Dotted with high mountains, the northern Hokkaido area is the place where autumn leaves arrive the earliest in Hokkaido! Here are 10 recommended spots in the northern Hokkaido area to enjoy autumn leaves early, whether for a drive or a weekend getaway.

Best time to see autumn leaves in northern Hokkaido: September 14th to mid-October (as of September 6th)

Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido at 2,291m above sea level, has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Mountains of Japan" and is known as the place in Japan where autumn leaves arrive the earliest. From mid- to late September, the best viewing time begins at the Sugatami area and moves to Asahidake Onsen day by day. Many tourists come from all over to see the magnificent colors that spread across Daisetsuzan National Park.

Ginsendai on Akadake, one of the famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, is popular as the earliest spot in Japan to see autumn leaves. You can see the green of conifers and the red and yellow of broadleaf trees overlapping in multiple layers. It is also the starting point for climbing Akadake, and many climbers gather here, and Sounkyo Onsen at the base is perfect for sightseeing and refreshing after viewing the autumn leaves.

Sounkyo, a popular autumn spot in Hokkaido, is known as the place where you can see the most beautiful autumn leaves the earliest in Japan. The mountains dyed red and yellow look like something out of a painting. The dynamic scenery and autumn leaves you can look down on while being rocked in the ropeway gondola are also fascinating.

Needless to say, this mysterious pond, one of Biei's most well-known tourist spots, has a blue water surface. The lake surface changes to various shades of blue depending on the season and weather, and the dead larch trees create a fantastical landscape. The contrast between the fresh greenery and the pond is beautiful in summer, but the golden autumn leaves shining on the lake surface create a spectacular sight.

Akaiwa Seigankyo, a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves located in a village natural park, is attractive for its unique scenery created by huge red and blue rocks. During the autumn foliage season from late September to early October, the maples turn red and yellow, further enhancing their beauty. It is also a popular spot for rafting and rock climbing, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while experiencing nature.

The largest man-made lake in Japan, this lake is home to 13 islands of various sizes. It is also known as the habitat of the mysterious huchen, the largest freshwater fish in Japan, and attracts many visitors during the season. In summer, it is a popular place for camping, and in winter, it is a popular place for smelt fishing. In autumn, the surrounding trees turn yellow and are reflected on the lake's surface, creating a beautiful sight.

Meaning "Village of God" in the Ainu language, this scenic spot features 10km of strangely shaped rocks along the rapids of the Ishikari River. You can enjoy the ever-changing scenery, with cherry blossoms blooming in the spring, greenery in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and snow in the winter. The dark green and black rocks in the valley are called Kamuikotan stones, and near the suspension bridge you can find the "Kamiikotan Holes," which were formed by the flow of the river over many years.

Located directly below the main peak of Tokachi-dake in Daisetsuzan National Park, this is a great spot for viewing autumn leaves with a spectacular view of the vast foothills. You can enjoy a variety of colors, mainly from Japanese pumila and white birch. The autumn leaves and snowfields just after the first snowfall (first snowfall), which only occurs a few days a year, are a rare and spectacular sight that can only be seen if the timing is right.

This is the perfect spot to enjoy the rich nature of Yubari. The valley formed by the erosion of the Yubari River is made up of oddly shaped rocks and countless waterfalls, large and small, allowing you to enjoy the power of nature and the spectacular scenery. It shows different faces with each season, and is known as one of the most famous spots in Hokkaido for its autumn foliage, which can be enjoyed together with Ryusenkyo and Chidorigataki waterfalls in autumn.

An observation deck located near the 5th station of Nissho Pass. In autumn, you can see the majestic Tokachi Plain and the town of Shimizu, colored red and yellow, and in the distance you can see the Daisetsu Mountain Range and the Akan mountain range. In addition to the beauty of the autumn leaves, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the natural scenery that unfolds below you.

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