Eastern Hokkaido boasts magnificent natural scenery such as Shiretoko and the Kushiro Wetlands, and is a treasure trove of beautiful scenery that can only be seen in autumn! Here are 10 recommended spots to see autumn leaves in Eastern Hokkaido, perfect for a drive or a weekend getaway, plus one bonus spot.

Best time to see autumn leaves in Eastern Hokkaido: Around October 12th to late October (as of September 6th)

Iwanai Senkyo is a place where beautiful mountain stream scenery spreads out amongst the majestic nature. The autumn leaves are especially beautiful, and the mountain stream overlooked from the suspension bridge is very impressive. The Iwanai Senkyo Momiji Festival is also held every year in mid-October. The festival also sells local gourmet food and agricultural products, and is attracting attention as a spot where you can fully enjoy Tokachi's autumn and autumn leaves.

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

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

Located near the source of the Akan River near Akan Onsen town, the 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 vivid red and yellow autumn leaves is as beautiful as a garden.

This pass is located on the border between Rausu and Shari on the Shiretoko Cross-Island Highway, which crosses the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko. From the winding road, you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage on the mountains and primeval forests of trees such as Mizunara and Todomatsu. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Kunashiri Island.

Kinsenkyo 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 reflecting 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 nature observation in all four seasons, and is garnering attention as an 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 in the autumn when the leaves change color, and the yellow foliage reflects off the lake 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 surrounding area of the falls is colored with 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. It is surrounded by a primeval forest of Sakhalin fir, Yezo spruce, and Erman's birch, and the lake's beauty is enhanced by its changing appearance with the seasons. Mount Tenbo, located to the east of the lake, is called Kuchibiruyama (Lip Mountain) because of its shape and the shadow it reflects on the lake's surface, and is 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 with 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. Wooden walkways have been installed, allowing you to walk into the coral grass that spreads out as far as the eye can see. A festival is also held in mid-September, when the grass is at its most red.

*All information published is current as of September 2024. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.

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