When people think of Japan, cherry blossoms usually steal the spotlight. But seasoned travelers know a secret: Japan’s autumn foliage is just as breathtaking—if not more so.
From mid-September to early December, Japan transforms into a living painting. Mountains glow in red and gold, ancient temples hide among fiery leaves, and every step feels like walking through a ukiyo-e masterpiece.
Autumn begins in the far north. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is the very first place where maple leaves ignite—setting the tone for the entire country’s fall season. 
Hokkaido Autumn Foliage: Where Fall Arrives First
Hokkaido welcomes autumn earlier than anywhere else in Japan. From mid-September to late October, the colors roll down from alpine peaks to valleys, lakes, and hot spring towns.
The air here feels crisp and clean, and the landscapes are vast and untamed. Lakes, volcanic terrain, deep gorges, and open forests all become richer and more dramatic under layers of red, orange, and gold.
Unlike the refined elegance of Kyoto, Hokkaido’s autumn feels wild and pure—endless forests under deep blue skies, with nature left mostly untouched.
Mount Asahidake (Daisetsuzan National Park)
🍁 Best time to visit: Mid-September to early October
Standing as the highest peak in Hokkaido, Mount Asahidake is among the earliest places in Japan to see autumn leaves. It lies within Daisetsuzan National Park, often called “the roof of Hokkaido.”
Take the ropeway up the mountain, and you’ll float above tundra painted in yellow, orange, and deep red. Below, clouds drift through valleys, while snow lines sometimes appear beside glowing foliage—an unforgettable moment where autumn and winter exist in the same frame.
Jozankei Onsen
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
Located just outside Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is often called the city’s backyard retreat. In October, the valley along the Toyohira River turns vivid shades of red and orange.
Soaking in an outdoor hot spring while surrounded by mist and maple leaves is a deeply comforting experience. During autumn, the town also hosts the Jozankei Autumn Festival, complete with viewing platforms, food stalls, and illuminated foliage—perfect for slow walks and night photography.
Sounkyo Gorge
Best time to visit: Late September to early October
Nestled at the base of the Daisetsuzan mountains, Sounkyo Gorge is famous for its dramatic columnar basalt cliffs.
The canyon walls are layered with maple trees, birches, and evergreens, blending together like a massive oil painting. Waterfalls such as Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls cascade through the gorge, looking especially dreamlike against the fiery autumn backdrop.
Lake Tōya
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Lake Tōya is beautiful year-round, but autumn brings a quiet, reflective charm. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake’s calm surface mirrors the warm colors of fall.
Take a boat cruise or ride the ropeway up Mount Usu for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding foliage. In the evening, seasonal fireworks light up the sky, creating a romantic scene where reflections dance across the water.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley
🍁 Best time to visit: Mid to late October
Noboribetsu Hell Valley—also known as Jigokudani—is where autumn meets volcanic drama.
Steam rises from sulfurous vents, and rugged volcanic rock cuts through the landscape. Behind it all, maple leaves blaze in intense reds and oranges, creating a striking contrast. As evening falls and lights illuminate the valley, mist and foliage merge into an almost surreal, otherworldly scene.
Why Hokkaido Is Japan’s Ultimate Autumn Destination
Hokkaido’s fall isn’t just about color—it’s about scale, atmosphere, and contrast. Snow-capped peaks beside red leaves. Hot springs wrapped in mist and maple trees. Volcanic valleys glowing at sunset.
If you want to experience Japan’s autumn at its purest and most dramatic, Hokkaido is where the journey should begin 🍁
