Your Guide to the Best Spots in Hokkaido to See the Fall Foliage

Best time to see the fall foliage in Hokkaido

Hokkaido offers numerous stunning spots for viewing fall leaves, but given its vast size, traveling between locations can take time. To make the most of your trip, it's best to focus on specific areas and visit the fall foliage spots within those regions.

The best time to see the fall foliage varies by region. In the high-altitude Daisetsuzan area, the leaves are at their peak from mid- to late September. In Noboribetsu, famous for its hot springs, the fall colors are most vibrant from mid- to late October, about a month later. Since the ideal viewing time differs by location, it’s important to check ahead and plan accordingly.

Get around Hokkaido with the Hokkaido Rail Pass and enjoy unlimited rides on all JR Hokkaido Lines for either five or seven consecutive days.

8 best fall foliage spots across Hokkaido

Here are eight of the best fall foliage spots in Hokkaido. Given the size of the region, it's hard to see everything in one day, so be sure to consider other sights you’d like to visit and choose the foliage destinations that best fit your itinerary. We've also included easily accessible spots in downtown Sapporo for those who prefer to stay closer to the city.

Sounkyo: See a stunning valley hued in fall colors

Sounkyo offers stunning fall foliage set against a backdrop of sheer cliffs and waterfalls. A ten-minute walk from the Sounkyo Tourist Information Center takes you to Momijidani Maple Valley, renowned for its breathtaking fall colors. Enjoy a relaxing stroll while taking in the beautiful scenery.

On weekends during the fall foliage season, the area is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. The best time to enjoy the colorful leaves at Sounkyo is usually from early to mid-October.

Sounkyo
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture (Sounkyo Tourist Information Center inside Sounkyo Bus Terminal)
Access: 1 hr 50 mins by bus from Asahikawa City
Official website: https://sounkyo.net/view/

Jozankei: A great day trip destination from Sapporo

If you’re looking for a day trip destination from Sapporo to enjoy the fall foliage, Jozankei is the perfect place. The leaves here are renowned for their picturesque beauty, with captivating shades of crimson, gold, and tangerine.

The best time to enjoy the fall foliage in Jozankei is usually mid-October, when the Momiji Kappa Bus offers trips to some of the most beautiful places. Though there’s a fee for the service, it’s a great way to see all the top locations at once.

Buses can’t be reserved in advance, and with only four buses a day, registration closes once the bus reaches capacity. Since this tour is very popular, it’s best to visit the Jozankei Tourism Association as soon as you arrive to secure your spot. Jozankei is also famous for its hot springs, so if time allows, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a relaxing soak.

Jozankei
Address: Jozankei Onsen, 3 Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Prefecture (Jozankei Tourism Association)
Access: 1 hr 40 mins by bus from New Chitose Airport to Jozankei Onsen; 1 hr by bus from Sapporo Station
Official website: https://jozankei.jp/en/

Hokkaido University: Walk along a 380-meter-long tunnel of ginkgo leaves

Hokkaido University in Sapporo is known for its beautiful fall foliage. The campus is lined with ginkgo trees, which reach their peak color in late October. On holidays, the trees are illuminated, creating a beautiful sight. Since the university is not a typical tourist spot, it’s best to visit during the day.

The university is just a short walk from Sapporo Station, but it takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from the campus gate to the ginkgo trees. Despite the walk, it’s one of the most accessible places on our list, making it a great option for those planning to sightsee around Sapporo.

Hokkaido University
Address: Kita 8-jo Nishi 5-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access: 7-min walk from Sapporo Station (North Exit;) or 4-min walk from Kitajunijo Station
Official website: https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/

Onuma Quasi-National Park: Admire the fall foliage amidst beautiful natural scenery

Located about an hour's bus ride from Hakodate, Onuma Quasi-National Park is rich in nature, featuring three lakes, various islets, and swamps. Nearby Mount Komagatake, one of Hokkaido's most famous mountains, adds to the breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.

The best time to visit for the fall foliage is in October, when you can enjoy the stunning contrast of the clear blue sky, its reflection on the lake, and the vibrant colors of the trees. A sightseeing boat operates in the park until around November, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the leaves from the water.

Onuma Quasi-National Park
Address: 1023-1 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access: 60-min bus ride from JR Hakodate Station; 2 hrs 50 mins to 3 hrs 20 mins by Limited Express Hokuto or Super Hokuto from JR Sapporo Station to Onuma Koen Station; 10-20 mins by Limited Express Hokuto, Super Hokuto, or local train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to JR Onuma Koen Station
Official website: http://www.onuma-guide.com/ (in Japanese only)

Shiretoko Pass: Take a leisurely drive surrounded by colorful foliage

If you’re looking for a scenic fall foliage drive, Shiretoko Pass is a great choice. Located at 738 meters above sea level, it offers stunning views of the fall colors on Mount Rausu. Easily accessible by bus, the pass provides a unique opportunity to see both snow-capped peaks and vibrant fall colors. The best time to visit is from early to mid-October, but be aware that the pass closes to traffic in early November.

Shiretoko Pass
Address: Yunosawacho, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access: 25-min bus ride from Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal to the observatory
Official website: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10401.html

Mount Asahi: Take in views of the foliage against the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range

Mount Asahi, part of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, is located about 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station. From mid- to late September, the ground is often covered with a stunning layer of red leaves. Despite its height, you can easily reach an altitude of 1,600 meters using the ropeway. 

Asahidake Ropeway
Address: Asahidake-onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access: 70-min car ride from JR Asahikawa Station
Official website: http://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/en

Niseko Annupuri: Drive along the Niseko Panorama Line

The Niseko Panorama Line, located on Route 66 between Niseko and Iwanai, is a fantastic drive for taking in the fall foliage of Mount Yotei and the Niseko Annupuri mountain range. From late September to early October, this scenic route draws many visitors eager to see the splendid fall colors. If you have an international driver's license, it’s definitely worth taking a drive to experience the beauty of the season.

Niseko is a popular destination for international travelers thanks to its stunning natural scenery, including mountains, rivers, hot springs, farms, along with a wide range of activities. Adding fall foliage viewing to your itinerary will enhance the experience even further.

Niseko Annupuri
Access: 90-min train ride from Otaru
Official Website: https://www.niseko-ta.jp/en

Noboribetsu Jigokudani: Enjoy a blissful time in Hokkaido's famous hot spring town

Noboribetsu Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," is the remains of a crater created by the explosive eruption of Mount Hiyori, featuring an array of hot springs and fumaroles. The best time to visit is from mid- to late October, when the white steam rising from the ground contrasts beautifully with the red foliage.

After visiting Noboribetsu Jigokudani, be sure to drop by Noboribetsu Onsen, which is home to nine different types of hot springs to relax and unwind.

Noboribetsu Jigokudani
Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access: 1-min walk from Jigokudani parking lot
Official website: https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/en/spot/spot0034/

Enjoy Hokkaido's fall foliage from September to November

Hokkaido is one of the regions in Japan where the fall foliage begins to change color earlier than elsewhere, with some areas beginning to show their vibrant hues as early as September. Given its large size, Hokkaido offers the opportunity to enjoy the fall foliage well into mid-November, depending on the location. To make the most of your visit, be sure to check the latest information online in advance.

Buy all your Japan souvenirs on WAmazing Shop

While being busy with exploring all the aforementioned fall foliage spots, you can easily buy all your souvenirs conveniently on WAmazing Shop. Choose from various categories, ranging from snacks and sweets to Japanese sake and cosmetics, and collect your order from special lockers at designated airports across Japan, as well as major train stations, and other places.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.