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Story: Huong Quynh
Photos: Shutterstock
The Japanese often regard Hokkaido as a world apart within the “Land of the Rising Sun” – a land of majestic, untamed beauty, pristine nature, and a distinctly peaceful way of life. Each season casts its own spell: in winter, the island turns into a vast playground for snow sports; spring bursts forth in a riot of blossoms; summer offers a refreshing retreat; and autumn – arriving earlier here than anywhere else in Japan – evokes gentle, romantic feelings.
As the country’s second-largest island and northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido is the first to see its forests shift into brilliant golds and reds. From mid-September to early October, woodlands and meadows compete to cloak themselves in a radiant autumn palette.
Japan is home to 35 national parks across its 47 prefectures, and Hokkaido alone boasts six, each a wonderland of forests, volcanoes, and mirror-like lakes. No visit is complete without exploring at least one of these parks. Near Sapporo, the prefectural capital, lies Shikotsu–Toya National Park, where Lake Toya is nicknamed “the mirror of the sky” for its reflections of the surrounding mountains and forests.
In autumn, visitors flock to lakeside resorts to admire the scenery and relax in nearby natural hot springs. The Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum, located on the lake’s southern shore, offer insights into the area’s natural wonders, from the best viewpoints to the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Particularly engaging are exhibits on local flora and fauna, as well as films documenting eruptions of Mount Usu and the effects of Japan’s frequent volcanic activity. A highlight is the simulation chamber, where visitors can experience the tremors of an eruption and learn basic safety skills.
For those seeking autumnal views on rugged mountain paths, Daisetsuzan National Park – Japan’s largest at over 2,000km² – is the ultimate destination. Nowhere else does the transformation of autumn leaves unfold with such breathtaking beauty.
Each autumn, the first place to blaze red and gold on Hokkaido is Mount Asahidake, the highest peak on the island. From here, the colors cascade down into the valleys like a waterfall of fiery leaves. A gondola ride offers serene views over this spectacular carpet of color, while seasoned trekkers can hike trails of varying challenge and duration. Within the park, Sounkyo Gorge is among Japan’s most celebrated autumn landscapes: sheer cliffs draped with crimson maples and golden birches rise on either side of the Ishikari River, while the Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters, glittering like silver under the golden sunlight. The scene can only be described in two words: utterly overwhelming.
The list of autumnal beauty spots in Hokkaido is extensive and varied, each offering a unique experience. For those who prefer festivity, Sapporo’s annual Autumn Fest is not to be missed. This year, it runs from September 6 to October 4 in Odori Park in the city’s center. Amid the cool air, visitors can enjoy street performances and savor the island’s culinary delights – from king crab, salmon, scallops, and cod roe, to local specialties like curry soup, ramen, and grilled lamb. Hokkaido is also renowned as Japan’s dairy and confectionery capital. If you cannot tour the island’s farms and creameries, you can still indulge in its famous sweets at tea houses and specialty shops. Don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth cheesecakes from LeTAO, or the iconic Shiroi Koibito (“White Lover”) cookies, crisp and buttery with a name as enchanting as their taste.
With splendid nature and colorful autumnal experiences, Hokkaido is an irresistible destination – Japan’s northern jewel waiting to be discovered.
