The southern Hokkaido area near Hakodate is home to many popular tourist attractions, and you can enjoy the autumn foliage, which continues until early November! Here are 10 recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves in the southern Hokkaido area, perfect for a drive or a weekend getaway in the exotic atmosphere of a port town.

Best time to see autumn leaves in southern Hokkaido: Around October 25th to mid-November (as of September 5th)

In autumn, the lakeside areas of Lake Onuma, Lake Konuma, and Junsai Numa Swamp are vibrantly colored in Onuma Quasi-National Park. The spectacular scenery of the lakes and ponds, with the base of Mt. Komagatake dyed a deep red, is not to be missed. There are various ways to enjoy the autumn leaves, such as cycling around the lakeside, taking a canoe or boat ride, or climbing Mt. Higurashi, which offers a panoramic view of the lakeside area.

Shirotai Ranch, which commands a panoramic view of Mount Komagatake to the north, Mount Hakodate to the south, and the Ono Plain to the southwest, is a spot where you can see the hidden night view of Hakodate. During the autumn foliage season, the Shirotai Skyline that runs through the ranch turns a brilliant red, and the view from the top is spectacular. You can enjoy different views depending on the time of day, with autumn leaves and beautiful nature during the day and the jewel-studded night view of Hakodate at night.

Goryokaku Park is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and its winter illuminations, but in autumn you can also enjoy the changing colors of the cherry blossoms and azaleas within the park. The "sea of autumn leaves" seen from the adjacent Goryokaku Tower is spectacular. The perimeter of the moat is a promenade, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves while jogging or walking.

Located upstream of Route 345, which runs parallel to the Makomanai River, this spot is full of the feeling of being in a hidden place, with a beautiful clear stream flowing through a deep valley. In autumn, the entire valley is dyed red and yellow with autumn leaves, creating a truly spectacular sight, and the view from near the suspension bridge is said to be particularly beautiful. Hiking and stream fishing are also popular, so it's recommended to enjoy the outdoors together.

A healing spot where the mystical mountain stream soothes the soul. The valley upstream of the Torizaki River, which flows into Funka Bay, is called "Torizaki Valley" because of its beauty, and the most scenic spots are named "Torizaki Valley Eight Views." It is also popular as a place to see beautiful autumn leaves and a famous spot for mountain stream fishing.

Kosetsuen is a landscape garden located in Miharashi Park, which is located on a hill near the Yunokawa Onsen hot spring resort. The garden is home to around 150 different types of trees, mainly maples, and is a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves. You can experience the changing nature of the seasons, with cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino in spring and fireflies flying around the clear streams in summer.

This park is located at the foot of Mount Hakodate. In spring, it is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and in autumn, the cherry blossoms, azaleas, maples, and other trees turn beautiful red and yellow, creating a spectacular combination with the colorful Mount Hakodate. The park also has a mini amusement park, animal breeding facilities, a fountain plaza, and a museum, so everyone from adults to children can enjoy themselves.

Unsekikyo Gorge is located on National Route 277, which connects the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. It offers a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery, including the vibrant autumn leaves that color the valley and Mount Ohoko, and is considered one of the eight scenic spots of southern Hokkaido. As it is located along the national highway, it is also a perfect spot for viewing autumn leaves while driving.

Umemura Garden is a strolling garden with a pond filled with spring water in the center, and is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. Planted with a variety of trees and flowers, including many types of azaleas, cherry blossoms, violets, and daffodils, the garden offers a variety of seasonal scenery, attracting many visitors every year. The garden also includes the Baiuntei rest area, as well as the annex and storehouse of the former Umemura residence.

National Route 227, where Kotakinosawa is located, has long been an important road for the exchange of people and goods between Hakodate and Esashi. Kotakinosawa/Deainotaki Falls is a 12m high, 7m wide waterfall that appears dimly lit as it is hidden by the trees, but in the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain stream waterfall surrounded by vibrant colors.

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