Autumn Hokkaido Travel Guide: A Fall Foliage and Scenic Driving Trip

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake about 25 miles in circumference, known for having some of the clearest water in Japan. It is surrounded by abundant nature and mountains such as Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushi, and Mount Tarumae. The lake's water gleams blue in the light, a striking color known as “Lake Shikotsu Blue.”
In autumn, the surrounding primeval forest changes color, creating a vivid contrast with the blue water. Canoeing and other activities are available on the lake, while the lakeside hot spring district offers a place to relax after a walk. Visitors can spend an unhurried day looking out over the lake framed by autumn colors.

This straight, undulating road runs for about 2.5 miles through Furano's farmland. The Tokachidake mountain range rises ahead, with open rural scenery stretching along both sides. It has become such a popular attraction that many visitors describe it as the highlight of their trip to Hokkaido.
Simply driving along this road, with almost no houses nearby, makes for a distinctly Hokkaido experience. As the scenery connects Furano and Biei, look out across the vast land unfolding beyond each rise.

This driving route passes through the expansive hills northwest of central Biei. Its name comes from the fields of different crops planted in separate plots, which resemble a patchwork quilt.
The surrounding area is dotted with hills offering broad views and vantage points such as Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park. Drive from hill to hill in search of the next view while watching the farmland change with the seasons.

One of Biei's best-known attractions, Shirogane Blue Pond is distinguished by its vivid blue water and standing dead Japanese larch trees.
This artificial pond formed by chance when water accumulated behind concrete blocks installed in the Biei River as part of disaster prevention work against volcanic mudflows from Mount Tokachidake. The color of the water changes with the season, time of day, and weather, while autumn brings the added sight of the surrounding foliage. Take a leisurely walk beside the pond, where blue water meets shades of red and yellow.

Located in the Biei Shirogane Onsen district, Shirahige Falls streams in white ribbons from a gorge cliff into the Biei River about 98 feet below. It is classified as a rare type of waterfall in Japan where groundwater emerges and falls through cracks in a rock face.
The surrounding trees also change with the seasons. In autumn, colorful leaves, white cascades, and the blue river come together in a single view. Combined with Shirogane Blue Pond, about a 5-minute drive away, it offers the chance to visit two waterside landscapes with different colors.

This distinctly Hokkaido garden features a wide range of plants, centered on perennials suited to the climate and environment of northern Japan. Its many garden areas each have a different character, including the Gnome's Garden, where wild plants, ornamental grasses, and flowers grow together.
Because the blooming periods and vivid colors change with the seasons, it is known as a “dramatic garden.” During a walk, stop by NAYA café and enjoy takeout food or sweets wherever you like in the garden.

Mount Asahidake, the highest peak in Daisetsuzan at 7,516 feet, makes Hokkaido's expansive mountain scenery readily accessible. The ropeway climbs to an elevation of about 5,249 feet, and walking trails from Sugatami Station offer an up-close look at the alpine environment.
Summer through autumn is the prime season to visit. Alpine plants bloom in the clear mountain air in summer, while fall foliage spreads across the landscape in autumn. Asahidake Onsen is located at the foot of the mountain, making it easy to visit the hot springs after a walk through the high-altitude autumn scenery.

At 6,509 feet, Mount Kurodake is one of the peaks of Daisetsuzan, which consists of eight volcanic groups. The fall colors generally reach their peak from mid- to late September, offering an early opportunity to experience Hokkaido's brief autumn.
Using the Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway and Kurodake Pair Lift from the base of the mountain in the Sounkyo hot spring district takes visitors directly to the mountain's 7th Station. After viewing the foliage covering the mountain, stop at Sounkyo Onsen below to conclude an autumn mountain excursion.

Located upstream on the Toyohira River in Sapporo's Minami Ward, Hoheikyo Dam is known for the expansive scenery created by its reservoir and surrounding mountains. It is also a popular fall foliage destination, with the colors generally peaking from early to mid-October.
Walking paths run around the dam, and the nearby area also features a waterfall called Kudan Falls. Visitors can view the mountains and reservoir from an observation deck or walk along the paths to experience the gorge's autumn scenery on an excursion from central Sapporo.

Kosetsuen Garden, located within Miharashi Park in Hakodate, was created during the Meiji period as the villa garden of a wealthy merchant. Its varied garden spaces contain many points of interest, including a shoin-style pavilion, a stream, and a brick greenhouse.
It is also Hokkaido's only nationally designated Cultural Property Garden. In autumn, maples and other trees turn red and yellow, generally reaching their peak from late October to early November. The garden is illuminated at night during the foliage season, offering a different autumn atmosphere from the daytime.

Centered on the theme of food from Hokkaido and Sapporo, this signature autumn food event in Sapporo attracts more than 2 million visitors in a typical year. It is held across seven sections of Odori Park in central Sapporo, with a total of 300 vendors extending for about 0.6 miles.
Each venue has a different theme, offering varied ways to explore the event, from Hokkaido sake and appetizers to dishes made with meat and vegetables and menus created by renowned Sapporo restaurants. Visitors can spend an autumn day in Odori Park sampling flavors from across Hokkaido in one place.

This large-scale food festival, generally held in September, brings together cuisine from Asahikawa and throughout northern Hokkaido. It began in 2010 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Asahikawa's founding and has since become an autumn tradition that transforms the entire city into a “gourmet market.”
In addition to food, the festival features stage events, turning central Asahikawa itself into the venue. Over three days, visitors can move between the food culture of northern Hokkaido and the lively atmosphere of the city.

This autumn event is held when the glasswort colonies, commonly known locally as “coral grass,” along the shores of Lake Notoro turn crimson. The venue hosts live performances by artists, Yosakoi Soran dance shows, and programs highlighting the character of the region.
Activities featuring locally produced scallops and cuisine from the Okhotsk region are another attraction. Visitors can grill scallops and whelks purchased at the venue and eat them while taking in the lakeside scenery.

Located on the grounds of the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, this Italian restaurant appears to blend into the surrounding forest. Its warm wooden interior provides an inviting setting for spending a special occasion with someone important.
Chef Kenichi Otsuka is also a Hokkaido Food Supporter. He showcases Hokkaido ingredients in a variety of dishes, including meat slowly roasted in a wood-fired oven, pasta, and house-made bread. Reservations are required for both lunch and dinner.

About a 20-minute drive from central Asahikawa, this cafe stands, as its name suggests, amid rice fields. Its popular cheese hamburger steak plate with demi-glace sauce combines a mixed beef-and-pork patty with additive-free cheese.
The menu also includes pancakes and dishes made with seasonal fruit. Its convenient driving distance makes it a popular destination for lunch or a break between sightseeing stops.

Established in 1950, this long-standing yakitori restaurant has been a local favorite for more than 70 years and is known for its shinkoyaki. This hearty yakitori dish consists of half a young chicken grilled whole and has been an Asahikawa specialty enjoyed by locals since shortly after World War II.
Fresh young chicken is grilled for about 40 minutes and served with either tare sauce or salt. On an evening in Asahikawa, try this substantial dish in a traditional alleyway setting.

This long-established Asahikawa ramen restaurant began as a food stall in 1947. Its signature dish is soy sauce ramen, still prepared using the method created by the original owner when the business first opened.
A pork-and-chicken-bone broth simmered for an entire day is blended with stock made from Rishiri kelp, bonito flakes, dried horse mackerel, and vegetables, then finished with a soy sauce seasoning base. The medium-thin curly noodles carry a deeply savory flavor with a clean finish characteristic of Asahikawa ramen.

This seafood izakaya in Sapporo's Susukino district serves Hokkaido seafood in generous portions. In its lively interior decorated with fishing flags and equipment, guests can try seafood dishes from across Hokkaido, including split and grilled true Atka mackerel from Rausu and simmered kichiji rockfish.
The signature dish is the original Tsukko Meshi, topped with generous spoonfuls of salmon roe to spirited calls from the staff. Watching the salmon roe pile up until it nearly spills over the bowl is part of the restaurant's distinctive dining experience. Located close to Susukino Station, it is a convenient dinner spot for savoring Hokkaido's seafood after a day of sightseeing in Sapporo.

This hotel makes it easy to combine excursions around the region with exploring Asahikawa itself. In addition to simple standard rooms, it offers rooms themed after Asahiyama Zoo, including the Penguin Room and Polar Bear Room.
Another distinguishing feature is its space designed to connect travelers with the local community. A neighborhood map introduces nearby places selected by staff, while the attic-like Book Tunnel allows guests to continue discovering Asahikawa's culture and city life after returning to the hotel.

About a 1-minute walk from JR Furano Station, this six-room property offers a base in Furano, a town surrounded by expansive nature. Its concept is not simply to “stay,” but to “live” in Furano, even if only temporarily.
Each stone-themed room includes a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and small garden. The exterior uses Hokkaido cedar, while the interiors feature Italian furniture. Guests can settle into autumn in Furano and experience the area as though living there.

This resort hotel stands amid the scenic gorge of Jozankei Onsen, about 19 miles from central Sapporo. Reflecting its commitment to Hokkaido, relaxing guest spaces incorporate local building materials such as Sapporo soft stone and birch.
Some rooms have scenic baths where guests can soak while looking out over Jozankei, and dining options include a buffet. Spend an autumn evening viewing the gorge and relaxing in the hot springs.