Hokkaido autumn travel blog — 15+ top things to do & best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn

The coral grasslands of Lake Notoro range from 4 to 9 hectares. If you are lucky to go on a sunny days, it will be even more wonderful, because the red color of coral grass will reflect on the blue lake to create a scenery like a fairyland …

Address: Hokkaido, Abashiri, Ubaranai 60-3

Things to do in Hokkaido in autumn: Onsen bathing

With its cool atmosphere, charming natural scenery, Hokkaido in autumn is really the perfect time to take onsen bath.

It is not difficult to find an osen bath place in Hokkaido because this is considered one of the daily activities of the locals. However, for tourists, bathing is not enough, must see the beautiful scenery while bathing will be more happy! That’s why I recommend you to take a onsen bath in Jozankei hot springs – a valley away from the noise of the city, where rows of red and yellow maple trees run along the banks.

Address: 4 Chome-330 Jozankeionsenhigashi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2302
Phone: 011-598-2029
Url: https://jozankei.jp/en

As you know, everyone has to undress while soaking in the hot springs in Japan. But in Jozankei Onsen, you don’t have to be shy when naked in front of strangers anymore, because this thing is not mandatory at here.

At Kokoro no Sato Jozan footbath & lounge, you can foot bath in the natural hot spring with Hokkaido’s natural scenery. This area is designed in a private and friendly way, the space and seats have many different angles so you can comfortably relax without being disturbed.

And if you want to enjoy the relax for the soul, then buy some snacks and a cup of hot tea, soak your feet under the romantic scenery in this hot spring.

Address: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Minami-ku Jozankei Onsen Nishi 4-chome 372-1
Price: 1.000 yen ($9.42)
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Fascinating with spectacular festivals

It is often said that summer is the most vibrant season in Japan because of a series small and large of festivals. I was stupidly believing that until … I came to Hokkaido in the fall!

I discovered that when maple leaves start to turn yellow and red, it is also the time when the traditional autumn festivals take place equally vibrant and majestic.

The biggest is the Sapporo Autumn Festival. This is the largest culinary festival in Hokkaido taking place in Odori Park located in the heart of Sapporo city, also one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Hokkaido. Here, you can enjoy countless famous foods such as King crab, Ramen noodles, Ishikari Hot Pot, Sushi, Soba noodles, candies and other diverse foods. Don’t worry, there is a separate vegetarian food court here.

The autumn weather in Sapporo is not only cool but also a pretty good harvest season. As a way to welcome the new season with the rich local products of the people living there, the Sapporo Autumn Festival was born! This festival lasts 3 weeks per year. And this year’s festival will be held from September 9 to October 1!

About the size of 8 football stadiums, this culinary festival has brought all the best flavors of Hokkaido to one place. From international to local dishes or snacks, all are filled with the essence of Japanese festivals, so don’t miss the chance to try all of these super delicious local delicacies!

Be prepared to be surprised at the variety of cuisines here such as agricultural products, processed foods, sake, ramen and sushi too … There are also a variety of delicious desserts, such as frozen yoghurt!

Address: Odori Park, right next to Odori Subway Station.
Price: free entry
Hours: 10:00 am – 8:30 pm daily

Next is the Sanma Nemuro Fish Festival, where you can enjoy every fresh sliced fish meat just caught in the sea. In Japan, there are countless waters for Sanma (Pacific saury) fishing, but the natural sweetness in each piece of fish meat soft, greasy, unforgettable can only be Sanma fish from Nemuro, Hokkaido. Not only contains many fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, E, D … essential for health, in the fat of Sanma Nemuro fish also has many Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPD, DHA … Effective against common diseases in the elderly such as myocardial infarction, stroke. This is a nutrient rich fish. This is a delicacy that everyone who loves Japanese cuisine knows.

Location: 〒087-0053 5, Honcho, Nemuro-shi, Hokkaido (Nemuro Port special event space)
Phone: 0153-23-6111
Hours: From Sept. 21, 2019 to Saturday, Sept. 22, 2019, Sunday 21st 12:00-20:00, 22nd 9:00-15:00
Url: https://www.city.nemuro.hokkaido.jp/

Marimo Festival at Lake Akan is a festival where Ainu people express their gratitude to nature. This festival is the embodiment of the Japanese, who have always lived in harmony with nature. The Ainu people always respect the gods and have great faith in these rituals. They thank the god of the lake for the blessings of nature through the Marimo festival.

Watch birds flying at Miyajima-muna park

Just a few hours drive from Sapporo is located in Bibai City, The Ramsar Park Area in Miyajima-numa. In the fall, thousands of people flock here just to watch the amazing sight of the flock of white geese and swans flying here for migration, usually before dawn. They usually come here every year in September and October.

Bird watching is considered one of the interesting outdoor activities that you will love in Hokkaido. It takes only an hour by car from Sapporo to come here. Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the fresh air of the early morning in a wonderful land and catch the moment the birds together flying at 5 am.

These birds often fly before the dawn, about 5 am and return before sunset at 4:30 to 5:30 pm. To enjoy this amazing view, it’s best to watch them in silence and remember not to turn on the flash when taking photos.

Address: Miyajima-numa, Nishibibaicho Omagari, Bibai, Hokkaido Prefecture 072-0057, Japan

Self-drive along Biei and Furanose roads

Biei has long been known as a place of beautiful scenery, the hills tinted with autumn colors not only inspire but also make you want to come back here again. Therefore, driving on this road is an experience that you should not miss when coming to Hokkaido.

Admire panoramic city view from the Sapporo TV tower

Sapporo TV Tower is located at the end of Odori Park and was built in 1956, one of the biggest sights in Sapporo. This architecture is built very eye-catching, you can see it from afar, and is also the most outstanding feature of Odori park too.

On this 90m high observatory, you can see the whole beautiful Odori park, and if the weather gets better, you can see the Ishikari area or even the Japanese sea!

Read more: Sapporo travel blog — The fullest Sapporo city guide for a great trip on a budget for the first-timers.

Located in: Ōdōri Park
Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
Height: 147 m
Opened: August 24, 1957
Hours: 9AM–10PM
Admission: from 720 yen ($6.75)
Url: https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/en/price/

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Sapporo & Hokkaido you can refer to

• Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and More
• Sapporo Highland Sightseeing Bus Tour with Meals
• Sapporo Private Day Tour with Local Licensed Guide
• Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and More
• Hokkaido Enjoy Pass
• Furano and Tomita Farm Day Tour from Sapporo
• Sapporo Afternoon Bus Tour
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Hokkaido travel guide and top things to do in Hokkaido: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Hokkaido travel blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Hokkaido, Japan.