Where to see the fall foliage: Our Travel Guide by regionHokkaido
The northern island of Hokkaido has Japan’s earliest kōyō and some of the country’s most dramatic scenery.
About twenty kilometers north of Hakodate lies Onuma Park. Covering an area of 90 km², it is the ideal place to go on an “autumn leaf hunt” (momiji gari). Every year, the vegetation begins its transformation in mid-October. We advise you to visit the park during the second half of October to admire its magnificent maples, beeches and red oaks. Don’t miss the lake view from Shuho Komagatake (1,131 meters); it’s breathtaking!
Daisetsuzan National Park
It’s in the heart of Hokkaido that the kōyō season, autumn-colored foliage, begins. From the beginning of September, the leaves start to change color and all of Daisetsuzan National Park, with a total area of 220,000 hectares, is colored yellow, red and orange, to the delight of visiting nature lovers.
Daisetsuzan National Park is a real treasure in the heart of Hokkaido, to be discovered over several days if you have time. Each period has its interest. Be aware that the hiking trails are not very difficult but they can be long and tiring. In addition, in winter, it is better to take precautions and check that all the trails are passable. Also beware of the brown bear, which drags its few hundred kilos through the forests in search of food. The sound of a bell hanging from your bag will keep it at bay.
At the eastern end of the island of Hokkaido lies one of the most beautiful sites in Japan, Shiretoko, a fantastic natural and protected conservatory. Shiretoko is the mountainous peninsula that stretches towards the Kuril Islands, at the extreme northeast of Hokkaido. The Shiretoko National Park in Northeast Hokkaido is one of the best and earliest places to see the autumn colors in Japan, usually beginning in mid-October.
AloJapan.com