Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 15, 2026
Hokkaido's autumn foliage is one of the earliest autumn sights to arrive in Japan each year. From the Daisetsuzan Mountains in the north to Jozankei in the center, the mountains and lakesides are painted in vibrant autumn colors, attracting many travelers to Hokkaido to witness this spectacular scenery. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Hokkaido's autumn foliage, including the best viewing times, recommended spots, hot springs, and accommodation plans.
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Autumn foliage in Hokkaido is the earliest in all of Japan. Due to its high latitude and low temperatures, the leaves typically begin to change color in the mountainous areas in mid-September, and then the autumn foliage front moves southward to the plains and southern Hokkaido, allowing visitors to enjoy the colors until late October.
Because of its high altitude, the temperature drops quickly in the Daisetsuzan Mountains, and every year from mid- to late September, it experiences the first autumn foliage season in Hokkaido.
If you want to enjoy the earliest autumn foliage in Japan, Daisetsuzan is a must-visit spot. The peak viewing season is about a month earlier than in other regions.
In Jozankei, Toyohirakyo, and Sapporo city, the best time to see the flowers is usually from mid-to-late October.
This time of year is ideal for travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other places to plan their trips, making it the best season for a Hokkaido autumn foliage trip.
In the relatively warm southern Hokkaido area, the autumn foliage in Noboribetsu Jigokudani and around Lake Toya reaches its peak from late October to early November.
This is also recommended for those planning a late-night trip.
| Area | Main autumn foliage spots | Best time to see |
|---|---|---|
| Dohoku | Daisetsuzan Mountains and Sounkyo Gorge | Mid October to early June |
| Doo | Jozankei, Toyohirakyo, Sapporo | Mid-February to late March |
| Donan | Noboribetsu and Lake Toya | 10 late month - 11 early month |
Sounkyo Gorge, with its towering cliffs adorned with vibrant autumn foliage on both sides, is one of Hokkaido's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves.
The panoramic view of autumn foliage from the Kurodake Ropeway is truly spectacular. It's highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the unique autumn colors of the high mountains.
Official tourist information:https://sounkyo.net
Jozankei, about an hour's drive from Sapporo, is a popular area where you can enjoy both autumn foliage and hot springs.
At Toyohirakyo Dam, the autumn leaves reflected on the emerald green surface of the lake are beautiful, making it a popular spot for many photography enthusiasts as one of Hokkaido's representative autumn foliage landscapes.
Niseko and Lake Shikotsu are also must-see spots for viewing autumn foliage.
Lake Shikotsu, with its exceptionally clear waters, offers a beautiful harmony between the autumn foliage adorning the lakeshore and the surrounding mountains.
In Niseko, you can sometimes enjoy the spectacular autumn scenery unique to Hokkaido, such as seeing both the autumn leaves and Mount Yotei, topped with its first snow, at the same time.
I also recommend Shiretoko Five Lakes and Lake Akan.
In autumn, the primeval forests of Shiretoko turn red and golden, and this scenery is reflected on the lake's surface, creating a fantastical landscape.
Due to the limited number of public transportation options, renting a car or taking a local tour is recommended.
If you also extend your trip to the Kushiro Marsh and Lake Mashu, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery created by the clear blue Lake Mashu and the colorful trees.
Official tourist information:
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/tw/spot/detail_10048.html
In Sapporo, Maruyama Park and Hokkaido University are popular spots for viewing autumn foliage.
The ginkgo tree-lined avenue at Hokkaido University shines with a golden hue, creating a beautiful contrast with the autumn foliage. It's easily accessible and free to enjoy.
Nakajima Park, located near the subway station, is attractive for its autumn foliage reflected in the iris pond and the scenery of the Japanese garden.
The soft evening light is perfect for taking photos with the autumn leaves as a backdrop.
Autumn in Hokkaido brings chilly mornings and evenings, making a soak in a hot spring while admiring the autumn foliage a truly special experience.
At Jozankei Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen, and Toyako Onsen, you can enjoy the autumn foliage while soaking in an open-air bath.
Many inns in Jozankei have open-air baths overlooking the gorge, allowing you to soak in the hot springs while gazing at the vast expanse of autumn foliage.
Noboribetsu is known for its diverse range of hot springs, allowing you to enjoy the autumn foliage in Jigokudani (Hell Valley) during the day and then relax in the hot springs at night for a truly luxurious experience.
Autumn in Hokkaido is rich in seasonal delicacies such as salmon, saury, matsutake mushrooms, and new rice.
Markets in Sapporo and Asahikawa are bustling with tourists seeking fresh seafood.
Many hot spring inns in Jozankei and Noboribetsu offer special autumn-only kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals, allowing you to enjoy seasonal Hokkaido delicacies along with the beautiful autumn foliage.
On your way out, we recommend picking up seasonal sweets with autumn leaf designs, as well as confections from "Shiroi Koibito" and "Rokkatei" as souvenirs.
Furthermore, be sure to try the piping hot soup curry and Jingisukan (grilled lamb), which are unique autumn flavors of Hokkaido.
This is a luxurious glamping facility surrounded by nature.
In addition to comfortable villa-like amenities, you can enjoy authentic French BBQ supervised by a chef who is well-versed in Hokkaido ingredients.
Enjoy luxurious glamping BBQs featuring carefully selected ingredients from Rusutsu, or experience a bonfire while admiring the autumn foliage – a truly indulgent way to spend your time in autumn.
This luxury camping facility boasts excellent access, located approximately 20-35 minutes from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo city center.
You can enjoy the rich nature, autumn foliage, and historical scenery of Kitahiroshima.
Enjoy BBQ featuring Hokkaido-produced beef and pork, as well as a private sauna, making this a stay that will satisfy everyone from adults to children.
In Hokkaido, the autumn foliage begins in mid-September starting from the Daisetsuzan Mountains, peaks in central Hokkaido from mid to late October, and can be enjoyed in southern Hokkaido until early November.
Daisetsuzan and Sounkyo Gorge, and Jozankei and Toyohirakyo Gorge are some of Hokkaido's most representative autumn foliage spots.
For those who want to enjoy the autumn foliage in a casual setting, Maruyama Park and Hokkaido University in Sapporo are also recommended.
Since autumn foliage spots in high mountains and valleys are difficult to access by public transport, renting a car is recommended.
If you're not driving, you can efficiently sightsee by taking a local day trip to see the autumn foliage.
Hokkaido is the area in Japan where you can enjoy autumn foliage earliest.
By knowing when the autumn leaves are at their peak and combining a trip to famous spots like Daisetsuzan, Jozankei, and Lake Shikotsu with hot springs and overnight stays, you can fully enjoy the unique autumn experience of Hokkaido.
This autumn, why not plan a trip to Hokkaido to enjoy the autumn foliage and luxurious glamping?
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
