5 Famous Autumn Scenery in Hokkaido: Flower Gardens and Autumn Leaves to Share on Social Media

1. Shikisai-no-Oka

Shikisai-no-Oka is located in one of Hokkaido\'s most gorgeous sightseeing areas, Biei. It is a standard spot in Hokkaido to view picturesque autumn scenery. From late April until late October, seasonal flowers bloom on the hill, providing an amazing contrast of colors. Autumn is the best time to see lavender, marigold, and kochia flowers.

I have personally traveled here! The view of the wild blooms from the top of the hill provides an almost stereoscopic effect. It looks different from every angle, so it is easy to lose track of time admiring the amazing scenery expanding before your eyes.

Access: 12-minute drive from Biei Station on the JR Furano Line

2. Patchwork Road

The Patchwork Road in Biei was not created for sightseeing, but rather, it is the result of farmers interweaving crops in their fields. It\'s an everyday scene to the people of Biei, but it\'s absolutely gorgeous and calms the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

The Patchwork Road is at its best during the evening! The setting sun lights up the fields, creating an atmosphere that will bring peace to your body and soul. This road is located in the same area as Shikisai-no-Oka, so make sure to visit them both!

Access: 5-minute drive from Biei Station on the JR Furano Line

3. Shirogane Blue Pond

This gorgeous glittering blue pond is also located in Biei, in the same area as Shikisai-no-Oka and the Patchwork Road. It was originally constructed as a weir (a construction that diverts or decreases the flow of water) to prevent damage from the nearby Mt. Tokachi in the event of a natural disaster. The unique makeup of the water as well as various natural phenomena combine to create its amazing blue color. The color actually changes depending on the season: a greenish blue in spring, and a bright blue in early summer. In autumn, the colorful leaves provide a beautiful contrast with the blue pond. The ideal visiting time would be in the morning on a clear day with no wind.

Access: 20-minute drive from JR Biei Station

4. Lake Notoro

Located in the town of Abashiri in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Lake Notoro is a great place to view the autumnal colors of glasswort. Glasswort is a plant that grows year-round in arctic climates. First discovered in Japan in 1891 on the island of Kakijima in Akkeshi’s Lake Akkeshi, it is now known to grow in various areas of Hokkaido, such as Lake Komuke, Lake Saroma, and Lake Notoro. Among these, Lake Notoro’s glasswort is known as the most beautiful in Japan. The verdant, lush green of summer gives way to a deep red in autumn, resembling a carpet of leaves laid out across the area. The third and fourth weeks of September are the best time to view this incredible scenery. Standard autumn sightseeing spots are beautiful, but the more unique-looking places are impressive in their own right.

Access: Take the Tokoro/Lake Saroma Sakaeura bus from the Abashiri Bus Terminal and disembark at the Sangoso Iriguchi bus stop.

5. Sounkyo

Sounkyo is a gorge located in the foothills of Mt. Kuro in Japan’s largest national park, Daisetsuzan National Park. The sheer cliffs span over 24 km, and in the autumn, this sloped area is covered in beautiful colored leaves. Near the mountain’s peak, autumn leaves begin to appear near the end of July, making these the earliest autumn leaves available to be enjoyed in Japan.

If you want to fully enjoy the autumn scenery of Sounkyo, make sure to ride the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway, where you can view Mt. Kuro as well as other nearby mountains, enjoying a sublime view.

▼Ropeway Prices (Round Trip)
Adult: 2,400 JPY Elementary School Student: 1,200 JPY

Access: 35-minute ride on the Dohaku Bus from Kamikawa Station

Did you see any scenery you are interested in? Seeing a photograph is enough to communicate the beauty of these places. If you ever have the chance to visit Hokkaido, make sure to view some of these locations with your own eyes.

Thumbnail: PIXTA