Hey there, nice to meet you! I’m a local guy, been living right here in Sapporo for about 40 years now. This time, I really want to talk about the real charm of autumn in Sapporo, especially for you folks coming all the way from overseas to Japan, and specifically to Hokkaido. I’ll mix in some tips and honest thoughts that you might not find in the usual guidebooks.
Autumn in Sapporo is a truly special season when the air turns crisp and clear, and the whole city is painted in beautiful colors. It might just be one of the best seasons for tourists, you know?
Why is Autumn in Sapporo So Good? Let’s Start There
It’s that perfect time after the lively buzz of summer settles down, but before the harsh cold of winter arrives. That’s Sapporo in autumn.
- The autumn leaves are simply stunning: From the parks right in the city center to the hot spring resorts in the suburbs, the trees turning brilliant shades of red and yellow are truly a sight to behold.
- The food is delicious: You know the saying “Autumn is the season for appetites”? It’s absolutely true here. It’s a feast of seasonal flavors.
- The weather is pleasant: Many days are dry and comfortable during the daytime. Perfect for strolling around.
Local Recommendations! Must-Visit Autumn Foliage Spots in Sapporo
When you think of autumn in Sapporo, you definitely can’t miss the autumn leaves (Kouyou). Let me introduce a few spots, from the famous classics to some city favorites.
1. Jozankei Onsen – A Luxurious Mix of Hot Springs and Autumn Colors! You HAVE to Go Here!
It’s about an hour’s bus ride from central Sapporo. This place is famous as a hot spring (onsen) resort, but the beauty of the valley in autumn is seriously exceptional. For Sapporo locals too, Jozankei in autumn is a special place. The experience of soaking in an onsen while gazing at the vibrant fall colors spread out before you will surely leave a deep impression on your heart. Especially, the Hoheikyo Dam, located further into Jozankei Onsen, offers a breathtaking view during the autumn foliage season. The dam lake and the surrounding mountains are dyed in stunningly beautiful colors. This is a spot you absolutely cannot miss. Jozankei Tourist Association Official Website – English available Hoheikyo Dam Official Website – Japanese (Couldn’t find an English site, so please try using your browser’s translation feature.)
They also offer things like canoe experiences, so viewing the autumn leaves from the river surface is a neat option. However, honestly, during the peak autumn leaf season weekends, the roads get quite congested, and it’s very crowded, especially around the famous suspension bridges. The electric bus going to Hoheikyo Dam might also have queues. But, even considering that, the view of the autumn leaves while soaking in a hot spring is top-tier, so I think it’s absolutely worth going. Planning ahead and aiming for a weekday if possible might be the smart move.
- Access: About 60-75 minutes by Kappa Liner bus or local bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal. To Hoheikyo Dam, take another bus (or electric bus) from Jozankei Onsen.
- Fare Estimate: Local bus one-way approx. 800 yen. (Fares and schedules can change, so please be sure to check the official website etc., beforehand.)
2. Enjoy Autumn Leaves Casually in the City – Akarenga & Maruyama Park
Don’t have time for a long trip out? No problem, you can fully enjoy autumn right in the center of Sapporo.
- Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (“Akarenga”): The contrast between the beautiful red brick building and the autumn leaves in the garden is very picturesque. The building itself has a wonderful historic atmosphere. Strolling through the garden is also recommended. The reflection of the autumn leaves in the pond in front of the building is particularly popular as a photo spot. You can also tour the inside (though check beforehand as it might be under renovation). If you want to know more details about the history and highlights of Akarenga Chosha, I hope you’ll check out this article.
- Maruyama Park: A place of relaxation for Sapporo citizens. Within its vast grounds are Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Zoo. In autumn, the entire park is colored, with the reds of maples and nanakamado (Japanese rowan) and the yellows of ginkgo trees being vivid. Just walking around is soothing. If you venture a little further from the park, you can also enjoy climbing Mt. Maruyama. The autumn leaves viewed from the summit are also exceptional. You can find more details about walking points in the park and the adjacent Hokkaido Shrine in this article, so please use it as a reference. A Local’s Honest Take: Maruyama Park is beautiful throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, but honestly, it gets quite busy with families and couples on weekends. Especially during the autumn foliage season, it can sometimes take time just to get into the parking lot, so using public transport might be wise. It’s conveniently located right near Maruyama Koen subway station.
3. Mt. Moiwa – A Panoramic View of Sapporo City and Autumn Leaves
Famous for its night view, but the daytime scenery is also fantastic. Take the ropeway and then the “Morris Car” (like a small cable car) to the summit. I introduce how to ride the ropeway and the view from the top, including my experiences, in this article. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Official Website – English available
You can see not only the city streets but also the distant mountains, and the colorful trees look like a patchwork quilt. If the air is clear, you can see quite far. However, it can get colder than you expect on the mountain, so bringing an extra layer is a good idea. Be especially careful as it gets significantly colder from the evening onwards.
- Access: Free shuttle bus or taxi from the “Ropeway Iriguchi” streetcar stop.
- Fare Estimate: Ropeway + Morris Car (round trip) Adult 2,100 yen. (This is info as of May 2025. Please be sure to check the official website for the latest information.)
Autumn Appetite! Seasonal Flavors You Absolutely Must Eat in Sapporo
Autumn in Hokkaido is a treasure trove of delicious food!
- Autumn Salmon (Akijake) and Salmon Roe (Ikura): Salmon this time of year is fatty and fantastic. A sparkling bowl of ikura-don (salmon roe over rice) is irresistible! If you go to the markets, you’ll see many locals buying raw sujiko (salmon roe skeins) to make their own homemade ikura shoyuzuke (soy-marinated salmon roe).
- Potatoes, Pumpkin, Corn: Vegetables grown in Hokkaido’s vast lands have a different level of sweetness. The local way to eat new potatoes (shin-jaga) is simply steamed with butter. Freshly boiled corn is also the best.
- Sanma (Pacific Saury): Used to be a representative autumn flavor, but it seems they’re a bit harder to catch recently… If you see it, you’re lucky! Grilled with salt is the classic way.
- Fruits: In nearby areas like Yoichi, you can also enjoy apple and grape picking. You can find delicious fruits at direct sales stands within Sapporo city too.
You can taste these seasonal delicacies at the markets (Nijo Market or the Curb Market), supermarkets, and of course, at the “Sapporo Autumn Fest” (usually held in September).
A Local’s Honest Take: The Sapporo Autumn Fest is truly huge, and it’s fun because gourmet food from all over Hokkaido gathers in one place, but honestly, it gets incredibly crowded, and you need to be prepared to wait in line for popular stalls. Sometimes finding a place to sit is also a challenge. But, I still really want you to experience that vibrant, festive atmosphere. Personally, I recommend aiming for a relatively less crowded weekday afternoon or right after it opens.
Hold On! Travel Tips and Points to Note for Autumn in Sapporo
Here are a few pieces of advice for a fun trip.
- Clothing: While there might still be some lingering summer heat in September, October brings a distinct autumn feel, and you might even see the first snow in November. Basically, layering is key. It gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so a jacket or light coat is essential. A scarf and gloves might also be good to have. Especially if you’re going to the suburbs or higher elevations like Jozankei or Mt. Moiwa, it’s wise to prepare one more layer than you’d wear in the city center.
- Transportation: For sightseeing within the city, the subway, buses, and streetcar are convenient. Having an IC card (like Kitaca, Suica, PASMO – nationally compatible transport IC cards work) makes things easier. If you’re heading to the suburbs, buses, JR trains, or possibly a rental car are options. Sapporo City Transportation Bureau – Japanese (It’s in Japanese, but you can check routes and fares here. Try translating it.)
- Crowds: During the peak autumn foliage season (generally mid to late October) and on weekends during the Autumn Fest period, popular spots and venues get quite crowded. It’s important to plan with plenty of time.
Extra Section: Venture Out a Bit – Autumn Drive Around Sapporo’s Suburbs
If you have an international driving permit and some extra time, renting a car and driving around the Sapporo suburbs is incredibly refreshing. You’ll get to fully appreciate the vastness and beauty of Hokkaido in autumn.
- Otaru: A port town reachable in under an hour by expressway from Sapporo. The romantic atmosphere along the canal matches well with the autumn leaves. You absolutely must try the sushi made with fresh seafood. Visiting the music box museum or glass workshops is also fun. I also introduce how to enjoy a day trip to Otaru and recommended spots in another article, so check it out if you like.
- Lake Shikotsu: A caldera lake boasting some of the clearest water in Japan. About an hour and a half from Sapporo, maybe? The reflection of the lakeside autumn leaves on the lake surface is truly beautiful. Taking a pleasure cruise or enjoying the lakeside hot springs is also nice. This article should be helpful for how to get to Lake Shikotsu from Sapporo for a day trip and how to enjoy it.
- Yoichi: Famous for the Nikka Whisky distillery, but it’s also a fruit-producing region. Apples and grapes are in season in autumn. Enjoying fruit picking or visiting a winery is also recommended. It’s about an hour and a half from Sapporo.
While driving, the autumn leaves along the roadside are also beautiful, and you might encounter unexpected scenery. However, be aware that it gets dark early in Hokkaido’s suburbs, and though it’s rare, animals (especially deer!) might dash out onto the road, so don’t let your guard down and please drive carefully.
Finally: To the Unadorned, Real Sapporo
How was that? Did you get a sense of Sapporo’s autumn charm? Glittering tourist spots are nice, but I really hope you’ll experience the somewhat calm yet rich autumn atmosphere that we locals feel every day.
Eat delicious food, see beautiful scenery, and breathe in the crisp, slightly cold air. If you can enjoy that kind of unadorned, real Sapporo, it would make me incredibly happy as a local.
Waiting for you!
