Autumn in Sapporo brings significant temperature differences between day and night.
That's precisely why the beauty of the autumn leaves stands out even more.

Hoheikyo Dam is about an hour's drive from the center of Sapporo. It is a scenic spot with beautiful primeval forests and rocky gorges.

The autumn foliage season is especially a must-see. Why not spend a day surrounded by the vibrant colors of the trees at Toyohirakyo Dam?

Table of contents
1-1. What is Toyohirakyo?
1-2. How to enjoy autumn at Toyohirakyo Dam – by using the hybrid electric bus –
1-3. How to enjoy autumn at Toyohirakyo Dam - Highlights of Toyohirakyo Dam -
[If you're visiting Toyohirakyo Dam, here are some spots you should definitely check out.]
2-1. Jozankei Onsen
2-2. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
2-3. Yatsurugiyama

Toyohira Gorge is a leisure spot centered around the Toyohira Gorge Dam, which is used for flood control on the Toyohira River.

The central structure of the area is the Toyohirakyo Dam, an arch-type concrete dam completed in October 1972.
The dam is 305 meters long and 102.5 meters high, which is roughly equivalent to the height of a 34-story building.

The total water storage capacity is 47,100 cubic meters, which is equivalent to approximately 30 Sapporo Domes. It has been selected as one of the Forestry Agency's "100 Best Water Source Forests" and "100 Best Dam Lakes."

It is located near Jozankei Onsen, often referred to as Sapporo's inner sanctuary, and is a popular spot for Sapporo residents and tourists, especially during the autumn season.

Toyohirakyo Dam is a must-see during the autumn season.

Because it is located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the approximately 2km stretch of road from the entrance to the Toyohira Gorge Dam to the dam itself is closed to general traffic.

Therefore, you will need to travel on foot or by electric bus.
Since the route to the dam goes through a tunnel, we highly recommend using the hybrid electric bus to get to Toyohirakyo Dam.

You can enjoy a ride on an environmentally friendly bus while admiring the beautiful autumn foliage.

Between the Hiyamizu Tunnel and the Toyohirakyo Tunnel, there is also a place called Kudan Falls.
It's a small waterfall, but it's beautiful, so be sure to check it out.

The hybrid electric bus will be in operation until November 3rd (Friday, public holiday) from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM this year.

After passing through the Reisui Tunnel and the Toyohirakyo Tunnel, you will arrive at the Toyohirakyo Dam.

After getting off the hybrid electric bus, take your time to enjoy the autumn foliage.
The dam's tourist-oriented water release will continue until the end of October.

The dam's water release is a spectacular sight. Enjoy the autumn foliage along with the magnificent tourist-oriented water release.
(Please check the Toyohirakyo Gorge website for the schedule of tourist-oriented fish releases.)

The view from the observation deck is spectacular and highly recommended. You can also use the lift car to get to the observation deck.

It's possible to go on foot, but since you're there, I think it's a good idea to try using the lift car as well.

From the observation deck next to the dam, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the autumn foliage.

Also, near the observation deck, there is a restaurant with a spectacular view called "Damumieru." As the name suggests, it is a restaurant where you can enjoy both the dam and the autumn foliage.

This year, we will be open from September 23rd (Saturday, public holiday) to October 29th (Sunday), from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

In addition to Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), the Toyohirakyo Dam Curry, which recreates the autumn foliage of the Toyohirakyo Dam using curry, is also popular.

There's also a meal package available that includes a round-trip ticket on the hybrid electric bus and a meal. Why not stop by and check it out?

2-1. Jozankei Onsen

If you're visiting Toyohirakyo Dam, here are some spots I highly recommend you check out.

The first one is Jozankei Onsen.
It takes about 8 minutes by car from Toyohirakyo Gorge.

The hot spring water gushing forth in the Jozankei Onsen area is a colorless, transparent sodium chloride spring (neutral, hypotonic, high-temperature spring).
The autumn leaves are beautiful, but it's chilly at this time of year, so be sure to soak in a hot spring and warm yourself up from the inside out.

The hot spring town, surrounded by autumn foliage, is also beautiful. I recommend taking a short stroll through the town.

There are three hand baths and foot baths that can be used free of charge all year round. It's a great idea to take a stroll while soaking your hands or feet in one of them.

2-2. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

The second place I'd like to introduce is "Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort".
Some of you might be wondering, "Why Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort in the fall, when it's not a winter season for skiing?"

But you can also enjoy this ski resort in the fall.
This year, the "Autumn Festival" is being held from September 23rd (Saturday, public holiday) to October 15th (Sunday).

During this period, you can take a gondola that connects to the mountaintop at an altitude of 1,100 meters and view the autumn foliage from the air.

The climb to the summit takes about 15 minutes. The autumn foliage spread out below is a spectacular sight. The service operates from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

There is also a panoramic observation deck at the summit, offering stunning views of Otaru Bay and Ishikari Bay.

Additionally, on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the period, there will be weekly events such as "all-you-can-fill-a-bag-with-Hokkaido potatoes" and food stalls.
You can enjoy delicious food while admiring the autumn foliage.

2-3. Yatsurugiyama

The third mountain I'd like to introduce is "Hakkenzan," one of Hokkaido's 100 Famous Mountains.

At an altitude of 498 meters, the mountain is said to have been named "Hakkenzan" (Eight Swords Mountain) because its rocky peaks resemble eight swords.

Mt. Hakkensan is home to katsura trees and Ezo itaya trees, and is a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage. After enjoying the autumn colors at Toyohirakyo Dam, be sure to visit Mt. Hakkensan as well.

In this area, you can find tourist farms where you can pick fruit, horseback riding facilities, and the Hakkensan Winery.

In particular, Hakkensan Winery was founded in 2011 with the motto, "Wine is made in the vineyard, and grapes want to become wine."

Here, we produce and sell wine, cider, jam, and other products. Why not buy some wine or jam on your way back from enjoying the autumn foliage?

Final thoughts

What did you think.

Along with Toyohirakyo Dam, which is a great place to visit in the autumn, we've introduced some spots that are worth visiting if you extend your trip a little further, such as the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Autumn Festival and Mt. Hakkensan.

You can easily spend a whole day just exploring this area.

Toyohirakyo Dam is a beautiful scenic spot known for its stunning autumn foliage, where the dam and nature blend together perfectly.
During this time of year, many tourists, as well as Sapporo residents, visit the area, so traffic congestion is expected.

Take your time and relax, and visit Toyohirakyo Dam, one of Sapporo's most popular spots for viewing autumn foliage.

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  July in Hokkaido! Must-see sights, gourmet food, and ways to enjoy yourself during this time of year [2018 Edition]

• 

  [Hakodate] Tracing the history of the romantic Bakumatsu period! What kind of place was the Hakodate Magistrate's Office?

• 

  The season has arrived! Sightseeing on Rebun Island | How to enjoy Japan's northernmost island

• 

  Explore Hakodate's film locations! 8 spots accessible by streetcar and on foot.

• 

  I participated in the "Black Nikka Highball Fragrant Night" event, which is exclusively available in Hokkaido (PR).

• 

  Six popular gourmet spots around Niseko that you'll want to stop by while on a drive!

• 

  [From Sapporo to Hakodate] We compared JR trains, express buses, airplanes, and cars!

• 

  Let's appreciate the unique sweets of Rokkatei.

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)