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 is open to the public. The street transforms into a golden carpet when the leaves fall, becoming the perfect, ethereal location for a stroll.

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 easily 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 turns a mix of yellow and red, a picturesque view for visitors to enjoy.

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 guided pathways have been set up, you may choose to take a walk up instead, which will grant you a more immersive experience and view of the autumn leaves.

Fares
・Ropeway + mini cable car
Set fare (round trip): Adult 2,100 yen, Child 1,050 yen
Set fare (one-way): Adult 1,050 yen, Child 530 yen

・Ropeway
Fare (round trip): Adult 1,400 yen, Child 700 yen
Fare (one-way): Adult 700 yen, Child 350 yen

・Mini Cable Car
Fare (round trip): Adult 700 yen, Child 350 yen
Fare (one-way): Adult 350 yen, Child 180 yen

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

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

There are five fantastic viewing spots that the Jōzankei Tourist Association recommends, one of which is the Jōzankei 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.

Hōheikyō Dam offers an unconventional view among the five best spots in Jōzankei. 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.

Special buses that take you to the various viewing spots in Jōzankei run in the autumn. Besides Jōzankei Onsen Area and Hōheikyō Dam, the bus goes to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Jōzankei Farm, and Mt. Hakkenzan.

The bus to Mt. Hakkenzan requires a prior reservation, so do take note of that. As for the other routes, no booking is required. Head to the boarding point to apply to take the bus.

Boarding the bus is on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you want to get on the bus at a particular time, head to the boarding point ahead of time to apply. The number of scheduled buses and boarding fares vary with the route choice, so please check the official website for more details.

By the way, the Kōyō Kappa Bus (700 yen; children free), which goes around Jōzankei Onsen Area, is the only one with a tour guide. The tour guide is a local volunteer who will share with visitors never-heard-before information about the fall foliage viewing spots in Jōzankei.

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

Yūbari is known for its high-quality, branded “Yūbari Melon.” As Yūbari finishes the last of its melon shipments and welcomes the coming of autumn, the greenery on its mountains begins to turn a majestic red.

A 7-minute walk from Takinoue Station and located next to the valley of the Yūbari River, Takinoue Park is a famous spot for fall foliage, known only by a small number of people. Here, you should definitely look out for Chidorigataki Falls and Ryūsenkyō Gorge.

The valley of Takinoue Park was formed after many years of erosion from the Yūbari River. The rough, strangely shaped rocks get covered in a mix of red and yellow when fall begins.

There are waterfalls of various sizes within the park as well, so do look out for those! In particular, the famous Chidorigataki Falls is a popular representative waterfall of the park. Visitors can enjoy a full view of Chidorigaki Falls from the Chidori Bridge.

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

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

In fact, it is always steaming around Jigokudani because of all the volcanic gases and hot spring water being released. 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 1000M Plateau Observation Square located near the summit station, you can see Mt. Yōtei, also known as Ezo Fuji, Lake Tōya, Funka Bay, and more.

The best time to catch the fall foliage in Niseko is from early October to mid-October and the first snow on Mt. Yōtei is typically around October. This means you will get to enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Yōtei covered in fresh snow alongside the crimson autumn leaves.

Located within Shikotsutōya National Park is Lake Tōya, the third biggest 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 Tōya, including Mt. Usu, Shōwa-shinzan, and Lake Tōya 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 Tōyakokisen sightseeing boat and even get to visit Ōshima Island as part of the journey.

With an onsen village in the area, visitors can create unforgettable memories by enjoying the fantastic view of fall foliage on the shores while soaking 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 timings for autumn leaves in Hokkaido using the forecast below to make the most out of your trip!

(*This article was originally published in July 2022 and updated in September 2024. Please see official websites for the latest information.)