Autumn Leaves at Nishioka Park

Just beyond a quiet residential area in Sapporo’s Toyohira Ward, forest and wetland surround the Nishioka Reservoir. Entry is free, and it’s a good choice if you’d rather walk in nature than join the crowds at the big sightseeing spots. I’m Muto, a taxi driver in Sapporo and the driver of MUTOTAXI, and here is what I saw on my visit.

The entrance and stairs of Nishioka Park from the parking lot, surrounded by autumn trees — **Photo: October 25, 2026**The entrance by the parking lot. The park map is on the left, and the stairs ahead lead into the park.

Typical peak: Mid to late October
Admission: Free
Area: Toyohira-ku, Sapporo

What is Nishioka Park?

Nishioka Park protects the wetland and forest at the source of the Tsukisamu River. At its center is the Nishioka Reservoir, circled by walking paths and wooden boardwalks through the wetland.

A loop around the reservoir is about 1.3 km, and a loop around the whole park is about 2.5 km. The park map shows illustrations of kingfishers, narcissus flycatchers, Ezo brown frogs and skunk cabbage, and the park is popular with locals for nature watching in every season.

The Nishioka Park map sign at the entrance — The park map at the entrance (Japanese only). Tap the photo to enlarge it. It helps to check where the reservoir, wetland and boardwalks are before you start walking.

Around the entrance on October 25, 2026

On the day of my visit, the trees around the parking lot were mostly yellow and orange. Some still had green leaves, while others had already lost theirs, so the timing varies from tree to tree.

Yellow and orange autumn trees around the Nishioka Park parking lot — Trees along the parking lot, a mix of yellow, orange and green.

When is the best time to see the leaves?

The leaves at Nishioka Park usually peak from mid to late October. The exact timing shifts each year with the weather. Because this is a forest park, different kinds of trees also change color at slightly different times.

Highlights

The path around the reservoir

The classic way to enjoy the autumn colors here is to walk the path around the reservoir. Looking across the water to the forest on the far shore is something you can only do at a park with a reservoir like this one.

The wetland boardwalk

Beyond the reservoir lies a wetland with wooden boardwalks. You can walk through both forest and wetland, so the autumn scenery changes as you go.

Basic information

Name: Nishioka Park (Nishioka Koen)
Address: 487 Nishioka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Park office: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Tuesdays (April to November), Tuesdays and Wednesdays (December to March)
Phone: +81-11-582-0050 (Nishioka Park office, Japanese)
Office facilities: Rest area, exhibits, nursing room, kids’ corner, woodcraft and book sales
Autumn leaves: Usually mid to late October (varies by year)

Park office details are based on the sign at the park as of October 25, 2026.

Getting there

By bus

The nearest stops are “Nishioka Suigenchi” and “Nishioka 4-jo 14-chome” on the Chuo Bus network. From Sumikawa Station on the Namboku subway line, take a bus to Nishioka Suigenchi, and the park is right there. You can also take a bus from Tsukisamu-Chuo Station on the Toho line to Nishioka 4-jo 14-chome, then walk about 15 minutes.

By car or taxi

There is a parking lot in front of the entrance. Please check with the park office about the number of spaces and winter use.

Benizakura Park in Minami Ward is also reached from the Namboku line area, so by car the two parks make an easy pair for a single day.

Before you go

Fires and open flames are not allowed in the park.
There are no trash bins, so please take your trash with you.
Picking plants or wild vegetables is not allowed, and please don’t release any animals into the park.
Dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash.
In late October it starts getting dark in Sapporo around 4:30 pm. The forest paths become hard to see, so plan to finish your walk while it is still light.
Mornings and evenings are cold. Bring a warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

More autumn leaves in Sapporo

Autumn Leaves at Okurayama Chuo Ward. The 1972 Winter Olympics ski jump, framed by autumn-colored hills. Autumn Leaves at Benizakura Park Minami Ward. A Japanese garden known for leaves reflected in its pond and a red arched bridge. Sapporo Autumn Leaves Guide Compare Sapporo’s autumn spots, their peak times and how to visit them.

Private charters and transfers for autumn leaves

MUTOTAXI offers airport transfers and private sightseeing charters across Hokkaido in a Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge (up to 6 passengers). For a charter around Sapporo’s autumn spots, such as Nishioka Park and Benizakura Park, tell us your preferred route and timing and we will send you a quote.

You can also stop to see the leaves on your way from New Chitose Airport to your hotel in Sapporo on the day you arrive.

Request a charter or transfer Email: mutotaxi.inquiry@gmail.com