Autumn in Sapporo
Recommendations for Fall Sightseeing
*Updated October 15, 2019
Here are some great ideas for people looking to enjoy autumn in Sapporo. This is the perfect time of year to see the city decorated in changing leaves, sample a smorgasbord of culinary delights from the fall harvest, check out the hot springs or enjoy a variety of other leisure activities.
Get Ready for Fall
Unlike southern Japan, the lack of residual summer heat makes fall in Sapporo especially pleasant. Even if it gets warm during the day, the temperature still drops to nearly 10°C after the sun goes down, so be sure to bring a light jacket. As October progresses, that morning and evening chill becomes more intense, so you might want to pack a sweater, cardigan or scarf to keep yourself warm.
Sapporo Adorned in Autumn Leaves
Sapporo is decorated in beautiful colors during the autumn. This is a great time to go for a walk amongst the ginkgo and maple trees as you capture the season’s reds and golds in photos. You won’t have to travel far to find this beautiful fall scenery, as changing leaves can be seen in both the downtown and suburbs of Sapporo.
Recommended Fall Foliage Spots
The Incredible Flavors of Fall
Sapporo is a treasure trove of autumnal flavors and the best Hokkaido ingredients. Salmon is particularly popular at the end of the season when it is deliciously fatty and filled with nutrients. Other seasonal delights include pickled salmon roe and cuisine made with harvest vegetables.
Recommended Fall Sapporo Cuisine
Experience the Real Charm of Hokkaido in the Hot Springs
Autumn is the perfect time of year for a trip to the hot springs. The chloride hot springs of Jozankei, Sapporo are only an hour drive from the city center but surrounded by majestic natural scenery completely different from the city, making it a great place to take in the changing leaves from the comfort of the baths. There are lots of ways to enjoy a trip to Jozankei, whether you drive over for a quick day trip or relax in the free foot baths.
The Atmosphere of Jozankei Onsen
Fun Activities Surrounded by Autumn Leaves
There are lots of ways to see the fall colors, whether traversing the foot of the mountains by horseback or gazing out at the Toyohira River valley from a café. The mountains in the area are even more beautiful when painted in the shades of autumn leaves. Also be sure to check out the many places where you can pick fresh fruit!
The Sapporo International Short Film Festival and Fall Art Events
The main theater for the Sapporo International Short Film Festival is at Sapporo Plaza 2・5 in Tanuki Koji 5. This event features screenings of documentaries, dramas and animated shorts from across the globe. Throughout November, you can take in a variety of art and music at Sapporo Art Stage, an event series located mainly in Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway. Many of these are completely free, so you’ll definitely want to check them out! Or, if you want to take in fine art against a backdrop of autumn leaves, you might want to visit Sapporo Art Park, or check out the Hokkaido Museum, which is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery.
The Mesmerizing Beauty of the View on a Fall Night
Sapporo was selected as one of the top three cities for nighttime views in Japan, so the evening scenery is not to be missed! One of the reasons for this is the multitude of excellent vantage points for taking in the cityscape at night, such as from Mt. Moiwa, Mt. Okura or the JR Tower. The chill, clear air of the fall season makes the scenery even more beautiful to behold.
