Where to See Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido: A Sapporo & Otaru Guide for Autumn 2026
If Japan’s autumn had a starting line, it would be somewhere in Hokkaido. The first colors appear in the mountains as early as September, and by October, parks and tree-lined streets around Sapporo and Otaru are already turning red and gold while much of the rest of Japan is still waiting for peak foliage.
Most guides treat Sapporo and Otaru as two separate trips. We’d argue they shouldn’t be. The two cities are only about 35 minutes apart by train, and pairing them gives you city parks, golden ginkgo avenues, mountain views, historic canal warehouses, and two very different sides of Hokkaido in one easy trip. Add a side trip to Jozankei, and you can even fit in a hot spring valley surrounded by autumn color. Here’s where to go, when to go, and how to make the most of both cities.
<When to See Autumn Leaves in Hokkaido>
Hokkaido’s autumn leaves season starts earlier than almost anywhere else in Japan, beginning in the mountains in September and gradually moving into the cities through October.
- Jozankei Gorge (near Sapporo): usually best around mid-October
- Sapporo city parks: usually best from mid-October to early November
- Otaru: usually best from late October to early November
Like all foliage forecasts, the timing shifts a little each year depending on the weather, so it’s worth checking the latest conditions a week or two before you travel. If you’re visiting in the third week of October, you’ll have a good chance of finding autumn color somewhere around Sapporo or Otaru.
<Top Fall Foliage Spots in Sapporo>
Near UNWIND HOTEL & BAR SAPPORO
◾️Nakajima Park
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Access: 5-minute walk from the hotel
The closest autumn spot to the hotel, and easily one of Sapporo’s best for a slow morning walk. Around Shobu Pond, maples turn deep red and gold, with the colors reflected across the water. Wander through the Japanese garden, look out for the historic Hassou-an tea house, or simply find a bench and stay awhile. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a twenty-minute stroll as it does for a lazy afternoon.
◾️Maruyama Park
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Access: About 30 minutes from the hotel by subway and on foot
One of Sapporo’s best-known cherry blossom spots in spring, Maruyama Park takes on a completely different character in autumn, when its wooded paths turn shades of gold, orange, and red. Pair it with neighboring Hokkaido Shrine for a quiet walk through the trees, or continue on to Maruyama Zoo if you’re traveling with kids.
◾️Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Access: About a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station
Seventy ginkgo trees line a 380-meter stretch of road through the Hokkaido University campus, turning the avenue into a tunnel of gold in late autumn. It’s one of Sapporo’s most popular seasonal sights, and the road is often closed to cars during peak foliage weekends so visitors can enjoy it on foot. The university also holds the annual Kon’you-sai, or Golden-leaf Festival, with evening illuminations and events around the avenue. Check the latest dates before you go.
◾️Odori Park
Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November
Access: About 15 minutes from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR SAPPORO by subway and on foot
If you don’t have a car or a free afternoon, this is an easy one to fit in. Odori Park runs straight through the heart of Sapporo, with different trees turning shades of red, orange, and gold across its 12 blocks. For a different perspective, head up Sapporo TV Tower at the eastern end and look back over the park with the city stretching out beyond it.
◾️Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Access: About 30 minutes from the hotel by taxi
Ride the ropeway up through the autumn-covered slopes for panoramic views over Sapporo. Late afternoon is a great time to go, when you can watch the city shift from daylight to sunset and, if you stay a little longer, into one of Sapporo’s best-known night views. The summit observation deck is especially popular with couples and photographers.
◾️Jozankei Onsen (day trip)
Best time to visit: Around mid-October
Access: About 60 minutes from Sapporo Station by direct bus, or around 50 minutes by car
Jozankei is where hot springs and Hokkaido’s autumn colors come together. The Toyohira River runs through the valley, and the dramatic temperature changes between day and night help produce especially vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. The bright red Futami Suspension Bridge is one of the area’s signature autumn views, set against the forested gorge. In 2026, seasonal buses run to several of Jozankei’s best foliage spots throughout October, making it easy to explore beyond the onsen town without a car.
<Top Fall Foliage Spots in Otaru>
Near UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
◾️Otaru Canal
Best time to visit: Late afternoon into evening
Access: Walkable from the hotel
Otaru’s most iconic waterfront is worth a stop in any season, but autumn evenings suit it especially well. Historic stone warehouses line the canal, and after sunset, 63 gas lamps come on along the promenade while the warehouses are softly illuminated across the water. If you’re visiting from November 1, the annual Blue Canal illumination adds another layer of color after dark.
◾️Mt. Tengu (Tenguyama)
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Access: About 15 minutes from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU by bus, followed by a 5-minute ropeway ride
One of Otaru’s signature viewpoints, Mt. Tengu rises 532 meters above the city and is especially beautiful in autumn. The ropeway carries you up through the changing forest in about five minutes, with panoramic views from the summit stretching across Otaru, the harbor, Ishikari Bay, and, on clear days, the distant mountains beyond.
◾️Temiya Park & Temiya Ryokka Botanical Garden
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Access: About 30min walk from the hotel
Set on a hill overlooking Otaru Port, Temiya Park is a quieter place to catch the season away from the canal. The park is known for its autumn foliage and its natural chestnut grove, with around 700 trees spread across the grounds. You can even pick fallen chestnuts as you walk. Inside the park, Temiya Ryokka Botanical Garden adds Japanese gardens and seasonal plantings, all with views out toward the harbor.
◾️Otaru Park
Best time to visit: Late October to early November
Access: About a 20-minute walk from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Easy to overlook but well worth the walk, Otaru Park offers a quieter side of autumn close to the city center. The Japanese garden is especially colorful in late autumn, while wooded paths wind through the spacious grounds. Head up to the lookout for views across central Otaru and the harbor below.
◾️Asari Dam (day trip)
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Access: About 20 minutes from UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU by car
Just beyond Asarigawa Onsen, Asari Dam and Otarunai Lake offer a completely different side of autumn in Otaru. The forest surrounding the lake turns shades of red and gold from mid to late October, with walking paths and lakeside areas for taking in the scenery. Head to the top of the dam for views over the autumn-covered mountains and the distinctive Asari Sky Loop bridge below. If you have time, stop by the free Asari Dam Memorial Hall to learn a little more about how the dam was built.
Sapporo and Otaru: Easier to Combine Than You’d Think
Sapporo and Otaru are connected by direct JR trains, with the journey taking around 35 minutes each way. A simple way to plan it is to spend your first two nights in Sapporo, exploring the city’s autumn spots and taking a day trip to Jozankei, then hop on the train to Otaru for a night and explore the canal and surrounding hills at a slower pace.
Two very different sides of Hokkaido’s autumn, all connected by public transport and without needing a car.
A Few Tips for Autumn Travel in Hokkaido
- Pack layers. October days can feel mild in the sun, but temperatures drop quickly in the morning and after sunset. Bring a light jacket or something warm you can easily add or take off.
- Plan popular spots with a little extra time. Jozankei gets busy during peak foliage season, while Mt. Moiwa is especially crowded around sunset and after dark. Go earlier in the day when you can, and leave some flexibility in your schedule.
- Eat with the season. Autumn is harvest season in Hokkaido, with local apples and late-season grapes at their best around October. Keep an eye out for seasonal fruit, desserts, and other Hokkaido produce as you travel.
FAQ
・When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Hokkaido?
Generally mid-October to early November for Sapporo and Otaru, while Jozankei is usually at its best around mid-October. Higher-elevation areas elsewhere in Hokkaido can start changing color as early as September.
・Can you see autumn leaves in both Sapporo and Otaru on one trip?
Yes. Sapporo and Otaru are connected by direct JR trains, with the journey taking around 30 to 40 minutes, making it easy to visit both on the same trip or split your stay between the two.
・How many days do you need for a Hokkaido autumn leaves trip?
Three to four days works well for seeing the main autumn spots in Sapporo and Otaru without rushing, with enough time to add a day trip to Jozankei Onsen.
・Is it cold in Hokkaido in October?
Yes, especially compared with the rest of Japan. In Sapporo, daytime temperatures are often in the mid-teens in October, while mornings and evenings can fall into the single digits, particularly later in the month. Pack layers and bring a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.
<Where to Stay for It>
Two cities, one loop, both covered.
◾️UNWIND HOTEL & BAR SAPPORO
Just a few minutes from Nakajima Park, with a cozy fireplace bar and rooftop bonfire waiting back at the hotel. Spend the day chasing autumn colors, then warm up by the fire as the Sapporo evening turns cool.
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◾️UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Catch the canal at sunset, then head back to Bar Ignis for a glass of Hokkaido wine or whisky from Yoichi to end the night.
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