Looking for autumn color spots in Hokkaido? Here are 3 autumn itineraries & 5 hotels with the best foliage views & the top 12 locations to enjoy Hokkaido's breathtaking autumn landscapes!

Autumn leaves in Hokkaido can be seen the earliest in Japan, with the peak season lasting from mid-September to late October. Mid-October is the best time for the brightly colored trees.

Hokkaido's autumn foliage season is shorter than the rest of Japan, so don’t miss out on the beautiful sceneries!

Table of content

When to go where for the best autumn colors?
5 Onsen hotels with the best foliage views
Hokkaido Autumn Trip Itineraries

Sapporo Area
Eastern Hokkaido Area
Hakodate Area

The Best 12 Spots for Autumn Colors in Hokkaido

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When to go where for the best autumn colors in Hokkaido?

First of all, I’ll be honest with you - predicting the exact peak ahead of time is tricky. The official forecast only comes out in September.

However, I'm here to give you a head start! Here's a general guide to help you plan your autumn trip. I’ll share more accurate updates in my weekly newsletter as we get closer to the season.

If you want to be kept updated, sign up for my newsletter here✨ I provide lots of seasonal travel tips and insights every week.

Mid-September

Sounkyo Gorge and Mount Kurodake area see the first touch of autumn in Hokkaido. Take a ropeway from Sounkyo to Mount Kurodake to enjoy a breathtaking canyon landscape in colors.

Late September

Daisetsuzan National Park lights up with rich colors. Popular spots like Asahidake and Ginsendai offer amazing views.

Early October

Eastern Hokkaido - The peak season in Shiretoko, Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan area. I call these three golden areas of Eastern Hokkaido, as they have so many beautiful spots to visit - mountains, lakes, and hot springs.
Western & Central Hokkaido - It is also the time for peak in Jozankei, Otaru, Lake Shikotsu, Noboribetsu, and Furano - the most popular (and touristy) areas of Hokkaido. Ideal for first-time visitors to Hokkaido.

Mid-October

Sapporo: Enjoy autumn colors at Hokkaido University, Maruyama Park, Odori Park, Nakajima Park and Moerenuma Park. These city spots offer beautiful foliage and easy access.
Obihiro: Iwaonai Senkyo gorge is a must-visit. The vibrant ginkgo and maple trees, along with an iconic red suspension bridge, create a stunning scene.
Lake Toya: Experience the beautiful autumn views and relax in the nearby hot springs. The area around the lake is perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Late October

Hokkaido’s autumn ends in Hakodate, a port city on the south western tip of the island. Enjoy the foliage at Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Park, and Onuma National Park. You can see some colors until early November.

5 onsen Hotels with the best foliage views

1. Zaborin, Niseko

Zaborin is a luxury retreat hotel in the heart of Niseko, surrounded by mountains and beautiful nature. All 15 guest rooms are individual buildings with a private onsen terrace. You can enjoy the vibrant autumn colors while soaking in the onsen in your room. The private dining is prepared by a local chef from Hokkaido and features lots of fresh, local ingredients.

Zaborin is about a 2-hour drive from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. A free shuttle bus is available from JR Kutchan Station upon reservation.

🍁Foliage peak in Niseko: mid-October

Check room rates

2. Chalet Ivy Jozankei

Jozankei, a popular day-trip destination from Sapporo, is an onsen town in a valley and known for its stunning autumn colors. Chalet Ivy Jozankei sits along the scenic Toyohira River, offering beautiful foliage views from all 25 rooms with a private onsen. If you are tired of the crowds in Sapporo, it’s an easy escape from the big city.

🍁Foliage peak in Jozankei: early October

Check room rates

3. Otaru KoUrakuen

Kourakuen is a historic onsen ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) in Otaru with a 26,000-square-meters garden. The trees there have been welcoming guests for over 100 years. Make sure to book rooms on the garden side to enjoy the beautiful foliage views. Some rooms are equipped with private onsen as well.

Otaru is just a 40-min drive from Sapporo and offers many tourist attractions, such as Otaru Canal, historic warehouses, local artisanal shops and Mount Tengu.

🍁Foliage peak in Otaru: early October

Check room rates

4. Takinoya, Noboribetsu

If you are looking for an authentic ryokan experience, Takinoya in Noboribetsu is a great destination. This is a long-established onsen ryokan that embraces vibrant autumn colors in its Japanese garden. They offer four kinds of natural hot springs, from one of which you can view the beautiful garden. Also enjoy Kaiseki dinner using seasonal local ingredients.

Noboribetsu is 1.5 hours away from Sapporo by car. It is a popular onsen town among locals and tourists. Hell Valley (Jigoku Dani) is a must-visit in Noboribetsu, where you can observe geothermal activities and steam rising from the ground. It’s also a great spot for autumn colors.

🍁Foliage peak in Noboribetsu: early October

Check room rates

5. Hakodate Onuma Prince Hotel

Onuma Park is one of the best foliage spots in Southern Hokkaido. It’s a bit away from the Hakodate city - one hour away by car or 40 min by train - but it’s worth visiting if you are a foliage lover. Hakodate Onuma Prince Hotel is surrounded by the nature of Onuma Park and is designed to fully enjoy autumn foliage to the maximum. You can see the foliage almost everywhere in the hotel, from your room, onsen, reception, restaurants, and even from the elevators. Especially the view from onsen is something special - their outdoor onsen is infinity-style and its water edge blends into the scenery.

🍁Foliage peak in Onuma: mid-October to early November

Check room rates

Hokkaido Autumn Trip Itineraries

2 Days in Sapporo Area

Day 1

Depart from Sapporo to Eniwa by car in the morning (one hour)
Eniwa Valley: Enjoy a walk along the trails while taking in the beautiful autumn scenery of the three waterfalls: Shiraoi Falls, Rarumanai Falls, and Sandan Falls.
Have lunch in Eniwa and head to Jozankei (one hour)
Explore Jozankei Onsen town and enjoy the beautiful autumn colors
Soak in a hot spring at one of the local hot springs before driving back to Sapporo

Day 2

Depart from Sapporo to Biei by car (2.5 hours)
Shikisai no Oka in Biei: Enjoy the picturesque flower fields and seasonal blooms in autumn & lunch
Head to Takinoue Park in Yubari (2 hours): Explore the park, its intriguing rock formations, and vibrant fall foliage
Drive back to Sapporo (1.5 hours)

🍶 Local Izakaya Hopping

Want to enjoy the night like a local? Join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! Their local guides have been carefully selected to give you an authentic experience. They are friendly and outgoing, and enjoy meeting international travelers. A small group tour makes your experience much more personal.

🛌Where to Stay in Sapporo

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🏢Excellent Location
A convenient hotel with spacious and modern rooms, friendly staff, and a prime location with easy access to Sapporo's attractions and activities.
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo
⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🍴Great Breakfast
Enjoy stunning views of Hokkaido's Government Office building and nature-inspired guest rooms. Just a 5-min walk from JR Sapporo Station, with a public bath and terrace for a luxurious stay.
Keio Prelia Hotel Sapporo
⭐4 stars 👩‍❤️‍👨For Couple 🍴Great Breakfast
Perfect for city explorers, just 3 minutes from JR Sapporo Station. Choose from a range of rooms, unwind in the spacious public bath, and enjoy a delicious Hokkaido breakfast buffet.

✨TRAVEL TIP

Want to visit Hokkaido's best places without driving? Join Guided One-Day Tours! They offer transportation from/to Sapporo. The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more.

2 Days in Eastern Hokkaido Area

Day 1

Head to Sounkyo by car from Asahikawa or Memanbetsu Airport (2 hours each)
Sounkyo Gorge: Take a ropeway and explore the stunning cliffs and gorges while enjoying the vibrant autumn foliage. Visit the Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls.
Have lunch in Sounkyo Onsen town and head to Akan (2.5 hours)

Day 2

Morning at Lake Akan: Explore the lakeside and learn about the Ainu culture at the nearby Ainu Kotan village.
Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the lake, taking in the stunning autumn foliage and views of the surrounding mountains - Check the schedule here
Have lunch at a local restaurant around Lake Akan - My recommendation is Nabekyu!
Drive to Lake Onneto (20 min): Take in the beautiful autumn colors and the lake's changing hues, often referred to as the "Five-Color Lake."
Continue your trip in Eastern Hokkaido, for example to Kushiro or Abashiri

🛌Where to Stay in Akan

Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
⭐4 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍷Fine Dining
All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view.
Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options
Hotel Gozensui
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A classic Japanese-style onsen hotel overlooking the lake

🚗Looking for a car rental?

Rentalcars.com compares prices of many well-known international & Japanese companies. If you want to rent from a company that is familiar with international travelers and offers comprehensive support services, take a look!

Klook covers big international names as well as Japanese local companies. Sometimes you will find cheaper prices from the local ones, so make sure to check it out.

2 Days in Hakodate Area

Day 1

Visit Goryokaku in the morning: Explore the star-shaped fortress, enjoy the vibrant autumn colors, and visit the Goryokaku Tower for panoramic views
Head to Hakodate Mountain after lunch (15 minutes)
Hakodate Mountain: Ride the ropeway to the summit, enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage, and take in the stunning views of Hakodate city and the harbor
Return to the city and spend the night

Day 2

Depart from Hakodate to Unsekikyo Pass by car (2 hours)
Usekikyo Pass: Enjoy a scenic drive along the pass with beautiful autumn foliage, and take in the views of Mount Akadake
Have lunch in Yakumo and then head to Onuma National Park (1 hour)
Onuma National Park: Explore the park's various attractions, including Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma, enjoy the contrast between the lakes and the autumn colors, and participate in activities such as canoeing and cycling
Drive back to Hakodate (1.5 hours) and spend the night

🛌Where to Stay in Hakodate

La Vista Hakodate Bay
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A comfortable stay in a prime location overlooking Hakodate Bay. The hotel features modern rooms with bay views, natural hot spring baths, and a restaurant offering local seafood and Western-style dishes.
Premier Hotel -CABIN PRESIDENT- Hakodate
⭐3 stars, ✨Modern Design, 🏢Excellent Location
A contemporary hotel conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station. Enjoy spacious and stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and easy access to Hakodate's attractions.
Hotel Paco Hakodate
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot spring, 🏢Excellent Location
A relaxing hotel situated near Hakodate's famous morning market. The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, a public hot spring bath, and a buffet-style restaurant with a variety of Japanese and Western dishes.

THE ULTIMATE HOKKAIDO TRAVEL PLANNERS

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The Best 12 Spots for Autumn Colors in Hokkaido

1. Jozankei Onsen

Discover the captivating charm of Jozankei, a hot spring haven located just an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo. Situated within the picturesque Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei is a prime destination for admiring Hokkaido's central region's autumn colors.

The town is enveloped by mountains, which transform into a kaleidoscope of hues as the leaves change, creating an awe-inspiring display.

To truly appreciate the Hokkaido-style panoramic views, be sure to experience the Hoheikyo Dam and the autumn gondola at the Sapporo International Ski Resort.

📅 Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: One hour from Sapporo
🚌 By public transportation: Take the Jotetsu Bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, approximately 1 hour ride, costing around 800 yen per person.

2. Eniwa Valley

Eniwa Valley is renowned for its three distinct waterfalls: Shiraoi Falls, Rarumanai Falls, and Sandan Falls. Each of these natural masterpieces offers a unique experience, and well-maintained walking trails allow visitors to admire all three.

During autumn, the powerful waterfalls are beautifully complemented by the vibrant foliage, attracting many tourists to experience the striking combination.

📅 Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: One hour from Sapporo

3. Takinoue Park

Takinoue Park is located in Yubari City. The park's name translates to "the place where the gods of the north reside" in the Ainu language. The valley was carved by the erosion of the Yubari River, creating oddly-shaped rocks and numerous waterfalls of varying sizes.

This scenic spot is a must-visit during the peak of the autumn colors, with stunning foliage transforming the landscape into a breathtaking view.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-October to late October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: 40 min from New Chitose Airport, 1.5 hours from Sapporo
🚌 By public transportation: 7 min walk from JR Takinoue Station

🚗Looking for a car rental?

Rentalcars.com compares prices of many well-known international & Japanese companies. If you want to rent from a company that is familiar with international travelers and offers comprehensive support services, take a look!

Klook covers big international names as well as Japanese local companies. Sometimes you will find cheaper prices from the local ones, so make sure to check it out.

4. Shikisai-no-Oka

Shikisai no Oka is a picturesque flower park that blooms with seasonal flowers from spring to autumn. The photogenic striped flower fields showcase salvia, kochia, and sunflowers during fall.

Enjoy the scenic views aboard a tractor bus or by renting carts and buggies. The on-site restaurant offers homemade dishes prepared with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a meal with a view.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-September to early October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: 30 min from Asahikawa
🚌 By public transportation: Take the bus from Asahikawa Station to Biei Station (around 1 hour, 1,210 yen per person), then a taxi to Shikisai no Oka for 10 min.

5. Sounkyo Gorge

At the foot of Mount Kurodake, Sounkyo Gorge boasts dramatic cliffs with impressive columnar jointing and waterfalls, creating a breathtaking canyon landscape.

The gorge is also a popular autumn foliage spot. Experience the gradual color change starting from the hot spring town to the Akadake area.

📅 Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: 2 hours from Asahikawa
🚌 By public transportation: Take the bus from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen (around 2 hours, 2,200 yen per person)

6. Iwaonai Senkyo

Located about 30 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport, Iwaonai Senkyo is a stunning gorge at the foot of the Hidaka Mountains.

In autumn, the gorge's vibrant ginkgo and maple trees create a beautiful contrast with the striking red suspension bridge. The Iwaonai Senkyo Momiji Festival attracts many visitors each October.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: 30 minutes from Obihiro Airport
🚌 By public transportation: Take the bus from Obihiro Airport to Obihiro Station (40 minutes, 1,130 yen per person), then the train to Iwaonai Station (around 1 hour, 1,670 yen per person)

7. Lake Onneto

Lake Onneto, situated in Akan National Park, is known for its ever-changing colors, which vary with the season and time of day, earning it the nickname "Five-Color Lake."

During autumn, visitors can enjoy both the beautiful lake and surrounding fall foliage. The reflections of the mountains on the water create an enchanting atmosphere. With its hues of emerald green and cobalt blue, you'll want to visit Lake Onneto time and time again.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-October
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: 2 hours from Kushiro
🚌 By public transportation: Take the bus from Kushiro Station to Akan Bus Terminal (around 2 hours, 3,000 yen per person), then a taxi to Lake Onneto for 20 min

8. Lake Akan

Lake Akan, home to the rare marimo moss balls, is a place where nature and Ainu culture coexist. In autumn, the Takiguchi area of Lake Akan is known for its vibrant red, yellow, and orange foliage.

Enjoy the views from a sightseeing boat, and take in the stunning reflections of the fall colors on the water.

📅 Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October
📍 Google Maps (a bridge with a nice autumn color view)
🚗 By car: 1.5 hours from Kushiro 🚌 By public transportation: Take the bus from Kushiro Station to Akan Bus Terminal (around 2 hours, 3,000 yen per person)

9. Hakodate Mountain

Mount Hakodate is a top sightseeing spot in Hakodate, perfect for those who want to enjoy both autumn colors and night views. Travel to the summit via the ropeway and take in the cityscape from the Mount Hakodate Observatory.

The best time to visit is around 30 minutes before or after sunset, when you can appreciate both the vibrant autumn leaves and the sparkling night skyline.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: Driving to the summit is prohibited during high seasons. Park your car at the ropeway station.
🚌 By public transportation: Take a ropeway (3 min, 1800 yen for a round trip) or a bus (30 min, 500 yen for one way) from the ropeway station.

10. Goryokaku

Goryokaku is another must-visit tourist spot in Hakodate. Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, Goryokaku offers equally enchanting autumn foliage.

Head to the iconic Goryokaku Tower to enjoy the unique star-shaped structure of the park, surrounded by vivid autumn colors.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: within the Hakodate city
🚌 By public transportation: Hakodate City Tram from Hakodate Station to Goryokaku Koen-mae Station (15 minutes, around 210 yen per person).

11. Unsekikyo Pass

The pass connecting Yakumo and Kumaishi regions offers a picturesque autumn drive along Route 277.

The Unsettai Skyline is famous for its views of Mount Akadake bathed in sunset colors, framed by vibrant foliage. About 2 km further, you'll find Miyanoshita Onsen – the perfect place to unwind after your autumn drive.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: 1.5 hours from Hakodate

12. Onuma National Park

Located in the central part of the Oshima Peninsula, Onuma Quasi-National Park is a nature lover's paradise and one of the most beautiful views of Japan.

With highlights like Mount Komagatake, Lake Onuma, and Lake Konuma, the park is particularly stunning during autumn.

Enjoy canoeing, cycling, and other activities as you explore the captivating contrasts of the lakes and fall colors.

📅 Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
📍 Google Maps
🚗 By car: One hour from Hakodate
🚌 By public transportation: Take the JR Hakodate Main Line from Hakodate Station to Onuma Koen Station (around 50 minutes, approximately 650 yen per person).

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THAT’S ALL!

Did you enjoy this ultimate guide to Hokkaido’s autumn colors? With these itineraries, I hope you will enjoy some of the best places to visit in Hokkaido.

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