Best Hokkaido Autumn Itinerary: Where to See Peak Foliage

Looking for a Hokkaido autumn itinerary? Here’s when & where to catch the best fall colors!

There’s nothing like standing in a sea of red maples at a lakeside in Hokkaido. But if you miss the timing, you’ll miss the magic. Foliage peaks in different regions from mid-September through October and early November.

After helping 50+ travelers plan their autumn trips to Hokkaido, I’ve seen where most people go wrong. The key is knowing where to be and when.

This guide breaks down exactly when and where to go. You’ll also find ready-to-use mini itineraries to see the best colors that you can easily plug into your trip.

Ready to catch the best foliage? Let’s get started planning!

When to See Autumn Foliage in Hokkaido?

The foliage season in Hokkaido is from mid-September to early November.

The best time is between late September to late October.

Over the years of helping travelers plan their autumn trips, my biggest takeaway is that it’s all about being in the right region at the right time.

Hokkaido is huge, and the leaves don’t turn all at once.

They start turning in early September in the mountains, then gradually move from northeast to southwest and to lower altitudes until early November.

But the exact timing varies every year. As a trend in the past few years, autumn colors tend to start later than usual, due to longer & hotter summers.

The official foliage forecast usually comes out in early September, which makes planning in advance a bit tricky, especially if your goal is to hit the peak!

If your main purpose is seeing the fall colors, I recommend staying flexible with your itinerary until the forecast is released.

That being said, here’s a general guide to help you start planning!

Mid-September to Early October

This is when Hokkaido’s fall foliage season begins, and it’s earliest in all of Japan! Go to these areas in Daisetsuzan National Park, where the colors start high in the mountains. You can take a ropeway up and enjoy colorful views.

• Mount Asahidake – Hokkaido’s tallest mountain, perfect for a scenic ride and alpine foliage.
• Sounkyo Gorge & Mount Kurodake – A dramatic canyon view, best seen from the ropeway or hiking trails.

Jump to the itinerary for this area

Early to Mid-October

This is peak season in Eastern Hokkaido, my hometown region! You’ll find colorful lakes, volcanoes, hot springs, and quiet hiking trails.

• Shiretoko – Walk the Shiretoko Five Lakes trail and drive the Shiretoko Mountain Pass.
• Lake Akan – Takimi Bridge is where you get an amazing foliage view! The nearby Lake Onneto is a hidden spot framed by autumn leaves.
• Lake Kussharo – Explore the Wakoto Peninsula for peaceful lakeside trails with colors.

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Mid to late October

Autumn reaches Sapporo and the surrounding areas. You’ll find colorful parks in the city and relaxing hot spring getaways nearby.

• Sapporo – Visit Hokkaido University, Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park, Odori Park, or Moerenuma Park.
• Jozankei – A popular hot spring town just outside Sapporo. The valley turns bright red and yellow.
• Lake Toya – Enjoy peaceful lakeside walks and soak in a hot spring with fall views.

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Late October to early November

Hakodate is the final stop for fall colors in Hokkaido. They might last until early November.

• Hakodate – Visit Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Park, and Onuma Quasi-National Park.

Jump to the itinerary for this area

🍁 The Best Hotels with Autumn Views – My Top 5 Picks 🍁

The 40+ Best Foliage Spots in Hokkaido

There are so many autumn leaf spots across Hokkaido. So, I put together a list of over 40 beautiful places across Hokkaido for you!

I covered all types of locations from popular view spots to hidden gems that you won’t find in typical guides.

Each spot comes with a Google Maps link. You can filter by region, city, and peak period to easily find what fits your trip. Ready to plan?

Mid to Late September Itinerary: Daisetsuzan National Park

If you’re planning your trip in September or early October, it’s the perfect time to visit Daisetsuzan National Park to see the earliest fall colors in Japan!

I recommend visiting Mount Kurodake over Mount Asahidake, because this area has the largest foliage zone in Japan and it’s really gorgeous. I especially love the view from the ropeway.

You can easily plug this 2-day Sounkyo itinerary into your trip if you are visiting Asahikawa. It can be combined with my 3-day itinerary or 5-day itinerary that covers Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei.

You can follow this itinerary either by car or public transportation.

🍁 Autumn Tip: The foliage starts at high altitudes and moves down gradually. Even in October, you can still catch the colors in lower areas like the onsen town.

Day 1: Sounkyo

Start your day by traveling from Asahikawa to Sounkyo. By car, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. If you’re taking public transport, you can catch a bus from JR Asahikawa Station with a transfer at Kamikawa, which takes around two hours in total.

Ryusei and Ginga Waterfalls

Once in Sounkyo, visit Ryusei and Ginga Waterfalls, two silky waterfalls flowing side by side. They are often called the “husband and wife” falls.

They are even more beautiful when framed by autumn colors, which happens a bit later in October, but it’s worth visiting here even without the foliage! This is one of my favorite autumn views and it’s a very calming spot.

There’s a short hiking trail that leads to an observatory where you can view both waterfalls from above. The trail starts behind the parking lot and takes about 20 minutes to climb. It is a steep walk, but the view from the top is rewarding!

If you’re using public transport, get off the bus at Takimidai, one stop after Sounkyo. You’ll have about 30 minutes before the next bus returns to Sounkyo, so I recommend skipping the observatory trail.

• Opening hours: 24 hrs
• Free admission
• Parking and public bathrooms available
• Google Maps

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Illuminated Foliage

In the evening, check out the illuminated event at Koyo Dani. This seasonal event lights up the foliage with interactive projection mapping. It’s held every night from mid-September to mid-October.

• Opening hours: 6 pm to 9 pm (last admission at 8.30 pm)
• Admission: 500 JPY
• Access: Free shuttle bus from the onsen town (5 minutes) or 15-minute walk
• Official website

Where to stay in Sounkyo

Day 2: Mount Kurodake

Let’s go to see autumn colors at Mount Kurodake! Take the ropeway from Sounkyo to the 5th station, then transfer to a lift that brings you up to the 7th station.

🍁 Autumn Tip: The foliage peaks around the 7th station in mid-September, and around the 5th station in late-September.

The ropeway area can get very crowded during the autumn season, especially on weekends. I recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid long lines.

• Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Fare: 3,300 JPY (round trip for ropeway and lift)
• Official website

Once at the 7th station, you have two options.

For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a relatively easy trail leading to the summit of Mount Kurodake. The trail includes some rocky sections but is manageable for beginners with good shoes. It’s about 3.4 km round trip and takes around 1-1.5 hours to reach the summit, and another hour to descend.

If you prefer something lighter, there’s a short 15-minute walk from the lift station to an observatory with great mountain views.

Either way, make sure to wear warm layers! It can be below 10°C up in the mountains, even in September.

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Early October Itinerary: Eastern Hokkaido

This 3-day itinerary covers the best autumn foliage spots in Eastern Hokkaido. This route requires driving to get around.

You can use it on its own or combine it with my 5-day Eastern Hokkaido road trip, which includes these destinations on Day 2 to Day 4.

Day 1: Shiretoko

Shiretoko is one of Japan’s wildest, untouched nature areas. Autumn colors here are at their peak in early October, especially along forest trails and mountain passes.

Shiretoko Five Lakes Trail

This is the most popular activity in Shiertoko! The trail takes you through a peaceful forest, past five lakes with the Shiretoko mountain range in the background.

In early October, the surrounding trees turn into a beautiful mix of yellow, orange, and red.

From September, you can walk the trail without a guide as wild bears become less active, but I still recommend joining a guided tour. When I went with a local guide, I learned so much about Shiretoko’s wildlife, plants, and how the area is protected.

Shiretoko Mountain Pass

After your hike, drive up to Shiretoko Pass, which connects the towns of Utoro and Rausu.

The viewpoint at the top offers an amazing view of Mount Rausu and the surrounding mountains. The foliage color the base of Mount Rausu with bright maple and rowan trees.

• Opening hours: 24 hours
• Free parking available
• Google Maps

Where to stay in Shiretoko

Day 2: Lake Kussharo

With a 2-hour drive from Shiretoko, head to Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake. You’ll see tunnels of red and yellow leaves along the drive,

Wakoto Peninsula

This small peninsula stretches into Lake Kussharo and is surrounded by a peaceful walking path. The full loop is about 2.5 km and takes around an hour (the trail map here).

It’s an easy trail where you’ll find a lakeside shrine, an outdoor hot spring, and plenty of quiet spots to enjoy the foliage views. The tree-lined approach to the peninsula is also a popular autumn drive.

• Open 24 hours
• Admission free
• Free parking available
• Google Maps

👉 Find more things to do in this one-day Lake Kussharo & Lake Mashu itinerary

Where to stay near Lake Kussharo

Day 3: Lake Akan

A one hour’s drive from Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan is another beautiful lake with an onsen town right next to it. It’s my favorite gateway for a weekend because this town has a really relaxing vibe. Enjoy autumn forests, hot springs, and lake views!

Lake Akan Cruise

The 85-minute sightseeing ferry takes you around the lake with views of Mount Oakan. The highlight is seeing the autumn leaves from the water.

Where the lake narrows like a river, you’ll get up close to the colorful trees along the shoreline.

• Official website

Bokke Walk

Once you return from the cruise, follow the easy 1.5 km loop trail that begins at the dock and ends near the Akan Visitor Center.

It’s a relaxed walk through the forest, with views of Lake Akan and a few bubbling mud pools known as “bokke,” a word from the Ainu language meaning “boiling place.”

Takimi Bridge

Just five minutes by car from the onsen town, Takimi Bridge is the best foliage viewing spot in Akan. You’ll see a flowing stream, waterfalls and trees in deep reds and oranges.

• Open 24 hours
• Admission free
• Free parking available
• Google Maps

Lake Onneto

A 20-minute drive from the onsen area, Lake Onneto is a hidden gem at the foot of Mount Meakan. The lake is known for its ever-changing water color and is particularly beautiful in autumn, framed by the red and gold leaves. It’s a peaceful spot, ideal for slow walks and quiet breaks before heading back.

• Open 24 hours
• Admission free
• Free small parking available
• Google Maps

Where to stay in Akan

Mid-October Itinerary: Sapporo & Around

This 3-day itinerary is perfect to wrap up your autumn trip. It ends at Lake Shikotsu, just a 45-minute drive to New Chitose Airport.

You can follow this itinerary with or without a car, and it works great with my 5-day itinerary, 7-day road trip itinerary, or 2-week Hokkaido itinerary, all of which begin and end in Sapporo.

Day 1: Sapporo

Mid-October is the perfect time to enjoy fall colors in Sapporo’s parks and public spaces. Here are some spots that you can visit while exploring the city.

• Nakajima Park – Known for its beautiful pond and tree-lined paths
• Odori Park – Colorful foliage in the heart of downtown
• Maruyama Park – A greenery park in a quiet neighborhood, near Hokkaido Shrine
• Mount Moiwa – Panoramic city views surrounded by autumn colors
• Nishioka Park – A peaceful park loved for birdwatching and nature walks.
• Takino Suzuran Hillside Park – A big park known for seasonal flowers, and the maples and bright red kochia bushes in autumn.

Where to stay in Sapporo

Day 2: Jozankei

From Sapporo, let’s go to Jozankei, a popular hot spring town It’s about an hour away by car or Jotetsu Bus from JR Sapporo Station.

If you’re using public transportation, I recommend returning to Sapporo at the end of the day, since there’s no direct route from Jozankei to Lake Shikotsu by bus for Day 3.

Jozankei Onsen Area

Jozankei is known for its beautiful valley scenery. For the best view over the town, visit Jozankei Bridge. You’ll see the valley with the trees in red and gold.

Other foliage spots around the town are Jozankei Dam and Mount Hakken.

If you want to visit several of these spots efficiently, hop on the guided Koyo Kappa Bus Tour! It departs from the Jozankei Tourist Office. The tour lasts about 70 minutes and costs 700 JPY.

Hoheikyo Dam

Located just 15 minutes by car from the onsen area, Hoheikyo Dam is one of the most popular autumn foliage destinations in the region.

The dam is surrounded by rugged cliffs and colorful forests. It’s also super cool when they release water from the dam to entertain visitors!

Cars are not allowed beyond the entrance, so you’ll need to walk or take an electric bus to reach the dam.

If you’re not driving, you can also take the Hoheikyo Dam Liner, a round-trip bus that departs from Jozankei Tourist Office and takes about two hours for a round trip.

• Opening hours: early May to early November, 9 am to 4 pm
• Electric bus fare: 1,200 JPY (round trip between parking and the dam)
• Free parking location (250 car spaces)
• Official website

Illuminated Foliage at Night

If you’re staying overnight in Jozankei, don’t miss the special night-time light-up event. This immersive experience is only available to overnight guests.

It takes place along a forest path in the onsen town. You’ll see beautiful illuminations and projection mapping in the autumn woods!

The path is about 600 meters long and takes around 40 minutes.

• Dates: early June to late October
• Opening hours: 7 pm to 9 pm (6 pm start time in September and October)
• Location: From Futami Park to Futami Suspension Bridge
• Admission: Free (exclusive to overnight guests in Jozankei)
• No parking available
• Free shuttle buses operate on Fridays and Saturdays from local hotels
• Official website

Day 3: Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful autumn colors. If you’re driving, it takes about an hour from Jozankei.

If using public transport, take a train from Sapporo to Chitose and transfer to a Chuo Bus to reach Lake Shikotsu. The whole trip takes around 1.5 hours.

The lake is surrounded by colorful trees during mid to late October, and the scenic drive along the lakeshore is amazing.

Once you arrive at the lake, take a foliage walking route from the Shikotsu Visitor Center. Head toward the Yamansen Railway Bridge (a foliage view spot!) and into the forest area near Kyukamura Hotel, known as the Wild Bird Forest with beautiful fall colors. The walking course is about 2.5 kilometers and takes about 40 minutes.

After that, take a sightseeing cruise on the lake. From the water, you’ll see small islands and autumn colors reflecting on the lake.

From here, you can head back to New Chitose Airport by car in 45 mins, or you can take an airport bus that takes about an hour.

🍁 The Best Hotels with Autumn Views – My Top 5 Picks 🍁

Late October to Early November Itinerary: Hakodate

Hakodate is a port city in Southern Hokkaido, and the easiest to reach from Tokyo via the Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet trains).

The city is compact and easy to navigate by public transportation. There are many foliage spots in and around Hakodate, so feel free to extend your stay here!

Day 1: Explore Hakodate

Visit foliage spots across the city.

• Goryokaku Park – A great park to stroll and enjoy autumn colors. The Goryokaku Tower offers a panoramic view of the foliage in the star-shaped fort.
• Hakodate Meiji Kan – A historic red-brick building, now a shopping mall, and formerly the Hakodate Post Office. The highlight is the outer walls. They are covered in red ivy in autumn!
• Hakodate Park – A big park with fountains, small amusement rides, and a museum. You’ll find different kinds of foliage like maples, cherry trees, and plums.
• Mount Hakodate – Accessible by ropeway, bus, car, or on foot. From the summit, you can view the city and autumn colors over the mountain. It’s also known for one of the best night views in Japan.

Where to stay in Hakodate

Day 2: Onuma Park

In the morning, visit Onuma Quasi-National Park. It’s located about 40 minutes by car or one hour by train from Hakodate.

The foliage season here usually peaks from mid-October to early November. Trails around the lake and Mt. Komagatake offer views of red maples, beech, and oak trees. You can enjoy the foliage on foot, by bike, or from a sightseeing boat.

In the afternoon, return to Hakodate and visit Kosetsuen, also known as the Former Iwafune Family Garden. It’s a 20-minute drive or one-hour bus ride from central Hakodate.

This traditional Japanese garden is famous for its maple trees lined up for about 100 meters. They are illuminated in the evening during the foliage season.

Your next steps

Hope you found this post helpful! If you want to know more places to see foliage, my Hokkaido Autumn Foliage Spot List.

It includes over 40 foliage spots across Hokkaido, with Google Maps links, and powerful filters by city and peak period so you can quickly find what fits your trip dates.