Why don’t you enjoy the autumn colors along the waterside during the fall vacation season!
The lower reaches of the Ishikari River, which can be reached on a day trip from Sapporo, have many spectacular spots such as valleys and dams, where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors reflected on the water.
We recommend combining a day trip with hot springs and local gourmet food!
Table of Contents
1 Eniwa Valley (Eniwa City)
2 Takinoue Park (Yubari City)
3 Hoheikyo Dam (Sapporo City)
4 Jozankei Dam (Sapporo City)
5 Lake Shikotsu (Chitose City)
1 Eniwa Valley (Eniwa City)
Rarumanai River
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
The Eniwa Valley is located about 18 kilometers from Eniwa City along the Prefectural Highway-Eniwadakekoen Route No.117 in the direction of Lake Shikotsu.
Three beautiful and unique waterfalls, the Hakusen Falls, the Rarumanai Falls, and the Sandan Falls, are popular. During the autumn foliage season, the valley and waterfalls are decorated with colorful leaves, delighting visitors’ eyes.
Walking paths and waterfall viewing plazas have been established so that everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy the autumn foliage safely.
▲Hakusen Falls
Named for the way the water flowing down from a height of 15 meters into the waterfall basin looks like a pure white fan spreading out. (Hakusen means white fan)
▲Rarumanai Falls
Rarumanai means “waterless stream” in the Ainu. According to one theory, it means a place where both sides of the stream are cut off and the rapids turn into waterfalls.
▲Sandan Falls
Named after the three tiers of white strips that flow down. (Sandan means three tiers)
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散策にはもってこい！歴史のロマンも感じられる恵庭渓谷へ出かけよう！
Eniwa Valley MAPCODE: 867 394 354*38
2 Takinoue Park (Yubari City)
Yubari River
Best time to visit: Mid-October
The gorge around Takinoue Park is called “Ponso Kamuikotan” (the place where northern gods live) in the Ainu. It consists of strange rocks and countless waterfalls of various sizes formed by the erosion of the Yubari River. It is one of the best places in Hokkaido for viewing autumn leaves, with its dynamic and magnificent scenery changing its expression from season to season.
It’s only a 40-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, so it’s easy to get to, and the parking lot is fully equipped, making it a great place to drive!
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[Rivers and dams in Hokkaido]Yubari River
Takinoue Park MAPCODE: 320 296 055*34
3 Hoheikyo Dam (Sapporo City)
Toyohira River
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
Hoheikyo Dam is located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a scenic spot surrounded by sheer rock slopes. The colored leaves around the dam are reflected on the surface of the lake, creating a beautiful view that is different from that of summer. Sightseeing discharge is held until October 31, so it’s a great chance to get some Instagrammable photos!
Around the dam, there are famous spots where you can enjoy the natural scenery, such as Kudan Falls and Senjoiwa, and taking a stroll while viewing the autumn leaves is also recommended.
◎Sightseeing discharge
From June 1 to October 31
Click here for details on the discharge times.
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[Rivers and dams in Hokkaido]Hoheikyo Dam
Hoheikyo Dam MAPCODE: 708 573 566*63
4 Jozankei Dam (Sapporo City)
Otarunai River
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
Jozankei Dam, located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is a popular autumn foliage viewing spot near Sapporo along with Hoheikyo Dam. Many tourists visit during the autumn foliage season, and the view from the four observation decks around the dam’s lake, Sapporo Lake, is well worth a visit!
You can also take a bus tour from Jozankei Hot Spring Town to the Jozankei Dam and other autumn foliage attractions, so you can fully enjoy the autumn colors of Jozankei.
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[Rivers and dams in Hokkaido]Jozankei Dam
Jozankei Dam MAPCODE: 708 814 789*23
5 Lake Shikotsu (Chitose City)
Lake Shikotsu
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
Lake Shikotsu is located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a caldera lake with a circumference of about 40 km surrounded by steep mountains such as Mount Eniwa, Mount Tarumae. It has been repeatedly recognized as the best lake in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment in its water quality surveys. It boasts one of the highest levels of transparency in Japan.
The lake is easily accessible from Sapporo City (75 minutes by car, 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport) and is a popular tourist spot regardless of the season. Especially in the fall, the surrounding forests of Japanese maples change color, creating a spectacular view of the lake covered in red leaves. There are many ways to enjoy the autumn colors of Lake Shikotsu, such as going up to the observation decks around the lake, driving along the road, and viewing from the sightseeing boat.
◎Check out Kawatabi Hokkaido’s articles!
支笏湖の自然の魅力を余すところなく味わえる支笏湖ビジターセンター。
Lake Shikotsu MAPCODE：708 024 348*63
