1 A Lake Dyed Crimson! Lake Notoro Coral Grass Colony (Abashiri City)

Lake Notoro in Abashiri, connected to the Sea of Okhotsk, turns a vibrant crimson from mid-September to October. The source of this red color is coral grass. First discovered in Akkeshi, Hokkaido, it was named "Akkeshiso" (glasswort) and later came to be called "sango-so" (coral grass) because it turns red like coral.

Walking along the wooden boardwalk, you'll find yourself surrounded by coral grass on all sides, making you feel as if you've stepped into another world. While it can also be found in other parts of eastern Hokkaido and even in parts of Shikoku, the coral grass colony at Ubaranai Enchi in Abashiri Quasi-National Park, said to be the best in Japan, is truly a spectacular sight.

2 Adorable Kochia and Cute Cuisine Yuni Garden Kochia Hill (Yuni Town)

"Kochia Hill" is a new area established last year (2021) within Yuni Garden, part of the Yuni Resort in Yuni Town. The hill is planted with 32,000 kochia plants, also known as "broom grass."

At the cafeteria in Yuni Garden's center house, you can find dishes and sweets inspired by the adorable kochia. You can also enjoy a healthy lunch buffet featuring fresh vegetables from the garden and Yuni Town.

3 Enjoy Colorful Autumn Leaves Takino Suzuran Hillside Park (Sapporo City)

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, the only national government park in Hokkaido, boasts a vast area of 400 hectares. The first place to visit in autumn is the "Hana no Makiba" (Flower Pasture) in the Country Garden area, located in the central zone near the main gate. Here, 6,000 kochia plants turn beautiful colors.

From the "Morimi no Tou" (Forest Viewing Tower) in the Takino Forest Zone, you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The autumn foliage spreading out below creates a stunning contrast with the blue sky above.

4 Autumn in Hokkaido's Northernmost Wetland Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden (Toyotomi Town)

The Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden, part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, offers different highlights each season. In autumn, around late September, the entire wetland displays "kusamomiji," or the autumn colors of the grassland, creating a unique beauty different from spring and summer.

In the distance, you can see Mount Rishiri (Rishiri Fuji) on Rishiri Island, allowing you to experience the dynamic nature unique to Hokkaido. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the scenery of each of the four seasons.

5 A Famous Spot for Autumn Foliage and Cherry Blossoms Gyokusenkan Atochi Park (Iwamizawa City)

Gyokusenkan Atochi Park in Iwamizawa was created by redeveloping the site of what was once the beloved garden of the hot spring inn "Gyokusenkan." Gyokusenkan was a venerable inn that operated from 1904 to 1979.

From mid to late October, the autumn foliage is magnificent. As you stroll through the park enjoying the seasonal scenery, you'll feel a sense of calm settle over you. The traditional Japanese garden offers a serene atmosphere that resonates with visitors, providing a glimpse into the heart of Japanese aesthetics.