Sapporo In Autumn: What To Do, Where To Go, And Why You’ll Love It

If you’re dreaming of an autumn getaway filled with vibrant foliage, crisp air, and the joy of harvest season, Japan might be just what you’re looking for.

From colorful leaves to local festivals, fall in Japan offers a perfect mix of beauty and culture.

And if you’re wondering where to start, Sapporo in autumn is a destination worth getting excited about.

Why I love Sapporo in the Autumn

One of my favorite seasons to travel abroad is fall.

Not only are there fewer tourists in many destinations, but across the Northern Hemisphere, you get to enjoy the stunning transformation of nature that is Autumn.

It’s also a season of harvest, which means plenty of food and cultural festivals.

Japan is one of the best countries to experience both the beauty of the changing seasons and the charm of seasonal festivals.

Many first-time visitors to Japan stick to Honshu, the main island, where cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are located.

But if you’re traveling during autumn, try to make room in your itinerary for a destination where you can immerse yourself in the vivid reds of maple trees and the golden glow of ginkgo leaves.

Fall colors and festivals can be found throughout Japan from September through November.

But if you’re a nature lover or looking for a different kind of Japan experience, I highly recommend heading north to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, and spending some time in Sapporo and its surrounding areas.

This region is a nature lover’s paradise year-round, but autumn and winter are when it shines.

I’ve traveled to Japan during different seasons, and one of those trips brought me to Sapporo in late autumn.

I only had a few days there, but I loved it.

I visited in late November, and although many of the leaves were starting to fall, the trees and shrubs still glowed with deep reds and oranges.

The air was crisp, and the city center was beginning to sparkle with the first lights of the Sapporo Winter Illumination.

Getting to Sapporo

There are several ways to get to Sapporo from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but in this case, I recommend skipping the train and flying instead; it will save you a lot of time.

You can get a direct flight from Tokyo’s Haneda or Osaka’s International airports and land in Sapporo in less than two hours.

Once you land, it’s an easy 40-minute rapid train ride into central Sapporo.

Taking the train from Tokyo is possible, but it’s a much longer journey.

It takes around nine hours with a transfer at Shin-Hakodate.

If you’re coming from Osaka, there are multiple train changes.

Getting to Sapporo: Flight or Train?

From Tokyo:

✈️ Flight: 1 hr 40 min plus a 40 min train ride to Sapporo city. Early booking price range: 40 -80 USD (¥6,000–¥12,000), offering the fastest and budget-friendly option with advance air fares.

🚄 Train: 9 hrs with transfer, 180-200 USD (¥27,000–¥30,000), Scenic route; consider if using a Japan Rail Pass.

From Osaka:

✈️ Flight: 1 hr 45 min plus a 40 min train ride to Sapporo city. Early booking price range 50 – 90 USD ( ¥7,000–¥13,000), best option for saving time and money.

🚄 Train: 11–12+ hours with multiple transfers, 240 + USD (¥35,000+). Time-consuming with multiple transfers.

You can drive or take a bus to Sapporo, but it’s a long trip, over 20 hours, including a ferry ride between the islands.

If you love road trips and have plenty of time, it’s a cool adventure.

But if you’re short on time, flying is definitely your best bet.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Sapporo

The best way to soak in the autumn colors in Sapporo is by walking through its beautiful parks or taking in panoramic views from Mt. Moiwa.

Whether you’re up for a casual stroll or a bit of an adventure, at least one of these spots should match your interests and available time.

Odori Park – This long, central park cuts through the heart of Sapporo and is perfect for an easy walk. It’s also great for people-watching while enjoying the shift in seasons.

Nakajima Park – A quieter escape just south of central Sapporo, Nakajima Park has a lovely Japanese garden, tree-lined paths, and a traditional tea house, ideal for a calm and beautiful moment.

Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine – A local favorite, this park offers a peaceful place to enjoy fall foliage, paired with a visit to the nearby Hokkaido Shrine. It’s easily accessible and makes for a nice cultural stop.

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway – For sweeping views of the city framed by autumn colors, the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway is a must. Go in the late afternoon to catch the best of the foliage, then stay to see the city lights come alive after dark. Breathtaking!

Hiraoka Jugei Center – If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, head to Hiraoka Jugei Center. Locals love it for its vivid red maple trees, and it’s a fantastic way to see fall in a quieter setting.

More Reasons to Love Sapporo in the Autumn

Sapporo Brewery and Beer Museum

Sapporo is probably best known for the beer that shares its name, and yes, the Sapporo Beer Museum is definitely worth a visit.

It’s more than a museum; the entire campus is lively, with restaurants and beer tastings.

When I visited in late November, the grounds still had some of the most vibrant fall colors I saw during my visit there.

For opening hours and reservation information visit their website Sapporo Beer Museum.

Sapporo Autumn Fest

If you’re in town during September, don’t miss the Sapporo Autumn Fest held in Odori Park.

It’s one of the city’s biggest seasonal events, a celebration of Hokkaido’s harvest with over 300 food stalls.

You’ll find everything from ramen and fresh seafood to craft beer and sweets, perfect for tasting your way through the season.

For this years date and more information on the festival and Sapporo in general visit Sapporo Travel website.

Jozankei Onsen “Town”

For relaxing with a view, head to Jozankei Onsen, about an hour away by bus.

This mountain valley town is known for its vibrant foliage along the Toyohira River and charming bridges connecting the onsen resorts.

It’s especially stunning in mid-to-late October.

Otaru

If you’re looking for something a little closer, consider taking a short train ride to Otaru.

This coastal town was once a major shipping hub and has retained its old-world charm.

The canal area, lined with historic warehouses, makes for great photos.

Especially during the winter or at night.

When I visited, most of the trees had already shed their leaves, but I still found pockets of red and orange shrubs brightening the streets.

Sapporo: Made for Leaf Viewing

I really enjoyed my visit to Sapporo, and I’m already planning to include it in my next trip to Japan.

The city’s blend of vibrant nature, friendly people, and relaxed energy makes it a wonderful place to spend a few days, especially in autumn.

Because Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, the fall colors arrive earlier than in other regions.

You can usually expect the leaves to start changing in late September, with peak color in early to mid-October.

By the time I visited in late November, snow was already in the forecast!

If you want to experience the full range of autumn colors, I recommend timing your visit for October.

If you do, I hope you can make space in your itinerary for at least one of the scenic spots mentioned above.

Planning a trip to Japan in Autumn? Then you might enjoy reading our post, Best Places to Enjoy Autumn in Japan.

If you enjoyed this post and want more ideas for what to see and do, plus tips to help plan a Japan trip that’s right for you, subscribe to our newsletter!

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