Must-Visit in Autumn! Limited-Time Events to Enjoy Spectacular Fall Foliage!|Domingo

Must-Visit in Autumn! Limited-Time Events to Enjoy Spectacular Fall Foliage!

Hokkaido is now in the peak of its autumn foliage season! Hokkaido has numerous famous spots for autumn leaves, each offering a unique and delightful autumn landscape. Here are some limited-time events that will make your foliage viewing experience even more special.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort "Autumn Leaves Gondola"

(Photo courtesy of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort)


The gondola at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is operating as a special "Autumn Leaves Gondola" just for this season! You can enjoy an aerial stroll while looking down at the sprawling autumn colors. The view from the gondola is fantastic, and from the 360° panoramic observatory at the summit, you can get a sweeping view of Ishikari Port and Otaru Port.

(Photo courtesy of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort)


Additionally, there is a summit cafe popular for its soft-serve ice cream, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.
■Event Period: September 25 (Sat) – October 17 (Sun)
■Address: 937 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo
■Access
・Approx. 70 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station
・Approx. 30 minutes by car from Jozankei Onsen town
・Approx. 40 minutes by car from central Otaru
■Contact: Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort 011-598-4511

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 Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort "Autumn Leaves Gondola"

Jozankei "Five Great Autumn Foliage Spots Bus Tour"

(Photo courtesy of Jozankei Tourism Association)


For a limited time, buses are running from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center to Jozankei's five great autumn foliage areas! There are also bus tours guided by local volunteers, so you can enjoy them without any prior knowledge. Plus, since the buses depart from the tourist information center, you can easily enjoy the autumn leaves while sightseeing in Jozankei Onsen!

(Photo courtesy of Jozankei Tourism Association)


The Jozankei Onsen area, one of the five great foliage spots, offers vibrant autumn colors thanks to the large temperature differences, the rocky gorge, and the flowing river. At Hoheikyo Dam, you can admire the scenic beauty of one of Hokkaido's premier arch dams and its magnificent nature, while at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, you can get a panoramic view of the sprawling autumn leaves and Ishikari Bay from the gondola.

Furthermore, at Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori (formerly Jozankei Farm), you can enjoy not only the autumn leaves but also fruit picking and other activities. The Mt. Hakkenzan area has hidden gems like a horse riding club, orchards, and a winery. Please enjoy each of the five great autumn foliage areas, each with its own unique charm.
■Operating Period
・Jozankei Onsen Area (Koyo Kappa Bus): October 1 (Fri) – October 21 (Thu)
・Hoheikyo Dam (Hoheikyo Dam Liner): October 1 (Fri) – October 24 (Sun)
・Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (Koyo Gondola Liner): October 2 (Sat) – October 17 (Sun)
・Oku-Jozankei Kamui no Mori (Free Shuttle Bus): October 1 (Fri) – October 21 (Thu) *Closed every Wednesday
・Mt. Hakkenzan Area (Jotetsu Bus Kappa Liner): May 1 (Fri) – October 31 (Sun) *Reservation required by 5:00 PM the day before
*Please note that the period differs depending on the destination.
■Address: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo (Jozankei Tourist Information Center)
■Access
・Approx. 60-70 minutes by bus from Sapporo Station
・Approx. 50 minutes by bus from Makomanai Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
■Contact: Jozankei Tourism Association 011-598-2012

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 Jozankei "Five Great Autumn Foliage Spots Bus Tour"

Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo Onsen Momijidani "Miracle Illuminations IV"

(Photo courtesy of Sounkyo Tourist Association)


Now in its fourth year, "Miracle Illuminations" is back, bigger and better than ever! You can enjoy not only the illuminated autumn leaves but also interactive light displays that change with people's movements, such as colorfully projected waterfalls, rivers, and a carpet of autumn leaves.

(Photo courtesy of Sounkyo Tourist Association)


In the shopping street near the parking lot, there is also a "Shopping Street Night Stroll" event with illuminations and photo spots, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant walk on your way to the Miracle Illuminations IV venue in Momijidani.
■Event Period: September 18 (Sat) – October 17 (Sun)
■Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa-cho *Please walk to the venue.
■Access
・Approx. 35 minutes by Dohoku Bus from Kamikawa
・Approx. 110 minutes by Dohoku Bus from Asahikawa
■Contact: Sounkyo Tourist Association 01658-2-1811

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 Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo Onsen Momijidani "Miracle Illuminations IV"
Hokkaido is dotted with numerous spots where you can visit for sightseeing, with activities, gourmet food, and hot springs located near the autumn foliage spots. There are still many more events to make your autumn leaf viewing even more enjoyable, so be sure to experience the unique scenery of this season!


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