Autumn foliage in Hokkaido begins as early as September in some areas. With its vast size and abundant natural beauty, Hokkaido boasts numerous spots for viewing autumn leaves.

This time, I'd like to introduce 10 of the best spots to see the autumn foliage, especially recommended by locals from Hokkaido!

We also introduce plenty of ways to enjoy the autumn foliage in addition to the foliage viewing itself! For example, you can look down on the autumn scenery from a ropeway or gondola, tour famous autumn foliage spots by sightseeing bus, enjoy the autumn leaves actively by cycling or canoeing, or admire them from an open-air bath.

We've compiled a selection of the best autumn foliage spots where you can create lots of wonderful memories, so please use this as a reference for your autumn trip to Hokkaido.

<Contents>
1. Autumn leaves in Sounkyo
2. Autumn foliage at Asahidake
3. Autumn foliage at Chidorigataki waterfall in Takinoue Park
4. Autumn foliage in Onuma Quasi-National Park
5. Autumn foliage at Shiretoko Five Lakes
6. Autumn foliage at Lake Akan
7. Autumn foliage of Niseko Annupuri
8. The exotic autumn scenery of Biei, a town nestled in the hills.
9. Autumn leaves in Jozankei
10. Excellent access! Ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Hokkaido University

Sounkyo, a popular tourist spot in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido, is located about an hour and a half from Asahikawa Airport.

Located at one of the gateways to Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, this area offers stunning valley scenery throughout the seasons, but the autumn foliage season is especially recommended.

The valley, stretching for approximately 24 km, is dotted with numerous spots for viewing autumn foliage, featuring columnar joints—a type of sheer cliff formation created during a volcanic eruption about 3 years ago.

Recommended autumn foliage spot in Sounkyo #1: "Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls"

Among the many waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge, the two famous "Meoto-taki" (Husband and Wife Waterfalls) are representative scenic spots of Sounkyo. The "Ryusei-no-taki" (Right) is a powerful single waterfall with water cascading down a height of approximately 90m, while the "Ginga-no-taki" (Left) is a delicate and beautiful waterfall with water cascading down a height of 120m like white threads. They are also known as the Male Waterfall and Female Waterfall, and during the autumn foliage season, visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the waterfalls and the colorful trees in the background.

Additionally, from the "Twin Waterfalls Platform," located about a 20-minute climb up the mountain path, you can view both of these twin waterfalls simultaneously.

Recommended autumn foliage spot in Sounkyo, part 2: "Momijidani" (Maple Valley)

Located about a 10-minute walk from the Sounkyo hot spring resort area, this walking trail along the stream, approximately 700 meters one way, is famous as a beautiful spot for viewing autumn leaves during the fall foliage season.

Although there are some ups and downs, you can reach the abundant Momiji Falls in about 30 minutes one way, while enjoying the spectacular views of the Sounkyo Gorge. There are also fun guided tours available along this course, which are introduced later in this article, so please take a look.

Spectacular! Enjoy breathtaking views from the ropeway and chairlift!

From Sounkyo Sanroku Station, enjoy a 7-minute aerial stroll on the 101-passenger ropeway, taking in the spectacular views of the valley and autumn foliage below, as you ascend to the 5th station of Mt. Kurodake at an altitude of 1300m.

The Kurodake 5th Station building has restrooms, a shop, and a museum. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan Mountains and the vibrant autumn foliage below. If you're lucky, you might even spot a cute Hokkaido chipmunk like the one pictured!

Furthermore, by taking a series of lifts from the 5th station, you can ascend to the 7th station of Mt. Kurodake, which is 1520m above sea level.

大雪山層雲峡・黒岳ロープウェイ
TEL：01658-5-3031
The operating hours for the ropeway and lift areCLICK HEREPlease confirm.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea of ​​clouds and autumn foliage from the morning ropeway!

Additionally, from the end of May to mid-October, the ropeway operates from 6 a.m., and if the weather is good, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the fantastical sea of ​​clouds stretching out below.

While you can go see the sea of ​​clouds and autumn leaves in the early morning on your own, we also recommend the "Good Morning Ropeway" tour, organized by Rinyu Kanko Co., Ltd., where a nature guide will provide detailed explanations about the formation of Sounkyo Gorge and the flora and fauna of the 5th station of Mt. Kurodake.

In addition, Rinyu Tours, which departs from and returns to Sounkyo, offers many courses that allow you to enjoy the autumn foliage of Sounkyo.

There are many tours that can be enjoyed by families, friends, couples, or even solo travelers, such as the "Momijidani Trekking" tour, held until early October, where you walk along the aforementioned Momijidani trail with a guide who knows Sounkyo well, or the "Gorge Cycling" tour, where you cycle through Sounkyo with a guide. So be sure to check them out when you visit Sounkyo.

Rinyu Kanko Co., Ltd.
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido (Inside the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo-Kurodake Ropeway)
TEL：01658-9-4525

See the breathtaking autumn scenery from Ginsendai on Mt. Akadake!

There are still plenty of spots to see the autumn foliage around Sounkyo! From Ginsendai, the trailhead for Mt. Akadake, just a 40-minute drive from Sounkyo, the colorful tapestry of autumn leaves covering the entire mountain is breathtaking.

Please note that private vehicles are restricted in the Sounkyo area during the autumn foliage season. If you plan to visit by rental car or private vehicle, please refer to the access information in the data below when making your plans.

[Sounkyo Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Sounkyo Tourism Association
Access
Train: Sapporo → Kamikawa: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by limited express train.
Bus: Kamikawa → Sounkyo (Dohoku Bus): Approximately 35 minutes. Asahikawa → Sounkyo (Dohoku Bus): Approximately 110 minutes.
By car: Kamikawa → Sounkyo: 25km, approx. 30 minutes / Asahikawa → Sounkyo: 66km, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes / Sapporo → Sounkyo: 205km, approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
*Vehicle restrictions apply during the autumn foliage season. For details, please see below.CLICK HERE for more information.

Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, Mount Asahidake, at an elevation of 2.291 meters, is famous as the highest mountain in Hokkaido. It is also known as the place where you can see snow remaining the latest in Japan and enjoy the longest period of snow in the country.

Asahidake, which boasts many of Japan's best features, is also famous as the place where you can see the autumn leaves earliest in Japan.

The leaves usually start to change color in late August each year, and over the course of about a month, the entire mountain, from the summit to the foot of the mountain, is painted in autumn hues.

For the earliest autumn foliage viewing in Japan, we recommend viewing it from the Asahidake Ropeway. There are also hiking trails, and every year in mid-September, when the autumn leaves are at their peak, it is bustling with tourists.

I was moved by the autumn scenery viewed from the ropeway!

How about a 10-minute aerial stroll on the Asahidake Ropeway, which connects the base station of Asahidake (approximately 1.100m above sea level) to the Sugatami station (approximately 1.600m above sea level), while enjoying the spectacular scenery?

The Asahidake Ropeway is the only ropeway in Japan that crosses the treeline, the altitude limit at which tall trees can no longer grow, and operates into the alpine zone, allowing you to view the treeline boundary from the windows.

Additionally, there's a 1.7km loop course around Sugatami Ropeway Station that takes about an hour, including breaks: Ropeway Sugatami Station → (approx. 5 minutes) First Observation Deck → (approx. 5 minutes) Second Observation Deck → (approx. 5 minutes) Third Observation Deck → (approx. 5 minutes) Fourth Observation Deck → (approx. 10 minutes) Sugatami Pond & Fifth Observation Deck → (approx. 20 minutes) Sugatami Ropeway Station. You can enjoy a stroll along this route (don't forget to bring hiking boots or thick-soled shoes, rain gear, and a long-sleeved jacket).

[Autumn foliage data for Asahidake]

Contact information:Higashikawa Official Tourism Information Website
The operating hours and fares for the Daisetsuzan-Asahidake Ropeway are as follows:Click here (Asahidake Ropeway website)Please check
Access
Bus: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Asahikawa to Asahidake Ropeway base station via Asahikawa Airport. 4 buses per day (for details)CLICK HERE）
By car: Asahikawa Station → Asahidake Ropeway Base Station: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes / Asahikawa Airport → Asahidake Ropeway Base Station: Approximately 1 hour / Sapporo → Asahidake Ropeway Base Station: Approximately 3 hours

Chidorigataki Falls in Takinoue Park is a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage. Located in Yubari, a popular tourist destination just an hour's drive from Sapporo, it's also easily accessible by train, being only a 5-minute walk from Takinoue Station on the JR Sekisho Line.

Within the park, known as Ponsou Kamuykotan in the Ainu language, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ryusenkyo Gorge, as well as the breathtaking natural landscape of strangely shaped rocks formed by the erosion of the Yubari River and numerous waterfalls of varying sizes cascading down—a truly spectacular sight.

The park offers plenty to see, including a suspension bridge, walking paths perfect for leisurely strolls through the autumn foliage, and the impressive brick-built Takinoue Power Plant and waterfall, constructed in 14.

The beauty of the autumn foliage is particularly famous, and during the autumn season, you can enjoy a breathtaking sight that is beyond words.

[Chidorigataki Falls Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Yubari City Homepage
Access: 5-minute walk from Takinoue Station on the JR Sekisho Line. By car: Approximately 1 hour from Sapporo, 10 minutes from Yubari Interchange.

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Onuma Quasi-National Park, which has also been selected as one of the New Three Views of Japan, is a natural park covering an area of ​​approximately 9.000 hectares located in the central part of the Oshima Peninsula in southwestern Hokkaido.

The park boasts numerous scenic spots, including the active volcano Mount Komagatake, and the vast forests surrounding Lake Onuma, Lake Konuma, and Lake Junsai, which are dotted with over 100 small islands.

While it's pleasant to stroll around during the fresh green season, the contrast between the marsh and the surrounding colorful trees during the autumn foliage season is breathtaking! You can enjoy various activities such as canoeing and cycling within the park, and spend a whole day leisurely enjoying the spectacular autumn scenery.

Enjoying the autumn foliage at a leisurely pace by canoe.

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House
There are also plans available that allow you to leisurely enjoy Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma by canoe.

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House
Just the experience of leisurely paddling a canoe on your own, something a little different from the usual, is exciting, isn't it?

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House
And as you look around, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of autumn foliage unfolds before you. These canoe tours, which are sure to create lifelong memories, offer a variety of wonderful plans to choose from, such as a 3-hour course where you can enjoy a delicious pizza lunch made with plenty of local ingredients on a deserted island, or early morning or evening canoe tours when there are no tourists, or even a custom-made tour.

Why not combine a unique experience with breathtaking scenery to create lasting travel memories? *Please check the website for tour dates.

Iksander Onuma Canoe House
Address: 22-4 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
TEL：0138-67-3419

Enjoy the autumn foliage while cruising around Lake Onuma.

There are also plenty of other plans to enjoy the charming Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma at your leisure from the water.

Onuma Joint Pleasure Boats offers a variety of cruising plans to suit your group size and situation, including regular sightseeing boats, motorboats, rowboats, pedal boats, and fishing boats.

Enter a world of mystical beauty with the "Autumn Leaves Illumination Cruise."

Furthermore, a special "Autumn Leaves Illumination Cruise" will be operating for a limited time, offering an even more magical atmosphere at night.

The beautifully illuminated autumn leaves viewed from a romantic cruise ship gliding leisurely across the lake at night create a truly enchanting and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a sophisticated adult getaway. (Please check the illumination period.)

Onuma Joint Pleasure Boat Co., Ltd.
Address: 1023-1 Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：0138-67-2229

[Onuma Quasi-National Park Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Onuma Quasi-National Park Guide: All About Onuma
Access
By train: Approximately 20 minutes from JR Hakodate Station by the "Super Hokuto" limited express train (approximately 50 minutes by local train).
By bus: Approximately 20 minutes from Hakodate Airport to JR Hakodate Station. Approximately 60 minutes from JR Hakodate Station to Onuma Quasi-National Park.
For further information, please read CLICK HERE.
By car: Hakodate Airport → Onuma Quasi-National Park: 33km, approximately 50 minutes / JR Hakodate Station → Onuma Quasi-National Park: 28km, approximately 40 minutes

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・A must-visit if you're going to Hakodate or southern Hokkaido! The four seasons and how to enjoy Onuma Park

Located in the center of the Shiretoko Peninsula, along the Okhotsk coast, the Shiretoko Five Lakes are five lakes in Shari Town, Hokkaido, and as the name suggests, they are named from Lake 1 to Lake 5.

One of the eight scenic spots of Shiretoko, these five lakes, scattered at an altitude of approximately 250m and surrounded by primeval forest, reflect the mountain range of the Shiretoko Peninsula and the surrounding scenery on their surface, and are famous for their beautiful autumn foliage.

Also, since this is a habitat for brown bears, when sightseeing, be sure to take a lecture at the Shiretoko Field House, follow the designated walking routes, and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage safely.

Two walking routes around Shiretoko Five Lakes

A "elevated wooden walkway" that is accessible to tourists in wheelchairs.

The elevated wooden walkway, approximately 800 meters long, is free to use from opening time until closing time, and allows you to walk along the shore of Lake Ichiko, passing through several scenic observation decks.

The elevated wooden walkway is surrounded by electric fences, so you can enjoy a safe stroll without being affected by the presence of brown bears. Furthermore, it has no steps and a gentle slope, making it a recommended walking course even for wheelchair users.

Enjoy the lake to the fullest with the "ground-level walking trail".

The ground-level walking trails begin during the vegetation protection period from the park's opening until early May, and walking conditions vary depending on the season.

First, during the autumn foliage season in October, the period until October 20th is a vegetation protection period, and only those who have received a lecture at the Shiretoko Field House are allowed to stroll around.

From October 21st until the park closes, you can freely stroll around. There is a large loop course that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is about 3 km long, and a smaller loop that takes about 40 minutes and is about 1.6 km long. In addition to the spectacular autumn foliage, you can also see many plants and animals.

[Shiretoko Five Lakes Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Shiretoko Five Lakes Official Website
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 18:00 PM (may vary depending on the season; please check beforehand)
Fees: During the period when lectures are held on the ground-level walking path, the lecture fee is 250 yen for adults and 100 yen for children (ages 0 to elementary school age).
Other than the designated free-use period, the elevated wooden walkway is free of charge.
Access
By bus: From Memanbetsu Airport to Utoro in Shari Town, it takes about 2 hours on the Shiretoko Airport Liner. From Utoro in Shari Town to Shiretoko Five Lakes, it takes about 20 minutes.
By car: Approximately 2 hours from Memanbetsu Airport.
During the summer holidays in August, we recommend taking the shuttle bus from Utoro Onsen, which offers priority access even during traffic jams. For more details...CLICK HERE for more information.

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Lake Akan, a representative tourist spot in eastern Hokkaido located in Kushiro City in eastern Hokkaido, is a caldera lake with an area of ​​13.28 km², a circumference of 30 km, and a maximum depth of 45 m, formed by the eruption of Mount Oakan on its eastern shore.

Image courtesy of:Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO
Lake Akan is known as a habitat for marimo, a special natural monument, and on Churui Island floating in the lake, there is a "Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center" where you can observe the marimo up close.

Enjoy the autumn scenery from the lake on a sightseeing boat or motorboat.

Lake Akan, famous as a spot for viewing autumn foliage, offers sightseeing boat tours where you can leisurely enjoy the majestic view of Mount Oakan in the background, the colorful tapestry of trees surrounding the lake, and the contrast with the clear blue surface of the water.

Image courtesy of:Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO
The 85-minute cruise course includes a visit to Takiguchi, a viewpoint on Lake Akan famous for its beautiful autumn foliage, and the aforementioned Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Churui Island, where you can observe marimo algae, allowing you to fully experience the charm of Lake Akan in autumn.

Akan Sightseeing Ferry Co., Ltd.
Address: 1-5-20 Akan-ko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
TEL：0154-67-2511

Enjoy the great outdoors! Explore Lake Akan by canoe.

Image courtesy of:Akan Nature Center
There are tours available that allow you to enjoy the beautiful Lake Akan, surrounded by pristine forests, by Canadian canoe.

Image courtesy of:Akan Nature Center
All of the canoe courses organized by the Akan Nature Center allow you to fully experience the beauty of Lake Akan in autumn, which shines as beautifully as a mirror.
Image courtesy of:Akan Nature Center

For example, on the most popular adventure course, you can explore the forest, crawl under large trees and fallen logs, and truly enjoy an adventurous experience. If you're lucky, you might even encounter rare wild birds.

Image courtesy of:Akan Nature Center
Furthermore, the early morning private canoe tour is a one-group-only tour per day, offering the truly luxurious experience of leisurely enjoying Lake Akan all to yourselves without anyone else around.

Why not enjoy a leisurely morning at Lake Akan in autumn, before the tourists arrive, and admire the scenery from the lake all to yourselves? This is a highly recommended tour where you're sure to encounter a view that will stay in your heart forever.

Akan Nature Center
Address: 5-3-3 Akan-ko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
TEL：0154-67-2801

[Akan Lake Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Akan Lake Tourism Guide / Akan Tourism Association
Access
Buses are available from April to October, and reservations are required at least 5 days in advance.Marimo Express SapporoThe bus will operate daily during the period between Sapporo (10:30), Minami-Chitose (11:30), and New Chitose Airport (11:50) ⇔ Akan Lake Onsen (17:00).
Additionally, it takes 2 hours from Kushiro Station and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kushiro Airport. For more details...Akan Bus HomepageAt
By car: Approximately 1 hour (56 km) from Kushiro Airport; Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (65 km) from Memanbetsu Airport.

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Image courtesy of:Free stock photos: Travel Photos
"Niseko(an)" means "a sheer cliff (with a river flowing below it)" in the Ainu language, and "nupuri" also means "mountain" in the Ainu language. Therefore, "Nisekoannupuri" means "a mountain with a sheer cliff and a river below it."

The Niseko Annupuri area is part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Coast National Park, where you can enjoy strolling, admire the majestic 1.000-meter-high mountains of the Niseko mountain range, and fully immerse yourself in the rich natural beauty. Furthermore, Niseko is famous as a spot for viewing autumn foliage.

The most mystical and beautiful marsh in Niseko: Shinsennuma

Image provided by: Niseko Resort Tourism Association
Among the many marshes in Niseko, Shinsennuma, surrounded by red spruce, is said to be the most mystical and beautiful. It is also famous as a spot for viewing autumn foliage, and many tourists visit during the season to enjoy its spectacular scenery.

Free stock photos: Travel Photos
Located at an altitude of 760m, the area is surrounded by many alpine plants, and a well-maintained wooden boardwalk leads from the parking lot, allowing you to enjoy a stroll and reach the marsh in about 20 minutes.

Shinsen Marsh
Address: Kyowa-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0135-73-2011 (Kyowa Town Hall, Industry Division, Commerce and Tourism Section)
Parking: Available, 90 spaces, free of charge

Enjoy a scenic drive along the panoramic road while admiring the autumn foliage.

Image provided by: Niseko Resort Tourism Association
Among the many autumn foliage spots, the "Niseko Panorama Line" along Prefectural Road 66, from Niseko Town to Iwanai Town, is highly recommended.

This location is extremely popular because you can enjoy stunning autumn scenery while driving. Furthermore, on a clear day, you can also see the beautiful view of Mount Yotei.

Alternatively, you can take the gondola at Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort and enjoy a 10-minute aerial stroll to an altitude of 1,000 meters. From the observation deck, you can see Mount Yotei in its autumn scenery, and on a clear day, Lake Toya and Mount Usu.

Niseko Annupuri Gondola
Address: 485 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0136-58-2080 (Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort)
Operating period: Mid-July to early October (please confirm)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 16:30 PM (Last northbound train at 16:00 PM)

[Niseko Annupuri Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Niseko Resort Tourism Association
Access
By bus: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes from Sapporo, approximately 2 hours from Otaru, and approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport.
Train: JR Sapporo Station (approx. 40 minutes by rapid train) → JR Otaru Station (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) → JR Niseko Station
Approximately 30 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by taxi from Niseko Station.
By car: Approximately 2 hours from Sapporo (approx. 110km) / Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Otaru (approx. 60km) / Approximately 2 hours from New Chitose Airport (approx. 110km)

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・Enjoy the magnificent nature of Niseko on a drive! The charm of the Niseko Panorama Line

Image courtesy of:Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO
Biei boasts a breathtaking landscape of gently rolling hills that evoke a sense of being in a foreign land.

Image courtesy of:Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO
While the scenery of Biei in early summer when flowers are in full bloom, the hills covered in fresh greenery, and the hills covered in pure white snow are all charming, the serene view of the autumn-colored mountains seen over the rolling hills during the fall foliage season is like stepping into a painting.

Cycling through the autumn hills of Biei

Image courtesy of:Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO
Driving through the autumn hills is lovely, but there are plenty of rental bicycle shops near Biei Station and Bibaushi Station, so why not enjoy exploring the autumn hills while feeling the pleasant autumn breeze? Spending a peaceful autumn day stopping at cafes and enjoying the spectacular views from observation decks is truly refreshing.

By the way, since there are many hills and the terrain is very hilly, as someone who has cycled in Biei before, I recommend renting an electric bicycle.

Rental bicycle shops around Biei areCLICK HEREThe cycling map isCLICK HERE .

A leisurely tour of the autumn hills by sightseeing bus.

Image courtesy of:Hokkaido Free Photo Collection DO PHOTO
If you visit Biei by train on a weekend or public holiday before early October, we also recommend taking the Twinkle Bus from Biei Station for sightseeing.

A convenient 1 hour and 20 minute sightseeing course that fits perfectly with train connections goes from Biei Station → Takushinkan (image shows the birch tree-lined avenue at Takushinkan) → Ken and Mary's Tree (viewed from the train) → Seven Stars Tree (viewed from the train) → Parent and Child Tree (viewed from the train) → Northwest Hill (viewed from the train) → Biei Station. Although it's a short time, it takes you around famous hills, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the autumn scenery of Biei. There is also a course that starts and ends in Biei and goes around Furano, which is also lovely.
For information on Twinkle Bus operating days and details, please see below.CLICK HERE for more information.

The contrast between the blue pond in Shirokane and the autumn leaves.

Image providedFree stock photos: Travel Photos

Located about 30 minutes by bus from Biei, Shirogane is home to a famous tourist spot: the "Blue Pond." A few years ago, its stunning scenery was featured as a wallpaper for Apple's MacBook, making it instantly famous. While you can enjoy the beauty of its blue color in every season, the contrast created by the colorful trees in the background and the clear blue water in autumn is truly mystical.

Image providedFree stock photos: Travel Photos
Also, be sure to see the contrast between the blue of the Biei River, affectionately known as the Blue River, and the autumn leaves, which can be accessed from the Blue Pond promenade.

青い池
Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0166-92-4321 (Biei Town Economic and Cultural Promotion Division)
Parking: Available, 100 spaces, free of charge

[Biei Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Biei Town Tourism Information Website
Access
Bus: JR Asahikawa Station (approx. 60 minutes) → JR Biei Station; Asahikawa Airport (approx. 15 minutes) → JR Biei Station
Train: JR Asahikawa Station (approx. 30 minutes) → JR Biei Station; JR Furano Station (approx. 30 minutes) → JR Biei Station
By car: Approximately 40 minutes from Asahikawa, approximately 12 minutes from Asahikawa Airport.

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Jozankei Onsen boasts a hot spring water flow of 8600 liters per minute.

It is also famous as a spot for viewing autumn foliage, and as soon as October arrives, the entire hot spring town is dyed in autumn colors.

There are many spots to see the autumn foliage, such as Futami Suspension Bridge (left in the image) and Maizuru no Toro near Nishiki Bridge (right in the image). Furthermore, during the autumn foliage season, there are gondolas and buses that tour the foliage spots, and you can also enjoy strolling around on foot, making it a truly recommended spot to see the autumn leaves with many attractions.

A fun-filled day of autumn foliage! Autumn foliage gondola, Toyohirakyo Gorge, and sightseeing bus tour of autumn foliage spots.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the air aboard the autumn foliage gondola at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, which operates from late September to mid-October during the peak autumn foliage season.

Additionally, a sightseeing tour that takes you by shuttle bus to the Toyohirakyo Dam, famous for its beautiful autumn foliage, allows you to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Furthermore, there's the "Kappa Bus," where local guides show you the best spots for viewing autumn foliage in Jozankei. Since all tours depart from and return to Jozankei Onsen, you can spend a full day exploring the famous autumn foliage spots in Jozankei.

Enjoying the autumn foliage while soaking in a hot spring!

Many accommodations in Jozankei Onsen offer day-use bathing. How about planning a luxurious autumn trip that would be irresistible for hot spring lovers: after viewing the autumn foliage, you can relax in a hot spring or footbath while enjoying the valley and the autumn colors? For day-use hot springs...CLICK HERE for more information.

[Jozankei Onsen Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Jozankei Tourism Association
Access
Bus: JR Sapporo Station (approx. 60 minutes) → Jozankei Onsen; New Chitose Airport (approx. 100 minutes) → Jozankei Onsen
By car: Approximately 45 minutes from Sapporo, and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport.

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・[From Sapporo to Otaru] The charm of a drive through Jozankei, where the fresh greenery and autumn leaves are beautiful♪
7 Must-Visit Autumn Foliage Spots in and Around Sapporo!

Located just a 15-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, Hokkaido University boasts an easily accessible spot for viewing autumn foliage within its campus.

If you're visiting Sapporo during ginkgo season, you should definitely check it out. Seventy ginkgo trees are planted along both sides of Kita 13-jo Road for a distance of 380 meters, and during the season, the sky is completely covered with yellow leaves. Every year, many tourists, as well as Sapporo residents, come to see this beautiful autumn scenery.

In addition to the ginkgo tree-lined avenue, the poplar tree-lined avenue is also highly recommended. Please note that private vehicles are not allowed on the university grounds, so please use public transportation when visiting.

[Hokkaido University Autumn Foliage Data]
Contact information:Hokkaido University
Access
15-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station; 4-minute walk from Kita 12-jo Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway.

Summary

So, what did you think? In the magnificent autumn of Hokkaido, the mountains, lakes, rivers, and land are all dyed in autumn colors, creating a stunning tapestry of colors everywhere you look.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy them, whether it's looking down on them from the air, leisurely viewing them from observation decks, sightseeing boats, or the windows of cars and buses, or actively enjoying them by cycling or canoeing.

Why not take a trip to Hokkaido this year to coincide with the autumn foliage season? You might just encounter a breathtaking view that will stay in your heart forever.

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  Looking for a place to stay in Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost city? Here are 4 recommended hotels!

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  A castle from "Frozen" is in Asahikawa!? Feel like a princess at the "Snow Museum"!

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  I want to go there this winter! Enjoy the ultimate powder at Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort!

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  A classic Sapporo sightseeing route | Your first trip to Sapporo!

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