If Japan is a pink country in spring because of the cherry blossoms in bloom, then it becomes warm and romantic with the red color of the mountains in fall. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, as the temperature gradually drops, the autumn leaves in Japan begin to change color from green to yellow, orange, and red, bringing endless beauty to the country. Fall foliage in Hokkaido, which lasts for about a month and a half from mid-September in the Daisetsuzan Mountain to early November in Hakodate in southern Hokkaido, has the longest red leaves viewing period in Japan and is characterized by a mixture of the green color of the coniferous trees. Read more about our guide to the Hokkaido fall foliage 2026 here. Customize your private Hokkaido autumn tour to make each day spectacular, interesting, lifetime experience without glitches and problems.
Table of Contents
1. Best Time to See Autumn Foliage Hokkaido 2026
2. 8 Popular Spots to View Hokkaido Fall Foliage 2026
3. 6 Less-Crowded Places to Enjoy Hokkaido Autumn Colors 2026
4. Top 3 Destinations to See Red Leaves in Japan
5. More Things to Do during Autumn in Hokkaido 2026
1. Hokkaido Autumn Leaves Forecast 2026
Viewing autumn leaves in Japan is a representative seasonal event, just like Hanami viewing in spring, both are must-do things to do in Japan. Before every red leaf season, the Japan Meteorological Agency will release the fall foliage forecast to the whole country, which is what the Japanese call the "red leaf front", that is, the forecast of when the autumn leaves will turn red. Starting from mid-September, the Hokkaido autumn foliage 2026 will be the first to turn red, and then go all the way south to Kyushu, like the palette of nature, dyeing the entire Japan into a sea of red.
Due to its latitude, Hokkaido has long winters and short summers. With the advent of autumn, Hokkaido is the starting point of red leaves in the long and narrow Japanese archipelago. The higher the altitude, the earlier the red leaves begin. Especially Daisetsuzan, located in central Hokkaido, is surrounded by mountains with an altitude of about 2,000 meters. The Hokkaido red leaves there will start to turn red in mid-September, and it is the earliest and most beautiful place in Japan to view the fall colors.
In short, according to the Japan fall foliage forecast 2026, the best time to visit Hokkaido autumn for maple leaves viewing is from late October to early November. Pay a quick visit to the following Japan tours (with the Hokkaido itinerary included), and feel free to contact us to tailor the itinerary for a personalized trip to enjoy autumn in Hokkaido 2026!
11 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Hakone - Aomori - Morioka - Sendai Tour
11 days | From $ 6692
15 Days Tokyo - Hakone - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Sapporo - Asahikawa Tour
15 days | From $ 9787
2. Favorite Spots to Enjoy the Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido 2026
Hokkaido in fall is beautiful as the mountains are dyed red, and there are many places where you can see the autumn foliage in Hokkaido. From Mount Asahidake in Daisetsuzan to the ginkgo avenue at Hokkaido University, they are all ideal places to view red leaves. Even if you don't go to the mountains and forests, the bright red color of the rowan berries or the golden yellow leaves of the ginkgo and aspen trees along the roadside in Hokkaido are beautiful enough for you to enjoy the earliest fall foliage during your autumn leaves scenic tour. Here are 8 popular fall foliage viewing spots that are highly recommended for you when you visit Hokkaido in autumn 2026.
Daisetsuzan National Park: Enjoy Japan's Earliest Autumn Leaves 2026 at Various Stunning Viewing Spots
Daisetsuzan National Park, with its rolling hills, is the first place in Japan to see the fall foliage and has a unique natural landscape where waterfalls and red maple leaves coexist.
There are a number of spots to see Daisetsuzan autumn foliage, and you can view the autumn leaves in early September. Daisetsuzan is the name of Hokkaido's Central Volcanic Complex, which consists of more than 20 peaks of various sizes, with Sounkyo being the most famous one, and the scenery is unparalleled in autumn against the backdrop of the red foliage. In Daisetsuzan National Park autumn, whether you are overlooking the Hokkaido fall foliage from the Asahidake Aerial Ropeway or admiring the stunning red leaves while soaking in the Sounkyo onsen, it is a very enjoyable experience.
At Gensendai in Mount Aka in the Daisetsuzan area, the red and yellow leaves gradually spread to the slopes of the mountain in mid-September, overlapping each other to create a magnificent view of Hokkaido in fall. In particular, the remaining snow on the top of the mountain and the red leaves on the hillside complement each other, making it a unique experience for viewing autumn leaves in Hokkaido 2026.
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 1658-2-2574
Hokkaido University: Take a Stroll on the Best Ginkgo Avenue in Hokkaido Autumn 2026
When it comes to viewing spots for autumn leaves Hokkaido 2026, the first thing that many people can think of is the Ginkgo Biloba Avenue of Hokkaido University, where 70 ginkgo trees form a golden landscape in the fall. In addition to Ginkgo Avenue, the campus is home to a variety of natural attractions, such as farms and pastures, and the Golden-leaf Festival (Kon'yousai) is held every year in late October, when it is the best time to experience the Hokkaido University autumn leaves.
Address: 5 Chome Kita 8 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan
Hours: Opens 8:30 am
Phone: +81 11-716-2111
Onuma Quasi-National Park: An Awesome Hokkaido Momiji Spot not far from Hakodate
Onuma National Park Lake is not far from Hakodate and features three lakes and Hokkaido Koma-ga-take. When people start catching fish here, it is the beginning of the maple leaf season in Onuma Quasi-National Park. The blazing red color of the autumn leaves reflected in the lake, and the sharp outline of the Komagatake ridge makes a stunning picture. When you visit Onuma Park autumn, your heart will be refreshed.
Jigokudani (Hell Valley): Specialized Trails Are Available for Foliage Viewing
"Noboribetsu Jigokudani" was selected as one of the "100 Best Red Foliage Spots in Japan" and is a well-known destination to visit during the Hokkaido autumn season. The view from the Jigokudani Observatory Deck is especially recommended when you travel to Hokkaido in October 2026. You can smell the sulfur smell that comes from the steam, witness the rare volcanic eruption that is only seen in movies, the white hot spring smoke, and the red leaves, all in front of your eyes will make you feel unbelievable. After a 20-minute hike from Jigokudani, you will come to Lake Oyunuma, where the rocky cliffs and the reddish-yellow foliage contrast with each other, giving you great visual enjoyment. If you are tired of walking, you can soak your feet in the River Oyunuma Natural Footbath to get rid of fatigue, or stay overnight at a Noboribetsu Onsen hotel for more relaxation.
Jozankei Onsen: Witness the most Beautiful Fall Foliage in the Whole Valley from Futamitsuri Bridge
Jozankei Onsen is not only famous for its hot springs but also for its fall colors. The Onsen is set amidst lush forests, and the scenery is superb. In Jozankei Onsen autumn, when the foliage leaves turn red, the view is even more mesmerizing. Take a look at the stunning autumn colors from the Hōheikyō Dam, or take the "Autumn Leaves Ropeway" at Jozankei Sapporo International Ski Resort to capture the best of the Jozankei Onsen autumn leaves. Of course, we also recommend soaking in a hot spring while enjoying the Hokkaido autumn leaves 2026 here.
Hakodate Kosetsuen: A Popular Spot to Enjoy Hokkaido Fall Colors at Hakodate
Built in 1927 as the former villa of the Iwafune family, a well-known wealthy merchant in Hokkaido, Hakodate Kosetsuen features old Japanese-style buildings and flowers and trees in the courtyard that complement each other. During the Hakodate autumn 2026, you will find that the maple leaves in Hakodate Kosetsuen change color, alternating between red and yellow, making the whole garden a beautiful sight, and it is the best place to see autumn leaves in Hokkaido, in my opinion.
Nakajima Park: Appreciate the Best Hokkaido Fall Foliage 2026 at Iris Pond
When it is the best time to visit Hokkaido in autumn, the golden ginkgo trees blowing in the wind seem to tell the story of the years. When you walk from the subway exit to Iris Pond, you will see yellow ginkgo trees along the way, and it is really beautiful during the fall in Hokkaido! Don't forget to bring your camera to record the beauty of the Hokkaido foliage at this moment! Iris Pond is one of the highlights of Nakajima Park. In addition to the ginkgo and maple leaves along the shore, there are also mallard ducks paddling on the surface of the lake, which is very cute. Nakajima Park is also a great spot to appreciate the Sapporo Sakura in early May.
Address: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 11-511-3924
How to get to Nakajima Park: Take the subway and get off at Nakajima Koen Station or Sapporo Horohirabashi Station on the North-South Line.
Maruyama Park: Enjoy the Best Hokkaido Foliage around Mt. Maruyama, Mt. Moiwa, and Mt. Sankakuyama
Maruyama Park, located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is located in the dome-shaped Maruyama 226 meters above sea level. It was originally a tree testing ground established by the Meiji period's pioneering envoys, but was later converted into a park at the end of the Meiji period and during the Taisho period. In the fall in Sapporo, the wide park is filled with clusters of red leaves and green vegetation, which makes the quiet scenery of late autumn gorgeous and moving. As you stroll through the park, you can observe squirrels, weeds, wild birds, and many other plants and animals apart from viewing the Sapporo autumn leaves. In addition to being an ideal spot to enjoy the fall colors of Hokkaido in October, Maruyama Park is also a stunning place to admire Hokkaido cherry blossoms in early May.
Address: Japan, 〒064-0959 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka, ３
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 11-621-0453
3. Best Places to Avoid Crowds When Viewing Hokkaido Autumn Foliage 2026
The Hokkaido area has majestic nature, mountains, lakes, and seas. Starting from September, this is where Japan's red foliage frontline takes its first steps. Hokkaido autumn months for fall foliage start in mid-September and end in early November, and are characterized by an early start and a quick end. What are some of the most famous viewing spots for autumn foliage Hokkaido 2026 that are not so crowded? Just find out in the following.
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
Biei is a quiet town surrounded by rolling hills. The most popular attraction in this picturesque town is the Shirogane Blue Pond. The water of the pond is a dreamy blue color, and the dry larch trees at the edge of the pond add to its charm. When it is the best time to see autumn leaves in Hokkaido, the yellow color of the larch and birch trees surrounding the pond is reflected in the water, and the pond is tinted a golden yellow. The Biei River, to which the Aoike trail leads, is also known as the Blue River, and the contrast between the clear blue water and the red leaves creates a beautiful scene of Hokkaido October. After the red leaf season, from November every year, Shirogane Blue Pond is illuminated at night and transformed into a mysterious, dreamy winter landscape of white and blue.
Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
Phone: +81 166-92-4321
Lake Akan
Located in Kushiro City in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Lake Akan is a crater lake that represents the tourist destination of eastern Hokkaido. Lake Akan is the home of the Japanese special nature conservation plant Chlorella. Don't miss the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Churui Island on the lake, where you can see amazing Chlorella. It is recommended that you take an excursion boat or a motorboat to enjoy the Lake Akan autumn from a distance on the lake.
Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu, with its clear and transparent water, good ecological environment, and unique ecological flavor, is a must-see place for maple viewing during October in Hokkaido. When the red maple leaves are reflected in the clear water of the lake, the scenery is like a dream. The contrast between the red leaves and the reflection in the lake makes people marvel at the ingenious work of nature.
Shinsen-numa Marsh
The fall foliage of Shinsen-numa Marsh in the ski resort Niseko is said to be the most beautiful autumn leaves in Hokkaido, and is located on a plateau with an elevation of 750 meters. About 20 minutes from the entrance, you can see this legendary marsh, which is beautifully surrounded by alpine flora and red Ezo pines. There are also a large wetland and many ponds around it, giving people a mysterious feeling.
Address: Maeda, Kyowa, Iwanai District, Hokkaido 048-2201, Japan
Access: Take the Hakodate Main Line from JR Sapporo Station to Niseko and transfer to a taxi for 30 minutes.
Shiretoko Goko Lakes
Shiretoko Goko Lakes preserve the most pristine natural scenery. There are two tourist trails around it, where you can enjoy both the beautiful Hokkaido autumn foliage and the lake view at the same time. The "Elevated Wooden Path" offers a stunning view of one of the lakes and takes about 20 minutes to complete. The "Ground Pathways" allow you to walk around the other four lakes. While enjoying the autumn leaves here, you may meet with fish, birds, and other animals, making it a vivid scene to enjoy more about the Hokkaido autumn festival 2026.
Lake Notoro
Lake Notoro is located in Abashiri City, which is connected to the Sea of Okhotsk. Coral grass grows here, and around the middle of September every year, the whole area around the lake is colored in deep red. In autumn, the coral grasses become as beautiful as coral, and their deep red color becomes a distinctive feature. The "red leaves" here are completely different from those of deciduous trees, and they look unique in Hokkaido in the fall.
Enjoy Japan Autumn 2026 in Other Regions:
Japan Autumn Foliage 2026 in the Kanto Region:
Japan Autumn Foliage 2026 in the Kansai Region:
Japan Autumn Foliage 2026 in the Kyushu Region:
4. Top 3 Destinations to See Fall Foliage in Japan
There are so many places to see fall foliage in Japan, but which one is the top 1? AirTrip, a Japanese travel company, has released the results of a questionnaire survey conducted from September 22 to 26, 2023, targeting people over 20 years of age about autumn. The following is a list of destinations where Japanese people would like to go to enjoy the autumn leaves:
No. 3: Hokkaido
Hokkaido may give people a strong impression of winter because of its snow festivals and snow sports, but it is actually a great place to visit in autumn. Hokkaido is not as cold in the fall as it is in the winter, and visitors can enjoy Hokkaido's magnificent nature at a leisurely pace. There are many of the best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn to view the red leaves, such as the Jozankei Onsen in Sapporo, Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, and the Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food such as okonomiyaki, hairy crabs, and gunnery squid, and these autumn flavors unique to Hokkaido are also a great attraction to enjoy fall in Hokkaido.
No.2: Nagano
Nagano Prefecture is home to many famous attractions such as Tsugaike Nature Garden, Shirakoma Pond, and Karuizawa. Among them, the Tsugaike Nature Garden is one of the most famous alpine wetlands in Japan, with an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level. When snow accumulates on the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a beautiful scene of snow, red leaves, and green leaves, which complement each other perfectly. There are so many different kinds of fall foliage in Nagano alone that it's no wonder visitors would like to come back again and again during the autumn leaves season in Japan.
No.1: Kyoto
Kyoto has a number of scenic spots where you can enjoy both traditional architecture with a sense of history and the beauty of the autumn leaves. Visitors can enjoy the unique scenery at various places such as Rurikouin Temple, Eikando (Zenrin Temple), and Kiyomizu Temple. In addition, the Sagano Excursion Train, which passes through the famous Arashiyama, is popular for its stunning view of Kyoto red leaves from inside the train.
Even though Hokkaido autumn leaves ranked third place, it is still worth a visit. If your time permits, we highly recommend you enjoy Kyoto fall foliage and Nagano autumn leaves after you experience the Hokkaido autumn festival, so as to witness more fall colors in Japan.
5. More Things to Do in Hokkaido in Autumn Foliage Season 2026
Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a fantastic destination for autumn adventures, offering stunning natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, and it is the best place to travel during October in Japan. Here are some can-not-miss highlights to experience in Hokkaido autumn 2026, in addition to viewing the earliest fall foliage.
Relax in Hot Springs (Onsen)
Noboribetsu Onsen: It is one of the best hot springs in Hokkaido, offering various baths with mineral-rich waters.
Lake Toya: Enjoy the lakeside hot springs with stunning views of the autumn foliage in Hokkaido.
Niseko Onsen: While known for its winter sports, Niseko also offers beautiful autumn scenery and numerous hot springs.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Cycling and Hiking: The cooler weather during autumn in Hokkaido is perfect for outdoor activities. Consider cycling around the lakes of Akan National Park or hiking in the mountains of the Niseko area.
Furano and Biei: Known for their flower fields in summer, these areas also offer stunning autumn landscapes. Take a scenic drive or bike ride through the rolling hills and patchwork fields.
Take a Scenic Drive
Shiretoko Pass: Offers panoramic views of the Shiretoko Peninsula and is particularly beautiful in autumn in Hokkaido.
Niseko Panorama Line: A scenic route through mountains and forests, perfect for leaf-peeping.
Enjoy Seasonal Foods
Kani (Crab): Autumn is the season for Hokkaido's delicious crab. Visit a seafood market or try a crab feast at a local restaurant.
Jingisukan (Mongolian Barbecue): This lamb dish is popular in Hokkaido and is especially hearty in the cooler autumn weather.
Experience Autumn Festivals
Sapporo Autumn Festival 2026: This is a food festival celebrating the harvest season with local delicacies, held in Odori Park from September 12 to October 4.
Marimo Matsuri: A unique festival at Lake Akan celebrating the marimo algae from 8th Oct to 10th Oct.
Hokkaido Chrysanthemum Festival: Held in various locations, showcasing beautiful chrysanthemum displays during October and November.
Wildlife Watching
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park: Known for its marshlands and the chance to see red-crowned cranes.
Shiretoko Peninsula: Home to brown bears, deer, and other wildlife, especially active during autumn in Hokkaido.
Enjoy Local Crafts and Souvenirs
Ningle Terrace in Furano: This picturesque collection of craft shops in a forest setting is perfect for finding unique Hokkaido-made souvenirs.
Otaru Glass Workshops: Otaru is famous for its glassware, and you can visit workshops to see artisans at work or even try your hand at making your own glass items.
Go Fruit Picking
Apple and Grape Picking: Visit orchards around Yoichi and Niki for a hands-on experience of the Hokkaido autumn harvest.
Furano Wine Factory: Learn about the local wine production and enjoy some tastings.
Hokkaido in autumn is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to experience the rich culture and traditions of northern Japan. Whether you hope to enjoy outdoor adventures, relax in hot springs, or taste local cuisine, Hokkaido has something to offer for everyone during this colorful season, more than just admiring red leaves. Contact us to make your Hokkaido itinerary autumn 2026 more enjoyable and memorable.
What We'd Like to Say
In mid-to-late September, it's time for Hokkaido's fall foliage. Although it is famous for its snow scenery and skiing in winter, the colorful autumn natural feast here is mesmerizing! When you visit Hokkaido in autumn 2026, you can take a tour bus and overlook the autumn colors of Hokkaido from the ropeway, or ride a bicycle to see the colorful red leaves on both sides, or kayak to admire the fall foliage from the lake, and of course, you can also soak in the open-air hot springs to listen to the whispering autumn leaves in Hokkaido. Join us to embark on a private guided tour to enjoy the Hokkaido autumn foliage 2026!