The southern Hokkaido area near Hakodate has many tourist attractions, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves that continue until early November at your leisure along with the popular tourist spots! Here are 10 recommended spots to see the autumn leaves in the southern Hokkaido area, perfect for a drive or a weekend getaway with an exotic atmosphere unique to a port town.

Best time to see autumn leaves in southern Hokkaido: Around October 25th to mid-November (as of September 6th)

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

Shirotai Ranch, which commands a panoramic view of Mt. Komagatake to the north, Mt. Hakodate to the south, and the Ono Plain to the southwest, is a spot where you can see the night view behind Hakodate. During the autumn foliage season, the Shirotai Skyline that runs through the ranch turns a deep red, and the view from the top is spectacular. You can enjoy different views depending on the time of day, from the autumn leaves and beautiful nature during the day to 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 autumn 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 viewing 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 region, 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 the suspension bridge is said to be particularly beautiful. Hiking and stream fishing are also popular, so it is recommended to enjoy the outdoors at the same time.

A healing spot where the mystical mountain stream soothes the soul. The valley that flows upstream of the Torizaki River, which flows into Funka Bay, is called "Torizaki Valley" for its beauty, and the most scenic spots are named "Torizaki Valley Eight Views." It is also popular as a place with 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 town of Yunokawa Onsen. The garden has about 150 types of trees, mainly maples, and is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, attracting many visitors. You can experience the nature of the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms including Somei-Yoshino in spring and fireflies flying around the clear streams in summer.

This park is located at the foot of Mt. 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 collaboration with the colorful Mt. 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 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 vivid autumn leaves that paint the valley and Mount Ohoko, and is considered one of the eight scenic spots of southern Hokkaido. As it is located along the national route, it is also a perfect spot for viewing autumn leaves during a drive.

Umemura Garden is a stroll-style garden with a pond filled with spring water in the center, and is famous for its autumn leaves. Many kinds of azaleas, cherry blossoms, violets, daffodils, and other trees and flowers are planted, and many people visit every year to enjoy the seasonal scenery. Within the garden, there is also the Baien-tei rest facility, 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 going between Hakodate and Esashi. Kotaki-no-sawa/Deai-no-taki is a 12m high, 7m wide waterfall that is hidden in the shade of the trees and looks dim, but in the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain stream waterfall surrounded by vivid colors.

*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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