Sapporo's autumn tradition, the Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival, will be held again this year along the ginkgo tree-lined street of Kita 13-jo Street at Hokkaido University! In addition to the nighttime illuminations, there will be a variety of events, including food stalls offering autumn flavors like roasted sweet potatoes and pot-au-feu, a children's festival, craft workshops, and street piano. Why not come and enjoy the sparkling "golden tunnel" on an autumn night?

It began in 2012 and now attracts around 60,000 visitors every year.

The Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival is an annual autumn event at Hokkaido University that began in 2012. The approximately 380m long ginkgo tree-lined road leading from the Kita 13th Gate to the campus is dyed golden and fantastically lit up at night. It is popular with tourists, local residents, students, and people of all ages, with an amazing 65,000 people attending last year. It has become one of Sapporo's most popular autumn events.

The beautiful ginkgo trees create a different scene during the day and at night

During the period, in addition to the illuminations, there will be food and drink stalls, festivals, a children's festival, and craft workshops.

So, here are five highlights of this year's Hokkaido University Kinba Festival!

1. The Golden Ginkgo Tree Illumination

The main illumination will be held on November 1st (Sat) from 18:00 to 21:00 and on November 2nd (Sun) from 18:00 to 20:00. The "tunnel of light" is enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere that is different from the daytime, and its beauty will make you want to take photos. It is also a very popular spot for social media.

2. Enjoy the flavors of autumn at the food stalls

The venue will be filled with a variety of heart-warming dishes, including yakisoba, pot-au-feu, and roasted sweet potatoes. In addition, the Museum Cafe Plus inside the Hokkaido University Museum will be offering a collaborative menu with the event, including roasted sweet potato latte and fresh sweet potato.

3. "Street Piano": A collaboration between music and ginkgo trees

A street piano will be on display from 12:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd. The beautiful ginkgo trees and music will create a unique atmosphere at the Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival.

4. "Children's festivals and crafts" that families can enjoy

This is a great place for families to enjoy, with activities like a children's festival with toys and balloons, crafting experiences like making handmade badges and pinwheels, and an experiment booth where you can make bath bombs. You and your children can have fun making autumn memories together.

5. Take a photo of the beautiful ginkgo trees and submit it to the "Photo Contest"!

There is also a photo contest on Instagram (entries open until November 9th). Post photos of the illuminations and food stalls and share your "special autumn" moments.

The "golden tunnel" will be lit up for just two days. Why not come and enjoy the autumn scenery under the ginkgo trees at Hokkaido University?