Autumn Leaves in Sapporo: Best Spots, Peak Season and How to Visit
In Sapporo, great autumn spots are just a short drive from the city center: a Japanese garden, a forest park and an Olympic ski jump. I’m Muto, a Sapporo taxi driver and the driver of MUTOTAXI, and these are three very different autumn spots, with photos I took on my visits.
When do the leaves peak in Sapporo?
In Sapporo, the leaves 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 and 31, 2026. On both days, the yellow, orange and red leaves were looking great.
Recommended autumn spots
Photo: October 25, 2026
Benizakura Park
Highlights include autumn leaves reflected in the pond and a path leading to a red arched bridge. A quiet Japanese garden in the forest, with vivid red, orange and yellow leaves.
For those who want photos of vivid leaves in a garden setting.
See Benizakura Park →
Photo: October 25, 2026
Nishioka Park
A park where you can walk through forest and wetland around the Nishioka Reservoir. A loop of the reservoir is about 1.3 km. Away from the crowds, you can walk at your own pace in nature.
For those who want a quiet walk among the autumn leaves.
See Nishioka Park →
Photo: October 31, 2026
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
The ski jump from the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. The hills around it turn colorful, and from the observation deck at the top, reached by lift, you can see all of Sapporo.
For those who want to combine autumn leaves with a classic Sapporo sight.
See Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium →Compare the spots
| Spot | Area | Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benizakura Park | Sumikawa, Minami-ku | Japanese garden | Admission ¥500 (elementary school age and younger free) |
| Nishioka Park | Nishioka, Toyohira-ku | Forest and wetland park | Free |
| Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium | Miyanomori, Chuo-ku | Ski jump and observation deck | Free to visit (observation lift is paid) |
Fees are based on on-site signs and facility information at the time of our visits. Hours change by season, so please check each page and the official information.
Seeing them all in one day
Okurayama is on the west side of Sapporo, while Benizakura Park and Nishioka Park are on the south side. All three are a bit of a distance from subway stations, so a car is the easiest way to see them in one day. We recommend this order:
- Morning: Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
See the jump and the autumn hills in the morning, and go up to the observation deck if it’s clear. - Around midday: Benizakura Park
See the leaves reflected in the pond while the sun is high. You can also stop by the distillery on the grounds. - Afternoon: Nishioka Park
Take a walk around the reservoir, and finish before it gets dark.
In late October it starts getting dark in Sapporo around 4:30 pm. For the best autumn colors, plan your visits while the sun is still high.
What to wear
Late October in Sapporo is chilly even during the day, and mornings and evenings are quite cold. A light down jacket and gloves will keep you comfortable. Paths get slippery with fallen leaves, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
From November, some days in Sapporo bring snow. For winter trips, see our Hokkaido winter gear tips.
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 one-day autumn charter to Okurayama, 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