Autumn Leaves at Benizakura Park

Benizakura Park is a Japanese garden tucked into the forest of Sumikawa in Sapporo’s Minami Ward. Autumn leaves reflected in a pond, a path leading to a red arched bridge, and a distillery on the grounds. I’m Muto, a taxi driver in Sapporo and the driver of MUTOTAXI, and these are the photos I took while walking through the park.

Autumn leaves reflected in the pond at Benizakura Park, with a stone lantern — **Photo: October 25, 2026**The pond in the park, with the autumn colors clearly reflected on the water.

Typical peak: Mid to late October
Admission: ¥500 (children of elementary school age and younger free)
Area: Sumikawa, Minami-ku, Sapporo

What is Benizakura Park?

Benizakura Park is a private park in a corner of a forest known as Sakurayama. It is known for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, and the grounds include a Japanese garden, ponds, a fishing pond and walking paths.

The park map shows buildings such as the Benizakura Main Hall, Koyokan and SAKURA Hall, along with Kaitaku Shrine, Kamegaike Pond and a large snow-viewing stone lantern. Because it sits in a forest a little away from the city, it offers a quieter garden walk than the parks in central Sapporo.

The Benizakura Park map sign — The park map (Japanese, with a short English description). Tap the photo to enlarge it. The layout and names of facilities may change, so please also check the signs on site.

Autumn colors on October 25, 2026

On the day of my visit, red, orange and yellow were all out together, and colorful trees surrounded me wherever I walked. Fallen leaves were starting to cover the paths, just what you hope to see in peak season.

A path covered in fallen leaves leading to a red bridge at Benizakura Park — A path carpeted with yellow maple leaves, with the red arched bridge ahead.

Bright red maples and a Japanese-style building seen over a fence at Benizakura Park — Bright red maples and a Japanese-style building, seen over the fence.

Red and yellow autumn leaves seen between the trees at Benizakura Park — Looking down between the trees, red, orange and yellow layered together.

When is the best time to see the leaves?

The leaves at Benizakura Park usually peak from mid to late October. Depending on the weather, the timing can shift by about a week either way.

The photos on this page were taken on October 25, 2026, when red, orange and yellow were all at their best. Before you go, check the park’s official information for the latest conditions.

Highlights

The pond and stone lantern

The highlight is the pond, where the autumn leaves are reflected on the water. A stone lantern stands at the water’s edge, giving the scene a calm Japanese garden feel. On sunny days with little wind, the reflections are even clearer.

The red bridge and leafy paths

Follow the forest paths and you’ll come to a red arched bridge. In peak season the ground is covered with fallen leaves, and simply walking here feels like autumn.

Benizakura Distillery

There is a distillery on the grounds, so you can stop by during your walk. Opening days and hours can change, so it’s best to check in advance.

Basic information

Name: Benizakura Park (Benizakura Koen)
Address: 389-6 Sumikawa, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: ¥500 per person, free for children of elementary school age and younger
As printed on the admission ticket on October 25, 2026.
Hours and closed days: These may change by season, so please check the official information.
Autumn leaves: Usually mid to late October (varies by year)

Benizakura Park admission ticket: 500 yen per person, free for elementary school children and younger — The ticket I received at the entrance.

Getting there

By subway and on foot

It’s about a 20-minute walk from Jieitai-mae Station on the Namboku subway line.

By car or taxi

From central Sapporo, head south toward Minami Ward. The park is a bit of a walk from the station, so a car is convenient if you’re carrying camera gear or want to visit other autumn spots on the same day.

Nishioka Park, also in the south of Sapporo, is reached from Sumikawa Station on the same Namboku line. You can combine it with Benizakura Park to see two autumn spots in one day.

Before you go

Late October mornings and evenings in Sapporo are quite cold. A light down jacket and gloves will keep you comfortable.
Paths get slippery when covered with leaves. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
It starts getting dark in Sapporo around 4:30 pm at this time of year. For photos, the hours around midday, when the sun is out, work best.

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 Nishioka Park Toyohira Ward. A free park where you can walk through forest and wetland around a reservoir. 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 Benizakura Park and Nishioka 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