The Southern Hokkaido area near Hakodate is full of tourist attractions, where you can leisurely enjoy the autumn leaves that last until early November! Here are our top 10 recommended spots for autumn foliage in the Southern Hokkaido area, perfect for a drive or a weekend getaway amidst the exotic atmosphere unique to a port town.

Peak Autumn Foliage in Southern Hokkaido: Around October 25th to mid-November (as of September 5th)

In autumn at Onuma Quasi-National Park, the entire lakeside area of Lake Onuma, Lake Konuma, and Junsai Numa Pond turns vibrant colors. The spectacular view of Mt. Komagatake, with its foothills colored bright red, and the lakes is a must-see. You can enjoy the autumn foliage in various ways, such as cycling around the lake, canoeing or boating on the lake, or climbing Mt. Higurashi for a panoramic view of the lakeside area.

Shirotai Farm offers a panoramic view of Mt. Komagatake to the north, Mt. Hakodate to the south, and the Ono Plain to the southwest, making it a spot to see the "reverse night view" of Hakodate. During the autumn foliage season, the Shirotai Skyline road that runs through the farm turns bright red, and the view from the summit is breathtaking. You can enjoy different sceneries depending on the time of day, with beautiful nature and autumn leaves during the day and a jewel-like night view of Hakodate at night.

Goryokaku Park is famous as a cherry blossom spot in spring and an illumination spot in winter, but in autumn, you can also enjoy the autumn colors of the cherry trees and azaleas within the fort. The view from the adjacent Goryokaku Tower, looking down on a "sea of autumn colors," is magnificent. The outer moat has a walking path, so you can enjoy autumn leaf viewing while jogging or walking.

Located upstream on Prefectural Road 345, which runs parallel to the Makomanai River, this spot is full of secluded charm with its beautiful clear stream flowing through a deep valley. The autumn foliage, which paints the entire gorge in red and yellow, is truly spectacular, with the view from near the suspension bridge being particularly beautiful. It is also popular for hiking and stream fishing, making it a great place to enjoy with outdoor activities.

A healing spot where the mystical mountain stream soothes the soul. The gorge, which you reach by heading upstream along the Torizaki River that flows into Uchiura Bay, is called "Torizaki Gorge" for its beauty, and the particularly scenic spots are named the "Eight Views of Torizaki Gorge." It is also popular as a beautiful spot for autumn foliage and a great place for stream fishing.

Kosetsuen is a landscape garden located within Miharashi Park, situated on a hill near the Yunokawa Onsen district. The garden features about 150 types of trees, mainly maples, and is a famous spot for autumn foliage, attracting many visitors. You can experience the nature of all four seasons here, with Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in spring and fireflies dancing around the clear stream in summer.

A park located at the foot of Mt. Hakodate. Known as a famous cherry blossom spot in spring, in autumn, the cherry trees, azaleas, and maples turn beautiful colors, creating a stunning collaboration with the colorful Mt. Hakodate. The park also has a mini amusement park, an animal enclosure, a fountain square, and a museum, allowing both adults and children to enjoy a leisurely time.

Unsekikyo Gorge is located on National Route 277, which connects the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. You can enjoy a panoramic view of beautiful scenery, including the autumn leaves that vividly color the gorge and Mt. Oppu-dake. It is considered one of the Eight Views of Southern Hokkaido. Being along the national highway, it's a perfect spot for enjoying autumn leaves during a drive.

Umemura Garden is a strolling pond garden with a pond filled with spring water at its center, and it is a famous spot for autumn foliage. Many people visit each year to enjoy the scenery of each season, as various trees and flowers such as numerous types of azaleas, cherry blossoms, violets, and daffodils are planted here. The garden also includes a rest facility called Baiuntei, as well as the detached building and storehouse of the former Umemura residence.

National Route 227, where Kotaki-no-sawa is located, has long been an important road for the exchange of people and goods between Hakodate and the Esashi area. The Deai-no-taki waterfall in Kotaki-no-sawa is 12 meters high and 7 meters wide. Although it appears dark as it's hidden in the shade of trees, during the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain stream waterfall amidst vibrant colors.

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