Japan's Autumn Foliage Season | Early Autumn in Hokkaido in September

As the place where autumn leaves first start to change color every year, you can witness the vibrant scenery of colorful forests as early as mid to late September! Perfect timing to catch the beauty of early autumn.

👉 Xiao Ye has compiled a list of the best spots in Hokkaido to enjoy early autumn foliage. If you want to experience the stunning beauty of red leaves early, you can start planning now! With some luck, you might even see the rare sight of autumn leaves and the first snow together.

⭕ Recommended Spots:
🌄 Daisetsuzan National Park
🔸 Viewing Period: Mid-September to Early October
Located in the area of Hokkaido's highest peak, this is where autumn leaves change color the earliest. The gorge and waterfalls of Sounkyo intertwine with the red leaves, and you can take the Kurodake Ropeway to overlook the sea of clouds and the colorful mountains. If you're lucky, you might witness the rare spectacle of the first snow on Hokkaido's highest peak alongside the autumn leaves.

🏞️ Jozankei
🔸 Viewing Period: Late September to Mid-October
A hot spring town near Sapporo, where the Futami Suspension Bridge is surrounded by fiery red maple forests on both sides of the valley. Pairing the hot springs with the autumn foliage offers a delightful "soak and view" experience! At night, there are illuminated autumn leaves, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

🌿 Biei & Furano
🔸 Viewing Period: Late September to Mid-October
After bidding farewell to summer flower fields, the golden wheat fields in the hilly areas, along with birch and larch forests, turn orange-red. The "Patchwork Road" offers autumn scenery like an oil painting, while the blue of the Shirogane Blue Pond contrasts beautifully with the golden leaves.

🌉 Otaru
🔸 Viewing Period: October
A romantic symphony of nostalgic port town and autumn leaves! Take the Tenguyama Ropeway to overlook the small town and colorful mountains. At Temiya Park, the ginkgo avenue is paved with a golden carpet, and at dusk, capture the classic composition of "canal + autumn leaves + gas lamps" near the canal warehouses.

🌊 Lake Toya
🔸 Viewing Period: Mid to Late October
The deep blue lake reflects Mount Yotei and the surrounding autumn foliage. Take a boat ride to enjoy the close-up view of the lake and the intertwining beauty of autumn leaves. The forest trails on Nakajima Island feel like walking through a palette of colors.

🌋 Noboribetsu
🔸 Viewing Period: October
The sulfur steam-filled Hell Valley trails are surrounded by red autumn leaves. Enjoy the golden birch forest near the natural foot bath at Oyunuma, and the "Path of Demon Fire" at night offers an eerie yet enchanting view of illuminated autumn leaves.

👉 Suggested Itinerary [7 days is enough; add 1-2 days if visiting Hakodate]
🔵 New Chitose Airport—Furano/Sapporo—Daisetsuzan National Park—Sounkyo—Asahikawa—Otaru—Jozankei—Lake Toya—Noboribetsu—Airport drop-off

🏆 Why Choose Us?
✅ Private customized tours, with a dedicated planner creating a personalized itinerary
✅ Minimum of 2 people, independent travel without group sharing, ensuring privacy
✅ Business vehicles + Chinese-speaking drivers, point-to-point transfers
✅ Selected scenic hotels, private hot springs♨️ and stunning views
✅ Scenic spot tickets + activity experiences + insurance + travel contract... all arranged

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✨ Text and images reposted from Ye Yi You - Luxury Travel, please do not misjudge.