It's said that when the leaves change color in Sapporo, the entire city becomes vibrant with autumn foliage.

Even if it's not a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, you can still see them during lunch, on your commute, or even in a nearby park.
It's a city where you can enjoy the autumn foliage. In fact, the entire city literally turns colorful when you see the autumn leaves in Sapporo.

So, you might be wondering, "Where should I go to see the autumn foliage in Sapporo?"

We've compiled a list of seven of Sapporo's most beloved autumn foliage spots around the city, ranging from classic locations to hidden gems and easily accessible spots in the city center. We've also included some tips on what to wear during the autumn foliage season.

Wouldn't you like to be moved by the unique autumn foliage of Hokkaido, a sight you won't see anywhere else?

<Table of Contents>
1. A classic! Jozankei Onsen
2. Just 10 minutes from Jozankei! Toyohira Gorge
3. Let's go to the forest! Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
4. Take a short detour. Eniwa Valley
5. Central Area Part 1: Hokkaido University Ginkgo Tree-lined Avenue
6. Central Area Part 2: Maruyama Park
7. Central Area Part 3: Nakajima Park
About clothes
Final thoughts

Located about 40 minutes by car from the city center, Jozankei Onsen has long been loved by tourists and Sapporo residents alike as "Sapporo's inner sanctuary."

Located upstream of the Toyohira River, which flows through the heart of Sapporo, the beauty of the autumn foliage is particularly striking, complemented by the scenic beauty of the gorge.

One of the characteristics of the autumn foliage in Jozankei is that there are many different ways to enjoy it.

Walking along the promenade, you can easily enjoy the autumn foliage at spots such as Futami Suspension Bridge, Ikoi Bridge, Momiji Bridge, Nishiki Bridge, and Shigure Bridge, all accessible from the walking course that follows the stream from the hot spring town.

A special "Autumn Leaves Kappa Bus" will be running only during the autumn foliage season. A local guide will take you to all the best spots for viewing the autumn leaves.

Another special feature is the "Autumn Leaves Gondola." Located about 30 minutes by car from the hot springs, this gondola at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort allows you to admire the autumn foliage spreading across the entire mountain from the air.
A shuttle bus service is available from the hot springs, and you can get a discount on day-use bathing by showing your bus ticket stub.

Maizuru's Toro, a top spot for viewing autumn foliage, can be seen from Nishiki Bridge, but the view from a canoe is highly recommended.

Jozankei offers a wide range of activities, including canoeing and rafting, that even beginners can enjoy. The autumn foliage viewed from the surface of the gently flowing river in the gorge has a unique and beautiful atmosphere.

Jozankei Onsen is a hot spring resort where the entire valley is enveloped in autumn foliage. After enjoying the autumn colors while relaxing in the hot springs, how will you enjoy the foliage next?

Jozankei Onsen
Typical viewing season: Early October to mid-October
Jozankei Tourism Association　TEL: 011-598-2012
Autumn Leaves Kappa BusOctober 1st to October 22nd, 2017: 4 flights per day. Reservations available from 9:00 AM on the day of departure. 500 yen per seat.
Autumn Leaves Gondola：2017年9月23日～10月15日　9：30-15：30　大人往復1.100円
Jozankei Canoeing (Amusement Sports)　Approximately 60 minutes, 3500 yen for adults (depending on the course).
Access: From New Chitose Airport (approx. 100 minutes) / From Sapporo (approx. 60 minutes)Direct shuttle busIt operates from central Sapporo, about a 40-minute drive away.

Located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Toyohirakyo Dam, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Water Source Forests" and one of the "100 Best Dam Lakes," contrasting beautifully with the autumn foliage.

An impressive water release for tourists is taking place. You can enjoy different views from the dam embankment and the observation deck.

Park your car in the free parking lot at the entrance to the Toyohirakyo Dam, and then take a hybrid electric bus up to the Toyohirakyo Park. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Kudan Falls and Senjo Rock.

Photo courtesy of Toyohirakyo Onsen
A short drive downhill from the dam is Toyohirakyo Onsen. It is popular for its large open-air bath with free-flowing hot spring water and an unobstructed, spacious feel.
At night, you can enjoy the magical sight of illuminated autumn leaves from the open-air bath.

Photo courtesy of Toyohirakyo Onsen

If you visit here, you absolutely must try the authentic Indian curry and naan made by Nepalese chefs. It's no wonder this hot spring won first place in TripAdvisor's 2013 Day Trip Hot Springs Awards in Japan.

There are also tourist orchards nearby. Jozankei Waiwai Farm (formerly Sasaki Tourist Orchard) is known for producing sweet fruits due to its high altitude. Apples, plums, pears, and grapes are in season around October.
There's a fishing pond that even young children can enjoy, and you can even take home some natural spring water.

It's only about a 10-minute drive from Jozankei Onsen. You can enjoy a whole day just in Toyohirakyo Gorge, with attractions like the Toyohirakyo Dam, day-trip hot springs, and fruit picking.

Toyohira Gorge
Best time to see: Early November to mid-November
Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from central Sapporo.
A shuttle bus service from Jozankei Onsen is planned (starting September 30th).
Toyohira Gorge Dam　Toyohirakyo Hybrid Electric Bus: Round trip for adults 620 yen, May to mid-November.
Toyohirakyo Onsen　Admission fee: 1000 yen for adults
Jozankei Waiwai Farm　Apple, plum, pear, grape picking (60 minutes): 800 yen for adults.

★Travel with JAL! Classic Sapporo & Otaru Tour★

Sapporo has a huge forest park.

It covers a vast area of ​​400 hectares (equivalent to 85 Tokyo Domes!), but it's divided into three distinct zones, ensuring you won't get bored.

The stream zone (free admission) has four waterfalls. Among them, "Ashiribetsu Falls" is a waterfall that is particularly beautiful when the autumn leaves are in full bloom and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
The rainbow over Ashiribetsu Falls, which only appears for a short time right after the park opens in October, is something I would definitely like to see.

The Takinomori Zone is a particularly nature-rich area.

The eastern area features paved walking paths, allowing visitors to fully enjoy strolling through the autumn-colored forest. Forest activities such as roller slides are also available.

On Sunday, October 11th, an event called "Autumn Walking Guide" will be held, where guides will take you on a tour of the park as the autumn leaves change color. The tour will take place from 13:00 to 14:30 (60-90 minutes) (departing in small groups), and registration will be at the Forest Exchange Center from 9:10 AM on the day of the event.

The central zone features areas like "Children's Valley" and "Forest Dwelling," where children can play and use their bodies to their fullest, making it a truly satisfying experience. The autumn foliage here is also not to be missed. The maple trees in the "Water Plaza" are highly recommended.

In the "Country Garden," this fluffy, fuzzy plant also changes color in autumn. It's called "Kochia," and its Japanese name is Houkisou.

An event to make brooms using these bright red, autumn-colored "kochia" plants will be held from November 1st (Sun) to 3rd (Tue, public holiday). It will take place at the Flower Information Center from 10:30 to 12:00, with a limit of 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis, and costs 200 yen per broom.

The autumn foliage situation is as follows:websiteYou can check with
Sunday, October 4th is a free admission day (parking fees apply). From Saturday, October 14th to Sunday, October 22nd, the "Autumn Leaves Festival" will be held with various events.
Each event is very popular, and traffic can get congested during the autumn foliage season, so plan your trip early.

This park is so large you can't explore it all in one day, but it's less than an hour's drive from central Sapporo. You can enjoy the idyllic Hokkaido scenery, which takes advantage of the hilly terrain, without having to travel far.

Photo courtesy of Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park

国営滝野すずらん丘陵公園
Typical viewing season: Mid-October to late October
Address: 247 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo City
Phone: 011-592-3333
Opening hours: Autumn (September 1st - November 10th) 9:00-17:00 (Hours vary depending on the season)
Admission fee: 410 yen for adults (free entry to the stream zone)
Access: Approximately 32 minutes by Chuo Bus Takino Line from Makomanai Subway Station.

Eniwa Gorge is a little-known hidden gem, despite being close to Sapporo. Three distinctive waterfalls appear in succession along the single road that runs along the gorge.

Walking paths and viewing areas for waterfalls have been developed along the stream, and you can see everything in about an hour.

Although it's a small gorge, it's nestled deep in the mountains, allowing you to stroll leisurely while admiring the colorful autumn foliage and feeling the spray of water.

There is no parking at the first waterfall you will see, the Sandan-no-Taki waterfall, so head to either the Rarumanai-no-Taki parking lot or the Hakusen-no-Taki parking lot. The Hakusen-no-Taki parking lot has a shop and restrooms. There is no public transportation such as buses.

From October 6th to October 9th, a loop bus called the "Eniwa Valley Autumn Leaves Tour Bus" will be in operation.
A shuttle bus service will operate from various stations within Eniwa City to Eniwa Gorge, and food and drink booths featuring Eniwa's local specialties will be set up at the venue. Advance reservations are required for the bus.
Eniwa City Flowers, Greenery and Tourism Division 0123-33-3131 (ext. 2521)

It takes about an hour by car from Sapporo Station. If you continue along Route 1, you will reach Lake Shikotsu in about 40 minutes. From the gorge, it takes about 50 minutes to reach New Chitose Airport.

The autumn foliage around Lake Shikotsu is also beautiful, making it a great stop on a drive around Lake Shikotsu or as a connecting visit to New Chitose Airport.

This waterfall is steeped in the legend of Yoshitsune's gold. Why not take a short trip to admire the autumn foliage, which is perhaps just as beautiful as the gold?

Eniwa Valley
Typical viewing season: Early to mid-October
Address: Banjiri, Eniwa City
Parking: Free, 25 spaces in total across both parking lots.
Access: Approximately 25 minutes by car from Eniwa city center towards Lake Shikotsu; approximately 30 minutes by car from Eniwa Interchange.
Phone: 0123-33-3131 (ext. 2521) Eniwa City Economic Department, Flowers, Greenery and Tourism Division
The information page for Eniwa City and Eniwa Valley isClick here

Just a short walk from Sapporo Station! Hokkaido University Campus is located about a 10-minute walk away.
The campus is usually visited by locals and tourists, but during the autumn foliage season, many people come specifically to see the ginkgo trees.

The campus is a vast area spanning three subway stations.
The North 13th Street Gate is convenient for accessing the ginkgo tree-lined avenue. (5-minute walk from North 12th Street Station on the Namboku Subway Line)
The autumn foliage situation is as follows:websiteIn can be confirmed.

With its flowing stream, forest, poplar-lined streets (pictured), and historical buildings, this campus is so pleasant that it almost feels like a park.

The bust of Dr. Clark, famous for the quote "Boys, be ambitious!", is located on the central lawn.

You might also find cows and sheep grazing in the area.

At the "Elm Forest" information center, located right inside the main gate, you can find souvenirs exclusive to Hokkaido University.

You could relive your student days by enjoying the school cafeteria, or stop by "Restaurant Elm," an off-site restaurant of the Sapporo Grand Hotel.

You'll be amazed to find such a magnificent campus, steeped in history and nature, right in the heart of this city.

Additionally, the "Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival" is held annually in late October, where visitors can enjoy the illuminated ginkgo tree-lined avenue.
In 2017, the event will be held from October 28th (Sat) to 29th (Sun). For more details...CLICK HEREをどうぞ.

Hokkaido University
Typical viewing season: Late October to early November
Address: Kita 8-jo Nishi 5-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo City
Phone: 011-706-4680 Information Center
Access: 15-minute walk from the north exit of JR Sapporo Station to the ginkgo tree-lined street.
5-minute walk from Kita 12-jo Station on the Namboku Subway Line
Parking: None. Please use nearby coin-operated parking lots (they get crowded during the autumn foliage season).
Private vehicles are not permitted to enter the campus.
Information about the ginkgo tree-lined streetCLICK HEREから

Maruyama Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, but it also has a different kind of charm during the autumn foliage season.

It can be reached in 5 minutes on foot from Maruyama Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line. The entire park is beautifully colored with the reds of cherry blossoms and maple trees, as well as the yellows of katsura and ginkgo trees.

This park leads to Hokkaido Shrine, which is equally beautiful with its autumn foliage.

It is adjacent to the Maruyama primeval forest and has well-maintained, flat walking paths. If you climb Maruyama, which is 225m high and can be reached in about an hour, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapporo city and you might even encounter squirrels along the way.

The Maruyama area is also a great spot for foodies.

Three Michelin stars, Hokkaido French cuisineRestaurant MolièreIn addition to famous high-end restaurants, there are also plenty of casual Italian restaurants and cafes scattered around, so you can enjoy a stroll through the park and have lunch together.

Rokkatei Maruyama StoreIt has a coffee shop attached where you can buy souvenirs, and its reasonably priced lunches and sweets are popular.

Why not enjoy a relaxing forest bath and savor some delicious food?

Maruyama Park
Typical viewing season: Mid-October to early November
Address: Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, and other locations
Phone: 011-621-0453 Maruyama Park Management Office
Access: 5-minute walk from Maruyama Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
Parking: None. Please use nearby coin-operated parking lots.

This park, designated as one of "Japan's Top 100 Urban Parks," boasts abundant water and trees, with Mount Moiwa as its backdrop.

As soon as you get off at Nakajima Park subway station, you enter the park. The row of ginkgo trees that starts from the entrance feels like you've entered a tunnel of yellow.

The area around Shobu Pond is beautifully colored with autumn leaves, so I recommend taking a leisurely boat ride to enjoy the scenery.

Even on August 22nd, when I visited, the leaves had just begun to change color. (Photo)

This park, which is just one subway stop away, is beloved by the local community and houses the Hokkaido Prefectural Museum of Literature, a Japanese garden, a concert hall, an observatory, and a puppet theater.

Although it's close to the entertainment district of Susukino, it's very quiet and doesn't have the hustle and bustle of places like Odori Park.

If you have the opportunity to visit Sapporo during the autumn foliage season, from mid-October to early November, you might want to consider staying near Nakajima Park.

In the surrounding area,"Sapporo Park Hotel",Premier Hotel Nakajima Park SapporoIn addition to high-class hotels such as those listed above, there are also a variety of affordable hotels available.

Being able to look down on the autumn foliage from your hotel room or take a stroll in the park before breakfast would surely create wonderful memories.

Nakajima Park
Typical viewing season: Mid-October to late October
Address: 1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-511-3924 Nakajima Park Management Office
Access: Subway Namboku Line, Nakajima Park Station or Horohirabashi Station
Parking: None. Please use nearby coin-operated parking lots.

When visiting during the autumn foliage season, one of the things you're probably wondering about is what to wear.

The average temperature in Sapporo in October is 12 degrees Celsius, while in Tokyo it takes November to reach the same temperature. There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so a jacket is essential.

Depending on the weather, you may need a light coat, and the first snow usually falls towards the end of the month.

Temperatures drop in high-altitude areas such as gondolas, and near water such as canoes and dams, so it's a good idea to have a windbreaker or other windproof outer garment with you.

So, what did you think? Sapporo has many places where you can easily enjoy the autumn foliage.

Sapporo offers more than just autumn foliage spots.

Why not come and see the entire town covered in autumn foliage?

【Related information】
・Stunningly beautiful scenery that will leave you speechless! Top 10 best autumn foliage spots in Hokkaido
Autumn is in full swing in Hokkaido! A roundup of must-see sights and events in October!
・A classic Sapporo sightseeing route | Your first trip to Sapporo♪

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