Autumn can often be over looked. But in Hokkaido it’s something to be celebrated. It’s a great time in the year when I think the temperature is just right – not too hot, not too cold – and the air is super refreshing.
Last year was my first time really appreciating autumn and that’s because it’s just SO prominent in Hokkaido. Although it seems be quite short, it hits hard (in a good way).
In New Zealand, autumn is just the cooler season after summer. Some leaves fall, but the grass is still green along with most of the trees. But in Hokkaido, it is a time of magic. The colors of the world around us change from a vibrant green carpet, to a mash up of reds, yellows, oranges and gold that resembles something I’d only ever seen before in a picture.
If you want to be anywhere for autumn, it’s here. If the timing is right you’ll see it all around you.
It depends on where in Hokkaido you are, but the autumn leaves are usually from mid Sept to early Nov, starting in the north first. But if you want the especially vibrant & picturesque spots, check the list below:
1. Jozankei
This is definitely the spot that I go to most often. And that’s because Jozankei is famous for onsen (hot springs) which makes it such an easy decision. Along with a variety of onsen options, Jozankei has beautiful parks, a nice walk along the riverside, beautiful quaint restaurants and a few free foot baths scattered, all of which are optimal seats to the show that is ‘Autumn’.
This is a great location for both a romantic getaway or a family getaway.
How to get there:
From Sapporo station it’s a 40min drive, or you can take bus number 7 or 8 to the Jozankei bus stop (approx 1hr journey).
For more information on other things to do in Jozankei click HERE.
We also do a special Jozankei Autumn Tour to make it easier for you to make the most of it:
2. Hokkaido University
This one is a goody – super close to Sapporo Station (walking distance), easy to reach, and absolutely stunning. For a week (or 2 if we’re lucky) one of the university entrance roads that is lined with beautiful trees is turned into a magical yellow lane of wonder. It’s one thing to see pictures of it, but to be there in person will blow your mind!
Just a reminder; be careful and keep out of the way of the traffic going in and out!
How to get there:
About a 15min walk from Sapporo Station or catch the subway on the Namboku line to Kita 13-jo (3mins) and walk 5mins from the station.
3. Sounkyo
Now, this is one that I’ve yet to go to but I’m forever seeing pictures of it and being told by others that it’s a MUST go-to around this time of year. Like Jozankei, it’s just like a painting.
Check out Ginga waterfall and soak in the beautiful hues that surround it. This photo was taken late Nov and will continue to go red and yellow, I suggest going there around early-mid Oct to get the full hit of autumn’s prime!
How to get there:
About a 2h30m drive from Sapporo, with no public transport out there. If you’d like help getting there, we do a special Sounkyo Autumn Tour .
4. Otaru
This one isn’t your typical ‘autumn spot’. Although the drive is, the town itself is not vast with rolling hills and nature.
Otaru is a town full of rich history. It has a beautiful canal, and beautiful brick buildings. And what I love about this place during autumn is that it’s all lined with beautiful red leaves. It makes you feel like you’re in a quaint little European village, and I think that’s rather unique in Japan.
How to get there:
40 min drive from Sapporo station or catch the JR to Otaru (max. 1hr)
Picking only a handful of locations is such a cop out because you can honestly appreciate autumn from a hundred different locations in Hokkaido. And I’m sure I’ll find more.
Let us know in the comments where your hidden autumn Hokkaido spots are!
