The autumn foliage in Central Hokkaido, including areas like Sapporo and Otaru, is easily accessible and perfect for a day trip or as part of a longer vacation! Here are our top 10 recommended spots for autumn colors in the Central Hokkaido area, all with great access from the city center, making them ideal for a drive or a weekend outing.

Peak Foliage in Central Hokkaido: Around October 12 to Late October (as of September 5)

Located about an hour's drive from Sapporo Station, Jozankei is a relaxing hot spring retreat. The area is dotted with lush forests, a beautiful valley, and picturesque bridges surrounding the onsen town, attracting many tourists during the autumn foliage season. A stroll from the iconic red Futami Tsuribashi suspension bridge is a great way to enjoy the autumn views.

This avenue of ginkgo trees is located on the Hokkaido University campus. Starting 50 meters north of Ohno Pond, 70 ginkgo trees line a 380-meter stretch of Kita 13-jo Street to the east. The vibrant green tunnel of summer transforms into a warm golden hue in autumn, delighting visitors' eyes.

Hoheikyo is one of Sapporo's leading leisure spots, offering magnificent natural scenery woven by the lake and greenery, centered around the Hoheikyo Dam on the Toyohira River. It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Forests for Water Sources" and "100 Best Dam Lakes" by the Forestry Agency. The combination of the dam's spectacular sightseeing discharge and the autumn leaves is highly recommended.

This is an explosion crater created by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hiyori. From here, 10,000 tons of various types of hot spring water gush out daily, supplying the hotels and inns of the onsen town. The sight of bubbling and boiling water from the many fumaroles and vents along the valley is the origin of its name, "Hell where demons live." The valley, blazing red with autumn leaves, is a must-see.

This lake is the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is the third-largest caldera lake in Japan. It is surrounded by a variety of trees, offering different landscapes depending on the viewing position and the season. The four islands in the center of the lake are collectively called Nakajima, and the view of Nakajima and the blue lake through the autumn leaves is breathtaking.

Eniwa Valley is located along the Rarumanai River, a tributary of the Izari River. The area is equipped with various facilities, including waterfalls and parks. There are three unique waterfalls: Hakusen-no-taki, Rarumanai-no-taki, and Sandan-no-taki. In addition, the vast lawn of "Eniwako Jiyu Hiroba" and "Sakura Park," famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, also delight visitors with their autumn colors.

This vast 19.7-hectare park is situated on a hill in the northern part of Otaru City. The park has a grove of about 230 chestnut trees, said to be the northernmost natural chestnut forest. In spring, it's a popular spot for viewing cherry and azalea blossoms, while in autumn, it's beloved as a place for walks and hikes, where visitors can enjoy autumn foliage and chestnut picking.

Located on a plateau over 750 meters above sea level, this popular spot for hikers features many lakes, marshes, and wetlands, including Shinsennuma, which is called the most beautiful and mystical marsh in the Niseko mountain range. Shinsennuma is a natural marsh where you can enjoy the changing seasons, and it bustles with many visitors during the autumn foliage season.

Iwaonupuri is an active volcano straddling Kutchan and Rankoshi towns, and it's part of the Niseko mountain range, which includes Niseko Annupuri. In autumn, it transforms into a stunning landscape of autumn colors with a magnificent contrast of red, yellow, and green. Along with the foliage of Niseko Annupuri, it is a popular scenic spot for many people.

The Horoman River originates in the Hidaka Mountains and flows into the Pacific Ocean. Its middle and lower reaches, spanning about 8 km, form a natural valley that runs along the east side of the Mt. Apoi massif, known as Horoman Gorge. The gorge is formed by peridotite rock, which gives the stream a uniform deep blue-green color, creating a beautiful landscape with the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest on the mountainsides. It is particularly beautiful in autumn, known as a hidden gem for its stunning foliage.

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