best time to visit: Early to mid October
Just an hour away from central Sapporo this onsen town is THE hub for exploring the autumn foliage, even if you aren't planning on driving
Starting in October, there is a shuttle bus tour that will take you along 5 of the best autumn leaf viewing spots in this area

How to get there:

By car: Approximately 50 minutes from Asahikawa Airport or roughly 3 hours from Sapporo City
By bus: Take the 66-空港経由旭岳線 bus from Asahikawa Kuko to ホテルベアモンテ前 (approx 50 minutes)

Best time to visit: Throughout September
Ropeway fee: ¥3,500 for a round trip (click here for the ropeway schedule)
The earliest autumn leaves in all of Japan!
Even if you're not a natural born hiker - the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway does all the hard leg work for you going up the mountain, all while taking in the spectacular views
Stroll around the Sugatami lake with a view of Mt. Asahidake in the back for the perfect autumn foliage snap

Best time to visit: Throughout September
Ropeway fee: ¥3,500 for a round trip (click here for the ropeway schedule)
The earliest autumn leaves in all of Japan!
Even if you're not a natural born hiker - the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway does all the hard leg work for you going up the mountain, all while taking in the spectacular views
Stroll around the Sugatami lake with a view of Mt. Asahidake in the back for the perfect autumn foliage snap

How to get there:

By car: Approximately 2 hours from Asahikawa Airport or 3 hours from Sapporo Station

Best time to visit: Late September
Although beautiful at any time of the year, if you're driving through Hokkaido in autumn, the Mikuni pass can't be missed!
Enjoy vibrant autumn leaves of every colour, 1,139 metres above the air

Best time to visit: Late September
Although beautiful at any time of the year, if you're driving through Hokkaido in autumn, the Mikuni pass can't be missed!
Enjoy vibrant autumn leaves of every colour, 1,139 metres above the air

How to get there:

By car: Approximately 30 minutes from Sapporo City
By public transport: Take the Toho Line from Sapporo Station to Fukuzumi Station then take the Hiroshima Sen bus from Fukuzumi Eki to Kiyota Kuyakusho (approx 40 minutes)

Best time to visit: Mid October to early November
You may have heard of sakura tunnels, but what about momiji tunnels?
Walk through a sea and sky of red leaves in this hidden suburban spot in Sapporo

Best time to visit: Mid October to early November
You may have heard of sakura tunnels, but what about momiji tunnels?
Walk through a sea and sky of red leaves in this hidden suburban spot in Sapporo

How to get there:

By car: Approximately 20 minutes from Hakkodate Station
By bus: Take bus No. 82 from Hakodate Station to Takizawacho and walk for 6 minutes (approx 50 minutes in total)

Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Slip back in time with this gorgeous landscape Japanese garden in Hakodate
Originally a luxury escape for a wealthy Japanese merchant, this garden is now open to the public to enjoy the dreamy autumn landscape along with the traditional architecture
From October 17 to November 3, the Hakodate MOMI-G Festa at Kosetsuen (inside Miharashi Park) sees the traditional buildings lit up in all sorts of different dreamy colours

Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Slip back in time with this gorgeous landscape Japanese garden in Hakodate
Originally a luxury escape for a wealthy Japanese merchant, this garden is now open to the public to enjoy the dreamy autumn landscape along with the traditional architecture
From October 17 to November 3, the Hakodate MOMI-G Festa at Kosetsuen (inside Miharashi Park) sees the traditional buildings lit up in all sorts of different dreamy colours

How to get there:

Best time to visit: Late October to early November
No mention of fall foliage in Hokkaido will be complete without this iconic spot in the middle of Sapporo City
Popular with locals, students and tourists alike, this historic spot captures the last of autumn before the Hokkaido chill starts to set in
When leaves are at their peak, on the last weekend of October, the students hold a festival with lights and stalls which is open to the general public!

Best time to visit: Late October to early November
No mention of fall foliage in Hokkaido will be complete without this iconic spot in the middle of Sapporo City
Popular with locals, students and tourists alike, this historic spot captures the last of autumn before the Hokkaido chill starts to set in
When leaves are at their peak, on the last weekend of October, the students hold a festival with lights and stalls which is open to the general public!