Hokkaido Maple, Where Autumn Begins in Japan

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📝 Hokkaido

A place where Japan's red leaves begin, where one leaf knows autumn, and where you can enjoy the flavor of Hokkaido. Hokkaido is located in the northernmost part of Japan, and it is the first region in Japan to welcome the red leaf season. The leaves start to turn red as early as September, and in late September, snow starts to fall on the higher mountains, making it possible to enjoy the beautiful scenery of red leaves and snow at the same time. Because Hokkaido covers such a large area, the leaves can be seen until mid-November. The best time to see the leaves varies from one leafy spot to another, which is one of the attractions of Hokkaido…

🤗 Autumn in Northern Hokkaido

Layer Cloud Gorge

Red Leaf Appreciation Period: Late September~Early October

The rough rock surface and columnar joints of Laminar Cloud Gorge stretch for about 24 kilometers, and the red and yellow fall foliage matches perfectly with the rugged cliffs, spreading out like a Japanese painting on a hanging scroll.

Selected as one of the “100 Greatest Waterfalls in Japan, ” this is a representative site of the Laminar Cloud Gorge, where you can enjoy the powerful waterfalls and vivid fall foliage at the same time.

Take the Kurodake Ropeway from Layer Cloud Gorge Hot Springs to enjoy the autumn foliage, which spreads out below in a breathtaking carpet.

Asahidake is home to Hokkaido's highest peak, Hidemine, and the “Statue Pond” at the edge of the forest is the best place to see Asahidake from.

Biei

Foliage viewing period: Late October ~ Early November

Unlike the colorful colors of spring, wheat sown in autumn germinates on the ground, a green carpet spreads out underfoot, and snow-capped mountains loom in the distance. In autumn, the leaves of the trees around Aoike change color, and the blue of Aoike appears more distinct against the orange and yellow red leaves, and is as romantic and beautiful as a fairy tale book!

Others

Red Leaf Appreciation Period: Late October~Early November

Sarobetsu Wetland is one of the three largest wetlands in Japan, and the scenery varies throughout the seasons. Not only can you enjoy the natural beauty of migratory birds and red leaves, but you can also see the majestic Mt. Rishiri beyond the horizon.

The vast expanse of trees around the Mikuni-tokyo mountain pass spreads out like an ocean, and a variety of trees add color to the entire area. From the observation deck, you can enjoy the boundless autumn colors rendered by the red leaves.

The Kamijugotan is considered a sacred place by the Ainu people, and after more than 100 million years of erosion by the Ishikari River, strange shapes of rocks and pits have been formed, making it an energetic place to be seen by the general public.

Hagi Falls, located on the east side of Daisetsuzan, has been selected as one of the “270 Best Waterfalls in Japan”.

Tenjin Gorge is a valley in the upper reaches of the Nakabetsu River, a tributary of the Ishikari River, where columnar joints of various shapes have formed over a long period of time, making for a poetic setting against the backdrop of red foliage.

🤗 Autumn in the eastern part of Hokkaido

Akan Town

Foliage viewing period: Early to mid-October

Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu, and Lake Tonaida are all gathered together in Akan Mashu National Park, which is also a famous spot for red foliage. Among the many attractions in the park, “Lake Akan” and “Lake Tonaita” are the most popular.

Lake Ennedo is one of the three secret lakes in Hokkaido, with a 2.5-kilometer loop around the lake, surrounded by mountains and mountains, and the blue waters of the lake changing with the seasons.

Lake Noto

Red Leaf Appreciation Period: Mid-September~Late September

Lake Nottori 's coral grasses turn red with the fall colors, as if they were covered with a red carpet. The “Lake Nottori Coral Grass Festival” is held during the leaf season .

Shiretoko

Red Leaf Appreciation Period: Late September~Late October

The autumn leaves of Shiretoko Gokuho descend gradually from the summit, and a snow-covered mountain range and red leaves stand out in front of you.

If you want to enjoy the World Heritage Shiretoko foliage, hiking the Shiretoko Five Lakes is the best way to do so. There is also a chance to meet the Ezo deer.

Fukuhara Mountain Resort

Foliage Appreciation Period: Only open to the public from mid-September to mid-October

Fukuhara Hills is a cottage on private land with three ponds and five waterfalls, and the sight of flaming maple trees reflecting on the water is mesmerizing.

Takigami Stream Valley Kinsenkyo Gorge is located in the center of Takigami Town, and you can enjoy the beautiful gorge through the red leaf tunnel. The red maple period is longer and the color is intense compared to other areas.

Lake Ranbetsu is known as the “Lake in the Sky” and is located at the highest altitude in Hokkaido. The “lake bottom track” continues to extend to the surface of the lake, and it is like stepping into the fantasy world of “The Thousand and One Adventures”.

🤗 Autumn in central Hokkaido

Tingshan Creek

Foliage Appreciation Period: Early~Mid-October

A popular hot spring resort, the colorful red foliage tints the mountain scenery surrounding the onsen town in a riot of colors, making it a sight to behold.

Countless pieces of red leaves are dotted like flames among the green mountains, creating a picturesque scene. Strolling along the Futami Suspension Bridge or climbing to the top of the mountain, every step is a spiritual baptism.

Niseko Annupuri

Foliage viewing period: Late September ~ Early October

Mt. Annupuri in Niseko and Mt. Sulphur, which is also a peak in Niseko, are popular hiking and maple-viewing routes for hikers and maple-viewers.

The most beautiful part of the Niseko mountain system is the “Fairy Marsh”, where the whole area is covered with a carpet of red foliage, making it seem as if you have entered an otherworldly world.

Lake Toya, Noboribetsu “Jigokudani”

Foliage viewing period: Early October~Early November

At Lake Toya, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the red foliage from a sightseeing boat. Enjoy the stunning scenery unique to Nakajima and the area around the lake when it is colored vermillion.

Jigokudani is the largest source of hot springs in Noboribetsu, and during the foliage season, you can enjoy a dreamlike atmosphere with steam rising from the ground and intertwined with the foliage.

Hokkaido University

Foliage viewing period: Late October ~ Early November

On both sides of the Hokkaido University campus “Kita 13 Street” in autumn, 70 ginkgo trees stretching about 380 meters from east to west are covered with yellow leaves, making it one of the most beautiful sights in Sapporo in autumn.

Nakajima Park

Foliage viewing period: mid-October~early November

Nakajima Park has a history of more than a hundred years, with the backdrop of Mount Maoyan. From the entrance of the park, you can see a 10-meter-high ginkgo tree walkway, and walking through it is like stepping into a golden-colored tunnel.

🤗 Autumn in Southern Hokkaido

Onuma National Park

Foliage viewing period: mid-October to early November

The park is surrounded by 126 small islands centered around Onuma, Onuma, and Junzainuma. In autumn the whole lake becomes brightly colored and the picturesque scenery spreads out.

Fragrant Snow Garden

Red Leaf Appreciation Period: Late October~Early November

Hokkaido's only nationally-designated cultural property garden is the former estate of the Iwafune family, a well-known wealthy businessman in the city. The 150-meter-long maple tree avenue in the park is a beautiful sight in autumn.

📎 the choice of a daybed

Jozankei Tsuruga ResortSpa Mori No Uta

“ Mori no Kyo” utilizes various facilities to create a space full of ‘forest stories’ and allows each guest to become the protagonist of the forest story.

The iron theme of the heater in the center of the hall symbolizes a tree reaching up to the sky, and the green carpet represents grass and the earth, giving it a “Forest Story” atmosphere.

The hotel features family suites, pet-friendly rooms and other specialty rooms to meet the needs of guests of all ages on their leisure vacations.

The “Forest Buffet” offers a wide selection of pizzas, grilled dishes, and desserts made with fresh vegetables and fresh from the oven.

Chalet Ivy Jozankei

The hotel's location in the lush forests of Hokkaido allows the northernmost hot springs in Japan to take center stage. Breathe in the pure mountain air and take in the different scenery of the four seasons.

Each suite is equipped with semi-open-air private onsen facilities, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich hot spring water and enjoy Japanese hospitality the way it was meant to be.

Hotel Taisetsu Onsen＆Canyon Resort

Located on the highest hill of Laminar Gorge, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Laminar Gorge in all four seasons from a close distance, experience the splendor of the valley, and savor the exotic atmosphere. Enjoy Hokkaido's best hot springs flowing from the source.

📎 Autumn Gastronomy

salmon seed

September to October is the season when salmon come home to breed. The delicious roe inside the fat-rich autumn salmon is a must-eat on a trip to Hokkaido in the fall.

ishikari wok (prefecture level city in Japan)

Hokkaido's representative local dish packs salmon into a pot with vegetables such as cabbage and onions, and brings out the fresh flavors with miso and yamabushi powder.

Houshore oyster

Oysters, which are rich in various nutrients, are called “milk of the sea,” and Atsumi Prefecture is the only place in Japan where you can eat oysters in all seasons, with fall and winter being the most fertile seasons for oysters in Atsumi.

In Atsumi, the Atsumi Oyster Festival is held every year, where you can enjoy not only unlimited oysters, but also events such as clamming and oyster catching.

💡

In Japan, the viewing period of the red leaves is extremely closely related to the temperature. Usually, when the lowest temperature is below 8℃, the leaves start to color, and once it is below 5℃, the leaves can turn red quickly. The color of the red leaves to look good, but also must also meet the adequate sunshine, moderate moisture and temperature suddenly cold three conditions. Every year around September, the Japan Meteorological Agency releases a special “Mamiji funnse” (もみじぜんせ), which forecasts the time when the leaves will turn red in various parts of the country. “The forecast is based on the Iroha maple, which is a native maple tree widely planted throughout Japan. Unlike “Hanami” in spring, the beauty of red leaves is more suitable for looking at. Whether it is the rolling hills or the quiet valleys, the colors of autumn are in full bloom, bringing life to the slightly chilly wind. It is said that red and yellow are the colors by which humans perceive warmth, and it is precisely the process of changing from yellow to red that is needed for the leaves to turn yellow and red, and for the Japanese to draw strength from the cold winter that follows in the dreary days of autumn. Mountains are better than plains for capturing the most beautiful red leaves, and ravines and valleys are the best terrain. What makes Japanese people so fond of leaf-chasing tours are the onsen (hot springs) and the autumn flavors of local specialties, which are also hidden in the mountains and fields and bring vitality. It is only because of them that a perfect “autumn leaf hunting” trip can be called a supreme enjoyment.