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Sapporo autumn foliage turns the city into a warm sea of red, yellow, and orange, making it one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the beauty of fall.
Come explore Sapporo, my home city in Hokkaido, during one of the most beautiful times of the year, when the leaves turn brilliant red, yellow, and orange.
While Sapporo is famous for winter and snow, autumn is when I most enjoy being outside. From the crimson maple trees at Hiraoka to the golden ginkgo tunnel at Hokkaido University, the whole city feels like a painting.
In this guide, I will walk you through my 12 favorite spots to see autumn leaves in and around Sapporo.
When Is The Best Time To See Autumn Leaves In Sapporo?
Because Sapporo is in northern Japan, the colors arrive earlier than in Tokyo or Kyoto. In most years, the city’s autumn leaves start changing in early October and stay colorful until early November. The best viewing time is usually from mid October to early November, depending on the weather.
Higher areas like Jozankei and Hoheikyo Dam peak earlier, often from early to mid October, then the colors move down into the city.
Before your trip, I recommend checking a recent “koyo” (autumn leaves) forecast online. If you are not sure whether to come a bit early or a bit late, I personally prefer later. Even when leaves start to fall, the carpets of red, yellow, and brown across the ground are still very beautiful.
1. Jozankei Onsen (Jozankei Onsen 定山渓温泉)
Jozankei Onsen is my top choice if you want a classic hot spring and autumn leaves combo. It is about 1 hour by bus from Sapporo Station, yet it feels like a different world. The valley is filled with ryokan, public baths, and even free foot baths where you can soak while looking at the colorful hillsides.
The most iconic viewpoint is Futami Tsuribashi Bridge, a vivid red suspension bridge surrounded by deep red and yellow foliage on both sides. I like to visit in the late afternoon, then enjoy an outdoor hot spring before dinner.
If your schedule allows, stay overnight. Waking up early, stepping into a steaming rotenburo (outdoor bath), and seeing the morning light hit the autumn leaves is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Hokkaido.
Travel tip: The best color period here is usually early to mid October, a bit earlier than in central Sapporo.
2. Hoheikyo Dam (Hoheikyo Dam 豊平峡ダム)
Not far from Jozankei is Hoheikyo Dam, famous for its dramatic scenery. The 102.5-meter dam sits deep in a V-shaped valley, and the surrounding mountains are covered with autumn colors. The area has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Reservoirs” and “Top 100 Water Source Forests.”
To protect the environment, regular cars are not allowed on the final stretch. From the parking area you either walk about 2 kilometers through a tunnel or take an electric shuttle bus. Many visitors choose the bus in, then walk back to enjoy the views at a slower pace.
Once you reach the dam, you can look out over the reservoir, Senjo-iwa rock formations, and steep slopes painted in red and gold. On some days when the dam is releasing water, you might even see a rainbow in the mist.
Travel tip: In recent years, a Hoheikyo Dam Liner shuttle has operated from Jozankei during the autumn season. Check the latest schedule and prices before you go.
3. Maruyama Park (Maruyama Koen 円山公園)
Maruyama is a stylish neighborhood on the west side of Sapporo with many cafes and small shops. Just a short walk from Maruyama Koen Subway Station, Maruyama Park is one of my go-to places when I want an easy nature break without leaving the city.
In autumn, katsura, cherry, and Japanese maple trees dress the park in soft yellows and fiery reds. Sometimes I see wild squirrels or hear owls in the trees if I go early in the morning.
The park sits right next to Hokkaido Shrine, so you can combine autumn leaf viewing with a quiet shrine visit. Passing under the torii gate with colorful leaves all around feels very special.
Safety note: Hokkaido has seen more brown bear activity in recent years, and there have been temporary closures around Maruyama after bear footprints were found nearby. Always check current local announcements, obey closure signs, and avoid walking in dark or quiet areas early in the morning or late at night.
4. Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue (Hokkaido Daigaku Icho Namiki 北海道大学イチョウ並木)
The Hokkaido University campus is open to the public and is one of my favorite places for a slow autumn walk. Near the north side of campus, a 380-meter road is lined with around 70 ginkgo trees on both sides. In late October, the whole avenue turns a brilliant golden yellow and looks like a glowing tunnel.
On clear evenings, the leaves shine even more under the streetlights. Some years there is a “Golden Leaf Festival” with small events and evening illuminations around the ginkgo trees, usually held in late October. Dates change each year, so check the university or city websites for the latest information.
Travel tip: The avenue can get crowded on weekends. If you want quieter photos, go early in the morning on a weekday.
5. Hiraoka Tree Art Center (Hiraoka Ju-gei Center 平岡樹芸センター)
Hiraoka Tree Art Center, in Kiyota Ward, is one of the best maple spots in Sapporo. It has a traditional-style garden with a pond and rest shelter, plus a large plaza with carefully trimmed trees. About 3,000 yew trees are planted here, but in autumn everyone comes for the momiji.
Roughly 700 Japanese maple trees from several species turn a deep crimson red, creating an amazing tunnel of color. When the light hits just right, the leaves almost glow. I like to visit on slightly cloudy days because the colors look softer and easier to photograph.
Travel tip: The paths here are mostly flat, which makes it a good choice if you are traveling with small children or older family members.
6. Mount Moiwa (Moiwa-yama 藻岩山)
Mount Moiwa is Sapporo’s classic lookout point and a must if you enjoy city views. From the base station, you take a ropeway up to Chufuku Station, then transfer to a small “Morris Car” mini cable car to reach the summit. A round-trip ticket for the ropeway and mini cable car is usually around 2,100 yen for adults and 1,050 yen for children (in 2025).
When I ride the ropeway in autumn, I like to stand at the back so I can watch the city drop away as the mountainside, dotted with red and yellow trees, comes into view.
At the top, there is an observation deck with a 360-degree view of Sapporo, the surrounding mountains, and even Ishikari Bay on a clear day. Come in the late afternoon to enjoy both the autumn colors and the night view as the city lights turn on.
Travel tip: There is a free shuttle bus from the “Ropeway Iriguchi” stop on the Sapporo Streetcar line. Check the official Mt Moiwa site for the latest operating hours and ticket prices.
7. Takino Suzuran Hillside Park (Kokuei Takino Suzuran Kyuryo Koen 国営滝野すずらん丘陵公園)
Takino Suzuran is the only national government park in Hokkaido and covers around 400 hectares. It has big flower fields, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, three waterfalls, and lots of forest trails. In autumn, you can enjoy both colorful leaves and red kochia (summer cypress) bushes.
Ashiribetsu Falls, one of the park’s three waterfalls, is especially beautiful when surrounded by fall colors. On some mornings you can even see a rainbow in the mist.
The country garden area is famous for its rows of kochia. They start green, then turn bright red in mid October and look like little fluffy balls covering the hillside. The park often hosts an autumn leaves festival around this time.
In the green season, admission is around 450 yen for adults, with discounts for seniors and free entry for children under 15. Parking has a separate fee.
Travel tip: From central Sapporo, you can reach the park by taking the subway to Makomanai Station, then a bus to the park entrance. If you are driving, keep your parking receipt to move between lots on the same day.
8. Nakajima Park (Nakajima Koen 中島公園)
Just south of Sapporo’s entertainment district, Nakajima Park is another easy and beautiful spot for autumn walks. The park has wide paths, ponds, a small shrine, and historic buildings like the white wooden Hoheikan.
In autumn, the golden ginkgo and red maple leaves reflect in Shobu Pond, creating a calm mirror of color. I like to stop here on quiet weekdays, sit by the water, and watch ducks paddling through the fallen leaves.
You can also rent a rowboat in season and spend about 40 minutes on the pond, which is a fun activity for couples and families. Boat rental is usually around 600 yen per boat.
Travel tip: The park connects easily to Susukino and Nakajima Koen Subway Station, so it works well as a relaxing break in a busy city day.
9. Asahiyama Memorial Park (Asahiyama Kinen Koen 旭山記念公園)
Asahiyama Memorial Park opened in 1970 to celebrate Sapporo’s 100th anniversary. It is a little outside the center, but the view is worth the extra effort. The main lookout sits at 137.5 meters above sea level and faces directly toward downtown Sapporo and the distant mountains.
On clear autumn evenings, I like to come here with a warm drink and watch the sunset as the city lights slowly turn on below. The park has a rest house, a small hanging bridge, fountains, and a playground at the bottom where local families gather.
Behind the main area, several walking and hiking trails wind into the forest. These are lovely in daytime when the leaves are at their peak.
Important safety note: There have been brown bear sightings around Asahiyama Memorial Park and in other parts of Sapporo in recent years, and the U.S. Embassy has issued general warnings about increased bear activity in northern Japan. If bears are spotted, trails or even the whole park may close temporarily. Always check the latest local information, avoid dawn and late-night walks, and follow all posted signs and guidance.
10. Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort Autumn Gondola (Sapporo Kokusai Ski-jo 札幌国際スキー場)
Sapporo Kokusai is best known as a ski resort in winter, but in early October it opens a special autumn gondola for leaf viewing. The ride takes you up to a mountaintop panorama deck where you can see colorful slopes and, on clear days, both Otaru Bay and Ishikari Bay in the distance.
A round-trip gondola ticket in the autumn season is usually around 1,500 yen for adults and 800 yen for children, with discounts for seniors and groups. Sometimes there are combo tickets that include a meal like curry and rice.
During the first half of October, the resort often hosts an autumn festival with food trucks and local snacks at the base area. It feels like a small mountain fair, and I enjoy grabbing hot coffee and croquettes before or after the gondola ride.
Travel tip: The autumn gondola only runs for a limited period each year, often from early to mid October. Always confirm dates and operating hours on the official website before planning your visit.
Odori Park (Odori Koen 大通公園)
Lastly, if you don’t have a car but still want to enjoy koyo in Sapporo, you can visit Odori Park in the center of the city. It is one of the easiest places to enjoy autumn leaves without leaving downtown. Lined with many kinds of trees, the park turns into a mix of red, yellow, and orange. Locals come here from early morning for walks, picnics, and coffee breaks.
At the eastern end stands Sapporo TV Tower. If the weather is clear, I like to ride the elevator up to the 90-meter observatory and look straight down Odori Park. In autumn, the tree-lined promenade glows with color, with the city skyline and surrounding mountains behind it. It is a great way to understand Sapporo’s layout in one quick view.
Travel tip: Odori Park is free and open all day. It is an easy stop between sightseeing or shopping around Odori and Susukino.
