Eastern Hokkaido, home to magnificent natural scenery such as Shiretoko and the Kushiro Wetlands, is a treasure trove of beautiful scenery that can only be seen in autumn! We'll introduce you to 10 recommended spots to see the autumn leaves in Eastern Hokkaido, perfect for a drive or a weekend outing, plus one bonus spot.

Best time to see autumn leaves in Eastern Hokkaido: Around October 11th to late October (as of September 5th)

Iwanai Senkyo Gorge is a place where beautiful mountain stream scenery spreads out amongst the majestic nature. The autumn foliage is particularly beautiful, and the mountain stream seen from the suspension bridge is a truly impressive sight. The Iwanai Senkyo Momiji Festival is also held every year in mid-October. The festival also features local gourmet food and agricultural products for sale, making it a popular spot to fully enjoy Tokachi's autumn and autumn foliage.

Mikuni Pass is the highest pass in Hokkaido. It is a spectacular spot with a view of the mountains in the distance and the vast ocean of trees below. The beautiful Matsumi Bridge, which appears to be floating in the sky amidst the ocean of trees, is a popular autumn spot and is visited by many people. There is also an observation deck with a cafe next door, so you can enjoy the view at your leisure.

A caldera lake located within Akan-Mashu National Park. The view of Mount Oakan towering on the eastern shore is magnificent, and the lake shows beautiful scenery in every season, including the autumn leaves that surround it. The lake is also famous for being home to Lake Akan's Marimo, a rare special natural monument, and one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring towns is located on the southern shore.

At the source of the Akan River, close to Akan Onsen town, abundant water from Lake Akan and Lake Taro flows as a waterfall. The bridge is named Takimi Bridge because you can see the waterfall flowing. The clear stream flowing among the vibrant red and yellow autumn leaves is as beautiful as a garden.

This pass, located on the border between Rausu and Shari on the Shiretoko Cross-Island Road that crosses the Shiretoko World Heritage Site, is a beautiful, expansive scenic spot. From the winding road, you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage on the mountains and primeval forests of trees such as Mizunara and Todo fir. On clear days, you can see all the way to Kunashiri Island.

Kinsenkyo Gorge is a valley on the Shokotsu River that flows through the city. From the promenades along both banks of the river, you can see alpine plants, various trees, and wild birds throughout the four seasons: fresh greenery reflected in the clear waters in spring, cool shade in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn. It is also known as a great place for birdwatching.

An artificial dam lake completed in 1956, Lake Nukabira is a place where you can enjoy observing nature in all four seasons, and is a popular outdoor spot where you can enjoy cherry salmon and rainbow trout in the summer, and smelt fishing from the frozen lake surface in the winter. It is also popular during the autumn foliage season, when the yellow leaves of the trees reflect on the lake's surface.

Oshinkoshin Falls is also known as the "Twin Beauties Falls" because the water flow splits into two midway, and is a popular spot that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan." You can climb up to the middle of the falls via stairs, and see the powerful flow right in front of you, almost splashing with spray. In autumn, the area around the falls is colored by autumn leaves, making it even more beautiful.

This is the only natural lake in Daisetsuzan National Park, and at an elevation of 810m, it is the highest lake in Hokkaido. Surrounded by a primeval forest of Sakhalin fir, Yezo spruce, and Erman's birch, the scenery changes with the seasons, enhancing the beauty of the lake. Mount Tenbo, located to the east of the lake, is nicknamed Kuchibiruyama (Lip Mountain) because of its shape and the shadow it reflects on the lake's surface, and has become the symbol of Lake Shikaribetsu.

This garden is open to the public only once a year for a limited period of about one month, usually from mid-September to mid-October. The planted trees and the surrounding natural forest are in perfect harmony, creating a beautiful garden colored by autumn leaves. It is a spot where you can look forward to seeing the different expressions of the autumn leaves every year.

This is a popular spot in eastern Hokkaido during the autumn foliage season. In autumn, parts of Lake Notoro are covered in red coral grass, creating a different atmosphere from the autumn leaves. A wooden promenade has been installed, allowing you to walk right into the expanse of coral grass. A festival is also held in mid-September, when the area is at its crimsonest.

*All information published is current as of September 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.

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