First, we start with a famous leaf-peeping spot within Sapporo City. This is Hokkaido University’s Ginkgo Avenue, regarded by Sapporo locals as their go-to location for enjoying the yellow leaves that mark the coming of autumn.

There are some 70 ginkgo trees grown here on the street, stretching around 380 meters. The best time to catch these yellow leaves is the period from late October to early November. There is so much beauty to appreciate in nature at every phase as the autumn leaves change in color.

The university campus grounds where Ginkgo Avenue is located are open to the public. The street transforms into a golden carpet when the leaves fall, becoming the perfect, ethereal location for a stroll.

Getting there: The main entrance of Hokkaido University is a 7-minute walk from Sapporo Station or a 4-minute walk from its nearest subway station, Kita-juni-jo Station on the Namboku Line. Ginkgo Avenue itself is located 10 minutes by foot from the main entrance of the university.

Mt. Moiwa, which stands at 531 meters tall, is a viewing spot readily accessible from Sapporo City. You can even look out at the Sapporo streets from the observation deck at the top of Mt. Moiwa.

On a day with good weather, you can also see as far as Ishikari Bay in the distance. In autumn, the ancient forest transforms into a vibrant mix of yellow and red, offering a picturesque view for visitors to enjoy.

Getting there: To reach the peak of Mt. Moiwa, we will take the ropeway and cable car. The Mt. Moiwa Ropeway serves the route between Sanroku Station and Chufuku Station. Board the back of the gondola when you are heading up to Chufuku and the front when you are heading down, as this will offer you the most incredible panoramic view of the beautiful scenery during the ride.

On reaching Chufuku Station, switch to the mini “Morris Car” cable car, which will take you to the summit.

Alternatively, as there are clear walkways, you may choose to take a stroll up instead, which will provide a more immersive experience and a better view of the autumn leaves.

Jozankei is an onsen hot springs village in northern Sapporo, just a 1-hour car ride from the city center.

In Jozankei, designated as a national park, the best time to view the fall colors is from late September to mid-October.

The Jozankei Tourist Association recommends five fantastic viewing spots, one of which is the Jozankei Onsen Area. The view from the Futami Suspension Bridge, which goes across the Toyohira River, is just splendid. The bridge is aesthetically pleasing, so visitors can enjoy the view from upstream of the Toyohira River and include the bridge in commemorative shots.

Hoheikyo Dam offers an unconventional view among the five best spots in Jozankei. Having made the list for a selection of 100 reservoirs, this place is undoubtedly a picturesque location.

Every year during the sightseeing period from 1 June to 1 October, water is discharged from the dam, creating a scenic view together with the red autumn leaves. It is no surprise that this location is very popular with domestic and foreign tourists alike.

In autumn, special sightseeing buses operate in Jozankei, making it easy to reach popular foliage spots. In addition to the Jozankei Onsen Area and Hoheikyo Dam, routes also run to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Jozankei Farm, and Mt. Hakkenzan.

Note that the Mt. Hakkenzan bus requires advance reservations, while the other routes do not. Simply go to the boarding point and apply on the spot. Boarding is on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you want to secure a specific departure time, it’s best to arrive early. Fares and service frequency vary by route, so be sure to confirm the latest details on the official website.

A unique highlight is the Koyo Kappa Bus (700 yen; free for children), which circles the Jozankei Onsen Area. This is the only route with a guide on board — a local volunteer who shares insider stories and little-known facts about the area’s autumn foliage.

Although Temiya Park is well-known as a sakura viewing spot in Otaru, it has lots to offer as a spot for viewing fall foliage as well. Here is where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Otaru Port and Otaru’s streets while surrounded by nature. Temiya Park is also a popular location for strolling, hiking, or just relaxing.

On the park's eastern side is Temiya Ryokuka Botanical Gardens, which consists of 15 different garden exhibit sections, such as the Japanese garden, sakura garden, rhododendron garden, tree peony garden, and more.

In autumn, the bush clovers and enkianthus perulatus in the hedge garden turn a beautiful shade of red. While fall foliage viewing spots are usually along canals, visiting Temiya Park will offer you a different experience as you look out at the waters over the sea of red from the highlands of Otaru.

・Open period: April 23 to October 31

Yubari is best known for its premium “Yubari Melon,” but when autumn arrives and the melon season winds down, the mountains surrounding the city transform into vivid shades of red and gold.

Just a 7-minute walk from Takinoue Station, Takinoue Park sits along the valley of the Yubari River and is a hidden gem for autumn leaves, still relatively unknown to many travelers. Highlights here include the dramatic Chidorigataki Falls and the rugged beauty of Ryusenkyo Gorge, both framed by striking autumn colors.

The valley of Takinoue Park was carved out over many years by the Yubari River, creating a rugged landscape of uniquely shaped rocks. Come autumn, the entire area is draped in shades of red and yellow, making it a striking natural canvas.

Scattered throughout the park are waterfalls of all sizes, adding to the scenic charm. Among them, Chidorigataki Falls is the most iconic. From the Chidori Bridge, visitors can take in a sweeping view of the falls surrounded by brilliant autumn colors — a perfect spot for photos.

Well-known for its natural hot springs, Noboribetsu is home to Jigokudani, a geothermally active area formed by the eruptions of Mount Hiyoriyama.

With a diameter of around 450 meters and an area of approximately 11 hectares, Jigokudani features numerous waterspouts and fumaroles, and is the largest source of hot springs for Noboribetsu.

In fact, it is always steaming around Jigokudani due to the release of volcanic gases and hot spring water. It is said that because this sight looked hellish, the crater was named Jigokudani, which means ‘hell valley.’

Come fall, the Japanese rowan and Japanese sumac around Jigokudani turn a bright shade of red, adding to that hell-like image. This view of red autumn leaves in Hokkaido among white steam is something that you can see only in Noboribetsu.

In a place filled with nature everywhere like Niseko Town, fall foliage is on a different scale. Niseko Annupuri is the main mountain of Niseko’s mountain range, with an average height of 1,300 meters above sea level. Its ski resort is open in the winter, attracting tourist crowds from within Japan and abroad.

The gondola is in operation even during other seasons, so it is an option to consider if you want to enjoy viewing fall foliage from the mountains. A ride in the gondola lasts approximately 10 minutes for a one-way trip and will take you to the station at the summit, which is situated 1,000 meters above sea level.

From the 1,000m Plateau Observation Square near the summit station, you can take in sweeping views of Mt. Yotei (nicknamed Ezo Fuji), Lake Toya, Funka Bay, and the surrounding mountains.

The best time to see Niseko’s autumn leaves is from early to mid-October. Around the same time, Mt. Yotei often sees its first snowfall of the season, creating a breathtaking scene of crimson foliage set against the mountain’s newly snow-dusted peak.

Located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park is Lake Toya, the third-largest volcanic caldera lake in Japan.

To get a panoramic view of the lake, head to the Silo Observation Deck on the hill next to the lake. Here, you will be able to see the landmarks next to National Route 230 on the west bank of Lake Toya, including Mt. Usu, Showa-shinzan, and Lake Toya itself.

October is the best time for viewing fall colors at Lake Toya.

In autumn, the islands on the serene waters of the lake are dyed red too. If you wish to go around the islands, you can take the Toyakokisen sightseeing boat and even visit Oshima Island as part of the journey.

With an onsen village nearby, visitors can create unforgettable memories by enjoying the view of autumn leaves along the lakeshore while relaxing in the hot springs.

Hokkaido gets colder with each day in autumn. Even though it is relatively comfortable during the day in forests and near the lakes, the temperature plunges at night, so be sure to bring sufficient outerwear when you head out.

Also, be sure to check out the best times for viewing autumn leaves in Hokkaido using the forecast below to make the most of your trip!