From spots like Shiretoko Five Lakes, Noboribetsu Hell Valley, and Jozankei Onsen, where you can enjoy Hokkaido's autumn foliage, to places like Palette Hill and Four Seasons Hill, picturesque garden destinations, as well as leisurely spots like Asahiyama Zoo, here are 23 stunning recommendations for Hokkaido's autumn travel destinations. Let me introduce them to you.
1. Shiretoko Five Lakes（知床五湖）
Shiretoko Five Lakes is a scenic spot known as one of the Shiretoko Eight Views. As the name suggests, you can see five lakes in a wetland area. This untouched forest is designated as a World Natural Heritage site and is home to many wildlife species and plants, making it a relaxing place to experience nature.
There is a ground corridor that goes around the five lakes, but during the brown bear activity season (early May to the end of July), individual walks are not allowed, and participants must join guided tours by locally certified guides. Starting from August, it's a perfect place for leisurely walks during the autumn season.
Additionally, you can freely stroll on the "elevated boardwalk" leading to one of the lakes and enjoy magnificent views from observation decks.
- Shiretoko Five Lakes
- Address: Shari-cho, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/
2. Shirahige Waterfalls（白ひげの滝）
Located in the Shirogane Onsen area, this waterfall is approximately 30 meters high and flows vigorously into the Biei River (also known as the Blue River) from a mountain stream. It is a rare waterfall known as "Senryu Falls," sourced from underground water from the Tokachi Mountain Range that seeps through cracks in the rocks.
Shirahige Waterfalls are particularly famous for their autumn leaves, offering breathtaking natural beauty during the fall season. The white water flowing from the waterfall contrasts vividly with the blue Biei River, making it a popular scenic spot.
- Shirahige Waterfalls（白ひげの滝）
- Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235
- Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/sightseeing/shirahige-waterfalls/
3. Noboribetsu Hell Valley（登別地獄谷）
Noboribetsu Hell Valley (or Jigokudani) is a volcanic crater remnant with a diameter of about 450 meters and an area of about 11 hectares, formed due to the eruption of Mount Hiyori. It is a representative tourist attraction in Noboribetsu Onsen. Various types of hot springs, as many as tens of thousands of tons, gush out here daily, and you can see many fumaroles and vents along the valley. The desolate land boils, and the smell of sulfur and white steam rise from various places, resembling hell. There is a walking path here, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk around, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is famous not only for its abundant hot springs but also for its beautiful autumn foliage. It's a place where you can admire vibrant red leaves while experiencing the unique sulfur scent of the hot springs. Throughout the year, it is illuminated every day until 9:30 PM, creating a unique atmosphere when you walk around at night.
- Noboribetsu Hell Valley（登別地獄谷）
- Address: Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/
4. Jozankei Hot Spring（定山渓温泉）
Jozankei Hot Spring, often referred to as Sapporo's backyard, has a long history and is said to have been developed as a hot spring treatment area by the ascetic monk Bisshamon Jozan at the end of the Edo period.
Starting from the center of Sapporo, it takes only 40 minutes one way, making it easily accessible. You can enjoy various activities even on a day trip and appreciate the beautiful valley scenery in all seasons, making it a popular tourist destination.
Among them, the autumn leaves are a sight to behold! Because it is situated in the mountains, almost all the ryokans (Japanese-style inns) offer views of autumn leaves. However, there is a unique charm in enjoying the autumn leaves while soaking in an open-air hot spring.
- Jozankei Hot Spring（定山渓温泉）
- Address: Jozankeionsennishi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/
5. Ginkgo Avenue, Hokkaido University（北海道大学イチョウ並木）
In Sapporo, along a road approximately 380 meters long leading to the Kita 13-jo gate, through the Shin-Wadai Street and to the Oono Ike (Oono Pond) area, 70 ginkgo trees have been planted.
These ginkgo trees were planted in 1939 (Showa 14) and have all grown into towering giants. The lush green ginkgo trees provide a refreshing sight, and in autumn, the golden ginkgo trees combined with surrounding maple trees create a picturesque scene resembling a painting.
- Ginkgo Avenue, Hokkaido University（北海道大学イチョウ並木）
- Address: Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/
6. Lake Toya（洞爺湖）
Lake Toya is the ninth-largest lake in Japan, with a circumference of 43 kilometers. This volcanic caldera lake boasts an impressively cobalt-blue surface, attracting visitors with its beautiful scenery. The Silo Observation (サイロ展望台) is a viewpoint where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan.
Lake Toya is also renowned as a prime spot for autumn foliage. The best places to view the autumn leaves are Fugendou Park and the Mizube no Hayashido (Kaizan Shizen Kansatsu Dou) in the northern part of the Lake Toya area. If you use the lakeside parking lot at the Kaizan Campground, you can take a leisurely walk along the "Mizube Forest Path" (Takarada Shizen Kansatsu Dou) while admiring the autumn leaves.
Additionally, it's recommended to take a sightseeing boat that travels between Nakajima Island and the pier near the hot spring street in the center of Lake Toya. The journey takes about 50 minutes and provides a unique perspective to enjoy the autumn scenery from the lake.
- Lake Toya（洞爺湖）
- Address: Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.laketoya.com/
7. Palette Hill (パレットの丘)
Located about a 20-30 minute drive from New Chitose Airport in the Sorachi region, Palette Hill (パレットの丘) is a hilly area known for its rolling terrain. The late September to mid-October period is when sunflowers bloom, and the road leading to Palette Hill is transformed into the "Pumpkin Road" during this time! With the collaboration of local farmers, approximately 600 Halloween pumpkins decorate an area of about one square kilometer.
- Palette Hill (パレットの丘)
- Address: Horoka, Chitose, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://hokkaido-travel.com/spot/visiting/ho0901/
8. Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク)
This is a place where you can see the production process of chocolate snacks famous for Hokkaido's specialty product "Shiroi Koibito." After a complete renovation of the building in July 2019, interactive entertainment facilities were opened to allow you to experience the charm of sweets in various ways.
There are two tour routes. The regular "Factory Tour" allows you to witness the production process of "Shiroi Koibito" firsthand. In addition to the "Premium Factory Tour," you can take a 30-minute tour with corners that project the history of chocolate through projection mapping. Furthermore, there are attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, making it enjoyable for couples and families alike.
From September to the end of October every year, Halloween events are held here, offering special Halloween sweets and food menus, limited-edition product sales, and haunted houses, allowing you to enjoy unique sightseeing activities during this time of the year.
- Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク)
- Address: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/
9. Lake Onuma National Park (大沼国定公園)
It is one of Japan's "New Three Views," along with Miho-no-Matsubara in Shizuoka Prefecture and Yabakei in Oita Prefecture. Lake Onuma National Park, a quasi-national park, consists of three lakes: Lake Onuma, Lake Konuma, and Lake Junsai, as well as 126 islands of various sizes. Located near Hakodate, it is easily accessible, taking less than an hour by car from JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport, and the Hakodate Ferry Terminal. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing, sightseeing boats, cycling, and fishing for northern pike in this area.
The best time to visit is during the autumn foliage season. On calm days, the lake reflects the surrounding trees like a mirror. The view of the autumn leaves from a canoe or sightseeing boat is also spectacular.
Additionally, the cafe and restaurant "TABLE DE RIVAGE" on the shores of Lake Onuma offers a different type of boat cruise from May to late October, lasting about 30 minutes. You can enjoy lunch and desserts on the lake in an elegant setting.
- Lake Onuma National Park (大沼国定公園)
- Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701
- Official Website: http://onumakouen.com/
10. Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池)
The "Shirogane Blue Pond" is about a 30-minute drive from Biei Station. Its mysterious blue water contrasts with the withered larch trees and has gained worldwide fame after being featured as an Apple Mac wallpaper. It is characterized by a rare mix of milky blue and milky white, recently called "Biei Blue."
The blue pond surrounded by green trees is beautiful from spring to summer, but it's also worth a visit in the fall when it is surrounded by colorful autumn leaves.
- Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池)
- Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235
- Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/sightseeing/shirogane-blue-pond/
11. Bihoro Pass（美幌峠）
Bihoro Pass, located at an elevation of 525 meters, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, Mt. Io, and the distant Shiretoko mountain range. This scenic vista is renowned as one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. The charm of Bihoro Pass lies in its ever-changing appearance throughout the seasons, with autumn turning it into a beautiful crimson wonderland.
The recommended time to visit is in the morning. Bihoro Pass is famous for its spectacular sunrise views amid the autumn foliage, providing an indescribable sense of awe.
- Bihoro Pass（美幌峠）
- Address: Kussharo, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido
- Official Website: http://www.town.bihoro.hokkaido.jp/docs/2014031300013/
12. Takino Suzuran Hillside Park（国営滝野すずらん丘陵公園）
Covering an area of 400 hectares, Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park is the only national park in Hokkaido. Each season offers a unique way to enjoy the park, and in autumn, you can witness the spectacular display of dahlias, cosmos flowers, and Toad lilies. The autumn foliage is also splendid, especially when seen from the 20-meter-high Mori Observation Tower in the Takino Forest area.
Additionally, in the valley area, you can explore four waterfalls, go cycling, and enjoy barbecues, making it a great place for a day of sightseeing.
- Takino Suzuran Hillside Park（国営滝野すずらん丘陵公園）
- Address: 247 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.takinopark.com/
13. Otaru Canal（小樽運河）
Otaru, located near Sapporo, is a great destination for a day trip from the city. The 1,140-meter-long canal is lined with stone-paved paths, stone warehouses, and street lamps, making it one of Otaru's most iconic landscapes.
In autumn, the trees along the canal, and even the ivy-covered warehouses, turn red, creating a particularly charming atmosphere. After a leisurely stroll, we also recommend taking a cruise along the Otaru Canal.
Otaru is also famous as the "Home of Sushi," boasting over 100 sushi restaurants. From October to December, it's the season for Otaru's specialty, the autumn mantis shrimp, which you should definitely try.
- Otaru Canal（小樽運河）
- Address: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/docs/2020100900367/
14. Lake Notoro Coral Grass, Urahoro（卯原内サンゴ草群落地）
The "Coral Grass," known as "Akanko-sou" in Japanese, is a poetic symbol of autumn in Hokkaido. Its official name is "Akankou-sou," but it is called "Coral Grass" due to its coral-like appearance.
Several towns in eastern Hokkaido offer views of Coral Grass, but the vast fields around Lake Notoro in Abashiri City are among the largest in Japan. From late August to late September, you can admire a carpet of vibrant red grass. Wooden walkways are set up, allowing for a closer look.
- Lake Notoro Coral Grass, Urahoro（卯原内サンゴ草群落地）
- Address: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://visit-abashiri.jp/scenery/ab85b317b07f8abd9ba4c196ebddea9a9ddd65c2.html
15. Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway（札幌もいわ山ロープウェイ）
Mount Moiwa, standing at an elevation of 531 meters, is a prominent landmark near the center of Sapporo. You can take a cable car from the base station and transfer to a ropeway at the middle station to reach the summit.
In particular, during autumn, as you approach the mountaintop, you'll witness the red foliage of Mount Moiwa, with trees turning yellow and orange. There's an observation deck at the summit where you can enjoy the autumn foliage and the cityscape of Sapporo, even catching glimpses of the distant Ishikari Plain.
- Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway（札幌もいわ山ロープウェイ）
- Address: 〒005-0041 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami Ward, Moiwayama
- Official Website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/
16. Sounkyo Gorge（層雲峡）
Located within the Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo Gorge boasts steep cliffs that extend for about 24 kilometers along the Ishikari River. The "Shooting Star Falls" or "Ginga no Taki" is one of the iconic spots in Sounkyo Gorge. While the stunning summer scenery attracts visitors, the gorge is also renowned for its dramatic autumn landscape.
Sounkyo Gorge offers numerous locations to enjoy autumn foliage, but we recommend the Kurodake Ropeway, which connects Sounkyo Onsen Street with the 5th Station of Mt. Kurodake. Riding the ropeway, you can admire the "yellow leaves" of the birch trees while overlooking Sounkyo Gorge and the Daisetsuzan mountain range.
- Sounkyo Gorge（層雲峡）
- Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://sounkyo.net/
17. Asahi-dake（旭岳）
Mount Asahi-dake is approximately a 1-hour drive from Asahikawa Airport and about 3 hours from Sapporo. With an elevation of 2,291 meters, it is the highest peak in Hokkaido and is part of the Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the Asahidake Ropeway station to the Sugatami Station. As one of the earliest places in Japan to enjoy autumn foliage, the leaves begin to change color in late August, with the peak season in early September. You can either hike further from the ropeway or, for the best autumn foliage views, we recommend hiking to the summit.
- Asahi-dake（旭岳）
- Address: Nokanan, Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/
18. Rokka Forest（六花の森）
Rokka no Mori (Rokka Forest) is a garden operated by the renowned Hokkaido traditional confectionery shop, Rokkatei. Spanning an area of 100,000 square meters, this garden offers views of Hokkaido's wildflowers as depicted by the mountain landscape artist Naoyuki Sakamoto on Rokkatei's packaging paper. During autumn, flowers such as bellflowers, butterburs, and gentians bloom most beautifully.
Within the garden, you'll find several museums, including the Naoyuki Sakamoto Memorial Museum, the 50th-anniversary Warehouse Museum, and the Flower Packaging Paper Museum. The outside of the garden also showcases various artworks. There are also cafes and local specialty shops where you can purchase unique Rokkatei products and dishes that you can only enjoy here.
The park is typically open until late October and closed during winter, so if you plan to visit in the autumn, be sure to check the opening hours.
- Rokka Forest（六花の森）
- Address: 249-6 Tokiwa, Nakasatsunai, Kasai District, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/
19. Hoheikyo Dam (豊平峡ダム)
Hoheikyo Dam is a scenic spot near Sapporo known for its year-round natural beauty and is recognized as one of the "Top 100 Water Source Forests" and "Top 100 Dam Lakes." The contrast between the autumn foliage and the Chinhaiwa rock formations is said to be particularly stunning.
From June to the end of October, there is daily sightseeing water release, so it's recommended to plan your visit to coincide with the release times. You can enjoy the scenery from the top of the Hoheikyo Dam, get a close look at the dam water discharge, and also take in the autumn leaves from three observation decks overlooking the entire dam lake.
- Hoheikyo Dam (豊平峡ダム)
- Address: 840 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.houheikyou.jp/dam/
20. Orofure Pass Observatory (オロフレ峠展望台)
The Orofure Pass Observatory is situated at an altitude of over 1,230 meters at the Orofure Mountain Pass. On clear and sunny days, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, Lake Toya, Mount Yotei, and Lake Kuttara, all representing the majestic natural landscapes of Hokkaido.
During autumn, the view from the observation deck is covered with vibrant autumn foliage, making it an ideal destination for a drive. Due to the higher altitude, the peak season for viewing autumn leaves is early, typically from early October to mid-October.
- Orofure Pass Observatory (オロフレ峠展望台)
- Address: Okei, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://sobetsu-kanko.com/spot/orofuretoge
21. Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
Lake Akan is the fifth-largest freshwater volcanic caldera lake in Hokkaido, known for its marimo (マリモ) algae. There are sightseeing boats that take you around Lake Akan, and you can also visit spots like Lake Taro and Nakajima to view marimo.
If you visit the Lake Akan area in autumn, be sure to try the Pacifastacus crayfish（ウチダザリガニ）, which is available for harvesting from May to late November. While the signal crayfish is an introduced species as a food source from the United States, Lake Akan is the only place in Japan where you can enjoy freshly caught and cooked crayfish. Though they can be challenging to peel, they are famous for their rich crab flavor and delicious taste, attracting more and more visitors to Lake Akan.
The signal crayfish is well-known for being served at a restaurant called "Kaimeisou," but several other restaurants around Lake Akan also offer this type of crayfish.
- Lake Akan (阿寒湖)
- Address: 4-5-10 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
- Official Website: http://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/
22. Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園)
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned nationwide for its "behavioral exhibitions" that create environments close to the animals' natural habitats and showcase their lively behaviors.
One popular facility is the "cylinder-shaped pool" where you can observe the unique swimming style of seals. The seals move back and forth repeatedly in the cylindrical aquarium and are also curious about visitors.
Autumn offers a comfortably cool climate, and it's an active period for animals sensitive to temperature changes. You can see impressive animals like polar bears and tigers actively moving around.
- Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園)
- Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
23. Shikisai Hill（展望花畑 四季彩の丘）
Shikisai Hill, or Four Seasons Hill, is the most representative flower-watching spot in Biei. The entire hill is covered in blooming flowers. During the green season (late April to late October), you can enjoy the vibrant flower beds and the magnificent Taisetsu Mountain Range, creating a picturesque scene.
There is a wide variety of flowers, including lavender, cockscomb, cosmos, late-blooming sunflowers, salvia, and Japanese thistle. These flowers bloom in autumn, and the surrounding foliage starts turning into autumn colors, creating a lively landscape.
In addition, shops and restaurants offer seasonal vegetables and ingredients unique to Biei. The on-site year-round alpaca farm is also popular! If the timing is right, you might even see baby alpacas.
- Shikisai Hill（展望花畑 四季彩の丘）
- Address: Shinsei, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
- Official Website: https://www.shikisainooka.jp/
