Top Autumn Foliage Spots in Hokkaido

Oct 30, 2025 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO, Oct 30, 2025 (News On Japan) - Hokkaido is now in the peak of autumn foliage season, with its vast landscape dotted by countless scenic spots displaying vibrant colors unique to each location. From golden ginkgo-lined avenues stretching nearly 380 meters to crimson leaves reflecting off blue lakes, visitors can experience the full spectrum of autumn hues.

Among this year’s top 20 foliage spots in Hokkaido is Noboribetsu Onsen, ranked 20th, where the contrast between the white volcanic rock of “Hell Valley” and the fiery autumn leaves creates a breathtaking landscape. Electric sightseeing buses connect popular spots such as the natural footbath and hot springs until October 26th.

At 19th place is Temiya Park in Otaru, known for its cherry blossoms in spring and bright red hydrangeas in autumn, which remain in full color until early November.

In 18th place is Sapporo’s Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, surrounded by 360-degree views of the colorful forest, recognized as one of Sapporo’s five major autumn foliage sites. Visitors can stroll leisurely through the expansive grounds filled with vivid seasonal colors.

The historic Hakodate Park, ranked 17th, offers views of stone bridges, old Western-style buildings, and vibrant leaves blending into one harmonious autumn scene.

Ranked 16th is Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido’s highest peak at 2,291 meters, which welcomes Japan’s earliest autumn colors. The reflection of the leaves around Sugatami Pond is a fleeting natural spectacle.

Sounkyo Gorge took the top spot this year. Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, it captivates visitors with its dynamic cliffs, flowing rivers, and colorful gradations extending from the valley floor to the mountain peaks. Visitors can enjoy both hot springs and stunning scenery within a single day trip from Sapporo.

Other highlights in the top rankings include the golden ginkgo tunnel at Hokkaido University, the vivid reflections at Lake Shikotsu, and the illuminated leaves at Nakajima Park. Each offers a different charm—whether viewed from a gondola high above, a serene lake surface, or a riverside bridge.

From vast lakes and mountain valleys to gardens and hot springs, Hokkaido’s autumn displays a breathtaking diversity of natural beauty. This fall, travelers are encouraged to discover a moment of color that will stay in their hearts long after the leaves have fallen.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

Toyota to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in 2027

Toyota Motor will begin operating fully autonomous taxis in 2027 through a partnership with U.S. self-driving technology company Waymo, marking a major step in the Japanese automaker's efforts to expand driverless transportation services.

Mount Fuji Puts on First Snowcap

Mount Fuji has received its first snowcap of the season, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced on October 30, after temperatures at the summit plunged to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, marking the arrival of winter conditions on Japan's highest mountain.

Chinese Female Spy Suspected of Targeting Nvidia Chief

U.S. intelligence agencies suspect that a Chinese female intelligence operative developed a close relationship with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in an attempt to obtain confidential corporate and U.S. government information, according to a report published by The New York Times on October 29th.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

The Japanese government has asked major telecommunications operators to forcibly block access to websites believed to contain personal information stolen in a cyberattack on GMO, it emerged on October 29th, as authorities moved to prevent further exposure of sensitive data online.

Typhoon No. 31 Heads Toward Japan's Remote Islands

Typhoon No. 31 was located near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, as of 3 a.m. on October 30, and was expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo over the October 31-November 1 weekend while maintaining very strong intensity, bringing a growing risk of dangerously high waves, powerful swells and extremely rough seas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Golden Ginkgo Tunnel Lights Up Sapporo

Hokkaido University's famous ginkgo avenue in Sapporo has reached its peak autumn color, attracting residents and tourists to the campus ahead of the two-day Hokudai Golden Leaf Festival on October 31 and November 1, an event that drew 35,000 visitors last year.

Wakayama's Famous Sea Rocks Come Alive After Dark

A spectacular illumination of the Hashigui Rocks, a nationally designated natural monument in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, is set to begin on October 30, transforming a series of unusual coastal rock formations into a colorful nighttime attraction.

Japan's First Wintry Blast Brings Snow and Freezing Winds

Japan's first major cold spell of the season brought snow, freezing winds and record-low autumn temperatures across the country, with 639 observation points registering their coldest readings of the season on October 29, while forecasts issued that evening indicated that temperatures would recover on October 30 as rain spread across much of the country.

Typhoon No. 31 Heads Toward Japan's Remote Islands

Early Snow Blankets Japan as Winter Arrives Ahead of November

Japan's first significant snowfall of the season has brought winter conditions to Hokkaido and northern Honshu, with snow depths exceeding 10 centimeters in several mountain and inland locations on October 28, while a fresh wave of cold air is expected to bring further snowfall over the weekend of October 31 and November 1.

Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Osaka's iconic Tsutenkaku Tower celebrated the 70th anniversary of its reopening on October 28, marking seven decades since the landmark was rebuilt in 1956 as a symbol of the city's postwar recovery, while new attractions continue to draw visitors to the surrounding Shinsekai entertainment district.

Strong Earthquake Shakes Narita Airport

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck northeastern Chiba Prefecture at around 12:07 a.m. on October 29, registering a maximum intensity of 5-lower on Japan's seven-level seismic scale and sending tremors across a wide area of eastern and central Japan, including Narita Airport, where footage captured the moment of shaking.

Japan's Tax-Free Shopping Overhaul to Reshape Inbound Tourism Strategies

Japan will introduce a major overhaul of its tax-free shopping system for foreign visitors on November 1, replacing immediate tax exemptions at stores with a refund system that requires travelers to pay the full consumption tax upfront and claim reimbursement when leaving the country, a change expected to reshape retail strategies and purchasing behavior across the tourism industry.

< 2 3 4 5 >