1. Biei [Biei Town]

Biei's charm lies in the fact that you can clearly experience Japan's four seasons.
In spring and summer, you can see the beautiful greenery and flowers such as lavender in full bloom, and in autumn, the landscape is covered with vibrant autumn foliage.
A defining feature of Biei is its rolling hills, such as the "patchwork hills." The breathtakingly beautiful scenery, visible from any vantage point, resembles a rural landscape from overseas.

Biei is a place where you can encounter scenery that everyone dreams of, but autumn usually arrives in the foothills of the mountains, such as Shirogane Onsen, and throughout Biei town from the end of September to the beginning of October. Once that settles down, the autumn leaves begin to change color on the hills of Biei.
The larch trees and other trees are beautifully colored, creating a magnificent landscape along with the overlapping earth.
Official site:http://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/

2. Blue Pond [Shirogane, Biei Town]

As its name suggests, Shirogane Blue Pond is a beautiful pond with a predominantly blue color. While its appearance may change slightly depending on the season and time of day, its beauty never fades.
During the autumn foliage season, the surrounding area glows golden, and even the withered trees look fantastical.

The origin of the Blue Pond is said to be the "Shirahige Falls" located in Shirogane Onsen.
You can also enjoy beautiful autumn foliage around the source of the river, so it's recommended to stop by there as well.

Official website (Blue Pond):
https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/search/sightseeing/viewspot/000035.html
Official website (Shirogane Onsenkyo):http://www.biei-shiroganeonsen.com/

3. Mt. Moiwa [Sapporo]

Mount Moiwa is a popular tourist spot in Sapporo. There are many reasons for this, but one of its attractions is the spectacular view you can see from the ropeway.
While Mt. Moiwa can be enjoyed in all four seasons, the best time to visit is definitely autumn. The scenery is like a painting, and as you take a ride in the ropeway, you feel as if you're being drawn into it.

The view from the mountaintop is magnificent, allowing you to fully enjoy the autumn foliage on a scale rarely experienced in the city. On sunny days, it's also fun to stroll around and admire the autumn leaves!
The best time to enjoy the autumn foliage on Mt. Moiwa is usually from mid-October to late October. The night view is also beautiful during this time when the air is clear, so you can visit Mt. Moiwa in the afternoon or evening and wait for sunset to enjoy the night view.

Also, if you drive about 35 minutes from Mt. Moiwa, you will find the ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Hokkaido University (commonly known as Hokudai).
Along both sides of the road, which is approximately 380 meters long, there are about 70 ginkgo trees.

Once the peak season is over, the roads are painted in the colors of fallen leaves, making autumn travel even more enjoyable.
If you're planning a trip to Sapporo in the fall, I highly recommend you stop by, so please consider adding it to your itinerary.
Official website (Moiwayama):http://moiwa.sapporo-dc.co.jp/
Official website (Hokkaido University):http://www.hokudai.ac.jp/

4. Moerenuma Park [Sapporo]

Moerenuma Park in Sapporo is a park where you can take a leisurely stroll through its vast grounds.
When autumn arrives, the plants change from green to autumn colors.
The basic design was created by Isamu Noguchi, one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century, and it has become a popular tourist spot as Sapporo's art park.

This park, designed as a single sculptural work, features the "Sea Fountain" as one of its highlights.
The sea fountain show will be held several times a day until October 20th, offering a spectacular display of water art.
Why not enjoy the interplay of autumn leaves and water, and the world of art where the environment and culture are embodied, amidst the falling leaves of the park?
Official site:http://moerenumapark.jp/

5. Jozankei (Toyohira Gorge Dam) [Sapporo City]

Located within Sapporo City's Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the Toyohira Gorge Dam is known as a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage, situated in an environmental protection area.
Additionally, the dam's tourist water release takes place annually from June 1st to October 31st, from 9:6 AM to 10:16 PM, so you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the water being released along with the autumn foliage.

The best time to see the autumn foliage at Toyohirakyo Gorge is usually from early to mid-October. Various trees such as maple, rowan, and cherry trees change color during this season.
While it's possible to visit as a day trip from Sapporo, I also recommend staying overnight and relaxing in the secluded hot springs.
Official site:http://www.houheikyou.jp/

6. Onuma Quasi-National Park [Hakodate]

Onuma Quasi-National Park is now accessible from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in about 10 minutes by train or about 20 minutes by car.
The contrast between the autumn leaves and the blue sky is wonderful, but the lake itself, with its understated yet beautiful design, is also incredibly charming.
The eruption of Mount Komagatake caused sediment to fill in the river, creating a lake, and the scenery reflected in it like a mirror, shining with the beauty of the surrounding mountains, is simply breathtaking.
It's also recommended for those who appreciate tranquility, as you might experience the breath of nature even amidst the silence.
Incidentally, it was here that the writer Man Arai, who loved this magnificent scenery, created his famous song "A Thousand Winds."
The "Thousand Winds Monument," located northeast of Nishi-Ojima along the lakeshore, is also a popular tourist attraction.
Official site:http://www.onuma-guide.com/

7. A tour of the Daisetsuzan Mountains and the Daisetsuzan Plateau marshes [Daisetsuzan Mountains]

Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the earliest autumn foliage in Japan. There, you'll find yourself surrounded by autumn colors far beyond your imagination.
Since the Daisetsuzan Plateau is also a habitat for brown bears, a lecture on brown bears before entering the mountains is essential. Also, you'll need appropriate equipment to navigate the marshlands. Despite these minor difficulties, the premium autumn foliage you'll see when you arrive is breathtaking. You'll encounter an unforgettable view that you won't see when talking about autumn leaves.

First, you'll be surprised by the difference in scale, from the familiar autumn foliage you see everywhere to the increasingly vibrant colors. You'll understand why it's called "the garden where the gods play."
The forests that spread out below Takanegahara are home to many ponds and marshes, and along the paths, the mixed forests of broad-leaved trees (such as rowan and Yezo maple) and coniferous trees (such as Yezo spruce) create an indescribable beauty.

Also, if you make the effort to go a little further, the scenery at "University Marsh" is wonderful and a recommended spot.
Depending on the time of year, the first snowfall may be observed, allowing you to encounter a fantastical scene of snow accumulating amidst the autumn foliage.
It gets quite cold in the highlands, so don't forget to bring warm clothing.
Official site:http://www.daisetsuzan.or.jp/detail/daisetsu-kougen-onnsenn-spa-numameguri/

Final thoughts

What did you think?

Hokkaido also has many other places where you can experience the colors of autumn, such as Shiretoko and Tokachidake Observation Deck.
The choice of location will depend on your personal preference, but I've tried to recommend places that are as easily accessible as possible.

While the final climb up Mount Daisetsu requires a fair amount of time and equipment, the scenery you'll encounter is truly magnificent, making it perfect for those who want to experience an unparalleled sense of awe.

In any case, I highly recommend experiencing the uniquely Japanese pleasure of "viewing autumn leaves" in Hokkaido, where it unfolds on a magnificent scale.

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