Sapporo's iconic autumn event, the "Hokudai Konyosai (Golden Leaf) Festival," is back again this year at Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Avenue on Kita 13-jo Street! The event features a nighttime light-up, as well as a variety of other attractions, including food stalls serving autumn delicacies like roasted sweet potatoes and pot-au-feu, festival games and craft workshops for children, and a street piano. Why not come and enjoy the shimmering "golden tunnel" on a crisp autumn evening?

Started in 2012, the festival now attracts about 65,000 visitors annually.

The "Hokudai Konyosai" is an annual autumn festival at Hokkaido University that began in 2012. Along a roughly 380-meter stretch of road leading from the university's Kita 13-jo Gate, the avenue of ginkgo trees is painted in brilliant gold and fantastically illuminated at night. Popular with tourists, local residents, and students alike, it has become one of Sapporo's premier autumn events, drawing an incredible 65,000 visitors last year.

The beautiful ginkgo avenue offers a different scenery by day and by night.

During the festival, in addition to the light-up, there will be food stalls, festival games for children, and craft workshops.

Here are our top five picks for what to see and do at this year's "Hokudai Konyosai"!

1. The Glowing Golden "Ginkgo Avenue Light-Up"

The main light-up event will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday, November 2, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The "tunnel of light," enveloped in a magical atmosphere different from the daytime, is so beautiful you'll instinctively want to take a picture. It's a hugely popular spot for social media photos.

2. Savor Autumn Flavors at the "Food Stalls"

The venue will be lined with stalls serving heartwarming dishes like yakisoba, pot-au-feu, and roasted sweet potatoes. Additionally, the Museum Cafe "Porasu" inside the Hokkaido University Museum will offer special collaboration menu items, such as a "Roasted Sweet Potato Latte" and "Fresh Sweet Potato" dessert.

3. A Harmony of Music and Ginkgo Trees with the "Street Piano"

A street piano will be available on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The collaboration between the beautiful ginkgo avenue and music creates a unique atmosphere that can only be experienced at the Hokudai Konyosai Festival.

4. Fun for the Whole Family with "Kids' Festival Games and Crafts"

The event is perfect for a family outing, with activities like a cork gun shooting game, balloons, craft experiences such as making handmade buttons and pinwheels, and an experiment booth for creating bath bombs. Children can join in to make wonderful autumn memories.

5. Capture the Beauty and Enter the "Photo Contest"!

An Instagram photo contest is also being held (submission period: until November 9). Post your photos of the light-up and food stalls to share your special autumn moments.

The "golden tunnel" is lit up for just two days. Why not visit Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Avenue to enjoy a truly unique autumn scene?