The Donan area near Hakodate has many tourist attractions, and along with popular sightseeing spots, visitors can take their time to enjoy the autumn foliage, which lasts until early November! Here are 10 recommended spots to enjoy autumn foliage in the southern Hokkaido area for a drive or weekend excursion in the exotic atmosphere of this port town.

Autumn foliage viewing season in the southern Hokkaido area: October 25 to mid-November (as of September 6)

In Onuma National Park, the lakeside areas of Onuma, Konuma and Junsai-numa turn bright red in autumn. Komagatake, whose foothills turn bright red, and the lakes and marshes create a spectacular view that should not be missed. You can appreciate the autumn leaves in various ways, such as cycling around the lakeside, canoeing or boating on the lake, or climbing Nipporiyama, from which you can view the entire lakeside area.

With Komagatake to the north, Mount Hakodate to the south, and the Ono Plain below to the southwest, Jotai Pasture is a spot where visitors can view the nightscape behind Hakodate. During the fall foliage season, the Jotai Skyline that runs through the ranch turns bright red, and the view from the top is spectacular. Visitors can enjoy different views depending on the time of day, from the autumn leaves and beautiful nature during the daytime to the jewel-like night view of Hakodate at night.

Goryokaku Park is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and as a winter illumination spot. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the autumn colors of the cherry blossoms and azaleas inside the fortress. The "sea of autumn leaves" seen from the adjacent Goryokaku Tower is magnificent. The outer perimeter of the moat is a promenade, so visitors can enjoy the autumn colors while jogging or walking.

Located upstream from Highway 345, which runs parallel to the Makomanai River, this is a spot full of unexplored beauty with a clear stream flowing through a deep valley. The autumn leaves turning red and yellow throughout the valley in fall are truly spectacular, and the view from the suspension bridge is said to be particularly beautiful. It is also popular for hiking and mountain stream fishing, and is recommended to be enjoyed together with outdoor activities.

A healing spot where the mysterious mountain stream soothes the soul. The valley upstream from the Torisaki River, which flows into Eruption Bay, is called "Torisaki Valley" for its beauty, and particularly scenic spots are named "Torisaki Valley Eight Views". It is also a popular place for beautiful autumn foliage and mountain stream fishing.

Kosetsuen is a landscape garden located in Miharake Park on a hill near the Yunokawa hot spring resort area. The garden is home to about 150 varieties of garden trees, mainly maple trees, and is visited by many people as a scenic spot for autumn foliage. Visitors can also experience nature in each of the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms including Someiyoshino in spring and fireflies flying around a clear stream in summer.

Hakodate Park is located at the foot of Mt. Hakodate. Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, the park offers a spectacular view in autumn when cherry blossoms, azaleas and maples turn beautiful autumn colors in collaboration with the colorful Mount Hakodate. The park also has a mini amusement park, animal breeding facilities, a fountain plaza, and a museum, where both adults and children can relax and have fun.

Unsekikyo Gorge is located on Route 277, which connects the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The gorge is considered one of the eight scenic spots in southern Hokkaido, offering a panoramic view of the brilliantly colored autumn leaves and Mt. The location along the national highway makes it a perfect spot for enjoying the autumn foliage while driving.

Umemura Garden is a pond garden with a pond filled with spring water in the center, and is famous for its autumn foliage. The garden is planted with a variety of trees and flowers, including azaleas, cherry blossoms, violets, and narcissus, and attracts many visitors each year for its seasonal scenery. The garden also includes Baiun-tei, a rest facility, and the former Umemura Residence's detached house and storehouse.

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 Esashi. Kotaki-no-Sawa Meeting Waterfall is 12 meters high and 7 meters wide. Although it appears dimly lit in the shadows of trees, visitors can enjoy the beautiful mountain stream waterfall in vivid colors during the fall foliage season.

All information is current as of September 2024.
Please check the official website for details.

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