Hokkaido Autumn Travel: Unlock the Blue Pond in Biei, the Fall Foliage at Jozankei, and the Toyako Hot Spring
How should I plan my trip to Hokkaido in autumn? What are the recommended maple viewing spots? This article will show you a 6-day 5-night Hokkaido Autumn Tour, which will take you from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo, Jozankei, Biei, Furano and other popular attractions, collecting the most beautiful Hokkaido autumn scenery in one trip!Why is it recommended to travel to Hokkaido in autumn? Get all the climate and fashion information at once!
Hokkaido's autumn lasts from September to November. As the climate gradually cools, the grass and trees begin to change color. The magnificent mountains are dyed with gradient colors such as yellow, orange, and red, forming a beautiful autumn scenery like a pastoral painting. Due to the unpredictable weather in Hokkaido in autumn, the temperature difference between morning and evening is also more obvious. For example, in Sapporo, the temperature in September is about 10 to 20 degrees, in October it is 5 to 15 degrees, and in November it is 0 to 10 degrees. If you are in a town with a higher latitude or a high-altitude mountain, you need to keep warm. Therefore, when it comes to travel clothing, it is recommended to adopt the "layering" method. You can wear a thin long-sleeved shirt or a sweater as the inner layer, and a jacket on the outside, and match it with a scarf or woolen hat when appropriate. It is also recommended to pay attention to the weather forecast at all times when traveling to adjust your clothing.
Recommended 6-day 5-night itinerary for Hokkaido in autumn:
Day1: Arrive at New Chitose Airport → Sapporo Factory Mall → Tanukikoji Shopping Street → Sapporo STELLAR PLACE "Conveyor Belt Sushi Nemuro Hanamaru" (dinner)
Day2: Depart for Jozankei → Canoeing → Electric bike ride
Day3: Shikotsu Lake Toya Lake Day Trip
Day4: Kuranuma CAFE (breakfast) → Asahiyama Zoo → Asahikawa Ramen Aoba Main Store (dinner)
Day5: Biei (Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, Farm Tomita, Ken and Mary Tree) Day Trip
Day6: Farm Tomita → Genghis Khan Yakiniku (lunch) → Buy souvenirs at New Chitose Airport → Fly back home
【Day 1】Go deep into the center of Sapporo and experience the authentic Hokkaido atmosphere
Attraction ①: Sapporo Factory
The predecessor of "Sapporo Factory Shopping Center" was "Kaito Purple Beer Factory" which opened in 1876. It combines the old factory space full of age with modern design and is reorganized into a complex shopping mall that integrates shopping, dining and entertainment. "Sapporo Factory Shopping Center" has many businesses and restaurants. In addition to checking in at the iconic atrium that is as magnificent as ancient Roman architecture and full of flowers all year round, and feeling the warmth of the sun falling naturally on your body, you can also go to the "Kankekan" to visit the history of Sapporo beer brewing. In autumn, there are large patches of bright red maple leaves outside the red brick building, which is worth checking in and taking photos!
Sapporo Factory Shopping Center (Sapporo Factory)
Address: Kita 2-jo Higashi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business hours:
Shops: 10:00-20:00, Food: 11:00-22:00
Attraction ②: Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Located in the downtown area of Sapporo, Tanukikoji Shopping Street was founded in 1869. The nearly one-kilometer-long arcade shopping street extends from 1-chome to 7-chome, gathering many chain drugstores, souvenir shops, affordable supermarkets, gourmet restaurants, and even a shrine! Each chome has its own unique characteristics. For example, 3-chome is trendy and lively, with many brands such as the urban aquarium "AOAO SAPPORO" and "Don Quixote". "moyuk SAPPORO" is located here, where you can enjoy the urban street view from the 7F outdoor terrace "moyuk Sky Garden". 7-chome is full of retro Showa style, with many nearly 100-year-old stores such as the Japanese tea specialty store "Yukinoen Annaka Tea Shop" and the time-honored Western restaurant "BEER HALL LION Tanukikoji Store". The entire shopping street is full of the local Hokkaido flavor. For independent travelers, it is the best place to experience Sapporo's urban culture and shopping fun!
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
・Address: 2-3-jo Nishi 1-7, Minami-2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Transportation:
① Get off at Susukino Station on the Hokkaido Metro Namboku Line and walk for about 3 minutes
② Get off at Odori Station on the Hokkaido Metro Namboku Line, Tosai Line, or Toho Line and walk for about 5 minutes
Transportation:
①Take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus Factory Line bus and get off at "Sapporo Factory Station"
②Walk for about 3 minutes from Exit 8 of the Hokkaido Metro Tosai Line "Bus Center-mae Station"
Food: Sapporo STELLAR PLACE (Conveyor Belt Sushi, Nemuro Hanamaru)
"Sapporo STELLAR PLACE" is a large shopping mall located at the south exit of Sapporo Station. It features the latest beauty and clothing brands and is a great place to shop. The reporter especially recommends the food court on the 6th floor, which gathers many famous restaurants that are must-try in Sapporo, such as "Tempura and Buckwheat Noodles Yakumo", which is famous for its sesame buckwheat noodles, "Tokachi Pork Rice Bowl Ippin", a long-established Hokkaido butcher shop with a history of 60 years, and the popular conveyor belt sushi "Nemuro Hanamaru" is also here! The store uses fresh fish and high-quality seafood from Hokkaido to make nigiri sushi and sashimi dishes, etc., with affordable prices and a very high CP value.
Conveyor-belt sushi Nemuro Hanamaru JR TOWER STELLAR PLACE
・Address: 6F, Star Place, Kita 5-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 11:00-22:00 (last order is 21:30)
Event: Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
If you are visiting Sapporo in late November, it is recommended to go to the "Sapporo Munich Christmas Market" to experience the authentic German Christmas market atmosphere! The event is usually held from the end of November to Christmas. In the main venue "Odori Park", you can see a variety of Christmas stalls, such as handicrafts, mulled wine, German sausages and desserts, etc. The trees in the park will also be decorated with various colored lights, which is very romantic.
Sapporo Munich Christmas Market
・Event period: November 22 to December 25, 2024
・Address: 1-3-chome, Minami 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
【Day 2】Explore the romantic autumn in Jozankei, the "Back Garden of Sapporo"
Attraction ①: Jozankei
Located in the suburbs of Sapporo, "Jozankei Onsen" is known as the "back garden of Sapporo". In addition to being a well-known resort, it is also a very popular autumn leaves spot. The "Futami Suspension Bridge" and "Toyohira Gorge Dam" in the area are popular photo spots. From late September to mid-October, there is also a limited "Autumn Leaves Cable Car" that can be taken to the top of the mountain. The continuous valley unfolds like a red leaf canvas, and the scenery is very spectacular!
Jozankei Onsen Street
・Address: 3-chome, Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Activity ①: Jozankei Canoe Tour
Those who love outdoor activities should not miss the "Jozankei Canoe Experience". Jozankei is surrounded by mountains, so when the canoe slowly enters the river and crosses the canyon, the magnificent valley scenery and colorful autumn leaves that come in front of you will be even more shocking, making people unconsciously conquered by nature. The river is calm and the water depth is about 1m, so even beginners can easily get started!
Activity ②: E-bike ride
In addition to hiking, the reporter also recommends riding an electric bicycle to easily travel along the trails in the Jozankei Valley and enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air. The reporter recommends renting a bicycle at Jozankei "Futami Park" and riding all the way to the "Jozankei Dam" or "Hakkenzan Area". There are many attractions worth visiting along the way, such as "Jozankei Shrine" and "Shiraito Falls".
【Day3】Lake Toya area, which includes Lake Shikotsu and Mount Usu, is listed as one of the three most beautiful sights in Hokkaido
Attraction ①: Lake Shikotsu
"Lake Shikotsu" in Chitose City is known as a mysterious lake. In addition to the "Lake Shikotsu Onsen" which is slightly alkaline and known as the "beautifying hot spring", it is also one of the famous maple viewing spots in the suburbs of Sapporo. Every year from mid-September, the surrounding mountains will gradually change color, and the magnificent lake and mountain scenery like a scroll painting will make you linger. The reporter recommends that you can come here to enjoy the colorful red leaves while using the "beautifying hot spring" to relieve the fatigue of the journey and feel the unique comfort of Japan's autumn.
Lake Shikotsu
・Address: Lake Shikotsu Hot Spring Extra Area, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Attraction ②: Lake Toya
Lake Toya, one of the three most scenic spots in Hokkaido, is like a natural geological treasure trove, with majestic mountains and clear lakes interweaving into a charming spectacle. It is also one of the best hot spring towns in Hokkaido, and there are many high-quality hot spring hotels on the south bank of the lake. Among them, the reporter highly recommends the "Toya Kohan-tei", which has comfortable view rooms, an open-air bath overlooking Lake Toya, and a "Sunday Return Hot Spring" plan suitable for a day trip, allowing you to explore the charming appearance of Lake Toya at your own pace.
Toyakohantei
・Address: 7-8 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
・Check-in/Check-out: 15:00/10:00
・Sunset Onsen business hours: 15:00 to 10:00 the next day (midnight 1:00 to 2:00 is for cleaning and is temporarily unavailable)
Attraction ③: Usuyama Cable Car
The Usu Cable Car is located on the shore of Lake Toya. You can take the cable car to the three observatories on the top of the mountain. The Toyako Observatory offers a wide view of Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei and Uchiura Bay. The scenery is breathtaking! At the Kakugahara Observatory, you can get a close look at the smoking Ginnuma crater. If you have time, you can also go to the Usu Wairinzan Observatory to take in the stunning views of Lake Toya.
Uzan Cable Car
・Address: 184-5 Showa Shinzan, Sobetsu-cho, Uzumagaku, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 8:15-17:30 (varies by season, please refer to the official website for details)
・Ticket price: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,800 yen, elementary school students 900 yen
【Day4】Asahikawa, the birthplace of Hokkaido's three major ramen noodles
Attraction ①: Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is the most popular attraction in Asahikawa City. The zoo has carefully created the native habitat of animals, with more than 124 species of animals living here, and has planned many exciting exhibition areas such as the red crane aviary, seal house and polar bear house. Another must-see highlight is the super cute "animal feeding show", which allows you to watch polar bears and penguins preying on small fish up close.
Asahiyama Zoo
・Address: Kuranuma, Higashiasahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido
・Business hours: Varies according to the season, please refer to the official calendar
・Admission: Adults (high school students and above) 1,000 yen, junior high school students and below free
Food ①: Kuranuma Cafe
The "Kuranuma Cafe" next to Asahiyama Zoo opens at 8:30 in the morning. Travelers can enjoy a leisurely breakfast here before Asahiyama Zoo opens. The store offers a variety of sweet and salty French toasts, such as a rich set meal with ham and salad, or caramel banana French toast, berry waffles, etc. There are also small snacks such as pudding and chiffon cake to choose from. The boss is quite talkative and interesting. If you want to know the local food and store information in Asahikawa, you can chat with the boss!
Kuranuma Cafe
・Address: 30-6 Kuranuma, Higashiasahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 8:30-19:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Food ②: Asahikawa Ramen Aoba Main Store
Opened in 1947, Asahikawa Ramen Aoba Main Store has been in business for over 60 years. It is famous for its soy sauce soup made from pork bones and seafood. The flavor is rich but not greasy, refreshing and smooth. The rolled noodles used are chewy, and paired with barbecued pork, half-boiled eggs, chopped green onions, seaweed and other rich ingredients. It is so delicious that even the reporter who doesn't like noodles couldn't help but order another bowl! It is also one of the must-visit lists for ramen connoisseurs.
Asahikawa Ramen Aoba Main Store
・Address: 8-Left 8, Nijo-dori, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, Nijo Building Famous Store Street
・Business hours: 9:30-14:00, 15:00-17:30 (Closed on Wednesdays)
【Day5】Unlock various attractions in Biei with "LUUP"
Attraction ①: Shirogane Blue Pond
The "Shirogane Blue Pond" located deep in the mountains is a must-visit secret spot for many people who come to Biei. The water is rich in aluminum hydroxide, which makes it appear a dreamy blue with a sense of transparency. The trees around the pond gradually turn golden and orange in autumn. The various colors complement each other, making the "Shirogane Blue Pond" as dreamy as a fairy tale kingdom in a picture book. The beautiful scenery is unforgettable once you see it!
Shirogane Blue Pond
・Address: Shirogane, Biei Town, Kamikawa County, Hokkaido
Attraction ②: Tokachidake Lookout Terrace
The Tokachi-dake Lookout, which is about 930 meters above sea level, is located at the border of Biei and Kamifurano. It is an observatory that overlooks the magnificent peaks of the Tokachi-dake. Tokachi-dake is the earliest place in Japan to enjoy the red leaves. In late September, the leaves gradually turn orange and yellow, and in late autumn, the valley is dyed orange. The colors are charming. For photography enthusiasts, it is a must-see red leaf scenic spot!
Tokachidake Viewpoint
・Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Activity: Take a LUUP and roam around Biei without any restrictions
In 2024, Biei City introduced shared electric scooters "LUUP". Visitors can rent and return scooters through a mobile APP. The APP interface also supports English systems, allowing foreign tourists to easily get started. The leisurely Biei City has many European-style residences and stores, which is very suitable for riding a scooter to explore and enjoy the town scenery!
【Day6】Check in at the romantic flower sea in Biei and enjoy Genghis Khan barbecue
Attraction: Farm Tomita
Farm Tomita is famous for its lavender fields in the summer, but the farm is also very charming in the fall! The farm is full of beautiful flowers that represent autumn, such as Artemisia serrata, African iris, and hibiscus. Beautiful flowers in red, pink, orange, and yellow are scattered in the farmland, rendering it a bold and colorful sea of flowers, filled with the unique romantic atmosphere of autumn, and the blooming scene is no less spectacular than in summer!
Farm Tomita
・Address: No. 15, Baseline North, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 9:00～17:00
Food: Daruma Genghis Khan Susukino 4.4
The must-try food in Hokkaido is "Genghis Khan grilled lamb"! "Daruma Genghis Khan Susukino 4.4" in Sapporo is a famous store loved by locals. The store uses fresh lamb and allows customers to grill it on a round iron plate. The meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dip it in the secret sauce and it tastes very delicious. You can also enjoy it with sweet grilled onions and Sapporo beer!
Daruma Genghis Khan DARUMA 4.4
・Address: 4 Minami-shijo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 11:30-23:00
Hokkaido's autumn weather is cool and pleasant. You can enjoy the colorful and picturesque maple scenery at scenic spots such as Jozankei, Tokachidake, and Aoike. It is also recommended to enjoy the healing hot springs at Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya. Compared with the peak tourist seasons in summer and winter, visiting Hokkaido in autumn can enjoy a more peaceful and leisurely time. Save this sample itinerary and plan a trip to the north right away!
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