Autumn Leaves + Sightseeing in Jozankei: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Hokkaido's Best Views – Autumn Leaves of Jozankei in 2021" (紅葉2021　定山渓　北海道　　絶景), was uploaded by "GreenNova TV." Jozankei is located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and is a popular, remote hot spring resort surrounded by rich valleys and deep forests. Jozankei's vivid autumn foliage is due to the rocky surfaces of the valley having large differences in temperature and the beautifully flowing river. Shikotsu-Toya National Park consists of five areas: the Lake Shikotsu area, Jozankei area, Lake Toya area, Mt. Yotei area, and the Noboribetsu area. In the Jozankei area, the area around Hoheikyo Dam is loved by many tourists traveling in Hokkaido as one of the best places to see autumn leaves. Be sure to check out this enchanting video that captures the autumn leaves at their best.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort's Autumn Festival! Enjoy a Spectacular View of Autumn Leaves on a Gondola!

Photo：Autumn at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Jozankei, Sapporo in Hokkaido.
When the autumn leaves are in season, visitors can enjoy stunning colors created by Mother Nature from the foot of the mountain to the summit.
The Autumn Festival is held every year when the autumn leaves are at their best, and the "Autumn Leaves Gondola" is a popular event utilizing a gondola.
Viewing the autumn leaves while riding a gondola makes for an exciting experience, and the sweeping views of autumn leaves from the picturesque viewing platform at the top of the mountain are nothing short of amazing.
There are also stalls serving delicious food and local specialties of Hokkaido, so be sure to enjoy the flavors of autumn to your heart's content!
[Video] 0:30 - Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

A Stunning View of Autumn Leaves From the Sapporo Lake Daiichi Observatory

The contrast of the autumn leaves from the maples, cherries, and other trees seen from the Sapporo Lake Daiichi Observatory makes it a spectacular place to enjoy the autumn foliage. Usually, the leaves begin to change color in late September, and the best time to view them is from early to mid-October. In addition to the Sapporo Lake Daiichi Observatory, there are four other "Sapporo Lake Observatories" nearby. The first observatory is the best place to view Jozankei Dam, and is also popular among many photographers as an excellent spot to take landscape photos, photos of the autumn leaves, and even photos of the starry sky with little light pollution.
[Video] 2:30 - Sapporo Lake Daiichi Observatory

Jozankei Dam – Photogenic Autumn Leaves and Breathtaking Starry Skies

Photo：Jozankei Dam

The Jozankei Dam, along with the nearby Hoheikyo Dam, serves as a water reservoir for the citizens of Sapporo. The lake created by the dam is known as Lake Sapporo.

Jozankei Dam is a great spot for viewing autumn leaves surrounded by mountains. The trees are laid out in layers like rice fields on a steep slope, and the colorful autumn leaves are sure to delight. During the daytime, many people visit the park below the dam and the Jozankei Dam Museum. And come nightfall, the star-filled sky and stunning nighttime views from the observatory attract many visitors.

In addition, the Hoheikyo Dam, which has been selected as one of the Top 100 Water Source Forests and Top 100 Dammed Lakes, is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can see water being discharged from the dam. If you're lucky, you can even see a rainbow. Be sure to check discharge times before visiting.
[Video] 3:20 - Jozankei Dam

Shigure Bridge – A Place for Picturesque Photography!

Shigure Bridge, located in Jozankei, Sapporo, is a bridge over the Shirai River, a branch of the Toyohira River, on the way from Jozankei Onsen to Jozankei Dam. The picturesque scenery of the flowing mountain stream and deep red autumn leaves makes for awesome photos on Instagram, and visitors can also enjoy a spectacular view of the autumn leaves in the valley from atop the bridge. Be sure to snap some photos of your own.
[Video] 4:10 - Shigure Bridge

JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE – An Exciting Event of Illuminated Autumn Leaves at Futami Park

Photo：JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE, Futami Park, Jozankei

JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE, a light-up event held every year from Jozankei's Futami Park to the Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge area, utilizes the natural beauty of the area. The event is usually held from June to mid-October.

The nature trail "Futami Jozan-no-michi" (a course from Futami Park to Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge, Kappabuchi Pool, and Akaiwa no Kan) is a popular sightseeing route along the Toyohira River, and is a walking path where visitors can feel the grandeur of nature. The walking trail is the stage for a light-up performance featuring illuminations and projection mapping to create a unique glow. The smell of the trees, the murmuring of the river, and the chirping of the insects combine to create a magical experience.

JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE is an admission-free event, but in recent years, it has become a limited event for Jozankei Onsen guests. If you are planning a trip to Jozankei, consider planning it in combination with a stay at a hot spring inn.
[Video] 4:33 - Futami Park

Summary of Autumn Sightseeing in Jozankei

Jozankei has been designated as a national park and is famous for its autumn leaves. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it can be visited in less than an hour from the Sapporo city center. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, visitors can enjoy Mother Nature just by strolling through Jozankei Onsen, and enjoy the brilliant autumn leaves of fall. When the autumn leaves are in season and the walking trails in Jozankei are crowded, we recommend trying the convenient Jozankei Onsen one-day bus tours. You can stay at a nice hotel, enjoy open-air baths and delicious food, visit Jozankei Shrine to calm your mind, and, last but not least, enjoy the splendid autumn leaves. We hope this helps you make some exciting travel plans so you can enjoy an awesome time in Hokkaido the next time you visit!